East Michigan News

LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jim Runestad has expressed dissatisfaction with the response provided by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin Messer regarding allegations of negligence and fraud. Runestad criticized the generic nature of the response, stating, "Rather than taking the time to research answers to my direct questions, Mr. Messer and MEDC opted to write a generic letter that highlighted the importance of MEDC’s role as a fiduciary but did nothing to speak on how Ms. Beydoun was allowed to frivolously spend taxpayer dollars under MEDC’s watch or to answer any of the questions I asked."

Runestad reiterated his demand for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for specific answers from MEDC regarding the oversight of a $20 million grant given to MEDC executive committee member Fay Beydoun. He raised concerns about Beydoun's alleged misuse of funds, including personal salary and other frivolous expenditures.

"I had hoped that MEDC would come clean and provide responses to my questions," Runestad stated. "However, their April 19 response makes it clear that they are only interested in protecting themselves and not accountability and transparency. I will continue to demand these answers from MEDC until they provide them to me, and more importantly, Michigan taxpayers."

Senator Runestad remains committed to seeking clarification and holding MEDC accountable for the alleged negligence and misuse of taxpayer funds.