Michigan City Threatens Lawsuits Against Residents

In a country where we tout our freedom of speech, can your local government sue you for your public opinion? The answer apparently is yes.

Back in January the city council of a Michigan community passed an incredibly controversial motion with a majority of 7-0 to allow the city attorney to file lawsuits against the city's residents. The motion was passed after just a handful of few citizens voiced concerns over transparency.

The change in policy now allows the City Attorney for Bangor, Michigan to file charges with the court against all parties involved in statements that have caused harm to the city.” This includes legal action against residents who are voicing their concerns about how their city is being run, and how local officials are being compensated for their roles in the community.

Steve Honeycutt is a resident of Bangor, and a major target of the city. The local leaders are hoping that this new motion will silence his voice and concerns. Honeycutt simply wants to give Bangor back to it's people.

His outrage along with other in the community reached a tipping point over the people serving at the city's police chief and city manager. But it's not people, it's one person.

Honeycutt has repeatedly requested the paychecks for Police Chief and City Manager Justin Weber under the Freedom of Information Act. However he has been repeatedly denied that information.

Since the questions he has about how his city is being run have not been answered, Honeycutt is taking matters into his own hands and running for Mayor of Bangor in an effort to bring transparency back to the city. However the city is fighting him and others raising concerns by attempting to silence them.