LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Nearly a week after it was revealed two members of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission lived out of state, Dustin Witjes submitted his resignation to the council. 

Commissioners Witjes and Douglas Clark came under scrutiny last week as it came to light they had moved out of state, ignoring the requirement to be a registered voter in the state to be a commissioner. 

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Witjes submitted a letter addressed to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tendering his resignation from the council. 

“Serving on the MICRC has been an extraordinary privilege, and I have approached my responsibilities with a deep sense of duty and commitment,” he said in the letter. “Collaborating with fellow commissioners and engaging the various communities across our great state has been both enriching and enlightening. Together, we embarked on a mission to create the fairest district maps ever known in Michigan for the State House, Senate, and U.S. Congressional voting districts.” 

What is the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission?

The thirteen member commission is charged with “the exclusive authority to adopt district boundaries for the Michigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives and U.S. Congress, every 10 years.” The Michigan constitution now grants the independent commission of citizens the power to draw district lines for the Michigan Legislature and Michigan’s members of Congress for the 2022 election and beyond. 

Witjes said that he is leaving the position with a “heavy heart” but with the knowledge “that the commission is comprised of dedicated individuals.” 

“The decision to move to Illinois to start a new career path was not made lightly,” he said in the letter. “It was originally going to be a temporary move to gain experience while ultimately returning to Michigan. However, life often has other plans. After a lot of thought, I have decided to make this a permanent career move. A decision which was difficult to make as I in fact have left the protective bubble and embrace of friends and family. I have thus officially registered to vote in the state of Illinois which necessitates my resignation from the MICRC as I am no longer a registered and eligible voter in Michigan. A requirement set forth in the state constitution.” 

What’s next?

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who also serves as the secretary of the commission shared the next steps after the resignation as “no formal action is required from the commission to accept the resignation.” 

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“The state constitution outlines the process of replacing commissioners,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. “A new commissioner will be randomly selected from the remaining pool of semi-finalist applicants who affiliate with the same party as the departing commissioner. Of the 200 semi-finalists randomly selected in June 2020, there are 52 remaining who affiliate with the Democratic Party.” 

According to Sec. Benson’s office, the event will be live streamed on Jan. 3 at 3:30 p.m. as a new commissioner will be randomly selected by the same group, Rehmann LLC, which has selected previous commissioners. 

A GOP House member speaks out.

State Representative Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township) shared her perspective on the resignation. 

“The resignation of Dustin Witjes was long overdue,” Rep. Bollin said in a statement. “His prolonged absence from Michigan while collecting pay as a member of the redistricting commission is unacceptable. This situation has exemplified a lack of accountability and a disregard for the responsibilities tied to this crucial role.” 

She also alluded to the other commissioner, Douglas Clark, who has reportedly been living in California for health reasons. 

“With one member still residing outside the state, and other disturbing allegations that have recently emerged regarding the partisan affiliations of an ‘independent’ member of the commission, it’s imperative for the Secretary of State to address this issue swiftly and decisively,” Rep. Bollin said in a statement. “Michigan deserves commissioners fully committed and directly impacted by the decisions they make.” 

According to documents regarding the commission, commissioners are required to attend monthly meetings and according to the Michigan Constitution requires that “commissioners receive compensation equal to 25 percent of the Governor’s salary, which amounts to approximately $40,000.”

A full copy of the resignation letter can be found here.