LANSING – State Representative Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw) today announced that he will hold a public hearing next week on the proposed closure of the Buena Vista Charter Township branch of the Secretary of State's office.
"Citizens across east Saginaw County are outraged that their own Secretary of State would pull up stakes and leave town, depriving the urban core of our community and thousands of other citizens of fair and equal access to the most basic state services," Coulouris said. "From Saginaw to Bridgeport, Buena Vista to Spaulding, citizens are demanding that Terri Lynn Land hear their concerns and explain her motives before taking further action."
More than 100 people rallied outside the Buena Vista branch office on July 16, waving signs and chanting in opposition of the slated closure. Protesters denounced the transfer of resources from the Buena Vista branch to the Saginaw Township branch.
Coulouris has invited Land to attend the hearing.
The hearing will be held on Monday, July 30, at 7 p.m. at the Buena VistaCommunity Center, 1940 Outer Drive in Saginaw.
"The Secretary has made it clear no money will be saved by this closure, because she's merely moving resources down the road to Saginaw Township, where she admits service is already superior," said Buena Vista Township Supervisor Dwayne Parker. "Our citizens know that this would most hurt the poor, the elderly and the disabled, and they demand a chance to voice their opposition to the Secretary."