Schor drops Louney renomination to BWL board

TUESDAY, Aug. 21 — Citing campaign finance allegations, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor has withdrawn his reappointment nomination of Dennis Louney to the board of the Lansing Board of Water & Light.

Schor picked Louney in February to maintain his board post through 2021. But after Louney resigned from the Ingham County Board of Commissioners this month amid allegations of campaign finance violations, those nomination plans were withdrawn.

“Due the campaign finance allegations, I thought it would be pertinent to withdraw the appointment,” Schor said in a statement released Tuesday. “There were concerns about the allegations of breach of public trust, so I thought it would be best to reevaluate this appointment.”

After state officials announced an investigation into the alleged violations, Louney submitted his resignation as county commissioner on Aug. 14. His colleagues haven’t yet acted on the notice.

Two days later, Schor emailed the City Council to withdraw his plans to appoint Louney to BWL’s board.

County Clerk Barb Byrum said Louney used his taxpayer-funded email address to illegally solicit donations and endorsements, promote fundraisers and form campaign strategies ahead of the August primary election.

Schor didn’t elaborate on whom he might select to fill the appointment initially intended for Louney.

“This whole thing could’ve reflected negatively on the board,” said BWL Chairman David Price.

Price said Louney may remain on the board until the mayor nominates someone else and the City Council approves his choice. He said he does not know if Louney will do so, resign or just not show up.

Louney has served on the board since being named by former Mayor Virg Bernero in 2009. His term expired over a year ago, but Bernero did not nominate anyone before leaving office in December.

Schor, who took over Jan. 1, forwarded Louney’s name to the Council in Februry, but no action was taken.

Efforts to reach Louney for comment were unsucccessful.