State Rep. Al Pscholka defended his authorship of the Fiscal Accountability Act in a “I told you so”-type statement issued this week.

The Stevensville Republican came under fire from some Benton Harbor residents in 2011 for his bill that increased the power of emergency financial managers in Michigan.

The unpopularity of Pscholka’s support of the act led to protests, press conferences and an unsuccessful attempt to recall him from office.

Pscholka

But in the statement Pscholka touted the success of the Fiscal Accountability Act, passed in March of last year, arguing it has brought about “real change.” Pscholka said that Joe Harris, the emergency manager that former Gov. Jennifer Granholm enlisted to take over financially struggling Benton Harbor, has turned millions of dollars in debt to a “possible surplus.”

He also took local leaders to task in the statement.

“Locally, a majority of city commissioners have chosen not to work on a transition plan or bring a single idea forward to reform city government,” Pscholka said. “Holding press conferences is easy, governing is more difficult, and it is time for city commissioners to present their plans.”

In the end, he said, area residents have won as a result of the act.

“The Act has proven to be an effective tool to restore financial responsibility and give local communities a chance at a brighter future,” he said.

Also this week, Pscholka announced his perfect voting record in the Michigan House of Representatives in 2011.

He didn’t miss a vote or a scheduled hearing meeting, attending all 619 roll call votes.

“I swore an oath as a public servant, and that’s a commitment I take very seriously,” he said.