Complaint filed with Gov. Granholm against county commissioner

Allis Township resident Wayne Vermilya has sent a letter to Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s office, accusing District 1 commissioner Bob Schell of “official misconduct” and that he be removed from office. Vermilya’s letter, dated August 23, requested the governor conduct an investigation into what Vermilya believes is the inappropriate behavior of a sitting commissioner. He said the matter was turned over to the state attorney general’s office.

At issue was an appearance by Schell before the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) earlier this summer. According to minutes of the EDC, Schell addressed the EDC board about his concerns over development of the Onaway Renaissance Zone properties when it comes to competing businesses.

VERMILYA SAID he provided a journal of events “which I believe to be an unlawful abuse of power by Schell.” Vermilya, who is a former county commissioner who lost to Schell in the August Democratic primary, believes Schell used his position on the county board for personal gain. Schell said he, along with the other members of the county board, were invited to attend CDC/EDC meetings, which are back-to-back sessions conducted the third Thursday of the month at the courthouse in Rogers City.

“It wasn’t just my concern, ” Schell said of his comments during the public comment period of the June 17 meeting. He said there were other concerned Onaway businessmen, who had contacted him. Schell is part owner of Schell Auto Parts in Onaway. Vermilya believes Schell is trying to use his position on the county board to pressure the CDC/EDC, “while they are considering a proposal by a retail auto parts firm to locate in Onaway.” Schell said, “Do we want another gas station or grocery in town, not paying taxes.” He believes this would create an unfair advantage to existing businesses.

David Viegelahn, chairman of the CDC/EDC, remembers Schell’s comments and said, “He never came out opposed to it (auto parts store proposal). Anybody that accuses him of opposing it is wrong.” Viegelahn said Schell appeared at the meeting to address a concern he had. “Mr. Schell has been very supportive of the CDC/EDC,” said Viegelahn.

A RENAISSANCE ZONE lot is a tax-

free area designated by the state, to spur economic growth. The Renaissance Zone property in Onaway is located between the airport and the city limits. As of Wednesday afternoon, Schell had received no contact from the attorney general’s office. “Hopefully, someone will look into the matter and find out what is appropriate and what isn’t appropriate,” said Vermilya. “To me is too important to sweep it under the rug.” Vermilya appeared at the September 8 meeting of the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners and spoke during the time allotted for citizens to address the board.

“There are those who may perhaps accuse me of being a sore loser as a result of not being able to unseat Mr. Schell in the primary election,” Vermilya stated in his letter to the governor. “I did not make this a political issue before the August primary, even though I was aware of the situation. I had hoped to unseat Mr. Schell and put the issue to rest quietly.”