Official Record vs. Reality

The August 19, 2025, Township meeting minutes state that Planning & Zoning did not vote to hold another public hearing and that only one hearing was required.

In reality, while no formal vote took place, Planning & Zoning members did agree to hold another hearing, leading the public to reasonably expect it. That follow-up hearing never happened.

When official records don’t reflect what actually occurred, the public is misled. Transparency matters.

Source (official minutes):
https://hattontownship.com/wp-content/uploads/docs/old-minutes/twpminutes8.19.25.pdf

Township website: https://hattontownship.com

The Hatton Township clerk made handwritten notes on a petition stating that the circulator was “NOT PETITIONER, NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE HATTON TWSP”

Under the Michigan Election Law Manual, a petition circulator does not have to live in the township — or even in Michigan.

Non-Michigan residents are expressly allowed to circulate petitions, as long as they properly complete the circulator certificate.

In this audio, the circulator calmly asks the Hatton Township clerk to explain the legal basis for the notes placed on the petition.

Instead of citing law or the Election Manual, the clerk becomes defensive and claims she is being bullied.

Asking public officials to explain their actions is not bullying.

It’s accountability.