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Board approves interim hire of prosecutor’s chief assistant; commissioners debate optics and stability
Summary
Prosecutor moved to hire Catherine R. Ginster as chief assistant prosecutor on an interim basis to address caseload and staffing shortages. Commissioners raised concerns about office stability and nepotism optics; board approved the hire for roughly six months at the current designated salary.
Montcalm County commissioners approved an interim hire to fill a gap in the prosecutor’s office after the county prosecutor presented staffing shortfalls and requested temporary help.
Prosecutor Ginster asked to hire Catherine R. Ginster (his sister) as chief assistant prosecutor on an interim basis at the current designated salary. He said the appointment was intended as a short‑term measure — he estimated about six months — to provide leadership and training while he intensifies recruiting efforts for long‑term hires. Ginster noted his sister would not require health benefits and would not be seeking a long‑term Montcalm residency that could affect her Florida residency and tax status.
Several commissioners expressed concern about the optics of hiring a relative. Commissioner Murray and others said the repeated use of interim hires had frustrated constituents and raised questions about office stability. “The word nepotism obviously is gonna get thrown around,” one commissioner said, and asked how the action would be justified to constituents. Prosecutor Ginster acknowledged the optics but said he was taking responsibility for recruiting and that the interim hire was a fallback to ensure current cases were handled.
Commissioners who supported the hire said the candidate was highly qualified and that appointing an experienced interim chief assistant was preferable to leaving the office short‑staffed or hiring a less‑qualified contractor. The prosecutor described the candidate’s qualifications and prior experience as city attorney and environmental counsel in larger jurisdictions.
Commissioner Maher moved to allow Prosecutor Ginster to hire Catherine R. Ginster as chief assistant prosecutor at the current designated salary. The motion was moved and supported and carried by voice vote.
What’s next: The prosecutor will continue recruiting for permanent positions, prioritize retaining trained prosecutors and return with recruitment updates. The interim appointment was authorized to provide coverage and help manage a heavy docket while recruitment proceeds.
