Banks Wears Campaign T-Shirt At Publicly Announced Event; Yields Complaint

(MIRS News)

June 20, 2016

A Harper Woods woman complained to the Secretary of State today that Rep. Brian BANKS (D-Harper Woods) misused state resources when he sent out invites for his recent health fair at which Banks and other volunteers were wearing Banks re-election T-Shirts.

Rosemary REGAN said Banks, Rep. Sherry GAY-DAGNOGO (D-Detroit) and other supporters and volunteers were wearing the campaign garb at the "Called to Care" event in Detroit on May 28.

She writes that using House postage and literature to promote an event with political overtures is a campaign expenditure, a legal violation and Banks should be fined appropriately.

Regan is a supporter of Pamela SOSSI, Banks' aggressive Democratic primary opponent in the 1st District. Her campaign manager, Mike NORRIS, wrote a letter to House Business Office Director Tim BOWLIN inquiring about the situation.

Bowlin responded that he approved the mail piece dated May 10 as being appropriate.

"A Member may use state resources to invite constituents to a district event which is legislative and/or community service related," Bowlin wrote. "Further, while the House would not sanction the use of state resources to promote campaign activities, it does not have the ability to monitor what individuals wear to an event (sanctioned or otherwise."

Secretary of State spokesperson Fred WOODHAMS said the office received the complaint today and would will take up to five days to determine if there's a need to investigate the matter further.

Banks said it's "unfortunate" that an opponent would try to attack him instead taking the time to share with voters what his or her plans are for the district.

"It's even more sad that this opponent would try to use an event that provided free medical exams, resources, eye exams and other beneficial information to a population that needs it greatly," said Banks, who was endorsed by Detroit Mayor Mike DUGGAN today.