‘Overstepping Her Executive Authority’: Michigan Sheriffs React To Gov’s Stay-At-Home Order

Eric Scheiner | April 16, 2020
DONATE
Font Size

At least five Michigan Sheriffs are voicing concerns about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) stay-at-home orders.

A joint press release put out Wednesday by Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Borkovich, Benzie County Sheriff Ted Schendel, Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk and Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole claims they will not strictly enforce Whitmer’s orders.

MLive reports:

 ‘While we understand her desire to protect the public, we question some restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority,’ the sheriffs wrote. ‘She has created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan citizens.’

Instead of strict enforcement, the sheriffs say they ‘will deal with every case as an individual situation and apply common sense.’

WWMT-TV is reporting that Michigan’s Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf also said his department would not strictly enforce Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order.

Among the rules Leaf said his office would not strictly enforce: restrictions against motor boats and purchasing plants.

“People are out in the boat in the middle of the lake, what are the chances of spreading that virus?” he said. “Here in Barry County, we’ve got 327 lakes. For people to go out and start patrolling all those lakes, and start writing everybody tickets, that’s not possible.”

Leaf said he didn’t want to stop people from getting outside and enjoying fresh air.

“We want you outside. We want you getting some of the UV rays, but we also want you being respectful and watch those social distancing rules and stuff like that,” he said.

donate