State Senate to consider Gov. Whitmer’s appointees this week

The Senate will start the oversight process for some of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s state department appointees.

The state Senate has 60 days to object to certain Whitmer appointees, otherwise the appointee is automatically confirmed.

The Senate Advice and Consent committee will meet on Wednesday to consider the appointment of Paul Ajegba. He’s been selected by Whitmer to direct the Michigan Department of Transportation. Committee chair, Senator Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township), said roads were a major issue for Whitmer’s campaign, so he wants to make sure Ajegba is the right pick.

“I want to make sure that we do have somebody at the helm that not only is genuine about fixing the roads, but also making sure that the way the roads are fixed are economically in the best interests of the consumer, which is the taxpayer,” he said.

This week, the committee will also consider Whitmer’s pick for the Michigan Children’s Ombudsman.

Lucido said he’s giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, but it’s important to verify Whitmer’s choices in order to pick “the best people to fit the need of the state of Michigan. Which means, are the individuals uniquely qualified to do the job or was this a political appointment?”

Lucido said he’s also looking for people with a background of integrity and honesty, and he wants to know how the candidate plans to go about their day to day duties.

“We have confidence in Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Advice and Consent Committee Chair Pete Lucido, and look forward to a fair and thorough process,” said Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown in an email.