The office of Michigan attorney general Mike Cox (R) participated in 18 months of negotiations with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe but it wasn't until Thursday that he filed an objection to a landmark settlement.

Cox is concerned about law enforcement on the Isabella Reservation. He says the settlement cedes authority that otherwise requires approval of the state Legislature.

“I wish he came out with this 18 months ago, instead of after the fact,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Jim Holton told Central Michigan Life “I still believe we do have a deal and I think the federal judge will rule that way.”

"The governor, city, county and tribe are all in agreement except the attorney general,” tribal spokesperson Frank Cloutier added.

Turtle Talk has posted materials from the case, including Cox's objection.

Get the Story:
Attorney general challenges settlement in tribal lawsuit; Mount Pleasant Mayor Holton: ‘I still believe we do have a deal’ (Central Michigan Life 11/12)
Mike Cox has reservations about Saginaw Chippewa deal (AP 11/12)

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