The 7 Investigators were the first to tell you about the fight for transparency by some local leaders, as they demand information from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and the board of commissioners. On Thursday, that push for transparency continued, as one local leader says county officials are still stonewalling him.

The clock is ticking for Orion Township because they need to ask their taxpayers for more money to pay for the Oakland County Sheriff's Office to protect their community.

But Orion Townships supervisor says Oakland County is still refusing to share crucial information with his township that he needs for an upcoming millage, and now hes alleging the county is costing the taxpayers by not being transparent.

I drove three hours, left a meeting early so I could sit here and get timed out again while every single one of you continues to not act, said Supervisor Chris Barnett.

Once again, Barnett says hes been forced to take his fight for information to the public comment section of yet another Oakland County commission meeting.

You are all paid, every one of you, even if you dont have a sheriffs contract to hold these people accountable and hold yourselves accountable to the actions you take, said Barnett during the public comment section of Thursdays Oakland County Commission Finance Committee meeting.

Barnett says after Oakland County Executive Dave Coulters financial team recommended massive rate increases for the 12 communities that contract with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for police services back in 2024, local leaders were promised updated actual rate information by the end of 2025.

How long have you been asking for a meeting with Executive Coulter? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

Since November of 24 when this first happened, said Barnett earlier this month.

Barnett says hes asked Coulter at least eight times for a meeting to get the actual costs for policing. Frustrated, he says he filed a Freedom of Information Act request (FOIA) for the information.

When a meeting was finally scheduled later this month, Barnett says he was blocked again.

County Executive Coulter called me and said, I have a choice. I can either get the Freedom of Information Act information or I can have a meeting, I can't have both, said Barnett. We are the government. This isn't my business. This isn't Dave Coulter or [Commission Chair] Dave Woodward's business. This is the people's business, this is the peoples money. And so I am still blown away by that phone call and by that choice I was given and then by the cancellation of the meeting that was already accepted and scheduled in the books, boom, canceled. I'm blown away.

Barnett says he and other township supervisors have also been asking County Commission chair Dave Woodward and other commissioners for help getting the actual sheriffs contract costs, but he says the commission is not responding either.

I would implore youmy last askwe have a FOIA request," said Barnett after his three minutes for public comment ended.

He was interrupted by Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac), Thank you Mr. Barnettour chair said thank you.

You have no other meeting after thisthis is so disrespectful, said Barnett.

We have other people that are here for public comment, said Powell.

One other person, said Barnett. The other attendee offered to wait, but Powell cut Barnett off.

It's embarrassing that that's the leadership we have. It's embarrassing that a county executive won't take a meeting with one of those 62 communities that works with them, Barnett told Catallo after the committee meeting. People need to know and people need to be pounding their fists, sending emails, coming to these meetings and demanding people do the jobs they're getting paid very well to do.

In a statement, Oakland County Public Information Office Bill Mullan said, We have been providing Supervisor Barnett with information on a rolling basis and will continue to do so. The information he seeks is detailed and data-intensive and we are ensuring accuracy and completeness. We have communicated both the process and timeline to him. As we have told him, the remaining requested materials are expected to be in his hands by April 30.

Supervisor Barnett says Orion Townships FOIA was due on April 15th and the information provided so far is inaccurate. He said his team caught a $111,000 mistake that has been confirmed by the sheriffs office.

Barnett also says they love and appreciate the service the sheriffs office provides, and their issue is not with the OCSO.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

A hearing has been set in the recall effort thats underway against Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward. On Monday, April 27, 2026, a three-person panel will review the petition language submitted by the group I Am Oakland County.

Woodward has come under fire for his consulting work with private companies like Sheetz, and earlier this month, hundreds of Oakland County voters shouted him down at a packed meeting where they say Woodward and other commissioners refused to let them speak before a crucial vote.

On April 8, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved a Flock drone trial agreement, despite protests from many county residents who said they did not want the deal to go through for several reasons.

The 7 Investigators were the first to report that Woodward (D-Royal Oak) traveled to Flock headquarters in Atlanta last fall, which other county leaders say Woodward did not reveal prior to his vote on the drone contract. Woodward confirmed to the 7 Investigators that Flock paid for his trip.

Now some voters are mobilizing to try to recall Woodward from his elected position in District 1, which includes parts of Royal Oak, Birmingham and Troy.

Troy Residents Mike Flores and Justine Galbraith are organizing the I Am Oakland County recall campaign.

Having them take the vote before they had to hear from any of us just felt really disdainful, and it was just kind of an egregious subversion of democracy, said Galbraith. Decisions that affect millions of people should not be made this way. So, it's a big deal.

I think what constituents are saying is that yes, we do deserve a voice. We want to be heard at every level. And since we weren't heard on April 8th, this is the step that the process allows us to do to make sure that our voices are being heard, said Flores.

On Monday at 1:30 p.m., the Oakland County Board of Election Commissioners will meet to review the recall petition language that Flores and Galbraith submitted to the county. The public meeting will be held in the Oakland County Elections Division Board of Canvassers/Training Room on the first floor in the West Wing Extension, 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac.

The election commissioners are designated by statute, and include the county Clerk, Treasurer and Chief Probate Judge. Their job at the hearing is to look at the language thats been proposed for the recall petitions to determine if its factual, clear, and easy for voters to understand. County officials say they do not make any determinations as to whether theres been any wrongdoing on the part of the elected official facing recall.

The meeting is open to the public. If the recall language is approved, Woodward will have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the circuit court before the petition can move forward with signature gathering.

Woodward previously told the 7 Investigators the recall effort was a ridiculous stunt, and said in a statement, Im proud to champion Democratic values and deliver real results for our community, and my colleagues and I remain focused on boosting incomes for working households, protecting the most vulnerable among us, and ensuring our communities are healthy and safe. Their efforts will not be a distraction from our work in Oakland County as we continue to respond to the needs of our residents, protect public safety, and expand opportunities for all families.

When asked about Flock paying for his trip to Atlanta, Woodward said this:

The job of an elected official is to make informed decisions in the best interest of my community, so I do my homework and I do my research. I was invited to attend a meeting with the leadership of Oakland County Sheriffs Office to learn more about the service. It was an opportunity to better understand the technology and address my privacy concerns directly with the companys senior leadership. We also visited a local police department thats currently using this tool and spoke with the police chief and his staff about its effectiveness in supporting public safety.

Even though last fall Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced he wanted greater financial disclosure and transparency, Coulters spokesman would not comment on Woodwards paid trip to Flock headquarters.

Coulter did issue a statement backing Woodward on the recall attempt:

I oppose this recall effort. Its a distraction from the important work weve accomplished for our residents. In close partnership with the Board of Commissioners and Chair Woodward, we've brought home real results for Oakland County -- like expanding affordable housing and public transit, reducing medical and student loan debt, addressing access to mental and physical health, supporting low-income mothers and newborn babies, reducing homelessness, helping small businesses grow, investing in main streets across the county including in our county seat of Pontiac, expanding access to county parks, and so much more.

Hes one of the most powerful politicians in southeast Michigan, and hes been the subject of several 7 Investigations, but now Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward is the focus of a recall campaign.

Woodward has come under fire for his consulting work with private companies like Sheetz, and last week, hundreds of Oakland County voters shouted him down at a packed meeting where they say Woodward refused to let them speak before a crucial vote.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has already approved the Flock drone trial agreement, despite protests from county residents who said they did not want the deal to go through for many reasons.

Now the 7 Investigators have confirmed that Commission Chair Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) traveled to Flock headquarters last fall, which other county leaders say Woodward did not reveal prior to his vote on the drone contract.

You are wrong, Dave! Dave, you are wrong, yelled members of the public who had wanted to speak about the drone plan at the meeting on April 8.

Residents say they were upset when Commission Chair Dave Woodward and other commissioners moved the public comment to the end of the board meeting, long after the vote on the drones that they were there to discuss.

Now some of those voters are mobilizing to try to recall Woodward from his elected position in District 1, which includes parts of Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Troy.

I do want to share that recall language has been officially submitted to Oakland County as of yesterday, Mike Flores, organizer of the I Am Oakland County recall campaign, told volunteers at an organizing meeting Thursday night. So that officially kicks off the process!

Flores and another Troy resident, Justine Galbraith, are organizing the I Am Oakland County recall effort.

Having them take the vote before they had to hear from any of us just felt really disdainful, and it was just kind of an egregious subversion of democracy, said Galbraith. Decisions that affect millions of people should not be made this way. So, it's a big deal.

I think what constituents are saying is that yes, we do deserve a voice. We want to be heard at every level. And since we weren't heard on April 8th, this is the step that the process allows us to do to make sure that our voices are being heard, said Flores.

And while the Flock drone contract is a key part of the recall, they say its not their only concern with Woodward.

To me, the bigger issue is democracy. You had hundreds of residents of the county there who didn't get to be heard on a really fraught issue, said Galbraith. The people have the power. Thats what this is about.

I think that it's a really telling moment here in Oakland County where constituents from across the county, not just District One, are coming together and saying, hey, what happened on April 8th was not appropriate. It was not something that really made them feel engaged, and we really want to feel engaged, and we want to be heard, said Flores.

Both Flores and Galbraith say theyve been paying close attention to what they call Woodwards poor treatment of the public at board meetings, and theyve followed our 7 Investigations into Woodwards ties to the Sheetz gas station chain and his treatment of his fellow Democrat commissioners whove pushed for more transparency.

Woodward has denied he has any conflict of interest with his Sheetz consultant job, but has refused to disclose who his other consulting clients are.

Now the 7 Investigators have confirmed through county records that Woodward, along with two Oakland County Sheriffs employees, traveled to Flock headquarters in Atlanta last fall. Even though Woodward co-sponsored the resolution for the Flock drone project, it does not appear his visit was disclosed during the board meeting. Several commissioners have told the 7 Investigators they were unaware of Woodwards visit to Flock.

The board resolution authorizes Woodward, as Board Chair, to execute all necessary agreements with Flock.

Woodward released this statement to the 7 Investigators:

After asking several times, Woodward finally confirmed to the 7 Investigators that Flock paid for the visit to Atlanta.

An undisclosed, all-expense-paid trip from The Flock Group is exactly why stronger ethics and financial disclosure policies are needed in Oakland County. This continues a troubling pattern. Once again, the question is: Are decisions being made in the publics best interestor about personal financial interests? said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) in a statement.

As for the recall, in a separate statement, Woodward called that effort a ridiculous stunt:

The voters pursuing the recall say they do not view this as a stunt.

Im joining this effort to ensure that our elected officials are held accountable to the people of Oakland County -- the people who voted for them and the people who gave them their power. If hes not going to listen to us, then hes not the right man for the job, frankly, and Id like to see him recalled, said Sam Garin, who attended Thursdays I Am Oakland County meeting. It doesnt matter if youre a Republican, youre a Democrat, whatever party you are fundamentally, you have to answer to the people. And Dave Woodward chose not to listen to the people of Oakland County. And thats just wrong.

The I Am Oakland County organizers will need about 9-thousand signatures from Woodwards district in Royal Oak, Troy, and Birmingham. If their effort is successful, the recall could prompt a new election in November.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

The 7 Investigators were the first to tell you about the fight for transparency by some local leaders, as they demand information from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

On Wednesday night, that fight was on full display at a very heated commission meeting. Orion Townships fight for information was one of several hot topics on the agenda that had a huge crowd of Oakland County residents pushing back against the commission.

Im asking every single one of you do you have the information? asked Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett during the Oakland County commission meeting Wednesday night.

Barnett is once again taking his pleas for information to public comment at a public meeting; its the 9th time he says hes had to do that in the last year.

Barnett told the Commissioners that hes still trying to get information about how much Orion Townships Sheriffs contracts will cost his residents in the future.

Now, his fellow elected Orion Township leaders are speaking out as well.

We cannot responsibly move forward or communicate honestly with our residents without complete and accurate information, said Orion Township Trustee Jack Lovat.

Something needs to change. I didnt want to be here tonight, and I suspect the rest of my colleagues didnt want to be here tonight. But Im here because I want to effectively serve my residents, and so should you, because they are your residents too, said Orion Township Trustee Carrie Hilgendorf.

When a small group takes control and doesnt allow the input of those who are elected, you are denying our residents their rights, and its got to stop, said Orion Township Trustee Matt Pfeiffer.

Barnett says after Oakland County Executive Dave Coulters financial team recommended massive rate increases for the 12 communities who contract with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for police services, local leaders were promised updated rate information by the end of 2025. Barnett says the communities love the services the sheriffs office provides, and they want to pay their full share, but he says the countys numbers do not add up.

How long have you been asking for a meeting with Executive Coulter? asked Catallo.

Since November of 2024, when this first happened, said Barnett, and provided multiple text messages with Executive Coulter to back that up.

Barnett says hes asked Coulter at least 8 times for a meeting to get the actual costs for policing.

After the supervisor had to send a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the county for the information, Barnett says Coulter canceled a meeting he had finally scheduled for Tuesday. Barnett said he felt threatened after Coulter told him he could only have the meeting if he withdrew his public records request.

Executive Coulters Communications Director Teresa Recinto released this statement to the 7 Investigators:

That sure feels like gotcha politics. And the way this meeting is being run, I dont know what version of the Open Meetings Act you guys follow but its certainly different than the one we do, said Barnett. Please do your jobs demand this information.

Orion Township needs that information by early May so they can prepare for their millage request.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

For months, the 7 Investigators have been looking into how your tax dollars are being spent in Michigans wealthiest county: Oakland County.

Weve exposed everything from highly paid public officials with lucrative side jobs to allegations of ethical violations.

Oakland County has consistently delayed getting us public records and now, one elected leader says the same thing is happening to him.

Orion Township supervisor says he, too, has had to file his own public records requests.

After the 7 Investigators asked Chris Barnett to sit down for an interview, he told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo how he was threatened to withdraw his public records request or else lose his chance to meet with Oakland County Executive Dave Coulters financial team.

Barnett says his fight for transparency started in 2024.

We are a customer no one has called us, no one has met with us, Barnett said during an Oakland County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee meeting in November 2024.

Related: Oakland County top leader, subject of 7 investigations, steps down for campaign

Barnett says he and other elected officials have been forced to communicate with county leadership by going to public comment during county meetings.

Ive been asking for this information for months and months, Barnett said during another finance committee meeting on March 25, 2026.

Barnett says hes had to visit public comment at least eight times recently to get answers from Coulter and County Commission Chair Dave Woodward.

If we could fire the county completely, we would do it. And I will tell you, to a point, there are probably at least 30 of the 62 municipalities that would do the same, if they could, Barnett told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

Barnett is not alone. In late 2024, other local leaders told commissioners and Coulters financial team that their lack of notice and transparency about a huge cost increase to their new sheriffs contracts was imploding their budgets.

Just like the assessing contract, just like the fire dispatch contract we got 35 days to make a decision. Were partners here. Were your customer here. We really feel youre doing us disfavor by cramming this down our throat, said Commerce Township Supervisor Larry Gray in 2024.

To suddenly come back and say there is no other option, seems tyrannical, Independence Township Supervisor Chuck Phule said back in 2024 as well.

This is one example in the last year and a half. There are five different times that the county has treated us unfairly and poorly. And the last thing I want to do no disrespect is to sit down with the news and do a story like this. I want them to be responsive to our needs, Barnett said.

Barnett says the 12 communities that contract with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office love the service the deputies provide. But Barnett says cities, villages and townships were promised new numbers about the actual sheriffs contract costs by the end of 2025 numbers Barnett says he needs in order to pass a new millage to pay for policing.

We just want the information. So what that means here in my community is my police millage has expired. I have to pass a new police millage. That's how we pay for our police services. And we have no idea, frankly, what we are asking our residents, Barnett said.

Related: Oakland County senior leader under fire for global trips, mileage at taxpayers' expense

Barnett says a key point of contention is how much on top of the Consumer Price Index the county would charge townships like his. Coulters team recommended 2% on top of CPI.

Two percent. Thats the recommendation, said Oakland County Chief Financial Officer Brian Lefler during his teams presentation on the sheriffs contracts in 2024.

So our recommendation was CPI plus 2%, said Oakland County Deputy CFO Sheryl Johnson during the same meeting.

Woodward, D-Royal Oak, echoed Coulters team: In the future, CPI plus 2%.

But at the last minute, commissioners changed that 2%, instead voting to make it a CPI plus 6% increase.

Oakland County Commissioner Charlie Cavell, D-Ferndale, suggested the CPI plus 6% to cover rising health care costs. But that 6% jump shocked supervisors like Barnett.

Barnett says that could be a difference of $1 million for his community for Orions next police millage.

Related: Advantage or conflict? Oakland County senior leader's private business deals in question

He also says local governments were promised an analysis of the actual 2025 costs to see if the county really needed that full 6% on top of CPI increase.

Frankly, they have kept us out of this process and they have not done, again, what they said they would do, Barnett said. They promised us they would have information to us in November with a true-up, what these costs actually were, because they cannot charge us more for the service than it cost them. So they're supposed to go through and say, did we guess right or did we guessed wrong? They did not do that in November, December, January I asked for an update. They promised me it'd be early February. Then the CFO from the county said February 23rd, we'll have that information to you, Barnett said.

He says he still does not have the information.

How long have you been asking for a meeting with Executive Coulter? Catallo asked.

Since November of 2024, when this first happened, said Barnett, who provided multiple text messages with Coulter to back that up.

Barnett says hes asked Coulter at least eight times for a meeting to get the actual costs for policing.

They have not performed. They point fingers at each other. Woodward says it's fiscal services who reports to the county executive. The county executive's team, Fiscal Services, says Dave Woodward, the chair the board, has to bless the rates, Barnett said. I've been threatened and I frankly am concerned about some of the opportunities and funding sources that come from the county if they will be harmed by me speaking out. But that said, I've had dozens of local leaders on both sides of the political aisle reach out to me and thank me for standing up. Because that's the way I was raised.

Barnett says now hes been forced to file a Freedom of Information Act request with Coulters staff to get access to the public records that show the actual cost for his sheriffs services.

The township supervisor says being forced to file a FOIA does not match Coulters recent announcements that the county will be more transparent following several 7 Investigations about county spending and top leaders having side jobs.

There is rising frustration. Someone is not doing their job. And at the end of the day, there are two people that are leading the county: A county executive, Dave Coulter, and a county board of commissioners, Dave Woodward, Barnett said. And at end of day, if their directors and their direct reports are mired with controversy and other jobs and other things, it's their responsibility to resolve those issues and hold people accountable. And I don't see that happening.

Late last week, Barnett says Coulter told him he could either have his meeting with Coulter and his team to go over the actual sheriffs contract costs, but only if Barnett withdrew his FOIA request.

Saying that crossed a line, Barnett said he wanted the public records request fulfilled. Shortly after that, Coulter canceled a previously scheduled meeting that had been set for Tuesday morning.

Executive Coulters Communications Director Teresa Recinto released this statement to us:

The 7 Investigators asked Recinto why the county is saying its ready to provide the information but instead canceled the Tuesday meeting, where the information was supposed to be provided. We have not received an answer to that question.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

One of Oakland County Executive David Coulters top deputies has stepped down following several 7 News Detroit investigations.

Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson says hes leaving to run for state Senate in the 13th District.

The 7 Investigators have recently exposed questions about Carlsons expenses charged to Oakland County taxpayers, and his role with his outside company in addition to his highly paid county job.

In December, the 7 Investigators revealed how Carlson owns Procurement Consulting Group LLC. PCG has multi-million-dollar contracts with neighboring Wayne County, as well as deals with other cities like Pontiac where Carlson has been overseeing the countys massive redevelopment plan.

Carlson earned $230,099.22 a year as a Deputy Oakland County Executive. He told the 7 Investigators he disclosed his company to County Executive Coulter when he was hired. Carlson said owning PCG was not a conflict of interest, even though he oversaw Oakland Countys procurement division.

When the 7 Investigators received tips about how Carlson spends county money, we filed public records requests for his expense reports.

Those reports show the Deputy County Executive was a frequent flyer, traveling to Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Oman, UAE, as well as Las Vegas, Denver, Tampa, Boston, Milwaukee, Washington, DC, and San Jose.

We reviewed county records from May 2022 until August 2025. During that time, Carlson charged the taxpayers $46,394.82 for travel, mileage, and meals.

In November of 2022, Carlson and Executive Coulter traveled to Sweden and Germany on a trade mission. Their expense reports show a total $4,855.26.

The taxpayers later spent $4788.50 to send Carlson to London for a trade show that he says brought international companies to Michigan. While in London, public records show he stayed in a 5-star hotel, St. Jamess Hotel and Club in Mayfair.

Carlson says as the head of Economic Development for the county, the travel was a key part of bringing in new jobs.

We have 76 of the top 100 Tier 1 suppliers located, in regards to global OEM parts right here in Oakland County So that really speaks to the R&D and the mobility. And so, we try to be very strategic and targeted. It's important for the taxpayers to understand that we have a budget of $170,000 for business recruitment and our return on investment is $217 to $1, said Carlson.

When hes not flying, records show Carlson racked up the miles across Michigan, getting reimbursed $7502.12 for the miles he drove in his personal car during the 39 months of records reviewed.

Internal county memos show that Oakland County employees are encouraged to save money by using a county vehicle, especially for trips in excess of 42 miles.

Knowing that we have county vehicles that are readily availablethat is a very clear and clean-cut example of wasteful spending, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).

Even though county reimbursement regulations state, no mileage will be reimbursed for travel between an employees domicile and his/her workstation," Carlsons records routinely show mileage reimbursement from his home in Commerce Township to work meetings around Michigan.

The deputy county executive billed mileage for travel from his home to sites in Detroit, Wyandotte, and even Mackinaw City, when mileage from the county offices in Waterford would have cost taxpayers less.

Carlson said he did not know his assistants were billing his mileage from home, even though his signature is on expense reports the 7 Investigators reviewed.

I thought we were doing it the correct way, said Carlson.

Carlson said all the mileage was for county business, but his reports lack detail about what type of business was conducted.

Our meetings were taken on behalf of Oakland County, but I understand what you're saying. It looks as if, okay, well, what meeting are you having? What meeting is this? said Carlson.

Carlson also regularly charges mileage to the taxpayers to attend meetings at his private club, the Detroit Athletic Club. In all, Carlson billed mileage to the DAC at least 45 times, often charging for travel from his home. The DAC is more than 40 miles from Carlsons home, and about 32 miles from county offices.

Should the taxpayers really have to pay for all of your back and forth there? asked Catallo.

Id like to understand and maybe get the report to see how many back and forths there are there. But I certainly have gone there to conduct meetings. There's no doubt about that. But I hear the point that you're making, said Carlson.

Agendas from some of his DAC meetings show, in the fall of 2023, Carlson hosted Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward for Pontiac redevelopment meetings with developers, real estate executives, and even James Esshaki, who was later appointed to the Road Commission of Oakland County. Carlson said the meetings were to encourage people to bid on the Pontiac redevelopment project thats expected to cost taxpayers at least $370 million.

If you feel a need to entertain them in order to get them to bid, why are you doing it at a place that's not in Oakland County? asked Catallo.

Given the importance and the gravitas of this project, I felt it was appropriate, said Carlson.

After the 7 Investigators started asking questions about expenses, the county announced that Carlson would pay about $500 back in mileage expenses.

Carlson also oversaw IT for the county. The IT department came under fire in 2025 when the county approved a $450,000 IT staffing contract for ZaydLogix LLC, which was owned by a current county employee.

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After a whistleblower sent an email to county leadership last summer alleging government employees were using their position for personal gain, county officials spent $17,836 on an outside law firm, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone to investigate.

The contract was cancelled before any money was paid, but Miller Canfield found that awarding the contract to a current county employee broke state law and violated county rules.

County Executive David Coulters legal team has only released a summary of the Miller Canfield report; they have so far refused to release the actual investigation to both the public and to County Commissioners.

If Carlson wins his state senate seat, he will be taking a significant pay cut: state senators earn $71,685.

Im so grateful for Seans leadership and all he has done on behalf of the countys residents, small and emerging businesses, veterans and employees. When Sean shared with me that he was going to run for State Senate, he also made it clear that he was going to leave the county this year to campaign full time. I wish him much success in his next chapter, said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter in a statement sent to the 7 Investigators.

Carlson also issued a statement to the 7 investigators on Tuesday afternoon, saying:

The primary for the state Senate is August 4, 2026.

Financial disclosure has been a hot topic in Oakland County in recent months, so the 7 Investigators have been taking a closer look at how your tax dollars are being spent.

The 7 Investigators reviewed hundreds of documents of expense reports for Oakland County Executive David Coulter and his top appointees.

County officials say those expenses bring in jobs, but we found examples of how the expense reimbursements for one county official did not always follow county rules.

In his State of the County addresses, Oakland County Executive David Coulter often touts his countys financial responsibility.

We pride ourselves on being good stewards for the taxpayers of Oakland County, said Coulter in his 2024 address. In 2025, he said, weve improved our fiscal policies.

But expense reports from some of Coulters top appointees, reviewed by the 7 Investigators, are raising questions.

One of those appointees is Oakland County Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson. Carlson earns $230,099.22 a year to oversee Economic Development, Procurement and IT for the county.

As the 7 Investigators first reported, Carlson also owns a private procurement company, Procurement Consulting Group. Carlson told us he no longer plays a day-to-day role with his company that has contracts with other local governments like Wayne County and the city of Pontiac.

Both Coulter and Carlson maintain that Carlson's company is not a conflict of interest.

But when the 7 Investigators received tips about how Carlson spends county money, we filed public records requests for his expense reports.

Those reports show the Deputy County Executive is a frequent flyer, traveling to Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Las Vegas, Denver, Tampa, Boston, Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., and San Jose.

We reviewed county records from May 2022 until August 2025. During that time, Carlson charged the taxpayers $46,394.82 for travel, mileage, and meals.

In November of 2022, Carlson and Executive Coulter traveled to Sweden and Germany on a trade mission. Their expense reports show a total of $4855.26. Two additional county employees were also on the trip, but their expenses were not included our records request.

The taxpayers later spent $4788.50 to send Carlson to London for a trade show that he says brought international companies to Michigan. While in London, public records show he stayed in a 5-star hotel, St. Jamess Hotel and Club in Mayfair.

Carlson, whos currently on vacation, spoke to the 7 Investigators by phone on Monday about the travel costs.

We have 76 of the top 100 Tier 1 suppliers located, in regards to global OEM parts right here in Oakland County So that really speaks to the R&D and the mobility. And so, we try to be very strategic and targeted. It's important for the taxpayers to understand that we have a budget of $170,000 for business recruitment and our return on investment is $217 to one, said Carlson.

For his London trip which included one other county employee (whose expenses were not included in our records request), Carlson said they had talks with German defense and security firm Rheinmetall.

They announced last year that ... they will be building a North American headquarters in Auburn Hills with an investment of $31.7 million, 450 new jobs, said Carlson.

Was the result of that London trip? asked Catallo.

It's very importantI don't want to come across as saying that it happened because of that. It is a combination of efforts whenever we're talking to a company. Hey, this is what we offer. We can do site location for you. We've got different sites in Oakland County. Of course, it's important to understand that we have more mechanical and industrial engineers than any other county in the country. And those are the pitches that we make to their leaders to get our foot in the door. The MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation), we collaborate and coordinate with them. They're also having conversations with Rheinmetall at the same time. The governor announced the Rheinmetall investment last fall, said Carlson.

In May 2023, expense reports obtained by the 7 Investigators show Carlson also traveled with Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward to Milwaukee. Carlson billed the county $2186.84 for the visit, including airfare, hotel, meals and rideshare trips.

It was announced that MEDC and Oakland County were partnering with the World Economic Forum to create the only hub in the U.S. for the US Center for Advanced Manufacturing. Dave Woodward was named to the executive committee, said Carlson.

Carlson told us the trip was for a conference as part of the Troy-based US Center for Advanced Manufacturing, but no conference documentation was included in his receipts.

A few months later, Carlson and Woodward, who also has outside consulting companies, flew together to Austin, Texas. Carlson billed the county more than $2767.85 for a trip labeled conference, but once again, records do not include documentation of a conference.

There is a pattern of this spending on Oakland County taxpayers' dime that isn't documented thoroughly. Thats concerning, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).

Nelson has been calling for better financial oversight in the county.

It's all about being mindful of how we spend the taxpayer dollars. There is an expectation that when we do travel and we do reimburse travel expenses, there is an expectation that there's very clean and clear documentation, said Nelson.

When hes not flying, records show Carlson racking up the miles across Michigan, getting reimbursed $7502.12 for the miles he drove in his personal car during the 39 months of records reviewed.

Internal county memos show, Oakland County employees are encouraged to save money by using a county vehicle, especially for trips in excess of 42 miles.

Knowing that we have county vehicles that are readily available that is a very clear and clean-cut example of wasteful spending, said Nelson.

Even though county reimbursement regulations state, no mileage will be reimbursed for travel between an employees domicile and his/her workstation," Carlsons records routinely show mileage reimbursement from his home in Commerce Township to work meetings around Michigan.

The deputy county executive billed mileage for travel from his home to sites in Detroit, Wyandotte, and even Mackinaw City, when mileage from the county offices in Waterford would have cost taxpayers less.

Carlson said he did not know his assistants were billing his mileage from home, even though his signature is on expense reports the 7 Investigators reviewed.

I thought we were doing it the correct way, said Carlson.

Carlson said all the mileage was for county business, but his reports lack detail about what type of business was conducted.

Our meetings were taken on behalf of Oakland County, but I understand what you're saying. It looks as if, okay, well, what meeting are you having? What meeting is this? said Carlson.

Carlson also regularly charges mileage to the taxpayers to attend meetings at his private club, the Detroit Athletic Club. In all, Carlson billed mileage to the DAC at least 45 times, often charging for travel from his home. The DAC is more than 40 miles from Carlsons home, and about 32 miles from county offices.

Should the taxpayers really have to pay for all of your back and forth there? asked Catallo.

Id like to understand and maybe get the report to see how many back and forths there are there. But I certainly have gone there to conduct meetings. There's no doubt about that. But I hear the point that you're making, said Carlson.

Agendas from some of his DAC meetings show, in the fall of 2023, Carlson hosted Commission Chair Woodward for Pontiac redevelopment meetings with developers, real estate executives, and even James Esshaki, who was later appointed to the Road Commission of Oakland County.

Carlson said the meetings were to encourage people to bid on the Pontiac redevelopment project thats expected to cost taxpayers at least $370 million.

If you feel a need to entertain them in order to get them to bid, why are you doing it at a place that's not in Oakland County? asked Catallo.

Given the importance and the gravitas of this project, I felt it was appropriate, said Carlson.

Commissioner Nelson says the county has a lot of available meeting spaces that dont cost anything, and questions why these developer meetings were held off-site.

Using taxpayer dollars at a private club outside of the county that raises some red flags, said Nelson.

When Carlson submitted those bills for reimbursement, records show he did not provide details, instead submitting an affidavit of lost receipt. This week, after the 7 Investigators asked about those meetings, Carlson produced the itemized receipts. Records show the DAC bills for the meals for potential bidders totaled $1195.13, including $100 room charges for some meetings.

I didn't feel like the costs were exorbitant, and I felt like that they were reasonable, said Carlson.

In regard to the competitive bids that came in, I believe that more than benefited at the end of the day in regards to our decisions to have those conversations, said Carlson.

In 2024 and 2025, Carlson also got reimbursed for mileage to five off-site meetings at a Keego Harbor restaurant to discuss spinning off the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS). Those meetings included current county employees and local police chiefs. He also submitted expenses for $133.71 in meals for those off-site CLEMIS meetings. Carlson said the meeting spot was the most convenient for everyone involved.

Many times, Carlsons expense reports did not follow county policy that states mileage must be turned in within 30 days, and travel expenses within 15 workdays. Records show his expenses have sometimes been submitted months later, and sometimes not even until the following year.

Former state representative Jim Townsend is the director of the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State. He says if there are questions about expenses, public trust can be hurt.

It causes people to think that their tax dollars are not being used wisely, said Townsend. All levels of government have a crisis of credibility, and a government that's not credible struggles to do the people's business.

An Oakland County spokesman told the 7 Investigators, Carlsons meetings and relationships have helped secure thousands of new jobs in the county but some of his expenses appear to be unique.

A Wayne County spokesman said their employees and appointees are not allowed to get reimbursed for expenditures at private clubs. Macomb County officials told the 7 Investigators that while they dont have a policy against it, it is not something they do either.

On Wednesday, Oakland County Public Information Officer Bill Mullan sent us this statement:

Oakland County has a rigorous employee reimbursement process which involves a multi-layered review to ensure full compliance with county policy. When clerical errors occur, the county has procedures to rectify them. When Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson learned of overpayments in mileage claims of $495 over four years, he took immediate action to return the funds.

Deputy Carlson meets and builds relationships with business leaders and entrepreneurs from around the region, the state, the U.S. and the world considering investing in Oakland County. The expenses associated with that work are budgeted for and have helped secure more than $1.3 billion in new investment and 4,500 jobs for our residents.

The 7 Investigators are continuing to review the expense reports of other county appointees and elected officials. We will bring you those stories in the coming weeks.

After months of controversy about county officials having outside jobs on top of their taxpayer-funded positions, Oakland County Executive David Coulter and his leadership team have posted their financial information publicly.

Last month, the 7 Investigators showed you how Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson owns Procurement Consulting Group LLC.

Its a private company that has provided purchasing staff to local governments, including Livingston County, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and with neighboring Wayne County.

Carlson was hired by Oakland County in 2019 and taxpayers pay his $224,487 salary.

Records obtained by the 7 Investigators show Carlsons Procurement Consulting Group, or PCG, has been providing Wayne County with procurement staff since 2016. In 2023, PCG landed a Wayne County contract valued at up to $8,467,961.24 for 3 years and can be extended for 7 years for up to $14,522,783.14.

In PCGs Wayne County contract, Carlson is listed as both a principal of the company and the owner.

PCG has also had a contract with the city of Pontiac, where Coulters administration is spending $370 million dollars to move their headquarters. Pontiac city invoices show the city paid Carlsons company $355,780. Carlson told the 7 Investigators he did not know PCG had pursued the Pontiac business until after it was awarded.

Coulter and Carlson have maintained Carlsons outside employment is not a conflict of interest.

Now, a county website lists the outside employment and income for Oakland Countys other deputy county executives and the county's Chief Financial Officer.

The 7 Investigators have also shown you how Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David Woodward owns two outside companies: Woodward & Associates and Pivot Point Strategies, a political consulting firm. Woodward has admitted hes a paid consultant for the Sheetz gas station chain but will not say how much he earns from them on top of his $82,500 county salary. In past interviews, Woodward would not reveal his other consulting clients but maintains he does not have a conflict of interest.

In December, the Board of Commissioners said Coulters corporation counsel attorneys told them they had no legal authority to require financial disclosure, so the board only passed a resolution to ask the Michigan legislature to enact a law that establishes a uniform statewide financial disclosure framework they can later adopt.

Coulter originally called on the commissioners to adopt financial disclosure statements similar to those adopted by state lawmakers in 2023. But Coulter said he wanted the transparency requirements to go further by extending the rules to the spouses/domestic partners of Oakland County elected officials and Coulters appointees.

Today, his leadership team revealed the names of any outside employment and where they hold properties and investments. Specific income levels or dollar amounts were not made public.

Transparency is essential to maintain the publics confidence in how their government operates, Coulter said. While there is not yet state law requiring such financial disclosure for elected officials, I believe we should lead by example. Thats why my senior leadership team and I are making these disclosures available to the public.

We live in a representative democracy. And so for that to work, people have to trust that their representatives are really working for them, said Jim Townsend, Director of the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School. If you want to keep faith with the people you represent, you have to assure them that they can trust you, that you are not being influenced by pay or consulting fees.

Thursdays disclosures revealed another Deputy County Executives outside work. A county spokesman says April Lynch earns more than $244,000 [$224,487.12] a year for her role overseeing the countys human resources and facilities management. Facilities management is currently under scrutiny for the recent Legionella outbreak in county buildings.

Lynch listed a company called RA Holdings in her financial disclosure. What she did not spell out specifically is that RA Holdings biggest client is a company called Double Haul Solutions that helps with recruiting for other municipalities. Video shows Lynch at a City of Saline City Council meeting on March 3, 2025, pitching Double Haul Solutions to help the city find a new city manager. The cost for Lynchs services referenced by Saline city leaders in the meeting was $15,495, plus executive coaching for $3,995.

She runs HR [for the county], she runs facilities she runs a bunch of stuff and has several hundred employees so where would she find the time? asked Oakland County Commissioner Charlie Cavell about Lynchs outside job.Then if there's Legionella found, then it totally makes sense that someone's attention and focus was distracted elsewhere.

Cavell and Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) have been pushing for ethics reforms since May.

I feel lied to and betrayed. Again, how are people supposed to trust you? asked Cavell. So there are thousands of people that are trusting you're doing your best for the people of Oakland County. So one, they deserve transparency and accountability. But two, if you don't give them that, and then you find out that you might have been busy with some side hustle? Unacceptable!

The 7 Investigators asked Oakland Countys Public Information Officer Bill Mullan whether April Lynchs government consulting work was a conflict of interest. He released this statement to us:

April notified County Executive Coulter about the executive consulting work she does on her own time. He was aware and completely comfortable with it.

Mullan also said Lynch does not do any consulting for municipalities in Oakland County.

Nate Geinzer owns Double Haul Solutions. Geinzer told the 7 Investigators that he is the sole owner and that DHS has not performed any work for Oakland County.

"April has been a trusted colleague of mine for well over 15 years, is deeply respected by her peers, and has been someone who has helped me grow as a professional over the years. Moreover, among her subject matter expertise, she is particularly well versed in municipal human resources management and talent development," said Geinzer. "On a limited, as-needed basis, she engages as a subcontractor to provide executive coaching and human resources advisory services for DHS clients when her availability allows. She does not hold an ownership stake in the company. April's partnership is as a colleague, a thought partner, a coach, a mentor, and a friend."

Meanwhile, in December, the Board of Commissioners decided not to require financial disclosures, alleging the law doesnt allow them to do that.

Cavell says he believes they do have the authority to require disclosure among commissioners, and says he plans to release his own financial information regardless of what the rest of the commission does.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners can create board policy that is just required for the board to follow and we've done that with all sorts of things, and we can do that for this.It just takes the chairman putting it on an agenda and having us vote for it and [Woodward] has not done that, and he knows he can do that. So that's the real answer, said Cavell.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

Oakland County workers tasked with responding to the recent Legionnaires' disease outbreak faced tough questions Tuesday as the county expands its testing plans for additional buildings.

While Legionella bacteria levels are declining with remediation, there are still no clear dates on when testing will expand beyond the two sites already tested.

Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, was clearly furious after listening to the countys presentation on Legionella recently found in county buildings during the Board of Commissioners Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Were here every day. Every day. That wasnt important to protect my staff? To protect our customers, one of whom died in April? Nobody answered why! Why this [Board of Commission] was the only place that got filters? asked Brown during public comment at the end of the meeting.

Earlier during the commission committee meeting, County Risk Management Director Diana McBroom said the county acted immediately when they learned a custodial employee working in the sheriffs headquarters was diagnosed with Legionnaires disease on November 6, 2025. Legionnaires is a type of pneumonia caused by inhaling infected water droplets.

Basically, risk management approached it from a workplace safety and worker safety perspective. We also facilitated internal communications, said McBroom.

But Commission Minority Caucus Chair Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) questioned why there was a 19-day delay from that diagnosis before the Oakland County Health Division started testing for Legionella in the Sheriffs office.

Why so long? Right? I meet daily when we have issues like this. Daily. So I don't understand the time, said Spisz.

Despite that November employee diagnosis and a Legionnaires case from a man who visited the courthouse last April, testing at the courthouse was not done until December 15, 2025, and filters still have not been installed in some places in the court complex.

December 11th, we had a board meeting here. We had filters, but the rest of the facility did not. That doesn't make sense, said Spisz. Is it really that difficult to put a filter on a faucet?

On Tuesday, county employees shared more details about the amount of Legionella found and the plans for ongoing testing in their buildings.

I do love this opportunity to be able to remind everyone that the risk of infection from Legionella bacteria is incredibly low. And so if you look at the number of cases we've had across Oakland County for 2025, we have 41 cases of Legionellosis in the entire year. And from exposure that could have happened at the courthouse in April, we didn't have another case identified between April and now. So the risk level in this building itself, we as a team, identified it to be very low risk to the staff and the public coming in, said Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzman.

The county still has only tested one loop of plumbing in the courthouse tower, with no clear dates on when they will test other parts of the complex or other buildings.

Brown also told commissioners that communication from the county on the outbreak has been lacking.

We have received more emails, I think about the county chili cook off than we have about Legionella and how to be safe, or that its not a big dea,l which was kind of the feeling that I got from what was presented over here, try working in this building and see if you feel the same way, said Brown.

The 7 Investigators have been asking since early December about when the county plans to test the jail, since the jail has both showers and cooling towers at that facility, two things that are common sites where you can find legionella bacteria.

While the jails water system has been flushed, there is still no set date on when the testing will occur, but it is planned soon.

The county also announced Tuesday that theyre creating a water safety committee and a water management plan to prevent this from occurring again in the future.

The 7 investigators were the first to report that more Legionella bacteria was found in the water system on the Oakland County campus in Pontiac.

First, it was detected in the Sheriffs Office, then it was found in the courthouse.

Now, some elected officials are questioning why they werent told sooner about the potentially deadly bacteria being found in the water.

The 7 Investigators have learned there was a delay in alerting hundreds of employees and members of the public. We also discovered that as of Tuesday, employee sinks in the courthouse still did not have special filters installed; notices not to use those sinks were not posted until after the 7 Investigators contacted county officials.

A county spokesman said the results confirming Legionella in the courthouse were delivered by email after 3 p.m. on December 23 to a single employee whose shift is 6 a.m. 2 p.m. The email was opened the morning of the next business day which was December 26.

I'm frustrated and angry that I wasn't notified immediately, said Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds.

Browns staff was busy at work inside the courthouse on both December 23 and December 26.

When she learned the county was notified on December 23 that 4 of 11 test sites in the Oakland County Courthouse tested positive for Legionella, she started pressing for answers and calls the delay in alerting elected officials and hundreds of employees inexcusable.

What do you think should have happened? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

I believe in treating people how you want to be treated. So, I would have contacted, at least, the elected officials in this building to let them know, so they can let their staff know, said Brown. "The role of government should be to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents...."

The potentially deadly bacteria that causes a form of pneumonia was found in mens bathrooms on the first and third floors, and in two sinks in the basement cafeteria.

Those results follow a Legionnaires' diagnosis in a custodial employee who works in the Oakland County Sheriffs office, Building 38E, which is across the street from the courthouse.

County officials say they learned about that diagnosis on November 10, 2025, but did not test the Sheriffs office until more than two weeks later on November 25, 2025.

Those results came back on December 4, 2025, and the county closed the Sheriffs headquarters for remediation. It is now back open.

On December 5, 2025, the County disclosed publicly that a member of the public who got Legionnaires' disease back in April had listed the courthouse as a place he had visited.

Was anything done to do any testing in April? asked Catallo during an interview on December 11 with Oakland County Public Information Officer Bill Mullan.

No, because we did not have that second case to connect it and begin testing, which is what is standard in terms of testing public buildings in Michigan, said Mullan. Theres no immediate risk to the public in the courthouse.

The court complex not only houses Browns staff of about 100 people, but hundreds of judges, court employees, and prosecutors, plus the Treasurers office and the Board of Commissioners' offices. And the building is full of public restrooms where the public can easily access the water.

Do you think the building should have been tested back in April when there was that other case? asked Catallo.

I'm more of a proactive person. Id rather rule it out and be safe. I would've done the testing, but that's just the kind person I am, said Brown.

The 7 Investigators previously reported that county officialsadmitted no plan was in place to regularly monitorthe water system that feeds their 45 buildings.

Why didn't the county have a regular water testing plan? Catallo asked County Executive David Coulter on December 17.

I don't know, it's not mandated by anyone, it is not the law that we have to or obviously we would have. But I think we're working towards that, said Coulter.

Despite the custodial employee in the sheriffs office testing positive in early November, no testing was done in the courthouse until December 15th and the special .2 micron filters were not added to the bathrooms in the courthouse until December 30th 51 days after the employees Legionnaires diagnosis.

It's very frustrating. I'm concerned that someone else is going to get sick, said Brown.

The 7 Investigators visited the courthouse on Tuesday, which was fully open to the public. While the public restrooms did have filters on the sinks, several employee bathrooms still did not have filters installed. On Tuesday, photographs obtained by the 7 Investigators showed there were no signs warning employees not to use the water.

The 7 Investigators have also learned that the county only tested one water system loop in the courthouse tower. The womens bathrooms on that loop were not tested.

The testing follows the path of the case which includes only mens restrooms. The Courthouse Tower is on a closed loop. It does not share water with the rest of the building, said Mullan in an email Wednesday.

The 7 Investigators asked Mullan why the county would not test other loops in the building, such as the prosecutors office wing, or the Treasurers office, or the Board of Commissioners' offices. With Legionella in a separate loop in the Sheriffs office, some employees have questioned why more locations in a busy public court building were not sampled. Mullan said they are following CDC protocol for the testing.

I would rather be proactive. Let's do the testing. Let's put the filters on. Let's be safe, and just make sure. But I'm not in charge of this building, I'm just a tenant, said Brown.

Brown says shes brought in bottled water, masks, and allowed immunocompromised employees to work remotely. Brown also wants the public to know they are open, but you don't have to come to the building to access their services.

I want people to know that many of our services are available online. So, if they don't have to come to the courthouse, thats just a reminder, said Brown. I'd rather people be safe and protected and have the knowledge that before they're walking into a building where they could possibly be exposed to something that could make them sick or worse.

Online services for the Oakland County Clerk can be accessed here.

Was a chlorine flush done at the courthouse?

In the Courthouse Tower building, we flushed the water supply system, which is ongoing out of an abundance of caution. In this instance, our water consultant recommended against hyperchlorination because of the overall age of the plumbing system in the building. In addition, we applied filters on all fixtures in the Courthouse Tower, even if they did not test positive for Legionella bacteria. We continue to sample and adjust for proper water temperatures and chlorine levels as well as conduct ongoing testing. It is important to note the Courthouse Tower, where the tests came back positive for Legionella, is on a closed loop from the rest of the courthouse complex.

When will the Oakland County Jail be tested?

Out of an abundance of caution, we also have flushed the main jail along with the Courthouse East Wing, Courthouse West Wing, Courthouse West Wing Extension, and the Courthouse Board of Commissioners. Right now, our immediate testing is focused on the paths of the two Legionella cases. As of this moment, there have been no Legionella cases reported that had exposure at the main jail. The risk for Legionella is low with fixtures and buildings that have constant water flow. Future testing of other county buildings will be part of a long-term water management plan in development for all county buildings.

When will Oakland County Children's Village be tested?

Again, our immediate testing is following the paths of the two Legionella cases. As of this moment, there have been no Legionella cases reported that had exposure at Childrens Village. The risk for Legionella is low with fixtures and buildings that have constant water flow. Future testing of other county buildings will be part of a long-term water management plan in development for all county buildings.

Hes a highly paid Oakland County Deputy County Executive who works for the taxpayers. So why does an outside company that he owns have lucrative contracts with other local governments?

Financial disclosure has been a hot topic for months in Oakland County government. County officials have come under fire recently over outside jobs and outside business interests, prompting some to call for major ethics reforms.

So are these private business deals an advantage when it comes to experience, or are they conflicts of interest?

Oakland County Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson knows procurement. Not only has he overseen Oakland Countys purchasing department, Carlson owns a procurement company. Its a staffing business that helps governments source goods and services.

Even though Carlson earns $224,487 a year as a Deputy County Executive, records obtained by the 7 Investigators show he also owns Procurement Consulting Group.

Its a private company that has provided purchasing staff to local governments, including Livingston County, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and with neighboring Wayne County.

Carlson was hired by Oakland County in 2019. Records show Carlsons Procurement Consulting Group, or PCG, has been providing Wayne County with procurement staff since 2016. In 2023, PCG landed a Wayne County contract valued at up to $8,467,961.24 for 3 years and can be extended for 7 years for up to $14,522,783.14.

In PCGs Wayne County contract, Carlson is listed as both a principal of the company and the owner.

Is that a conflict? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

A thousand percent, a thousand percent, said Oakland County Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale).

Lines have become very blurry in Oakland County in regard to serving the public or serving our private interests, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).

Nelson and Cavell have been calling for financial disclosure and ethics reforms in Oakland County since May.

Sean'sbusiness wins that contract. And that's really bad, in my opinion, because he'sanOaklandCounty deputy executive making over $200,000 a year.His day job is to run IT, airports, economic development, andpurchasing, and the Pontiac redevelopment project.Purchasing is a core function of his job, said Cavell.

Carlson has been leading Oakland Countys redevelopment that will move county employees to downtown Pontiac, a project county officials say is expected to cost taxpayers between $370 - $390 million.

And thats not Carlsons only connection to the city. A few months after Oakland County closed on the land for the redevelopment deal on August 16, 2023, Pontiac city records show Carlsons Procurement Consulting Group landed a deal of their own with the city on January 31, 2024.

PCGs first invoice was paid on April 26, 2024, just days after Carlson appeared at the Pontiac city council meeting on April 16, 2024 with an update on the countys massive investment in their downtown.

And at the same meeting where Carlson updated the Pontiac City Council again in early 2025, the council voted to extend the PCG contract until July.

In total, city invoices show Pontiac has paid PCG $355,780.

That feels all too convenient, said Cavell. It'stheperceptionofbad behavior, because we need, as people in government, to have people trust us becausewe'reusing your money So, if youdon'ttrust us, then this whole thing falls apart.

City spokesman Jacob Jefferson told the 7 Investigators, The City of Pontiac was unaware of Mr. Carlsons connection with Procurement Consulting Group when we entered into a contract with the Company. The standard procurement process of the City was followed, and PCG was engaged using the consortium option.

Sean Carlson told the 7 Investigators he is not involved in the day-to-day operations with his company and said he had no idea PCG had gotten that contract with Pontiac until after it was approved.

Carlson said he told the Pontiac mayor he was the owner after he learned about the deal.

If you have disclosure, then you can stand up and look at the facts, said Jim Townsend.

Townsend is a former state representative and is now the director of the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University. He says while not every outside job or source of income is inherently bad, Oakland County does need financial disclosure and ethics rules so taxpayers know who else is paying our public officials.

I would say in the absence of disclosure, thenI think residentshave a lot ofreasonto doubt that their interests are being well served, said Townsend.

The 7 Investigators asked several times to interview Sean Carlson on camera, and county officials told us no. So, we caught up with his boss County Executive David Coulter to ask about Carlsons company.

Isn't that a contract of interest? asked Catallo.

My understanding is he's taken no votes and made no decisions on the business that they pursue. He has put that into, not a trust per se, but treats it as if it's a separate entity, that hes not involved in, said Coulter.

How can you be sure he's not enriching himself with the relationships he's building with the county? asked Catallo.

I've seen no evidence of it, said Coulter. I've not seen a single bit of evidence that says that he has enriched himself or done something inappropriately.

Late on Wednesday, Sean Carlson answered questions by phone. He was transparent and even answered questions about his outside income, saying when asked that he earns between $250,000 and $500,000 dollars from PCG, depending on the year.

Carlson says PCG has saved Wayne County about $30 million. He also says his vast experience in procurement actually helps Oakland County in his role overseeing Economic Development.

Meanwhile, Executive Coulters top appointees will all be publicly disclosing their outside income and jobs starting in January 2026.

Carlson says he disclosed his finances to his bosses last summer, and will also have to continue to do that since hes now running for state senate.

The Michigan State Police will not be investigating how a $450,000 IT contract got awarded to a current Oakland County employee, even though a law firm investigation revealed that state law was broken.

Top ranking officials in Oakland County Executive David Coulters administration have said publicly they did not see a need to refer this matter to law enforcement, but other leaders, including Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) and Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) said it should be up to the police to decide what to investigate.

On October 29, 2025, Spisz filed a police report with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office. The Sheriff referred the police report to the Michigan State Police for investigation.

We did review the allegations sent to us from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. It was determined that none of the allegations required criminal investigation, said Michigan State Police First Lt. Michael Shaw.

But Spisz, who filed the original complaint, says no one from the Michigan State Police called him before determining no investigation was warranted.

I found out from the Michigan State Police they were not willing to open an investigation after discussions with the Attorney General's office, Spisz told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo. I'm disappointed, frustrated.

Spisz said the only time he talked to the state police was when he called them after learning from the 7 Investigators they were not going to pursue the case.

The Oakland County IT contract was a staffing contract for the countys Courts and Law Enforcement Information System (CLEMIS) computer network.

The Countys Information Technology department had been in charge of CLEMIS for years, but the county recently spun if off into its own authority.

County officials say the ZaydLogix LLC contract violated state law when it was awarded to a current county employee back in June.

Spisz said he disagreed with the countys decision in October not to refer the investigation into the $450,000 ZaydLogix LLC contract to law enforcement.

We don't see a need to make any sort of formal referral to law enforcement, said Chief Deputy County Executive Walt Herzig on October 21, 2025. The investigation did not find any evidence of attempts to defraud the county.

Watch below: Investigation: Oakland Co. contract with employees private company violated state law

After a whistleblower sent an email to county leadership last summer alleging government employees were using their position for personal gain, county officials spent $17,836 on an outside law firm, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone to investigate.

The contract was cancelled before any money was paid, but Miller Canfield found that awarding the contract to a current county employee broke state law and violated county rules.

County Executive David Coulters legal team has only released an unsigned summary of the Miller Canfield report; they have so far refused to release the actual investigation to both the public and to County Commissioners. The 7 investigators filed several Freedom of Information Act Requests for the report; they have all been denied. 7 Investigator Heather Catallo appealed the denial, but Executive Coulter denied that appeal and refused to release the report that allegedly details who approved the awarding of the contract.

I'd still like to see the report, the actual Miller Canfield report that's out there. They [MSP] haven't seen it either. Nobody's really pushed to get access to that. So, at this time, I'm looking for other opportunities or other options that we can do to hopefully get a hold of that. Because from what I understand, there was still a state law violated, said Spisz.

Related Story: Oakland County leaders call for criminal investigation into controversial IT contract

In making its determination that there was not evidence of criminal conduct as alleged in the complaint, this Department reviewed police reports and the original complaint, among other material, and spoke directly with the complainant via phone calls and emails, said Danny Wimmer, Press Secretary for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Spisz said this is not accurate, and that no one from the Attorney General's office ever contacted him.

The 7 Investigators asked Wimmer if the Attorney General had seen the Miller Canfield full report or just the summary. He has not responded yet.

I'm not done with this issue, said Spisz.

The fact that that report has not been published is concerning, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) at the time the original police report was filed. Absolutely, we should be moving forward with an investigation by law enforcement, 100 percent Michigan law was broken and yet we are not doing anything or going to pursue a further investigation via law enforcement regarding this? That doesn't sound right. That sounds very suspicious.

How does it make government any different than anybody else if we don't investigate our own? Investigate those within government that are making decisions every day on behalf of the taxpayers? I mean, that's not a good look, said Spisz.

Oakland County Public Information Officer Bill Mullan previously sent this statement to the 7 Investigators:

Residents and taxpayers of Oakland County have a right to transparency and accountability in county operations. An independent investigation by Miller Canfield found that while the ZaydLogix contract was improperly awarded, there was no effort to defraud the county, the county suffered no financial loss and county administration acted immediately and transparently once the issue came to light. The county stands by the findings of the independent investigation, has implemented corrective measures and remains fully committed to cooperating with any further review law enforcement may undertake.

The employee who received the contract retired from the county and received a four-week suspension of pay. A CLEMIS supervisor resigned from the county and was suspended without pay for four weeks. A county official also said the department director was suspended without pay for three days, and the evaluator who reviewed the ZaydLogix bid was suspended without pay for two days.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

Despite public outcry during the Oakland County Board of Commission meeting Thursday night, the board voted to ask Lansing to give them the authority to create financial disclosure rules instead of adopting those rules themselves.

After several stories by the 7 Investigators about a top-elected officials side jobs, in October Oakland County Executive David Coulter asked that sweeping ethics reforms be passed by the commission by the end of the year. But Coulters own legal team at the county later told commissioners they have no legal authority to enforce financial disclosures.

So on Thursday, the board passed a resolution to ask the Michigan Legislature to enact a law that establishes a uniform statewide financial disclosure framework they can later adopt.

Coulter originally called on the commissioners to adopt financial disclosure statements similar to those adopted by state lawmakers in 2023. But Coulter said he wanted the transparency requirements to go farther by extending the rules to the spouses and domestic partners of Oakland County elected officials and Coulters appointees.

Oakland County is better than this. I will not allow recent political discord and lack of transparency to undermine the trust our residents place in us and the progress we are making, said Coulter in a press release.

The announcement came after several stories by the 7 Investigators, including investigations into the role Oakland County Board of Commission Chair Dave Woodward, D-Royal Oak, has played related to his side job as a consultant for the Sheetz gas station chain.

The 7 Investigators were the first to report that county records revealed Woodward appears to have used his position with other county employees for a proposed Waterford Sheetz location. Woodward has maintained his job with Sheetz and other undisclosed consulting clients are not a conflict of interest.

But when the commissioners finally brought a financial disclosure resolution forward earlier this month, they made the disclosures voluntary and postponed their implementation until 2028.

That prompted outrage during public comment Thursday.

Woodward and Vice Chair Marcia Gershenson, D-Bloomfield Township, did not make themselves available after the board meeting to discuss the resolution to ask Lansing to allow them to make reforms.

Commission Minority Caucus Chair Michael Spisz did tell the 7 Investigators that he feels its better to wait than to pass something locally that cant be enforced.

Theres a lot to do. Id rather spend more time on it to do it right than rush something out there to get it done, Spisz said.

Commissioner Kristen Nelson, D-Waterford, has been fighting for ethics reforms since she introduced resolutions back in May. She said she believes the county does have the authority to act now.

Its really disappointing. Oakland County residents deserve better. They deserve transparency and they deserve measures that move us forward to accountability, Nelson said.

Theres no clear timeline on when or if legislators in Lansing will change the law.

Coulter issued a press release Thursday, urging the legislature to empower counties.

I will work with the Board of Commissioners to encourage the Legislature to give county governments clear statutory authority to enact mandatory, enforceable financial disclosure policies for all county elected officials. But we know how slowly things can move in Lansing, and Im not going to wait for the legislature to act. My senior staff and I will post personal financial disclosure forms on my webpage by Jan. 15, 2026, and I will work with the Board in the new year on additional measures to further strengthen public trust in county government, Coulter said.

Oakland County did not have a plan to routinely test its water system inside its buildings. A custodial employee was recently diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, revealing the presence of Legionella bacteria in the Oakland County Sheriffs Office headquarters.

The 7 Investigators have confirmed from county officials there was not a plan in place to regularly monitor the water system that feeds all 45 buildings that house the countys 5,300 employees.

In addition to the current employee who was diagnosed with Legionnaires disease, county officials said in a press release on Dec. 5 that someone who was not a county employee who tested positive for Legionnaires disease in April had listed the Oakland County Circuit Court building as one of the places they visited during their exposure period.

"Why was there no plan in place to test the water system in Oakland County?" asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

"So we are working on a plan right now, our risk management team, our health division, as well as our facilities management in terms of what water management should look like and that we're meeting the best standards according to what the CDC requires," said Bill Mullan, Oakland County Public Information Officer. We are supplied by GLWA, and in general, when it comes to Legionella, testing for Legionella only occurs when you get a case, either that's directly connected to a facility or two cases that list the same facility."

Testing inside the court building will start on Monday. Mullan said the testing must be done by qualified personnel and may take up to two weeks to get test results back.

Mullan says the county has contracts with an industrial hygienist consultant, who is working on a plan to expand testing to other buildings, including the Oakland County jail.

The county purchased 44 .2-micron filters for water faucets throughout the county. They installed 8 of them inside the Board of Commissioners area of the building in advance of Thursdays meeting. The 44 filters cost about $14,000.

Meanwhile, Mullan said the sheriffs headquarters at Building 38 East has been completely remediated, which included a chlorine flush and installation of .2-micron filters on faucets.

During the Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday night, Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) asked for records of the county's testing procedures to be released.

"I have a resolution requesting the release of our water system management and mitigation procedures and related information over the last three years from our risk management division. And in light of recent reports of Legionella, Id ask this to be a suspension of the rules passed immediately," said Cavell.

The commission voted down that resolution 15-to-4. Commissioner Cavell, along with Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford), Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford), and Commissioner Karen Joliat (R-Waterford), were the only four to vote for the release of those county water testing records.

Commissioner Nelson says the public and county employees deserve answers.

"We have many different kinds of risk management plans. How we didnt have anything to account for this is really alarming," said Nelson. "We need to start asking better questions and demanding quicker responses, because this is a serious matter."

The probe into a controversial Oakland County IT contract has now been sent to the Michigan State Police.

Last summer, the $450,000 ZaydLogix LLC contract was awarded to a then-current county employee, a move that county officials say broke state law and county policy.

Top-ranking officials in County Executive David Coulters administration have said publicly they did not see a need to refer this matter to law enforcement, but other county leaders said it should be up to the police to decide what to investigate.

Thats why Oakland County Commission Minority Caucus Chair Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) filed a police report with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office in October.

How does it make government any different than anybody else if we don't investigate our own? Investigate those within government that are making decisions every day on behalf of the taxpayers? I mean, that's not a good look, Spisz told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo in October. Why would you not do some type of investigation to make sure that you're keeping Oakland County at that high level of standard that we expect.

On Thursday, the Oakland County Sheriffs Office confirmed to the 7 Investigators they have referred the complaint to the Michigan State Police for investigation.

The Courts and Law Enforcement Information System (CLEMIS) computer network is an essential tool used to help fight crime. The Countys Information Technology department has been in charge of CLEMIS for years. The contract in question was a CLEMIS staffing contract. CLEMIS has now been turned into an independent authority.

After a whistleblower sent an email to county leadership last summer alleging government employees were using their position for personal gain, county officials spent $17,836 on an outside law firm, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, to investigate.

The contract was cancelled before any money was paid, but Miller Canfield found that awarding the contract to a current county employee broke state law and violated county rules.

County Executive David Coulters legal team has only released a summary of the Miller Canfield report; they have so far refused to release the actual investigation to both the 7 Investigators and to County Commissioners. Coulter refused WXYZs repeated requests and appeals to obtain the Miller Canfield report under the Freedom of Information Act, claiming the investigation into how the contract was awarded was attorney work product.

The fact that that report has not been published is concerning, Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) said previously. Absolutely we should be moving forward with an investigation by law enforcement, 100 percent Michigan law was broken and yet we are not doing anything or going to pursue a further investigation via law enforcement regarding this? That doesn't sound right. That sounds very suspicious.

The employee who received the contract retired from the county and received a four-week suspension of pay. A CLEMIS supervisor resigned from the county and was suspended without pay for four weeks. A county official also said the department director was suspended without pay for three days, and the evaluator who reviewed the ZaydLogix bid was suspended without pay for two days.

Oakland County Public Information Officer Bill Mullan sent this statement to the 7 Investigators after the initial referral to the Sheriffs Office:

Residents and taxpayers of Oakland County have a right to transparency and accountability in county operations. An independent investigation by Miller Canfield found that while the ZaydLogix contract was improperly awarded, there was no effort to defraud the county, the county suffered no financial loss and county administration acted immediately and transparently once the issue came to light. The county stands by the findings of the independent investigation, has implemented corrective measures and remains fully committed to cooperating with any further review law enforcement may undertake.

The Oakland County Sheriffs Office has disciplined one of their part-time employees who also works as an Oakland County road commissioner.

The 7 Investigators first showed you how Road Commissioner James Esshaki was accused of threatening a road commission employee on the job back in June.

Esshaki is also a part-time Oakland County Sheriffs marine deputy. After an independent investigation found that Esshaki violated the Road Commission workplace policy about violence in the workplace, the Oakland County Sheriffs Office announced they would investigate Esshakis off-duty conduct.

That investigation is now over. OCSO Public Information Officer Stephen Huber issued this statement to the 7 Investigators:

Even though James Esshaki was off duty during the encounter and was not acting in any capacity as a part-time marine deputy with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office, our investigation found that his conduct fell short of the high standards we require of all Sheriffs Office personnel. As a result, he received a written reprimand and was directed to undergo additional training.

Esshaki previously issued a written apology about his conduct with Road Commission of Oakland County long-time foreman Walter Mersino Jr.

The Road Commissions clerk was asked to read Esshakis apology into the record at RCOC board meeting this fall:

The entire situation was unfortunate and regrettable. Obviously, tensions were elevated. I extend a sincere public apology to Mr. Mersino. I also apologize to any other person I upset by my actions. Moving forward, it is my goal to set a new standard of civility and professionalism. For my part, I accept responsibility for any words or actions that may have been perceived as offensive or threatening. My intent is to serve the citizens of Oakland County to the best of my ability, always placing the interests of those traversing our roads at the forefront. Sincerely, James Esshaki, Road Commission for Oakland County Vice Chairman.

Even though the Road Commission of Oakland County is separate from county government, the County Board of Commissioners are the ones who appoint the Road Commissioners.

That means theyre the only ones who can remove or discipline those appointees. Under state law, a road commissioner is entitled to a hearing before removal.

Thats why back on October 16th, Oakland County Commissioner Mike Spisz (R-Oxford) introduced a resolution to hold a hearing to determine Esshakis future as a road commissioner.

With any other employee in any other organization or even within the county we'd be having discussions and hearings relative to that individual and any potential disciplinary action. Why would we treat an appointed commissioner any different? said Spisz.

But the Commissions Democratic majority caucus had already agreed to stop Commissioner Spiszs efforts to hold that hearing.

Commissioner Spisz is I think going to introduce -- he might not introduce it. I meanIm told hes going to introduce it, Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) told his fellow caucus members moments before that October 16th meeting.

So basically, there's a resolution that may come before us to unseat Esshaki. And we're trying to see if we have any interest here of doing that? No, no, no. We're all set, Chairman, said Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac) as she polled her fellow commissioners during Democratic caucus.

They later voted down that resolution at the full board meeting, which sent the resolution to the LAGO committee where it stalled there for weeks.

After the 7 Investigators started asking why nothing had been done to hold that hearing on the road commissioners alleged threat, the resolution was suddenly added to a committee agenda for Tuesday morning, a change some commissioners applauded.

There needs to be some kind of public disclosure from both parties and the report, as to what are the events that actually took place to put, in my opinion, both parties at ease, said Commissioner Karen Joliat (R-Waterford).

On Tuesday, Esshaki told the 7 Investigators he never threatened Mersino.

The incident was witnessed by a second road commission employee. Mersino filed a police report and an incident report with the Road Commission.

All road commission employees are required to report any threats of violence, according to their work policies.

An outside lawyer was brought in to investigate and recently issued an extensive report. After interviewing nine witnesses, attorney Heidi Hudson determined, Mr. Esshaki engaged in behavior and made comments that constituted a threat of violence, and which constituted intimidation and harassment. Hudson also wrote in her report, Many witnesses expressed concern about retaliation from Mr. Esshaki, indicating they did not know if he had the ability to interfere with their employment.

In the report that was shared with the Road Commission, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, and Oakland Countys Corporation Counsel in early September, Hudson also said, As a Road Commissioner [Esshaki] holds a position of power over Mr. Mersino. Arguably he should be held to a higher standard of behavior, but at a minimum he should follow the applicable workplace conduct policy.

Records show Esshaki declined to be interviewed for that outside investigation, with his lawyer saying he would not dignify the baseless accusations made against him and referred to the investigation into the workplace policy violation as a waste of tax-payer money!

The resolution to hold a hearing into Esshakis actions now sits with the Oakland County Economic Development Infrastructure Committee which is chaired by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles (D-Southfield).

I believe he should be removed. I was the one that he threatened on the job site. And where I work its no tolerance [for] violence if that happens, an employee is fired, said Mersino.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com.

Hes a public official who was accused of violating workplace violence rules months ago. After six weeks of keeping that issue off the agenda, on Tuesday morning, county commissioners finally started taking action.

I guess Im here begging you to do whats right morally, said road commission employee Lori Doran during public comment of the Oakland County Legislative Affairs and Government Operations (LAGO) Committee meeting Tuesday morning.

Start acting like youre representing the whole county because youre supposed to be, road commission employee Mary Gillis told the committee members.

Its been over two months now since you guys had the report. I came to you guys a month and a half ago wanting to get some kind of resolution. Im trying to figure out why is this dragging on. Something needs to be done about this, said Walter Mersino Jr., a foreman for the Road Commission of Oakland County.

An independent investigation recently found that Road Commissioner James Esshaki violated workplace violence rules when he threatened to fight Mersino on a job site last summer.

He got to the point where he said well, this guy here can leave and me and you can go behind the trees and settle this, Mersino said.

Mersino says that encounter took place months after he and several other employees questioned Esshaki during a public meeting about why Esshaki voted to stop construction on the road commissions new headquarters.

Even though the Road Commission of Oakland County is separate from county government, the County Board of Commissioners are the ones who appoint the road commissioners.

That means theyre the only ones who can remove or discipline those appointees. Under state law, a road commissioner is entitled to a hearing before removal.

Thats why back on Oct. 16, Republican Minority Chair Commissioner Mike Spisz introduced a resolution to hold a hearing to determine Esshakis future.

With any other employee in any other organization or even within the county, we'd be having discussions and hearings relative to that individual and any potential disciplinary action. Why would we treat an appointed commissioner any different? Spisz said.

But the commissions Democratic majority caucus had already agreed to stop Spiszs efforts to hold that hearing.

Commissioner Spisz is, I think, going to introduce he might not introduce it. I mean, Im told hes going to introduce it, Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward told his fellow caucus members moments before that Oct. 16 meeting.

So basically, there's a resolution that may come before us to unseat Esshaki. And we're trying to see if we have any interest here of doing that. No, no, no. We're all set, chairman, said Commissioner Angela Powell, D-Pontiac, as she polled her fellow commissioners during Democratic caucus.

They later voted down that resolution at the full board meeting, which sent the resolution to the LAGO committee, where it stalled there for weeks.

After the 7 Investigators started asking why nothing had been done to hold that hearing on the road commissioners alleged threat, the resolution was suddenly added to a committee agenda for Tuesday morning, a change some commissioners applauded.

There needs to be some kind of public disclosure from both parties and the report as to what are the events that actually took place to put, in my opinion, both parties at ease, said Commissioner Karen Joliat, R-Waterford.

The LAGO committee voted to send this to yet another board committee; its not clear if or when they will send this back to the full board to hold a hearing.

Meanwhile, Esshaki wrote a public apology where he accepted responsibility but on Tuesday, he told the 7 Investigators he did not threaten his employee.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com.

Months after the Oakland County Executive demanded improved financial disclosure and ethics standards in the county, commissioners finally introduced those resolutions in the final committee meeting of the year. But Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) told the committee during public comment that the proposal doesnt come close to the kind of reforms needed.

How dare you. People deserve better, said Cavell.

Tuesdays Legislative Affairs and Government Operations (LAGO) Committee meeting was the last chance this year for commissioners to get something on the books about financial disclosure, but what they offered is very different than what the County Executive demanded earlier this year.

Read the amendment below:

Motion to Amend the resolution, as follows: by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit

Oakland County Commissioners added those proposals in the final moments before the LAGO meeting began Tuesday morning. The last-minute changes sparked outrage with some.

You removed the spouse requirement for reporting, you removed the real estate and personal property requirement for reporting, you removed the debt requirement for reporting, said Cavell.

He also accused Committee Chair Brendan Johnson (D-Rochester Hills) of violating the Open Meetings Act. Johnson denied that and said they didnt have to put every single item on the agenda 18 hours in advance.

After months of reporting about Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodwards outside employment with the Sheetz gas station chain and news that the county gave one of its own employees a $450,000 IT contract, Coulter demanded what he called sweeping ethics reforms.

Oakland County is better than this, said Coulter in an October 3, 2025, taped video press release.

Woodward has maintained he does not have a conflict of interest but refused to disclose how much money he makes from Sheetz and refused to disclose the other clients of his Woodward & Associates consulting firm, or his Pivot Point political consulting company.

The county later canceled the IT contract for the employee, but so far has refused to release the results of the outside legal investigation into how the contract got awarded in the first place.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Ann Erickson-Gault (D-Troy) proposed significant changes to what Coulter requested, making many financial disclosures voluntary and giving county elected officials until 2028 to report their outside employment.

This is about conversations I've had with other commissioners and concerns that they've expressed, said Gault during the LAGO meeting.

At a previous Democratic caucus meeting, Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles (D-Southfield) called the work on the proposed ethics and financial disclosure rules a waste of time.

It's unfortunate to me that our executive took time even to talk about this publicly. I think it was a forced, a forced hand in some ways for him, and I think it's a distraction, quite frankly, from the work that we've done, that we're trying to do. And it's disappointing that families now have to have the conversation, Do I stay on the board? I've got kids, adult kids who live with me. Now they have to potentially disclose what they're doing with their financial business, said Smith Charles about the reforms Coulter requested. I just feel like this is a disrespect to each and every one of us.

Cavell said the resistance to reform is alarming.

I think it's terrible. I think that Oakland County residents deserve better, especially in light of all the scandals that's been coming out over the last six or nine months, said Cavell after Tuesdays meeting.

In an age of distrust in government, from local to state to federal, I think that transparency is important and that the public that's tuning in can become educated and really learn all that they can about all issues and who's representing them, said Commissioner Karen Joliat (R-Waterford).

What passed today is a gutted version of the financial disclosure resolution I introduced back in May. I cannot support a version that strips out the substance needed for real transparency. The public deserves real transparency and accountability, not a hollow policy, said Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).

Nelson and Cavell introduced their own ethics and financial disclosure policies back in May, but no hearings were ever held on their proposed resolutions.

Executive Coulter had also asked for an Ethics Ombudsman to receive ethics-related referrals from the public, but as of right now, there is no plan for that.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

Some Oakland County leaders are calling for a criminal probe into a controversial IT contract.

One of them even filed a police report on Wednesday, asking for law enforcement to find out how the law was broken when that contract was awarded to a current county employee.

Top-ranking officials in County Executive David Coulters administration have said publicly they do not see a need to refer this matter to law enforcement, but other leaders say it should be up to the police to decide what to investigate.

The Courts and Law Enforcement Information System (CLEMIS) computer network is an essential tool used to help fight crime. Now an Oakland County IT contract related to CLEMIS may be the subject of a criminal probe.

The Countys Information Technology department has been in charge of CLEMIS for years, and its a CLEMIS staffing contract that county officials say violated state law when it was awarded to a current county employee back in June.

So as of this morning, I filed a police report asking for the county sheriff's department to do that investigation, said Oakland County Commission Minority Caucus Chair Michael Spisz.

Spisz says he disagreed with the countys recent decision not to refer the investigation into the $450,000 ZaydLogix LLC contract to law enforcement.

We don't see a need to make any sort of formal referral to law enforcement, said Chief Deputy County Executive Walt Herzig on October 21, 2025. The investigation did not find any evidence of attempts to defraud the county.

Shouldn't law enforcement make that determination? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

Yes, I believe they should. I'm not sure how the county has the expertise to make that assessment by themselves, said Spisz.

After a whistleblower sent an email to county leadership last summer alleging government employees were using their position for personal gain, county officials spent $17,836 on an outside law firm, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone to investigate.

The contract was cancelled before any money was paid, but Miller Canfield found that awarding the contract to a current county employee broke state law and violated county rules.

County Executive David Coulters legal team has only released a summary of the Miller Canfield report; they have so far refused to release the actual investigation to both the public and to County Commissioners.

The fact that that report has not been published is concerning, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford). Absolutely we should be moving forward with an investigation by law enforcement, 100 percent Michigan law was broken and yet we are not doing anything or going to pursue a further investigation via law enforcement regarding this? That doesn't sound right. That sounds very suspicious.

Thats why Commissioner Spisz filed a police report on Wednesday. He says hes been told the county administration will cooperate with law enforcement.

How does it make government any different than anybody else if we don't investigate our own? Investigate those within government that are making decisions every day on behalf of the taxpayers? I mean, that's not a good look, said Spisz. "Why would you not do some type of investigation to make sure that you're keeping Oakland County at that high level of standard that we expect.

Oakland County Public Information Officer Bill Mullan sent this statement to the 7 Investigators:

Oakland County is facing serious questions tonight after a nearly half-million-dollar taxpayer-funded contract was found to have broken both state law and county policy. The contract was awarded to a company owned by a current county employee.

Now the findings of an outside investigation are public, but theyre raising even more questions about accountability. The Zaydlogix LLC IT contract has been under investigation for months, and some county leaders raised questions about how the findings were suddenly presented without notice at a county committee meeting Tuesday morning. Commissioners say, because the findings were presented as a communication to the committee, the findings will not be presented to or discussed by the full board.

The contract was related to Oakland Countys Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS) network. Every day, police officers, sheriffs deputies, and court officials use CLEMIS. The system allows agencies across the region to share criminal histories, 911 call information, crash reports and even biometric data fingerprints and mugshot images. Police officers actively use the system from computers inside their patrol cars.

For years, Oakland Countys Information Technology department has been in charge of CLEMIS, and its a staffing contract with CLEMIS that has some county employees now accused of breaking the law.

Everybody that was involved with that discussion should have known better. They're not young, inexperienced individuals. It's not the first IT contract that they've done, said Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) about the investigation into the Zaydlogix contract.

Spisz is one of several county leaders whove been demanding answers about the $450,000 Zaydlogix LLC IT staffing contract.

In early July, a whistleblower sent an email to county leadership, alleging government employees were using their position for personal gain.

The whistleblower was alerting Oakland County Executive David Coulter and other top officials that the contract signed in June with ZaydLogix LLC was actually a contract with a current county employee.

The contract was quickly cancelled after that whistleblowers email, and county officials say nothing was paid on the contract. Then Coulters team announced they hired an outside law firm, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, to conduct a complete and independent investigation.

After waiting months for those investigation results, on Tuesday morning, two of Coulters top deputies appeared at a Board of Commissioners Legislative Affairs and Government Operations committee meeting and confirmed the results of the outside review: the contract did violate state law when it was given to a current county employee.

That should not have happened, said Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson.We had some employees that were moving forward and did not understand or did not acknowledge the conduct policy, and we should have caught this.

The investigation did not find any evidence of attempts to defraud the county, specifically no evidence that any county employees or contractors were involved in rigging pricing for personal benefit or any sort of kickback scheme, said Chief Deputy Oakland County Executive Walt Herzig.

This is a pretty black and white violation of state law. What is being done on that front, if anything, asked LAGO Committee Chair Oakland County Commissioner Brendan Johnson (D-Rochester Hills).

We don't see a need to make any sort of formal referral to law enforcement, said Herzig.

The county paid Miller Canfield $17,836 for the investigation.

On Tuesday, instead of providing the full Miller Canfield investigation, the county only released a 3-page summary of the Miller Canfield findings.

The summary of the Miller Canfield report was written by Oakland Countys internal lawyers, known as Corporation Counsel. Despite a public records request submitted by the 7 Investigators, the county has yet to release the actual Miller Canfield investigation that involved months of interviewing county employees and reviewing emails and text messages.

I personally believe that there has to be information missing from the actual report that was done by a 3rd party. Because this is unheard of. I have never received a filtered report, especially when we claim that were paying an outside firm to provide a thorough investigation on a really critical, important matter that we dont ever want to have happen again, said Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford). To see that at the end of the day we just get a filtered summary from our own internal legal team it seems pretty absurd.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com.

A 7 Investigation was a hot topic at an Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, with several people asking why a road commissioner is still on the job.

That developer turned public official has been accused of threatening an employee, and now its up to the Board of Commissioners to decide what to do next.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners Legislative Affairs and Government Operations (LAGO) committee is the one that helped put Road Commissioner James Esshaki in his job. Theyre also the ones who got an earful Tuesday morning, with road commission employees and others asking them to act.

Even though the Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC) is separate from county government, the Oakland County commissioners are the only ones who can hire and fire the road commissioners.

From the start, questions were raised about how Birmingham real estate developer James Esshaki got appointed as one of Oakland Countys Road Commissioners.

Do we have a resume? Chair, at minimum, do we have a resume? asked Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) during a LAGO meeting in January when Esshakis name was first publicly raised as a possible RCOC Commissioner. So, who brought this name initially forward? Im asking this because, as a member of the committee, weve never heard this name I dont agree with the process that was followed.

This process was consistent, said Commission Chair David Woodward (D-Royal Oak) on that January 13, 2025, committee meeting. That has been the process for 20 plus years.

Now, ten months later, that same LAGO committee is discussing Esshakis future.

Walter Mersino Jr. is one of several long-time road commission employees who spoke out during an April public meeting, questioning Esshaki about why he supported cancelling plans for the road commissions new headquarters. 

Mersino says when he was on a job site with a co-worker in June, Commissioner Esshaki suddenly showed up and challenged him to a fight.

He got to the point where he said, well, this guy here can leave and me and you can go behind the trees and settle this, said Mersino in an interview with the 7 Investigators.

Esshaki originally denied that he threatened Mersino and declined to be interviewed for an independent investigation that determined Esshaki violated workplace policy.

An outside lawyer was brought in to investigate and said in an extensive report that Mr. Esshaki engaged in behavior and made comments that constituted a threat of violence, and which constituted intimidation and harassment.

Attorney Heidi Hudson also wrote in her report, Many witnesses expressed concern about retaliation from Mr. Esshaki, indicating they did not know if he had the ability to interfere with their employment.

Tuesday morning, the LAGO committee received an apology letter from Esshaki, but Mersino said Esshaki still has not apologized directly to him.

Read the apology letter below:

Esshaki Apology Letteer by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit

Mersino then addressed the committee, asking them why they have not acted even though Oakland Countys corporation counsel has had the independent report findings for nearly a month.

I believe he should be removed. I was the one that he threatened on the job site. And where I work, its no tolerance [for] violence if that happens, an employee is fired, said Mersino during public comment.I just want to know what is this boards agenda as far as Mr. Esshaki? As I know, right now, nothing is being done. Nothings been mentioned, nothings been said.

Mr. Esshaki should resign from his position, but at the very least you should ask him to leave, Road Commission of Oakland County Central Operations Director Mary Gillis told the county commissioners during public comment at Tuesdays LAGO meeting.

Gillis told the committee that safety in the workplace is a top priority for the road commission, and threatening violence has no place at work.

Ive spent countless Christmases and Christmas Eves and Thanksgivings working to keep this community safe. And our workplace is the first in safety throughout the state. Were widely recognized. We have a great workplace, and we are totally committed to keeping the residents of Oakland County safe, said Gillis.

Some of the County Commissioners questioned Esshakis apology.

Ive also read Mr. Esshakis apology letter. It was submitted 3 months after the incident and 20 days after the report was completed. It was addressed to the chairperson of the road commission and read aloud not by Mr. Esshaki himself, but by another person at the last road commissioner meeting. His letter frames the incident as a matter of perception, and he fails to acknowledge that his behavior left employees feeling unsafe, said Commissioner Nelson during public comment.

According to state law, the county commission would need to hold a hearing before removing a road commissioner, something Commissioner Karen Joliat (R-Waterford) pressed for.

They should lead by example, and I think without doing anything except accepting this letter of perceived wrongdoing, its setting a very dangerous precedent and message to the rest of the employees at the road commission, said Commissioner Joliat.

LAGO Chair Commissioner Brendan Johnson (D-Rochester Hills) asked Commission Chair Woodward to ask the countys corporation counsel for advice on whether they can hold a hearing to remove Esshaki without a criminal charge.

According to state law, a county road commissioner cannot be removed before his or her term is up without being given written notice of the charges made against him or her and an opportunity to appear before the county board of commissioners for a hearing on the charges.

I dont perceive this to be a charge. I dont know if you need a prosecutor to make a charge, or other law enforcement to make a charge. Thats the word that Im curious about. So, I guess I would ask Board Chair-- if you wouldnt mind asking [corporation] counsel what the word charge means, asked Commissioner Johnson.

Commission Chair Woodward told the committee he would make inquiries.

Commissioner Joliat pressed back, saying, The circumstances that are before us, I still think that there should be due process in terms of a hearing, whether its considered a charge or not.

Commissioner Nelson also pressed the committee on what they will do.

As the liaison committee to the Road Commission, how will this committee lead? Will the report of investigation make it onto next LAGO committee for open discussion and review? Will there be deliberation and a recommendation to the full board? Or will this be yet another of a serious issue quietly disappearing into a majority caucus discussion only to be swept under the rug? asked Nelson.

The 7 Investigators have asked Commission Chair Woodward and the Commissions Communications Officer multiples times what they plan to do about the violence in the workplace violation findings. Neither of them has responded.

Meanwhile, the 7 Investigators have also repeatedly asked Road Commissioner Esshaki if he would like to address all of this; so far, he has not responded to us.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

After weeks of controversy about a top elected officials side jobs, Oakland County Executive David Coulter is unveiling sweeping ethics reforms.

Thats something other County leaders have been asking for as well, and now Coulter is calling on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to adopt financial disclosure statements similar to those adopted by state lawmakers in 2023. But Coulters says he wants the transparency requirements to go farther by extending the rules to the spouses/domestic partners of Oakland County elected officials and Coulters appointees.

Oakland County is better than this. I will not allow recent political discord and lack of transparency to undermine the trust our residents place in and us and the progress we are making, said Coulter in a press release.

The announcement follows several stories by the 7 Investigators, including investigations into the role Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Dave Woodward has played related to his side job as a consultant for the Sheetz gas station chain.

"I fully support Executive Coulter's proposal," Woodward said in a statement shortly after the announcement. "The Board of Commissioners stands ready to review and act on it quickly. I believe in doing what's right, always leading with integrity and holding ourselves to the highest standards as we continue to deliver for the people of Oakland County."

The 7 Investigators were the first to report that county records revealed Woodward appears to have used his position with other county employees for a proposed Waterford Sheetz location.

Coulters proposal uses the state of Michigans Public Officers Financial Disclosures Act as its base, but hes also asking for additional requirements, including:

Coulter says he wants the financial disclosures to be kept by the County Clerk, and they will be available online.

Watch below: Did commission head use position to help along possible Sheetz in Waterford?

The county executive is also asking that the county create an Ethics Ombudsperson who can receive referrals from members of the public and other whistleblowers about allegations of conflicts of interest among county leadership and employees.

Ethics and transparency are not about playing gotcha they are about building trust with the public, said Coulter. "An independent ombudsperson will guarantee ethical concerns are handled fairly, above politics and beyond personalities.

I'm being 100% transparent and ethical, Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward told the 7 Investigators during an on-camera interview in August, as he maintained he does not have a conflict of interest with his outside jobs.

Even though Woodward makes $82,500 as Board Chair, he also owns two companies: Woodward & Associates L.L.C. and a political consulting business.

Through his Woodward & Associates, Woodward has been appearing at public meetings on behalf of the Sheetz gas station chain.

Site plans for a proposed Sheetz on Highland Road in Waterford Township included a curb cut onto the countys airport exit road.

While Woodward has said I havent been part of anything involving the county, records reviewed by the 7 Investigators suggest otherwise.

Related Video: Oakland County commission head defends Sheetz side job, denies conflict of interest

Those records from late July show Oakland County Aviation Manager Cheryl Bush told another county employee that We have agreed to allow egress access to Patterson Parkway to a neighboring landlord for development of a Sheetz gas and service station.

Bush went on to say, Chairman Woodward has been a strong proponent of this, along with support from [Deputy County Executive] Sean Carlson. (Honestly, this is strongly against my better judgment, but I have been overruled.).

Even though Woodward has maintained he has no conflict with his Sheetz job, many of his fellow elected officials say they disagree.

I don't think what Dave Woodward is doing is ethical, it's just not, said Waterford Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta during an interview earlier this summer. Bartolotta said Woodward called him to set up a meeting with himself and representatives from Sheetz.

I think it's outrageous. The people have a right to know if the person that they elected has personal conflicts of interest, financial conflicts of interest, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).

With all the items in the press these days relative to the county, it's not putting the county in a good light, said Oakland County Commission Minority Caucus Chair Michael Spisz (R-Oxford).

Spisz told the 7 Investigators he agrees that financial disclosure rules are needed. Woodward has thus far declined to disclose his other clients.

How do you know as a member of the finance committee and a member of the board whether you're voting on things that [Woodwards] actually financially benefiting from? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

We dont, said Spisz. It's concerning. It should be concerning for all of us as commissioners, for any of us to be in that position that we're voting or another colleague is voting on something that is potentially a conflict of interest.

Commissioners Nelson and Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) say they left the commissions Democratic caucus when their efforts to expand transparency and financial disclosure rules were shut down by Woodward earlier this year.

Watch below: Oakland County commissioners say they're facing retaliation over transparency push

There is a pattern of bad behavior, said Cavell. We asked to be heard, to make our community stronger, and have people trust that government is working for them. And we were told no.

Commissioner Nelson released a statement to the 7 Investigators about Coulter's proposal: "I am cautiously optimistic and glad to see Executive Coulter making ethics and financial disclosure a priority for Oakland County. These reforms must be meaningful, and I am eager to see the details of what will be proposed. I also want to acknowledge the important role investigative journalism has played in bringing these issues to the forefront, and I am deeply grateful to the many citizens who have reached out to me and Commissioner Cavell to support our ongoing reform efforts. Their voices have been essential in keeping this conversation alive and moving it forward."

There have been other things facing scrutiny in Oakland County government, including an investigation into how a $450,000 IT contract got awarded to a current county employee. After a whistleblower pointed out the conflict, the contract was canceled and a third-party review of how that happened has been under way.

Regarding the airport easement, Bush told the 7 Investigators in September that Woodward made introductions to her to the Sheetz representatives.

I knew that Dave Woodward was interested in the project, but he has also expressed to me, always stay true to what is best for the airport, said Bush. He made introductions to the Sheetz folks.

Nick Ruffner, the public affairs manager for Sheetz, released a statement to 7 News Detroit in the past that reads, "We want to emphasize that Sheetz is not engaged in any business, applications, or requests before the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. From the outset, we recognized the importance of maintaining a clear line between Daves public service and this part-time advisory role. We proactively took steps to ensure that no conflicts of interest exist and continue to uphold that commitment."

After the 7 Investigators started asking county officials about the easement at the airport, they announced they were not going to approve the easement/curb cut.

Coulter says he has directed his staff to immediately finalize language with the Board of Commissioners so they can introduce a resolution at their next board meeting on October 16 and have a vote on it before the end of the year.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

Hes one of the most powerful politicians in Southeast Michigan, and Oakland County Board of Commission Chair Dave Woodward has said publicly that his side job with a gas station chain is not a conflict of interest.

But the 7 Investigators have learned that records show Woodward appears to have used his position with other county employees when it comes to a possible Waterford Sheetz location.

I'm being 100% transparent and ethical, Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward told the 7 Investigators during an on-camera interview in August, as he explained that everything hes doing for his outside job is above board.

Every elected official is duty-bound to make decisions that are important in the best interest of their community and their role, and I do that as an elected official. My private business is separate from that, said Woodward.

Even though Woodward makes $82,500 as Board Chair, he also owns two companies: Woodward & Associates L.L.C. and a political consulting business.

Through his Woodward & Associates, Woodward has been appearing at public meetings on behalf of the Sheetz gas station chain. The Commission Chair can be seen in meeting video sitting next to a Sheetz real estate manager during a January Farmington Hills city council meeting. That city council voted the plan down, and now Sheetz is suing the city in Oakland County Circuit Court.

In a video provided to the 7 Investigators by people in attendance, Woodward was also spotted in February at a Royal Oak public hearing on another Sheetz development that was later approved.

How much money are you getting from Sheetz, asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo during an August 14, 2025 interview.

Im not going to discuss my private business affairs, said Woodward.

I don't think what Dave Woodward is doing is ethical, it's just not, said Waterford Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta.

Bartolotta says Woodward called him earlier in the summer to set up a meeting with Sheetz.

You want to get along with all your fellow elected officials in the county. So, I was open to meeting with him, said Bartolotta.

Did he say to you when he set up the meeting or at the meeting, I'm not here in my official role? asked Catallo.

No, he never said that. He never said that at all, said Bartolotta. Everybody knows who Dave Woodward is. But what shocked me is that he came as a consultant for Sheetz.

Bartolotta says Sheetz was asking about redeveloping two sites on Highland Road with a former bank and medical buildings on them, right next to the Oakland County International Airport.

The 7 Investigators have obtained the site plan that was submitted to Waterford Township for that proposed Sheetz gas station and drive-through restaurant on Highland Road. The plan has a clearly marked place where the developer added a curb cut or egress onto county property. That curb cut would link the potential Sheetz parking lot to Patterson Parkway, which is the entrance and exit road for the airport.

In order to get that curb cut, the property owner would need Oakland County to approve an easement.

My work with Sheetz or any of my clients is completely separate from my role as a County Commissioner, said Woodward.

Have you ever instructed anyone in the county to do anything related to any of the Sheetz properties? asked Catallo.

Sheetz decisions to move forward are decided at a local level. Planning, zoning, permitting, site approval, all of those things are decisions that are made at a community level. And so, I don't play a role in that, said Woodward.

But records reviewed by the 7 Investigators suggest otherwise.

Those records from late July show Oakland County Aviation Manager Cheryl Bush told another county employee that We have agreed to allow egress access to Patterson Parkway to a neighboring landlord for development of a Sheetz gas and service station.

Bush went on to say, Chairman Woodward has been a strong proponent of this, along with support from [Deputy County Executive] Sean Carlson. (Honestly, this is strongly against my better judgment but I have been overruled.)

After we reached out to Oakland County about Woodward and Carlsons alleged role in this, county leadership offered us an interview with Cheryl Bush, the county airport boss who said she had been overruled in the Sheetz deal.

It would appear that you didn't want to grant this easement, and that it was clear who was involved. So, who overruled you? asked Catallo.

At that point, I had always stood firm that I was not in favor of it, said Bush. When I said I was overruled, I think that it was probably someone above me.

Can you tell me who that was? asked Catallo.

Well, I was reporting to Sean Carlson, said Bush.

Bush said the county has historically not granted easements around the airport due to safety concerns. In fact, she says she previously denied an easement request from the same property owner for a hotel several years ago.

Trying to be good neighbors, we were willing to entertain the thoughts, but I always felt respected in my position here to hold true for what I believe would be in the best interest of safety and security for the airport, said Bush.

Woodward declined to talk to us on camera about the airport easement but told the 7 Investigators that when it comes to Sheetz, I havent been part of anything involving the county.

That does not match what Bush told us or what she told the other county employee in those records.

Has Dave Woodward talked to you at all about this project? asked Catallo.

Dave Woodward has not talked to me under any pressure on this project. I knew that Dave Woodward was interested in the project, but he has also expressed to me, always stay true to what is best for the airport, said Bush. He made introductions to the Sheetz folks.

To you? asked Catallo.

Yes said Bush.

Bush says when Woodward first talked to her about the project, he did not disclose that he was getting paid by Sheetz.

I wasn't even aware of that until months into my conversations with the property owner, said Bush.

Bush says the meetings about the Waterford site started nearly a year ago and included the Sheetz representatives early on in the process. A Sheetz spokesman has said theyd been careful to avoid a conflict of interest with Woodward, and said theyre not engaged in any business, applications, or requests before the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

But in order to get an easement, the request would have to be approved by the Countys Airport Committee. Dave Woodward is a member of that committee, and ultimately the Board of Commissioners would have had to approve the land transaction.

Records reviewed by the 7 Investigators indicate the egress access was being discussed internally to proceed to the Airport Committee, which has not met in several months. Emails show the meetings have been consistently cancelled since early Spring.

Once the 7 Investigators started asking Oakland County officials questions about this issue last week, the county announced to us on Thursday they are not going to grant the easement.

The property is still being considered for possible re-zoning in Waterford Tuesday night. Its not clear if losing the easement approval will change the plans for the property.

Sheetz released this information to us:

The 7 Investigators reached out to the property owner as well; a representative said they had no comment.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

Oakland County Road Commissioner James Esshaki broke road commission workplace rules when he offered to fight an employee who had spoken out at a public board meeting, according to an independent investigation.

Mr. Esshaki engaged in behavior and made comments that constituted a threat of violence, and which constituted intimidation and harassment, according to the results of a detailed investigation by a law firm.

The 7 Investigators first reported in July about an alleged threat of violence made by Esshaki to Road Commission of Oakland County employee Walter Mersino, Jr.

I just felt threatened for my job. Thats how I felt. I felt threatened. Like this guy is trying to take my 35 years and flush it down the toilet, Mersino told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo after the incident with Esshaki. 

Mersino is a road commission foreman, and one of 15 employees who spoke during an April public meeting, questioning Road Commissioner Esshaki about why he supported cancelling plans for the new headquarters building the RCOC had planned for more than a decade.

You guys are doing things underhandedly. You weren't even part of this building. And all of a sudden, you come in, and now this building being suspended? Who's pulling your strings? Mersino said he told the Road Commissioners during the public comment section of the April meeting.

Mersino says in June, when he was on a job site in Bloomfield Township, the foreman and a coworker got a surprise visit from Commissioner Esshaki.  

He goes why don't you talk to me now, it's just me and you. You don't have your crowd behind you now, said Merisno. 

Mersino says he tried not to engage with the Road Commissioner and tried to back up his work truck to leave. 

So then I proceeded to start to back up, and he says, That's right. Leave, little girl. So I stopped and said don't talk to me like that. And that's when he says, this guy [the coworker] can leave, and me and you can go behind those trees and handle this. I said I'm not going do that And he just kept picking, picking. So I started to leave again. He said the same thing. That's right. Leave, little girl.

Mersino did leave and then filed a police report and an incident report with the Road Commission. Then the Road Commission asked for an independent review from the Zausmer law firm.

Lawyer Heidi Hudson interviewed nine witnesses. Esshaki, through his attorney David Gorcyca, declined to be interviewed.

Esshaki is a Birmingham real estate developer. He was appointed by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners as a Road Commissioner in January.

Oakland County Sheriffs Office officials also confirm Esshaki is a part-time Sheriffs Marine deputy.

Esshaki previously declined to answer the 7 Investigators' questions as well about the incident, other than to say he did not threaten Mersino.

In the public report, Hudson did not identify the road commission employees who were interviewed, since many of the witnesses expressed concern about retaliation from Mr. Esshaki, indicating they did not know if he had the ability to interfere with their employment.

Hudson said there was no claim that Esshaki committed any acts of violence.However, the reliable evidence supports the conclusion that Mr. Esshaki engaged in conduct and made comments that violated the workplace conduct policy adopted by the Road Commission for Oakland County/Board of County Road Commissioners, Oakland County. Specifically, Mr. Esshaki engaged in behavior that constituted a threat of violence, and which constituted intimidation and harassment.

The Road Commission of Oakland County Violence in the Workplace policy states, it is the Policy of this Board that the Road Commission for Oakland County will not tolerate any threat, direct or implied, or physical conduct by or against any Road Commission employee which results in harm to people or property, or which creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment.

Only the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has the authority to appoint and terminate the appointment of Road Commissioners.

The 7 Investigators have reached out to the Board for comment.

Esshakis attorney, David Gorcyca, provided WXYZ with the same statement he gave to Hudson as she was conducting the investigation:

The 7 Investigators reached out to Mersino after learning of the incident in June to ask him if he would agree to an interview. Mersino did agree to be interviewed, but did not seek out WXYZ in any way.

Mersinos Bloomfield Township Police report also indicates he was making the report to document the incident. He did not request a criminal investigation, so the report would not have been sent to the prosecutors office.

Mr. Esshakis comments cannot reasonably be described as 'shop talk' or a joking conversation between friends or colleagues. As a Road Commissioner, he holds a position of power over Mr. Mersino. Arguably, he should be held to a higher standard of behavior, but at a minimum, he should follow the workplace conduct policy, Hudson wrote in the report.

Only the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has the authority to appoint and terminate the appointment of Road Commissioners. The 7 Investigators have reached out to the Board to inquire about their next steps.

This investigation is yet another example of why we must hold Oakland County leaders to the highest standards. I opposed Mr. Esshakis RCOC appointment in January because his reputation already raised red flags about whether he was fit to lead. This report only confirms those concerns and underscores why protecting the safety and security of our employees through strong whistleblower protections is non-negotiable, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).

Hes one of the most powerful public officials in metro Detroitso why is he working for a private company thats trying to do business in cities across the region?

Families across metro Detroit have been speaking out against Sheetz during public comment at city council and commission meetings for months. The Pennsylvania-based gas station chain wants to add 50 to 60 stores in southeast Michigan, but Sheetz has been feeling the heat with some communities saying no.

And in the audience at some of those public meetings, you can find Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward.

Some local leaders say the mere presence of the commission chair at public meetings about Sheetz development can be intimidating for elected officials and potentially influence their decisions. Woodward denies that his presence is an influence.

During the January Farmington Hills City Council meeting, the Royal Oak Democrat is seen sitting next to a Sheetz real estate manager. In a video provided to the 7 Investigators by people in attendance, Woodward was also spotted in February at a Royal Oak public hearing on another Sheetz development that was later approved.

In the video, Woodward is asked if he is a paid consultant by Sheetz.

At the time, Woodward did not confirm that hes getting paid by the gas station chain, and can be seen waving his hand, telling the person asking him questions to shush.

Woodward and Sheetz have now both confirmed that Woodward has been working as a consultant for Sheetz for more than a year.

Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager at Sheetz, issued the following statement regarding Woodward:

Anthony Bartolotta is the Waterford Township Supervisor. He takes issue with Woodward's side gig.

"I don't think what Dave Woodward is doing is ethical, it's just, it is not," said Bartolotta.

Bartolotta says Woodward called him a few months ago to set up a meeting with Sheetz.

"He came to town hall here, we went to the conference room, and he discussed the plans, you know, Sheetz wanted to come in here, telling me how good Sheetz was," he said.

Bartolotta says Sheetz is looking to develop this property on Highland Road, so he referred Woodward and the Sheetz representative to his citys planning department. He also told us the Sheetz representative at the Waterford meeting appears to be the same man seen next to Woodward at the Farmington Hills City Council meeting.

"You want to get along with all your fellow elected officials in the county. So, I was open to meeting with [Woodward]," said Bartolotta.

"Did he say to you when he set up the meeting or at the meeting, I'm not here in my official role?" asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

"No, he never said that. He never said that at all," said Bartolotta. "Everybody knows who Dave Woodward is. But what shocked me is that he came as a consultant for Sheetz. You know, I just ... didn't feel right."

Woodwards consulting work is one of the reasons why Oakland County Commissioners Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) and Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) say they introduced resolutions to establish financial disclosures for public officials, a board of ethics for the county, and a whistleblower protection policy. But they say those resolutions appear to have stalled.

"I think it's outrageous. The people have a right to know if the person that they have elected has personal conflicts of interest ... its a perfect example of why Oakland County needs financial disclosure," said Nelson.

"So in a matter of a couple weeks, we could have passed these things and had sunlight be the disinfectant that we need for good government, but that didn't happen," said Cavell.

Woodward says he isnt hiding that Sheetz is a client of his consulting company, Woodward and Associates.

"I'm a big fan of the product and I'm happy to provide part-time advisory support for their growth in Michigan," said Woodward.

"Isn't that a conflict of interest for you as an elected official?" asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

"Absolutely not. There is no conflict. I have never voted on a Sheetz proposal. I will never vote on a Sheetz proposal. If ever in the future there was an issue that came up that was a conflict, I would recuse myself," he said.

"But have you ever used any of your influence as the head of this commission to make anything happen for Sheetz?" asked Catallo.

"Well, like I said, my role as a county commissioner is a part-time role, and I have other work outside that. And so my mere presence, I don't believe, actually does that," said Woodward.

Woodward would not tell me how much Sheetz is paying him, nor would he disclose which other businesses he works with. He added he believes competitors of Sheetz are the ones stirring up much of public controversy about his role with the company.

He makes about $78,000 as the commission chair.

Meanwhile, 19 Sheetz locations have already been approved across Southeast Michigan:

Theres been a battle brewing at the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

Two Oakland County commissioners say they decided to leave the majority caucus because they felt votes on important issues were changing during meetings of the Democratic majority that are not recorded.

They did not resign as commissioners they just left their caucus. But now they say theyre being retaliated against and stripped of their committee assignments.

Oakland County Commissioners Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) and Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) have not been shy about demanding more transparency from Commission Chair Dave Woodward and other county leaders.

Thats why Nelson and Cavell say that in early May, they introduced three resolutions to create a board of ethics, to establish financial disclosure rules for county officials, and to create a whistleblower protection policy.

But Nelson and Cavell say those resolutions have stalled.

"I'm not quite sure why we're shying away from increasing transparency, increasing our accountability, because at the end of the day, we need to make sure that the things and the decisions that we make are based upon the best interest of the residents across Oakland County," said Nelson.

Cavell said, "These are things that Chair Woodward and County Executive Coulter were supportive of and endorsed and helped draft back in 2010 and 2012 when they were in the minority."

Cavell and Nelson say after years of raising transparency concerns, in July, they decided to leave the Democratic caucus, the meeting of the Board of Commissioners in the majority party, where a lot of decisions get made.

Caucus is an internal voluntary group of commissioners who choose to meet and coordinate strategies. Commissioners say attendance at caucus is not reflected in board rules, unlike attendance at board meetings, and caucus membership is not a requirement of serving on board committees.

"What can seem like some sort of internal squabble amongst like local petty politicians arguing about he said, she said, or this guy's being mean to us and we wish we had more say. I think fundamentally the thing that is important to note is ... what we saw happen from our perspective is there is a pattern of bad behavior ... we asked to be heard, to make our community stronger, and have people trust that government is working for them. And we were told no," said Cavell.

After they announced that decision, Chair Woodward sent Nelson and Cavell a letter removing them from their committees. Nelson says board rules do not allow this.

"The chair of the board of commissioners does not have unilateral authority to remove members from standing committees ... I am here in good faith to fulfill my responsibilities as an elected official, and to participate in this committee's work on behalf of the residents of Oakland County," said Nelson during a committee meeting last week.

7 Investigator Heather Catallo caught up with Woodward after Thursday's Democratic caucus meeting.

"Why did you remove two of the members of the Democratic majority from their committee assignments?" asked Catallo.

"There were two Democrats that resigned from the Democratic caucus. And the committee assignments are assignments of the Democratic caucus. And so they removed themselves," said Woodward.

When questioned asked why they were removed when the board rules say only the full body can vote to remove them from committee assignments, Woodward said "the board rule says that they are seats of the caucus." He did not directly address the question about the need for a full vote to remove them from committee.

During Thursdays public meeting, the commission minority chair asked for a legal opinion about Woodward removing Nelson and Cavell from their committees, but Woodward dismissed that, so it appears no legal opinion will be sought.

"What do you say to these claims that you're not being transparent or ethical?" asked Catallo.

"I'm being 100% transparent and ethical," said Woodward.

For more than a decade, the Road Commission for Oakland County has been saving for a new building that would finally bring most of its staff together on one campus.

But after spending millions of dollars to start the project, some road commission employees say county politics put the brakes on their plans and wasted your tax dollars.

The Road Commission for Oakland County is a separate entity from county government except for one thing: the Oakland County Commission appoints the three road commissioners who oversee the agency in charge of county roads.

Road commission employees tell the 7 Investigators one of those recent appointments has caused a lot of political drama, resulting in allegations of threats of violence, money wasted and interference from the highest levels of the county.

Road Commission for Oakland County employees say their sole mission is safety.

We all worked hard to make the roads better, which they are in Oakland County. And to save lives, said former Road Commissioner Ron Fowkes.

The road commission is responsible for maintaining more than 2,700 miles of county roads and about 1500 traffic signals. Fowkes said they pride themselves on Oakland Countys fatality rate being half the state and national average.

The three political appointees in charge of the agency are responsible for the commissions $178 million budget. Fowkes said thats why during his 12 years on the road commission, they carefully set aside millions of dollars for a new headquarters building on the same campus as their main operations center in Waterford.

To bring everybody under one roof, said Fowkes.

Road Commission officials said the new $43 million headquarters would improve efficiency by consolidating about 200 employees spread between three aging buildings across the county. They also said it would cost less than renovating their existing buildings.

We have to buy a lot of property for right-of-way. Well, after a year or two, the utilities are moved and all the work is done, you can sell that property and that's where the majority of it went, said Fowkes.

So you guys pinched your pennies and saved over the years to put money in this building fund? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

Yes, said Fowkes. The county was aware of it for 12 years.

Last August, commissioners voted to hire a contractor and they broke ground on the new site in the fall.

Road commission records showed the agency did not use gas tax funds or money earmarked for roads for the project. A spokesman said they also secured a $5 million federal grant to upgrade their Traffic Operations Center, but now employees say that grant and the entire project are in jeopardy.

Road Commission officials said the building plans started to hit red lights in January when road commissioner political appointees shuffled.

Road Commissioner Andrea LaLonde had asked the Oakland County Commissioners if she could serve another 6-year term.

Im going to be supporting Commissioner Lalonde, because she has shown she can execute that knowledge, said Oakland County Commissioner Karen Joliat (R-Independence Twp.) at a January 13, 2025 Legislative Affairs and Government Operations (LAGO) Committee meeting.

I think experience, wisdom, knowledge prevails with Andrea, said Commissioner Penny Luebs (D-Clawson) during that same committee meeting.

But LaLonde was not re-appointed. Instead, during that LAGO committee meeting, a new name appeared on the agenda: Birmingham real estate developer James Esshaki.

Do we have a resume? At minimum, do we have a resume? asked Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Sylvan Lake). So, who brought this name initially forward? Im asking this because as a member of the Legislative Affairs and Government [Operations] committee, weve never heard this name I dont agree with the process that was followed.

This process was consistent that has been the process for 20-plus years, said Oakland County Commission Chair David Woodward (D-Royal Oak).

Despite the heated debate in that committee meeting at the county, Esshaki was appointed by the full board.

I would like to congratulate the appointment of James Esshaki to the road commission, announced Chair Woodward at the full commission meeting a short time later.

The next month, meeting minutes showed Woodward told the road commissioners that the county supports a moratorium on the construction currently in progress of the new administration building," and Esshaki made a motion to suspend the work, a delay that records show cost taxpayers more than $2 million.

Meeting minutes show Commissioner Esshaki later suggested the road commission should look at moving to the countys Executive Office Building, which will be vacant when the county offices move to downtown Pontiac in 2027 as part of a $174 million project.

But according to engineering records, renovating that property for the road commissions specialized needs would cost more than the new headquarters building: $55 million.

While not every road commission employee supported the idea of a new headquarters, many employees told us they were furious with what they call the countys interference with a separate agency.

I pray to God the county does not move forward on taking us over, said Mary Gillis during an Oakland County Commission meeting in April.

I just wanted to voice my frustration at the lack of transparency which is going on between this board and the road commission. We experienced an undeniable interference from this board, said Stephen Guerra at the April Oakland County Commission meeting.

In my 35 years, I've never seen anything like this. You guys are taking this like a power trip. Its sad, said Road Commission Foreman Walter Mersino Jr. about the new road commissioner's plans.

Mersino says he has worked at the road commission for 35 years. Hes one of many long-time employees who spoke out during public comment at some of those recent public meetings, questioning Road Commissioner Esshaki about why he supported cancelling the plans for the new building.

You said the road commissions doing things underhandedly, but you guys are doing things underhandedly. You weren't even part of this building. And all of a sudden you come in, and now this building is being suspended? Who's pulling your strings? asked Mersino.

Mersino said when he was on a job site in Bloomfield Township in June, the foreman and a coworker got a surprise visit from Commissioner Esshaki.

He goes 'why don't you talk to me now, it's just me and you. You don't have your crowd behind you now,' said Merisno.

Mersino said he tried not to engage with the road commissioner and tried to back up his work truck to leave.

So then I proceeded to start to back up, and he says, that's right. Leave little girl. So I stopped and said, don't talk to me like that. And that's when he says, this guy [the coworker] can leave, and me and you can go behind those trees and handle this. I said I'm not going do that ... and he just kept picking, picking. So I started to leave again. He said the same thing. 'That's right, leave little girl,'" said Mersino.

Mersino did leave and then filed a police report and an incident report with the road commission.

"I just felt threatened for my job. That's how I felt. I felt threatened. Like this guy is trying to take my 35 years and flush it down the toilet," he said.

Mersino said he believes Esshakis actions violate the Road Commissions Violence in the Workplace Policy, which states the commission will not tolerate any threat, direct or implied which creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment. The road commission is investigating the incident.

The 7 Investigators caught up with the road commissioner at a public meeting to ask him about the allegations that he wanted to fight the road commission employee.

"Id like to know if youd like to respond to that? Why did you call him a little girl?" asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

"Just remember theres two sides to the story ... I have no comment now, thank you," said Esshaki.

Esshaki later told us he did not threaten the employee, but did not comment beyond that. He refused our repeated requests to do an interview. After Commissioner Nancy Quarles resigned in late May, that left just Esshaki and Road Commission Chair Eric McPherson to vote on the building deal. They both voted to cancel it even though millions had already been spent.

McPherson had previously voted in support of the building. He declind to respond to our questions about why he changed his vote.

It was a decision that angered many former and current employees.

"I told them that they were violating their oath of office ... because you get sworn in just like the President of the United States, because you're handling people's money and you're dealing with people's lives... They have no idea what they're doing, they're clueless," said Fowkes.

Meanwhile, County Commission Chair Dave Woodward told the 7 Investigators he questioned the fiscal responsibility of the road commission building a new headquarters with all of the road funding needs the county has, but it's not clear why this is all happening now.

County records showed Woodward and two other commissioners formed a committee to study the road commissions operations back in 2022, and road commission employees say the new building was discussed during Woodward's committee meetings.