MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Macomb County clerk Karen Spranger is at odds with the county over how she does her job.
The county is pushing new technology it thinks will boost efficiency, but Spranger is pushing back. The battle has escalated to the point of a potential lawsuit, but Spranger is going to great lengths to avoid talking about it.
Spranger hid in the bathroom as Local 4 tried to ask about her potential lawsuit against the board of commissioners. When she finally emerged, she didn't answer any questions.
Local 4 followed Spranger down six flights of stairs trying to get a comment, but she wouldn't talk. You can see some of the attempts in the video posted above.
Although Local 4 cameras could see the clerk, her lawyer, Frank Cusumano, said Spranger was busy and unavailable to talk.
Spranger is considering suing the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. In January, the board implemented an electronic agenda management system. Spranger said it takes away from her duties.
"She believes that the county commissioners cannot unilaterally take those duties away from her," Cusumano said. "She intends to protect those duties for the office."
"This new system is not denying her any ability to do her job," board chair Bob Smith said. "She can still come in here, she can take notes, she can takes minutes, but she doesn't have to."
Spranger was newly elected as Macomb County clerk in November.
"Anyone can file a lawsuit," Cusumano said. "She'll have her day in court."
You can watch Priya Mann's full story in the video posted above.
Stay with ClickOnDetroit.com for updates.