Retail chain’s politicking causes investigation in Michigan
ACME TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — At first, the squabble over the proposed construction of a big-box superstore in this suburban community seemed typical.
Opponents worried about traffic and sprawl; supporters championed shopping convenience, economic growth and property rights.
But the feud in northern Michigan has led to a state investigation of possible election misconduct by a retail chain with more than 180 stores in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.
Meijer Inc. has acknowledged it probably violated state law by donating to an effort to recall seven elected Acme Township officials who objected to the chain’s development plans, and by failing to report its activities.
In a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, a Meijer attorney said the company also may have illegally contributed to a 2005 ballot initiative that overturned a moratorium on big-box store construction in Acme.
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