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Manistee Today
By the People, for the People
Manistee Road Commission hiring process sparks Open Meetings claim
A road commission manager candidate says the board violated the Open Meetings Act in how it filled the position.
Published on Mar. 1, 2026
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A Manistee County Road Commission manager candidate, Jerry Peterson, claims the road commission board violated the Open Meetings Act in regards to how it filled the position. Peterson attended the road commission's regular meeting on Feb. 18 and voiced his concerns that the board had not properly followed procedures during the interview process and hiring stage, alleging the board conferred outside meetings and made executive decisions over the phone instead of during open meetings.
Why it matters
The Open Meetings Act requires decisions of public bodies like the road commission to be made during open sessions. Violating the Act could result in court action, fines, and reversed decisions if a formal complaint is filed. This case raises questions about transparency and adherence to open government laws in the hiring process for a key public position.
The details
Peterson claims the board did not properly follow procedures, alleging they conferred outside meetings and made decisions over the phone instead of during open meetings as required. The board interviewed three candidates on Jan. 23, then relisted the position on Jan. 29. On Feb. 10, the board selected Keith Moore as the new manager in a 3-0 vote, with two members absent. Peterson provided the board with information on the Open Meetings Act and Robert's Rules of Order, concerned the process lacked transparency.
- On Jan. 23, the board interviewed three candidates for the manager position.
- On Jan. 29, the board relisted the manager position.
- On Feb. 10, the board selected Keith Moore as the new manager in a 3-0 vote.
- On Feb. 18, Jerry Peterson voiced his concerns about the hiring process at the road commission's regular meeting.
The players
Jerry Peterson
A Manistee County Road Commission manager candidate who claims the board violated the Open Meetings Act in how it filled the position.
Keith Moore
The individual selected by the road commission board to be the new manager.
Manistee County Road Commission
The public body responsible for overseeing road operations in Manistee County, Michigan.
Jeff Seng
The chair of the Manistee County Road Commission.
Jeffrey Lawrence
The vice-chair of the Manistee County Road Commission.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
