Larry C. Inman
Larry Inman | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 10, 1954 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, Banker |
| Known for | Member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 104th District |
Larry Charles Inman (born April 10, 1954) is a politician affiliated with the Republican Party who served as the representative for Michigan's 104th District in the Michigan House of Representatives. His tenure began following his victory in the November 2014 elections and included representing Grand Traverse County.
Personal life
Inman obtained an associate degree in science from Northwestern Michigan College in 1974, followed by a bachelor’s degree in science from Northern Michigan University in 1976.
He is recognized as a historian and collector specializing in Amelia Earhart, actively participating in the creation of a mobile museum exhibit and initiatives aimed at discovering her aircraft. Initially captivated by the RMS Titanic, his interest transitioned to Earhart after the Titanic was located in 1985. By mid-2015, Inman had dedicated close to to acquiring Earhart-related artifacts.
His community involvement includes volunteering with Junior Achievement, engaging with the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, serving as a volunteer probation officer for Michigan’s 86th District Court, and contributing to the Curriculum Advisory Committee at Northwestern Michigan College.
Professional life
Inman's professional journey started with a short internship within the Consumer Protection Division of the Michigan Attorney General. In 1979, he embarked on a career at Huntington National Bank—formerly known as Empire National Bank of Traverse City—beginning as a loan adjuster and culminating in his retirement in 2007 as vice president and senior commercial loan officer-sales executive.
Public Office
Inman began his public service career in 1992 when he was elected to the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners, where he served for over two decades. During this tenure, he assumed key leadership positions, including president of the Michigan Association of Counties Board from 2002 to 2003. Additionally, he was a member of the National Association of Counties Board and participated on its Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Board, which he chaired on two occasions.
His regional involvement extended to chairing the Northwest Regional Airport Commission, overseeing Cherry Capital Airport, and holding seats on various boards such as the State of Michigan Community Corrections Board and the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. Inman also fulfilled duties as a trustee at Northern Michigan University during two separate periods: from 2002 to 2006 and again in 2009–2010.
Michigan House of Representatives
In November 2014, Inman secured election to represent Michigan’s 104th District in the House of Representatives for a term beginning January 2015. He led the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Affairs as chair, served as vice chair for the Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, and contributed to several other appropriations panels. However, after his indictment, Inman was stripped of all committee roles.
Alleged Misconduct in Office
On May 14, 2019, Inman faced indictment for purportedly soliciting campaign contributions from labor unions in return for casting “no” votes against repealing Michigan’s prevailing wage legislation. Prosecutors presented text messages demonstrating Inman’s requests to union officials for donations aimed at opposing the repeal, despite his subsequent vote aligning with the majority to enact the repeal. The case included recorded telephone conversations and additional texts that sought financial support.
The charges leveled against Inman encompassed extortion, solicitation of a bribe through campaign donations, and providing false statements to the FBI; these offenses carry potential penalties of up to twenty years imprisonment. Following these developments, he was expelled from the House Republican caucus and prohibited from utilizing his office or staff resources.
Inman refuted all allegations, maintaining he has “never compromised the integrity of my vote” and intends to mount a robust defense. Michigan House Speaker Republican Lee Chatfield publicly demanded his resignation subsequent to the indictment.
Calls for Resignation
In June 2019, a resolution co-sponsored by Speaker Chatfield and House Minority Leader Christine Greig called on Inman to step down or face possible expulsion from the legislature. On June 6, Inman announced through legal counsel that he would pursue treatment for a potential prescription opioid dependency. Although Chatfield postponed expulsion proceedings during this period, he reiterated that resignation remained appropriate. On August 29, 2019, the Michigan House overwhelmingly passed a resolution urging Inman’s resignation by a vote of 98-8.
The trial commenced on December 3, 2019, at the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan under Chief Judge Robert Jonker. On December 10, Inman was acquitted of making false statements to the FBI; however, a mistrial was declared on charges related to attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe due to a deadlocked jury. Federal prosecutors announced plans for a retrial in January 2020, citing alleged juror misconduct. Judge Jonker expressed uncertainty over whether a second trial was required and voiced concerns about its potential deterrent impact on political fundraising activities. A ruling on whether to proceed with another trial was anticipated by mid-2020.
Despite being acquitted on one count, Inman resumed his legislative duties without access to his office space, staff assistance, committee assignments, or membership in the Republican Caucus. He has indicated intentions to petition Speaker Chatfield for reinstatement of these privileges while emphasizing that his office remains dedicated to serving constituents in Grand Traverse County and underscoring that he has not been convicted of any crime.
Recall initiative
In August 2019, the Board of State Canvassers authorized language for a group aiming to gather signatures to potentially initiate a recall election against Inman. By November 2019, the recall petition was dismissed because a word in the circulated petition did not precisely correspond to the approved wording. Despite this, nearly 14,000 signatures were collected, surpassing the number required to prompt a recall election.
On December 2, 2019, the Inman Recall Committee sought emergency relief to include the recall on the March 2020 ballot alongside Michigan's Presidential primary. The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal on December 20; however, on December 30, the Michigan Supreme Court reinstated the recall effort, determining that although there was a typographical error, the petition's reasons aligned with those initially approved.
In the end, the recall attempt failed after the state Bureau of Elections verified 11,993 valid signatures—falling short by 208 from the necessary 12,201. John Roth succeeded Inman.
Awards and recognition
Inman was honored with the Northwestern Michigan College Outstanding Alumni Award in 2005 and received the Northern Michigan University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.