David Hokanson addressed the Lansing City Council on Jan. 6 to contest an ordinance violation he received on Jan. 2, 2024. Hokanson said he filed a timely appeal with the city attorney’s office but was not permitted a court hearing.

Hokanson cited Michigan statutory sections during his remarks, alleging that the city’s handling of his case violated state procedures and that a prosecutor or official had made false statements on the citation. He said he received a bill of $685 and demanded reimbursement and described plans to file a federal complaint. During his remarks he criticized the city attorney’s office and raised questions about communication with a witness and the merits of the cited code section.

Why it matters: The speaker framed his comments as a due-process and records complaint about municipal ordinance enforcement and the appeals process. The council did not record a formal response or action on the public comment at Jan. 6.