Don't Elect Anyone Under 30

The sister-in-law of former Michigan state house speaker Lee Chatfield recently leveled allegations of sexual assault against him.  While denying the allegations, Chatfield admitted to having an affair with the woman, who is the wife of his brother.  The criminal allegations will be investigated, but what Chatfield admitted is bad enough.

Chatfield is only 33, and was 25 when he was first elected.  This is only the latest of many cases of young people who attain political office, abuse their position of trust, and suffer public humiliation.  This has happened many times before.  Here are some notable example, all from Michigan politics.

State rep. Steve Marino (R) decided it would be a good idea to have a fling with state rep. Mari Manoogian (D).  When the relationship turned sour, he sent her a series of bizarre text messages, threatening to make it his “life mission to destroy” her and hoping her “car explodes”.  Aside from the fact that this was wrong, it was also incredibly stupid.  Text messages are recorded.  Marino gave a political opponent something she could use to humiliate him.  She eventually did so, obtaining a restraining order.  While Marino will likely finish his final term this year, his political career is finished.  He was elected to the Macomb County Commission at 25, state rep at 27, and is now 32.

State rep Jewell Jones drove drunk and crashed his car in April 2021.  When a police officer stopped at the scene, Jones resisted arrest.  He attempted to use his position as a state rep and ties to Governor Whitmer to avoid accountability.  After repeatedly violating parole, he was eventually sent to jail for several months by a judge.  He was elected to the Inkster City Council at 20, and state rep at 21.

State rep Paul Scott had a love child with a staffer while he was running for Secretary of State in 2010.  He lost at the convention to Ruth Johnson.  Later, the MEA organized a recall campaign against him.  Their stated reason was opposition to education reforms being pushed by the GOP.  However, it seems likely that Scott's personal conduct contributed to the success of the recall.  Notably, another R was elected to replace Scott, who had first been elected at age 26.

Michael Sessions was elected mayor of Hillsdale at only 18 years old in 2005.  He then hacked his friend’s computer and deleted some of his accounts.  He eventually pled no contest to charges related to the incident.

Of course, politicians of all ages can be involved in scandals.  What distinguishes young politicians such as those above is how immature their actions were.

Obviously, not every young elected official gets into trouble.  Some successes in Michigan include John Engler and Joe Hune.  Yet even for them, would it have hurt to have more life experience before assuming public office?  Voters should treat candidates under 30 with skepticism, and carefully consider whether they have the necessary maturity to hold office.  (And yes, I believed this when I was under 30.)