Meeting brings out strong
support for Brennan, Grabow

Voters encouraged to visit candidate Web sites before hitting the polls

By Erin McClary
C & G Staff Writer

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Applause rang through Township Hall the evening of Oct. 22 after Macomb Township Supervisor John Brennan set the record straight about rumors exposed in recent campaign mailings.

But before the Board of Trustees meeting began Oct. 22, dozens of people picketed outside Township Hall in support of Democratic supervisor candidate Mark Grabow. Picketers touted signs that read “Brennan Resign” and “Practice Law On Your Own Time.”

When the meeting began, however, the chambers filled with both Brennan and Grabow supporters, including Grabow himself and dozens of township workers.

Brennan and Grabow will face off for the seat of Macomb Township supervisor during the Nov. 4 election.

Although the Board of Trustees addressed matters assigned to the Oct. 22 agenda in regular board-meeting fashion, both Brennan and Grabow came prepared to address the recent campaign controversy.

Six residents took to the podium during the public comments portion of the meeting to inquire about the rumors. The even political divide between the speakers was obvious, as their questions surrounded an unidentified campaign flyer accusing Brennan of practicing law during his time as supervisor and spending taxpayer dollars to support criminal defense.

Two flyers and a phone message referencing Brennan’s practice had gone out to residents at press time; and more were expected to follow in the days before the election, one Grabow supporter told Brennan.

Grace Caporuscio, who identified herself as a registered voter and 12-year resident of Macomb Township, said she’s been “bombarded with illegal literature and phone calls” bashing Brennan and said, to her, they only suggest that “desperate politicians resort to desperate measures.”

She commended Brennan and the other board members for denying raises for themselves and called the group good stewards of the township’s finances. Before stepping away from the podium, she asked voters to review both candidates’ records before hitting the polls Nov. 4.

Macomb Township resident Kevin Karwowicz addressed Brennan directly, asking him how many court cases he’s taken in the past four years.

“I’ve been up here before – good and bad,” he said about approaching the board. “I did read some of the (campaign) literature and found one of interest.”

Karwowicz referenced the unidentified mailing sent out to residents about Brennan’s time spent outside of Township Hall, accusing him of spending 30 percent of his time defending criminals.

Brennan commended Karwowicz for asking him directly and told him that is something residents have a right to know.

“The flyers are inaccurate,” Brennan said. “I do practice law … I’ve been practicing since 1992, it’s never been a secret. What I do dispute is that this takes up 30 percent of my time.”

On average, he said, he takes between one and two cases per week — sometimes two in a day, sometimes none over a two-week span — defending people charged with misdemeanors in the county’s 37th and 39th district courts. He told the crowd his attorney gig only brings in about $12,000-$15,000 a year.

Every four years, Brennan doesn’t know whether he’ll have a job, as the election for supervisor could leave him unemployed if he loses, he said, explaining why he hasn’t abandoned practicing law. He said familiar Michigan politicians — including Gov. Jennifer Granholm, House Speaker Andy Dillon and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson — also practice law while holding elected positions.

As Macomb Township supervisor, Brennan said he makes less than $79,000 a year, which is less than what recent campaign flyers against him imply.

Andrew Prasiloski, Macomb Township resident and Democratic candidate for state representative in the 33rd District, approached Brennan about the flyers as well.

“Unfortunately, when we run for office we’re all subjected to a lot of things – some of it’s true, some of it’s not true,” he said. “It’s best to stay on an even keel when confronted with these things.”

Prasiloski said although it may be difficult, it’s time for Brennan to “face the music” about the rumors and set the record straight. He asked that all the matters be addressed during the meeting.

Brennan agreed and did just that. He addressed all the rumors in the mailings, from the time he spends practicing law to the rumor about having his own private gym.

“I am a member of our (Recreation Center), I work out in our gym; I pay dues there,” he said.

Before concluding his address, Brennan reminded the audience that Macomb Township has the lowest millage rate in the county at 3.66 and said that Grabow’s plans for an expanded Fire Department and additional police presence would triple that number.

He also asked voters to consider Macomb Township’s millage rate in comparison to neighboring communities’ millage rates — Clinton Township’s is 12.4, Sterling Heights’ is 10.8, Shelby Township’s is 9.3 and Harrison Township’s is 6.8 — before casting their votes for supervisor Nov. 4.

Grabow did not personally address the board, speakers or audience Oct. 22, but did chat with picketers before the meeting.

For more information on either candidate running for Macomb Township supervisor, please visit their Web sites at www.johndbrennan.com and www.markgrabow.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Erin McClary at emcclary@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1118.