Kildee takes aim at Cox over foreclosure issues

Democratic candidate for governor Dan Kildee says Mike Cox should reconsider having David Trott, head of the foreclosure legal firm Trott and Trott, as a member of his Business and Finance Advisory Committee.

“I think people who run for office have a responsibility to make sure that the interests that support them represent the broad interests of the people of the state,” Kildee told Michigan Messenger in an exclusive interview Wednesday. “It certainly raises the question in these times — in any other time perhaps not — but in these times, it does raise the question as to whether or not [Trott's involvement] is appropriate. When you think of all the pain the people are going through dealing with this foreclosure crisis, I think, if nothing else, it shows some insensitivity.”

Cox announced Trott would serve on the committee in April of 2009.

A press release at the time quoted Cox on the new committee:

“I am humbled and honored that these talented and respected professionals from across Michigan are supporting my bid to turn around our state,” said Cox. “Michigan is in dire need of leadership and I am honored these leaders are standing up to join our effort.”

Trott has come under scrutiny since he rented office space to the campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) in his bid for the presidency in 2008.

But Cox’s ties to Trott are not the only thing Kildee raised concerns about.

As Michigan Messenger , the Office of Financial and Insurance Services has said that since January of 2008, it has referred 15 cases of criminal mortgage fraud to Cox in his capacity as Attorney General. To date, OFIS officials say they are uncertain if any action has been taken in those cases.

That revelation led to state Rep. Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) and state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) to calling on Cox to explain the lack of enforcement. Meadows even indicated the possibility of seeking a subpoena to force the AG to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. The Committee moved a resolution to the floor of the House, but no action has been taken.

“This is all a case of making sure that we are sending the right messages. That we are all going to be held to a higher standard,” said Kildee after acknowledging he was troubled by the lack of enforcement action from Cox on the alleged criminal mortgage fraud cases. “When people are losing their property they needed to be afforded all their rights and when people are the victims of various actions by unscrupulous lenders, there needs to be a price that the lenders pay.”