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Wayne County Commission Shut Down Youth Council Without Warning — But a Bigger Future is Here
For 7 years, the Youth Council gave young people a voice — no scandals, no problems. Yet the Wayne County Commission voted to eliminate it without notice, blocked public comments, and hurled false accusations against me with no proof. This was an orchestrated attack, not a fair process.
But when one door closes, another opens wider. I am continuing the Youth Council in partnership with Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett’s office — same mission, bigger and better programs. Applications are open now until Sept. 15. Call 313-224-0884 or email Wayneyo...@gmail.com for details.
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Serious Allegations
I do want to address a very serious allegation made by Commissioner David Knezek during the Full Board Commission meeting on August 7, 2025 where I made a motion to rescind the commissioners vote to eliminate the Wayne County Commission Youth Council. He implied that I had done something wrong — when, in fact, nothing improper occurred. The record speaks for itself, and anyone can watch the Special Committee on Youth meeting and follow the facts below:
Watch Special Youth Commission Meeting
Facts:
At the December meeting — in which Commissioner Knezek was not present and has never attended a Special Youth Committee or Youth Council meeting — maybe because he is business working full-time in Lansing, the agenda item in question was not about “going to Washington.” It was about whether to fund the youth trip and whether it was “a good use of taxpayer dollars.” The Commissioners voted no to funding the trip. In fact, they would not even approve something as small as food costs for our Detroit Tigers Youth Game Day — costs that I personally pay in advance. This, despite the fact that the Youth Council budget was $50,000, of which since the inception I plan and have only used $5,000 annually.
As the President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Women’s Council, I was launching a National County-to-County Youth Initiative and wanted Wayne County youth to have the opportunity to participate. When the trip to Washington was not funded, I stated openly and transparently during the meeting that I would raise the money myself.
It’s important to note that our staff counsel provides legal opinions — she does not dictate the actions of any one commissioner, nor do the Chair or other commissioners have authority over decisions made within my office. In my official capacity as District 6 Commissioner, I determined the trip was worth the potential liability. Our Commission staff prepared a permission slip for youth and parents to sign, and during that meeting, parents spoke in support of the trip, stating they were willing to fund their child’s airfare — and they did. Parents also agreed in writing to waive any liability against both Wayne County and my office.
I’m proud to share that Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Shri Thanedar, and Councilwoman Mary Waters stepped in to help make it possible. While in Washington, our youth represented Wayne County with pride — advocating for the National County-to-County Youth Council, visiting congressional offices, touring the U.S. Capitol, and exploring the Smithsonian. Every single dollar raised for the trip was properly accounted for.
Monique Baker McCormick, MBA, Veteran
President Women of NACo
Chair Special Committee on Youth
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