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AUGUST 9, 2023 Vol. 43, No. 17
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS
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Fouts files federal lawsuit, wants back in mayoral race WARREN MAYOR SUES CITY COUNCIL, CLAIMS CONSTITUTIONAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — Mayor James Fouts is taking his legal fight with the City Council to federal court. Alleging his constitutional and civil rights were violated when he was removed from the ballot for the upcoming Warren mayoral primary election, Fouts is now seeking to be on the ballot for what would have to be a special election in the weeks to come. The four-term mayor was joined by his legal team at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom Aug. 2 to announce the lawsuit, filed on his behalf in U.S. District Court against the Warren City Council, the Warren Election Commission, and Warren City Clerk Sonja Buffa and Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini in their official capacities. Flanked by his attorney, Nabih Ayad of Ayad Law, P.L.L.C., and a group of political supporters, Fouts stood at the lectern as Ayad addressed the four-count complaint alleging violations of Fouts’ constitutional rights that led to civil rights violations. According to the complaint, Fouts’ civil rights were violated under the U.S. Constitution: specifically, the First Amendment, the Fifth Amendment and the 14th Amendment. A fourth count seeks a declaratory judgment. Count I, according to the complaint, alleges that Fouts’ First Amendment rights were violated when he was taken off the 2023 ballot. “The ultimate expression of one’s political speech is
Mayor James Fouts was flanked by his attorney and political supporters at a press conference Aug. 2 announcing a lawsuit against the Warren City Council and local elections officials. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
See FOUTS on page 10A
The Aug. 9 edition went to press before the Aug. 8 primary election. Check candgnews.com and the Aug. 23 issue for coverage of Warren’s primary election for mayor, clerk and City Council.
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