KENT COUNTY, Mich. — While filling out your ballot Tuesday, you may have noticed a position you've never heard of: a drain commissioner.
Compared to the big positions you voted to fill this Election Day, a drain commissioner may seem rather unimportant. Here's why who you elect actually matters.
What is a drain commissioner?
Drain commissioners, sometimes called water resources commissioners, are in charge of laws involving severe weather. They also seek to protect Michigan’s water resources in the process.
Drain commissioners are often an overlooked position until it comes time for storms. Their position is responsible for administering laws after severe weather brings floods and soil erosion.
In Michigan, drain commissioners are especially important. The state needs lands that are dry for farming and development, MSU experts say. That can't happen without a good drainage system.
Deciding which areas of a county are drained first, or drained at all, financially benefits property owners and could be a very politically charged decision, according to MSU.
Why are they important?
Surprisingly, drain commissioners are the one elected official in Michigan that can levy taxes and borrow money without a vote of the people or approval from the county commission or state legislature, Michigan State University says. That's a whole lot of power for one person.
Former Shiawassee County Drain Commissioner Robert Tisch once said that the drain commissioner is more powerful than the governor.
All this to say, make sure you make an informed decision when electing your drain commissioner on Nov. 5.
