Shock: A Politician that wants to be fired?

Image via Wikipedia

Yes, you read that right, A Politician that wants to be fired. A rare thing? Well I have found one in Cheboygan County in Michigan, USA. His name is Dennis Lennox a Republican from Topinabee. He was elected as a County Drain Commissioner. Why does he want to be fired? He has nothing to do.

“There is nothing for the drain commissioner to do in Cheboygan County except waste taxpayer money,” said Lennox, who defeated a two-term Democratic incumbent in November on a platform of reforming local government and abolishing the office. “We simply don’t need a drain commissioner — we don’t have any drains for the office to oversee and manage.”

Michigan law mandates the election of drain commissioners in counties with a population over 12,000. In smaller counties, the office can be abolished with statutory duties, responsibilities, obligations and requirements devolved to the county’s road commission.

Under Lennox’s proposal, the population exemption would be boosted to 35,000 — allowing rural, cash-strapped counties to save taxpayers money and eliminate unnecessary expenditures. Something every level of Government should be doing.

“Taxpayers deserve public servants who will put their constituents ahead of themselves,” said Lennox. “This proposal is a commonsense reform that saves money and makes government more efficient.”

Senator Jason Allen (R-Traverse City) and Representative Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Kewadin) have both committed to drafting and introducing legislation, and it’s hoped that Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) — whose district includes part of Cheboygan County — will support the proposal.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday to discuss the proposal. The text of the proposal is as follows

WHEREAS, Section 280.21 of Public Act 40 of 1956, commonly known as the Michigan Drain Code, requires a County Drain Commissioner be elected in counties with a population over 12,000, as determined by the last United States decennial census.

WHEREAS, many counties having population in excess of 12,000 may find it more expedient, economical and in the best public interest to have the duties of the County Drain Commissioner vested in the Board of County Road Commissioners.

WHEREAS, because of the population quota of 12,000 here in before mentioned, certain counties, including the County of Cheboygan, are electing County Drain Commissioners only because of said statutory regulations.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners request for the third time since 1955, that the Michigan Legislature amend said section of Public Act 40 of 1956 to allow counties under 35,000, as determined by the United States decennial census, to abolish the office of County Drain Commissioner and transfer statutory duties and responsibilities to the Board of County Road Commissioners if the duly registered electors vote in the affirmative in a general election.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners hereby requests its legislators, Senator Jason Allen and Representatives Kevin Elsenheimer and Gary McDowell, to introduce the legislation providing for such amendment.

I wonder how many positions we can do without in Ireland? I also wonder how many would put themseleves forward to be fired like that? I know the Junior Ministers kind of did, but they didn't put forward an actual proposal, they just mentioned the idea..

Best of luck to Dennis. Check out his website firedennis.com to keep up with developements and media coverage.