State Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, today issued the following statement in response to the resignation of Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commissioner Dustin Witjes after reports revealed last week that he had been living and working in Illinois for more than a year while continuing to collect a paycheck from the state:

“The resignation of Dustin Witjes was long overdue. His prolonged absence from Michigan while collecting pay as a member of the redistricting commission is unacceptable. This situation has exemplified a lack of accountability and a disregard for the responsibilities tied to this crucial role.

“Living outside the state inherently disconnects individuals from the communities they are supposed to represent. It removes them from the direct consequences of the decisions they make as commissioners. This kind of detachment undermines the integrity of the entire redistricting process and erodes public trust.

“With one member still residing outside the state, and other disturbing allegations that have recently emerged regarding the partisan affiliations of an ‘independent’ member of the commission, it’s imperative for the Secretary of State to address this issue swiftly and decisively. Michigan deserves commissioners fully committed and directly impacted by the decisions they make.”

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Earlier this week, Bollin sent a letter to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson raising concerns about redistricting commission members living outside the state.