LANSING, Mich. — Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a letter Thursday to Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, agreeing to his request to open an investigation into a decision by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration.
“I agree that we hold a collective responsibility to ensure accountability and transparency in state government,” Nessel wrote. “These obligations are a direct result of our roles as public servants, irrespective of political party. I also agree that public confidence is bolstered by openness and honesty in the mechanics of how governmental institutions operate.
“For those reasons, I write to notify you that my office will open an investigation into this matter. Once concluded, our findings will be released to the public.”
On Friday, Runestad issued the following statement:
“The administration’s choice of a firm owned by a Democrat political operative to manage a large-scale public health tracing effort violated the state’s procurement process and at the very least raised the appearance of political favoritism.
“I have long championed openness and transparency in government and have sponsored bills helping ensure these principles.
“Transparency and accountability should apply to both Democrats and Republicans. I am grateful the attorney general has agreed to investigate this matter.”