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Residents question whether state representative’s recorded legislative report served as a campaign ad at county meeting
Summary
A pre-recorded legislative report from State Rep. Jason Wolford played at the Livingston County meeting; some attendees on Zoom called it a campaign ad and questioned fairness, while another speaker alleged Wolford's nonprofit received PPP funds and criticized perceived use of funds for personal expenses.
The Livingston County Board played a recorded legislative report from State Representative Jason Wolford during its Jan. 26 meeting. In the video Wolford described oversight work, cited legislative accomplishments and thanked constituents; he used campaign‑style language such as "I ran for office to shut down what I call the fourth fictitious branch" and closed by saying "I'm representative Jason Wolford. God bless you, and god bless America."
Several Zoom participants raised objections. Cindy McNevich (Hamburg Township) said she was surprised the video included background music and described it as "pretty much a campaign ad," asking whether other candidates would be given the same opportunity. "I'm just wondering if you will give Jennifer Conlon the same opportunity to run a campaign ad during a county commissioner meeting," she told the board.
Dan McNevich (City of Howell) also criticized the video’s production values and made allegations about Representative Wolford's nonprofit, Mission Scribe, saying the nonprofit received federal PPP funds during COVID and suggesting — without documentary evidence presented at the meeting — that funds were used for personal dining expenses. "He used federal funds, probably, PPP loans still sitting in that account," Dan McNevich said; the claim was not substantiated in the meeting record.
Commissioner Drake responded that the agenda item allowing campaign‑related remarks to be heard is consistent with the board’s policy to allow candidates to speak and that the video described past activities rather than explicitly soliciting votes.
The board did not adopt any new policy at the meeting. Members and staff noted the communications item was on the agenda and that the content will inform any future questions about meeting procedures; commenters were reminded that the proper venue for ethics or campaign finance complaints is the Secretary of State or other authorities.
