Troy Council Approves Controversial Planning Commission Nomination

Troy City Council voted 4-3 Monday night to approve Gordon Schepke's nomination* to the Troy Planning Commission. Schepke replaces incumbent Lon Ullmann, whose term expired Dec. 31 and who was seeking reappointment.

Council also voted unanimously to approve nominations for current Planning Commissioners Robert Schultz and Thomas Strat, whose terms also ended Dec. 31. The nominations came after a motion to postpone the remaining two appointments by Troy Mayor Janice Daniels, who had hoped to nominate Steve Johanssen and Steve Lokken in addition to Schepke, failed.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment during which many individuals said they were concerned about Schepke's qualifications as a planning commission nominee. Schepke served on the city's Traffic Committee until his term expired on Jan. 31.**

“We need the best-qualified people on the Planning Commission if we want to continue to develop as a world-class city," said Tom Krent, a current planning commissioner.

"Next to the mayor and City Council, the Planning Commission has the biggest influence ... on Troy," Edna Abraham said during public comment. "The work that they do is seen and felt by every resident. ... We ask you to vote for people who will reflect the value and wishes of our diverse community."

"I urge you to reject the nomination of Gordon Schepke to the Planning Commission," Troy resident Matt Binkowski said during public comment.

Councilman Dane Slater also questioned Schepke's qualifications, saying: "I’m not looking at the negatives, I’m looking at his qualifications, and to me, it’s a no-brainer that any one of the three (incumbents) would be more qualified than Schepke," who has not served on a planning commission.

"I think that it’s absolutely imperative that we consider qualifications" when considering appointments to the commission, said Mayor Pro Tem Maureen McGinnis. "We really need to focus on those who are able to contribute."

Some, including Michigan Department of Civil Rights Director Daniel Krichbaum, commented on Schepke's use of the word "chi-com" – an that was used during the Korean War – during a recent City Council meeting. "Troy today is being portrayed as xenophobic and backward," Krichbaum said. "We have to especially work on respecting everything. When we have these kinds of racial slurs … we need to put a stop to it."

Sook Wilkinson, chairperson for the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC), attended the meeting specifically to discuss Schepke's comment and request an apology from council for allowing the use of the term. "(We) are ready and willing to work with you to make Troy a welcoming and diverse place," Wilkinson said.

Troy Chamber of Commerce President Michele Hodges agreed. "We all want what's best for Troy," she said.

Schepke, who took to the podium to defend himself, did not deny using the derogatory term, though he said it was not meant to be negative nor directed toward all Chinese people.

"I never realized I was such a racist," Schepke said. "I would like to not apologize for those comments – I would like to show you where they came from."

Schepke said that while on a trip to China, he grew to dislike some Chinese leaders who "(don't) respect human rights."

He added: "I hate it when somebody tries to tear somebody else down over something that was unintended, and I am grateful for this opportunity to ... express my love for the Chinese people.”

Councilman Dave Henderson defended Schepke, saying he "doesn't have a racist bone in his body."

"I don’t know Mr. Schepke that well, but I believe I do know his heart," Councilman Wade Fleming said. "We need to forgive. We say the wrong things. Let’s apologize and move on."

He added, "Maybe all of us need to be more careful with our words.”

In the end, Schepke's appointment was successful with Daniels, Fleming, Henderson and Councilman Doug Tietz voting yes while Councilman Jim Campbell, Slater and  McGinnis voted no. Council will vote to approve the three nominees at the council's Feb. 20 regular meeting.

Also during the meeting:

• City Council approved an application for a Class C Quota License and SDM Liquor License for 2Booli, a new Mediterranean-themed restaurant to be located in Troy.
• Council also discussed the 2010-11 City Council Rules of Procedure in a study session near the end of the meeting.

*We originally reported that council voted to appoint Schepke, Schultz and Strat to the Planning Commission. To clarify, Council approved their nominations on Monday and will vote to approve the final appointments during the council's Feb. 20 meeting.

**We originally reported Schepke was still on the traffic committee; however, his term ended last month.