Roundabouts as intersections, who chose this newfangled idea?

Recently, Washtenaw County has decided to put in 'roundabouts' instead of traditional intersections. A new one is going on at Geddes Rd and Superior (more on that later). Just WHO decided roundabouts were where WE as a county were at? Is this being based on studies of how badly midwesterers handle these things? Is it because the enviro-crowd is screeching like barn owls over the oil and gas wasted waiting at stop signs? For one, Johnny is not really plussed by these east coast intersections. So WHOM is the person or persons who decided this is what WE WANTED?

If we get one or two more proposed we're gonna need to change out some county road commission jobs. That's OUR opinion, what's YOURS?