The political balance of the MSU Board of Trustees could sway right if Democratic Trustee Robert Weiss accepts a family court judgeship in Genesee County from Gov. John Engler.
The board has four Republicans and four Democrats, including Weiss.
Weiss’ absence would leave a vacancy on the board to be filled by an Engler appointee. If Engler appoints a Republican, the GOP gains majority.
Weiss could be named by Engler today, the Flint Journal reported Thursday.
He would replace county Probate Judge Bruce Newman, who died Dec. 31.
MSU trustees Colleen McNamara, a Democrat, and Donald Nugent, a Republican, plan to run for re-election in November.
“I’m disappointed that the 4-4 balance will be changed,” McNamara said. “It’s disappointing for me as a Democrat to see this happening.”
But McNamara said she understands Engler’s decision.
“I’m sure he would like to see the majority of people from his own party,” she said. “If the opportunity presents itself, no one can blame him for moving on it.”
Weiss said he would be honored to fill the seat, but will not comment until the Engler makes the decision. The governor’s office also declined to comment.
“He’s a good friend,” McNamara said. “I will miss him for a lot of reasons.”
Weiss served as member of the MSU Foundation Board and now sits on the MSU-Detroit College of Law Board of Trustees.
In August 2000, Democrat Robert Traxler left the board to head the Mackinac Island Parks Commission, also at the request of Engler. Republican Scott Romney was appointed to fill Traxler’s vacancy and elected to the seat in November 2000.
Engler has not mentioned who he will select to fill Weiss’ spot, but former Lt. Gov. Connie Binsfeld, who served under Engler, ran for an open seat in 2000.
But Trustee Dee Cook said the shift in political power will not affect board decisions.
“I don’t think our board makes political decisions,” she said. “We make MSU decisions.”
Although many board actions are nonpartisan, Democrats used their majority to approve domestic partnership benefits in 1997.
Cook, a Republican, said Engler will pick the next trustee with care.
“The governor is a Spartan, and he cares an awful lot about Michigan State,” Cook said. “There are a whole range of possibilities and a lot of highly qualified Republicans that I hope the governor would consider.”
Cook also said she is sad to see Weiss go.
“He’s fun,” she said. “I will miss Bob’s sense of humor and what he has contributed to the board.”
Trustee Don Nugent, who serves as the board’s chairman, echoed those sentiments.
“Bob Weiss has been a very valuable member to the Board of Trustees for many years,” Nugent said. “His leadership has been very valuable.”
Ed Ronco can be reached at roncoedw@msu.edu.
