Meijer May Have Violated State Campaign Law

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Meijer, Inc. here said it may have violated the state's campaign finance act when it supported a recall election in Acme Township, Mich., where the retailer in 2005 put in a proposal to build a retail development.

According to a statement the retailer released this week, following an internal investigation, "Meijer may have violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act in relation to efforts surrounding a 2005 referendum election to overturn a moratorium on the development of 'big box superstores' in Acme Township".

The statement went on to say that Meijer "also potentially violated the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by providing corporate funds to support a recall election of township officials held in 2007.

"We are troubled and concerned by what has occurred. Meijer accepts full responsibility, and we apologize for the violation of trust these actions caused."

The company further pledged to continue to cooperate with a state investigation, and said it would accept any resulting penalties and fines, adding that it might also take personnel actions related to the case and also adopt additional internal measures.

"We value the partnerships we have had with many communities throughout Michigan over the past 75 years," the retailer said. "These relationships have been built on trust and loyalty. We pledge to take necessary steps to restore that trust again."
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