A significant development has emerged following a complaint lodged with the Michigan Bureau of Elections against an organization known as EPIC operating within Saugatuck. The dispute began six months ago when former Saugatuck Mayor Ken Trester alleged that EPIC failed to file a necessary legal statement prior to engaging in campaign activities for local city council members. This oversight, according to Trester, contravened the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. Although corrective measures were later undertaken by EPIC's president, Leigh G. Lewis, controversies persist concerning transparency in campaign finance and the legitimacy of certain filings.
The situation unfolded last October when Trester submitted his formal grievance. At the heart of the matter was EPIC’s failure to submit the required documentation before endorsing candidates through signage and advertisements. An investigation revealed that while an address linked to EPIC matched one registered under “Empowering People Investing in Communities,” discrepancies arose regarding the involvement of listed directors. Despite rectifying the initial omission, questions remain about undisclosed campaign expenditures and donor identities during previous election cycles.
Lewis acknowledged responsibility for the error and promptly addressed it by filing the necessary paperwork retroactively. However, her actions have not fully satisfied critics like Trester, who insists on further scrutiny into EPIC's financial disclosures. He argues that until complete transparency is achieved, the organization should not be allowed to dissolve quietly.
In addition to these administrative challenges, Garnet Lewis, a key figure associated with EPIC, has faced personal scrutiny over past electoral infractions. Her history includes pleading guilty to failing to report a violation on a nominating petition and facing backlash over unauthorized appointments of individuals as EPIC directors. These issues highlight broader concerns about accountability in local politics.
Meanwhile, residents such as Dan Fox are advocating for more robust investigations into potential fraudulent practices involving EPIC’s leadership structure. Despite encountering bureaucratic hurdles, Fox remains determined to pursue justice, criticizing what he perceives as insufficient state intervention.
Moving forward, the outcome of this case hinges on the Board of Elections' determination, which must be reached within 45 days. As stakeholders await resolution, the incident underscores critical debates surrounding ethical governance and public trust in municipal elections.