top of page

1. Restriction of Access to Elected or Appointed Officials

Limiting building access to an officially sworn-in Deputy Supervisor (and similarly the Deputy Treasurer) could:

  • Violate local government statutes or township bylaws if those officials have legal authority to perform duties.

  • Be viewed as obstruction or interference in the execution of official responsibilities.

  • Lead to possible claims of workplace discrimination or retaliation, especially if the reasoning isn’t documented or evenly applied.

2. Violation of the Open Meetings Act (OMA)

If the board made a decision to limit access:

  • Without proper notice,

  • Outside of an open meeting,

  • Or without allowing public comment,

…it could potentially violate Michigan's Open Meetings Act or the equivalent law in your state.

3. Hostile Work Environment or Retaliation

If officials are being targeted due to political affiliation, election outcomes, or whistleblowing:

  • This could open the township up to employment law liability, especially if there’s unequal treatment or retaliatory intent.

  • Leaving newspaper clippings or making derogatory comments could support such a claim if documented.

4. Misuse of Public Office or Abuse of Power

A pattern of limiting access or undermining officials without clear cause might be construed as an abuse of office—potentially leading to ethics complaints or further scrutiny by state authorities.

5. Slander/Defamation of Deputies

Online attacks or public mischaracterizations of deputies (if false and reputationally damaging) could trigger personal legal claims, although public officials have a higher threshold to prove defamation.

© 2025 by Next Strategies, a Michigan-based Company. 

All Rights Reserved.

Are you powered by Next Strategies?

  • LinkedIn
  • X
bottom of page