To the Journal editor:

I must say that I was quite happy when I learned that the City of Ishpeming elected Bonnie Hoff to represent them as their new attorney.

As many people are aware, Bonnie represented Marquette as their city attorney until she was fired in 2005 by members of the city commission. This unfortunate event turned into a four-year-long battle for Ms. Hoff which I’m certain caused her an incredible amount of stress not only in her professional, but also in her private life as well.

Following this action by the City of Marquette, a lawsuit was filed against them for breach of contract. In 2006 the circuit court ruled in her favor indicating that the city commission had violated the Open Meetings Act.

This ruling was also upheld by the Michigan State Court of Appeals, and the state Supreme Court, which agreed that she had been fired illegally. As an aside, four of the commissioners involved in this dispute were later recalled from office.

As Marquette lost a very competent and professional attorney through their own misdeeds, Ishpeming has certainly gained one. With that being said, I offer my congratulations to Bonnie Hoff, and certainly wish her the best.

Bruce Gustafson

Marquette