State representatives call on governor to remove Macomb Township

State Reps. Steve Marino and Jeff Yaroch today sent Gov. Rick Snyder letters calling on him to exercise his authority to remove a Macomb Township trustee from office.

Rep. Marino said Trustee Dino Bucci has exhibited corrupt conduct in office and gross neglect of duty, both of which the governor can use as grounds for his removal under the Michigan Constitution.

“Dino Bucci’s actions while serving as both a township trustee and public servant in the Macomb County Department of Public Works are disgraceful and unacceptable,” Marino said. “Even more shameful is the fact that he continues to receive cadillac health benefits, collect a salary, and hold his title while skipping meetings and avoiding all other official responsibilities.”

Rep. Yaroch said: “Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller has relieved Mr. Bucci of his duties at the Macomb County Works office, which is rebuilding the trust of Macomb County in that department. It is time for Gov. Snyder to do the same to rebuild the trust of our citizens in their government.”

Bucci was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2017 on eighteen counts of conspiracy, bribery, embezzlement, extortion, mail fraud and money laundering. The charges are in connection with public contracts in Macomb Township and the Macomb County Department of Public Works, where he worked until 2017.

“Trustee Bucci has clearly lost the trust and confidence of both his colleagues and the public,” Marino said. “If he won’t resign, it’s time for Gov. Snyder to exercise the authority granted to him by the state constitution and allow our community to begin the healing process.”

The legislators, who each represent a portion of Macomb Township in the Michigan House, also sent letters to the Attorney General’s Office requesting a formal opinion clarifying the governor’s authority to remove Bucci from office.