After months of relative silence following an initial blast against Congresswoman Candice Miller’s November election opponent, longtime Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Tony Marrocco, County Executive Mark Hackel made some extraordinarily provocative statements in a radio interview today.
The incendiary remarks come as the FBI alleges widespread and “systemic” political corruption in Macomb County that has resulted in the indictment of two local officials in the past week and the abrupt resignation of a company executive this afternoon.
Hackel, a Democrat like Marrocco, said on WJR-AM radio that those in the construction business should report corrupt activities in local government and in the public works office now, before it’s too late. Before Marrocco can win re-election on Nov. 8.
Marrocco
Hackel did not target Marrocco, a political nemesis, in the interview with WJR’s Frank Beckmann. But his tone certainly matched previous Hackel comments, especially in May when the county executive aggressively accused Marrocco of unethical pay-to-play politics. Marrocco responded by saying that Hackel is engaged in personal vendettas designed to destroy the 24-year incumbent’s re-election.
Miller, who is retiring from Congress, has also made similar allegations against Marrocco – that the commissioner demands generous campaign contributions from contractors (and county vendors) in exchange for granting the government permits he controls, which can make or break a lucrative development project.
Miller
In the interview, Hackel said he has tipped off law enforcement about officials in Macomb County that may be unsavory. The former county sheriff said that a few “bad apples” have created a “very corrupt environment” in small portions of Macomb County government. Election time is the time to act, he said.
“Right now, do not be afraid. Do not be shy,” he told business executives. “Right now is the time to really make a difference and have your voice heard. And I think you’re going to start to see something happening that’s been needed to happen for a long time now.”
No evidence. No documentation. But a broadside salvo launched on a popular radio show that could single-handedly sway the public works election.
Hackel went even further, saying that some contractors and local officials are intimidated by fear, afraid to speak out on unethical government behavior, in part because of longtime, unsubstantiated rumors that organized crime has been a player in Macomb County politics.
At that point in the interview, the county exec changed direction a bit and said that the FBI has attracted the attention of more than a few Macomb County politicians.
“You’ve got a lot of people who are public officials that are very nervous about what’s going on,” he volunteered. “And that’s a good thing.”
