Jacquie Steingold

“Although I may not like or approve of some government officials, they were elected by the people! I cherish the vote and what many in the past went through to secure this basic right.”

Detroit resident Jacqueline Steingold earned a Masters degree in social work from Wayne State University and has served on the faculty of her alma mater as well as Marygrove College, Madonna University, and Siena Heights University. Previously she was Legislative Aide to two Michigan State Senators and has also worked extensively with youth in both preventative programs and the courts system.

Jacqueline has joined with others in taking legal action against the Emergency Manager law because “I have a personal stake in this lawsuit. I am a citizen of this state and country, and I believe my inalienable rights are being taken away by a law that fundamentally threatens the democratic process. This Act will negatively impact me and my community because it is a form of dictatorship. Although I may not like or approve of some government officials, they were elected by the people! I cherish the vote and what many in the past went through to secure this basic right. This can now be cavalierly taken away.

“PA 4 is a scary piece of legislation. Allowing Emergency Managers to run school boards, cities and townships fundamentally threatens our democratic form of government and takes away my local and state rights.

“I am a lifelong Detroiter and I vote in every election. The candidate I might prefer may not be elected, but I can expect the elected person to represent me. When he or she is sworn into office, a pledge of accountability is made. With an Emergency Manager, where and how is accountability accomplished? Where is the check and balance?

“I fear that the appointment of an Emergency Manager means my voice won’t be heard because my elected representative will be able to be removed without cause. My rights won’t be a concern of an Emergency Manager. It is dangerous to invest an individual with such complete power. I can recall losing a job that I did very well in because my supervisor just decided he didn’t like me and said ‘it was a wrong fit.’ I clearly recall he referenced what a good job I had done.

“An Emergency Manager can do the same to any elected official. I don’t want to see decisions made on such a cavalier basis at the whim of one who has illegitimate authority.”