City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero will appear on the August primary ballot for District 6 after taking legal action to reverse her disqualification over an unpaid fine.
Santiago-Romero’s campaign provided BridgeDetroit with a draft court order from Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Patricia Fresard reinstating Santiago-Romero to the ballot, which was “mutually agreed upon” with the Detroit City Clerk. The campaign expects Fresard to sign the order Tuesday.
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The Wayne County Clerk last week waived a $250 late fee that was charged to Santiago-Romero’s reelection campaign committee after she mistakenly filed a financial report under the wrong category last October. Detroit Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett confirmed Friday that waiving the fee led the city’s attorneys to agree that Santaigo-Romero’s name should be on the ballot.
“The Wayne County Clerk supplied proof that the council person did not owe the fee as originally listed,” Mallett said in an email.
Santiago-Romero sprang into action after being informed of her disqualification last week. Her campaign filed a lawsuit led by prominent Democratic attorney Mark Brewer and publicly pressured the clerk to reinstate her, arguing her removal was “undemocratic” and based on mistakes made by election officials.
“I’m relieved that the facts have been cleared up, and I’m qualified to be on the ballot,” Santiago-Romero said in a statement. “Last week was truly a nightmare, and the hardest week I’ve ever had as a candidate. What kept me hopeful was the outpouring of support I received daily from our community – this fight was never about me, it was about us. I look forward to continuing to campaign to represent our district.”
Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett granted Santiago-Romero’s request to waive the late fee, determining the campaign demonstrated “good cause.” Garrett said it’s difficult to waive fees under restrictive state law, but it is allowed in cases of “unintentional factors beyond the filer’s control not stemming from a negligent act or non-action.”
Santiago-Romero is being challenged by state Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit. Anita Martin submitted signatures to run in District 6 but was not certified as of April 29, according to the Detroit Department of Elections.
The two candidates who earn the most votes in the Aug. 5 primary will compete head-to-head in the general election.