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The goal of a nonpartisan and independent statewide redistricting process put forward by @NotPoliticians and supported by 2.5 million Michiganders is under threat if the Commission hires Republican Amna Seibold as its @RedistrictingMI Executive Director. A thread. 1
The Commission is hiring an Executive Director tomorrow. The job description states the director “must exhibit … nonpartisan commitment.” They should NOT place a strong partisan in that key position. The “Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission” must remain independent. 2
As a City Commissioner, I served with Seibold for five years when she was the mayor of East Grand Rapids. Seibold has a long and significant history of partisanship. I’ve seen her consistently use her nonpartisan office to support partisan Republicans. Here comes the evidence. 3
Exhibits of Seibold’s Partisan Commitment
A. While a “nonpartisan” mayor, Seibold used her campaign committee to donate $1350 to Republican candidates Dave Hildenbrand, Peter MacGregor, Chris Afendoulis, Lisa Lyons, and Mandy Bolter. CTE Seibold never donated to a Democrat. 4
A. While a “nonpartisan” mayor, Seibold used her campaign committee to donate $1350 to Republican candidates Dave Hildenbrand, Peter MacGregor, Chris Afendoulis, Lisa Lyons, and Mandy Bolter. CTE Seibold never donated to a Democrat. 4
Exhibit B. While a “nonpartisan” mayor, Seibold used her campaign committee to donate $250 to the Kent County Republican Party to attend fundraisers featuring Rick Santorum and Carly Fiorina. Seibold has never donated to a Democratic organization. (See above) 5
Exhibit C. While a “nonpartisan” mayor, Seibold used her title to endorse Republicans exclusively, incl. John Inhulsen for State Rep (2020), Chris Afendoulis for State Senate (2018) & State Rep (2016), Cris Birdsong (2020), Laurel Abraham (2018), Shana Shroll (2016), & others. 6
Exhibit D: While a “nonpartisan” mayor, Seibold made personal donations to Republican candidates Dave Hildenbrand ($600), Pete MacGegor ($100), John Inhulsen ($250), Rick Snyder ($25), Bob Eleveld ($50), John Kasich ($250), and local Republicans. She donated to one Democrat. 7
Exhibit E: While a “nonpartisan” mayor and as recently as February 2020, Seibold has been a dues paying member of the Kent County Republican Party. (See above) 8
Exhibit F: While a “nonpartisan” mayor, Seibold nominated many partisan Republicans to local boards: John Inhulsen (Kent County Republican Party Chair), Laurel Abraham (Republican County Commission candidate), Amy Coretti & Whitney Renner (R precinct delegates), and others. 9
Exhibit G: While a “nonpartisan” mayor and more recently, Seibold has placed the following yard signs at her house (all Republicans): John Inhulsen, Pete MacGregor, Cris Birdsong, Bill Schuette, Chris Afendoulis, Laurel Abraham, Shana Shroll, and others. 10
Exhibit H: During her unsuccessful campaign for reelection as a “nonpartisan” mayor, Seibold advertised the endorsements of Republicans (and only Republicans): Pete MacGregor, Mark Huizenga, Michelle LaJoye-Young, Jim Saalfeld and Mandy Bolter. 11
I do not know the other candidates for the Executive Director position with the Redistricting Commission, but hopefully there are finalists who have not demonstrated an obvious, significant, and disqualifying partisan track record. 12
Members of @RedistrictingMI, please do not undo the desire of Michigan voters for a fair, independent, and nonpartisan redistricting process. Do not appoint partisan Amna Seibold as your Executive Director. 13
Two final notes: The Executive Director will be VERY POWERFUL. From the job posting: the ED “manages, oversees and directs” commission staff and legal counsel, provides direction and leadership in developing commission policies, helps hire venders, etc. This is a big deal.
The job posting calls for someone who has "collaborative leadership skills." It should be noted that, though she was an incumbent, Seibold was openly opposed by 13 of 15 elected officials in her city (one endorsed her, one was neutral, and 13 endorsed her opponent). Seibold lost.
