“Independent” Redistricting Chair Rebecca Szetela Says Facilitating Meetings Remotely Does Not Work, Remotely Chairs Meeting Two Days Later

September 16, 2021

Lansing, Mich., September 16, 2021 – Two days ago, Democrat commissioner Rebecca Szetela lobbied against a Republican commissioner from becoming Chair due to her remote attendance. Szetela pontificated and warned against voting for a chair who attends meetings remotely stating it would be unfair, not ideal, and present difficulties. Today, in one of Szetela’s first meetings as chair, she attended remotely. Watch the video here:

This is not the first time Szetela has found herself in hot water. Earlier this month, Szetela made headlines after it was revealed that she was a progressive Democrat who claimed to be politically Independent, undermining what was supposed to be an “independent” redistricting committee. Szetela’s actions show she does not believe in-person attendance is necessary, and with her history of misleading the public it is possible that her stump speech two days ago was politically motivated.

“The glaring hypocrisy demonstrated by Ms. Szetela is an affront to anyone seeking to remove partisan politics from the map-making process,” said Eric Ventimiglia, Executive Director for Michigan Rising Action. Ventimiglia continued, “Two days ago Szetela was vehemently opposed to a Chair attending a meeting remotely. The people of Michigan deserve to know exactly what prompted her change of heart over the past 48 hours.”