State declines Flint councilman residency probe

TL;DR

State Returns Case: Michigan Department of State declined to investigate Flint 1st Ward Councilman Leon El-Alamin's residency, sending it back to City Clerk Davina Donahue.
Victim Affidavit Key: Affidavit claims El-Alamin lived with her in Mt. Morris Township from June 2023 to July 10, backed by mail to that address.
Local Action Possible: Donahue can challenge residency under election law if she finds the information reliable.

The story at a glance

The Michigan Department of State has ruled it won't probe claims that Flint City Councilman Leon El-Alamin lives outside his 1st Ward, leaving the matter to City Clerk Davina Donahue. The claims arose after El-Alamin's July 10 arrest on domestic violence and assault charges in Mt. Morris Township, where an affidavit from the alleged victim questions his Flint residency. This is being reported now after the state completed its review and notified the city.

Key points

City Clerk Donahue forwarded 26 pages to the state, including a notarized affidavit from the victim stating she and El-Alamin lived together on West Sherman Avenue in Mt. Morris Township from June 2023 until July 10.
Mail addressed to El-Alamin was found at the Mt. Morris address; city records list his residence as East Mott Avenue in Flint's 1st Ward.
El-Alamin was elected last November in a special election to finish the term of the late Eric Mays.
He faces felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and misdemeanor domestic violence; he's free on $7,500 bond with a preliminary exam next week.
El-Alamin resumed council meetings earlier this month after missing over six weeks post-arrest and claims innocence.
Three council members tried to get him to suspend duties on Sept. 3, but the measure failed for lack of votes.
Flint charter requires council members to reside in their ward and forfeit seats for violations or felony convictions.

Details and context

The residency question stems from El-Alamin's arrest by Mt. Morris Township police on a domestic violence complaint from West Sherman Avenue. The victim had facial lacerations and neck marks; an arrest warrant followed since El-Alamin wasn't at the scene. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton confirmed these details.

Donahue did not comment this week. State press secretary Sam May said the agency reviewed the case—tied to a locally certified race—and returned it, telling Donahue how to handle challenges under election law.

El-Alamin provided documentation affirming his 1st Ward residency and has no plans to resign.

Key quotes

Leon El-Alamin in a statement: “My dedication to serving Flint remains unwavering, and I am proud to represent our city and its constituents. Let’s focus on the important work ahead of us, addressing the challenges facing our community and working together for a brighter future.”

Sam May, Department of State press secretary: “Since this is related to a race certified by the local clerk and the residency question is related to one of their candidates, complaints about residency or allegations about the validity of local candidate filing should be addressed to and handled by the local clerk.”

Why it matters

Residency rules ensure council members represent their actual wards, so questions like this test enforcement of Flint's city charter amid ongoing council tensions. For Flint residents, it means Donahue's potential action could lead to a seat vacancy or special election, affecting local decisions. Watch if Donahue challenges El-Alamin or if his criminal case advances to trial, as a felony conviction would force forfeiture.

What changed

City Clerk Donahue forwarded residency evidence to the state for review; the state completed its review, declined to investigate, and returned the case to her for local handling under election law.

FAQ

Q: What evidence questions El-Alamin's residency?

A: A notarized affidavit from the domestic violence victim claims they lived together in Mt. Morris Township from June 2023 to July 10, supported by mail addressed to him there. City records show his listed address as East Mott Avenue in Flint's 1st Ward. Donahue sent 26 pages of such information to the state.

Q: Why did the state decline to investigate?

A: The Department of State said residency complaints for locally certified races should go to the city clerk. Press secretary Sam May noted they informed Donahue on processing challenges if she finds the info reliable. The agency completed its review and returned the case.

Q: What is El-Alamin's response to the claims?

A: He provided documentation affirming his 1st Ward residency and said his dedication to Flint remains unwavering. He claims innocence on the charges and has no intent to resign. He resumed council meetings earlier this month.

Q: What criminal charges does El-Alamin face?

A: Felony assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and misdemeanor domestic violence. The arrest warrant followed police seeing the victim's injuries on July 10; he's free on $7,500 bond with a preliminary exam next week.