Four Michigan sheriffs wrote a press release published in April regarding the enforcement of stay-at-home orders. They are in opposition to some of the regulations and have published a statement to address it further. It was signed by Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Borkovich, Benzie County Sheriff Ted Schendel, Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk and Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, according to 3WWMT.
Many aspects of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order have caused controversy, particularly the fact that Michigan has some of the strictest requirements in the country.
The letter began with the sheriffs of Michigan's 101st House District addressing the counties they serve: Benzie, Manistee, Leelanau and Mason counties. “We write today to inform the public of our respective counties of our opposition to some of Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders,” said the press release.
“While we understand her desire to protect the public, we question some restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority. She has created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan citizens.”
Currently, the stay-at-home order has a lot of opposition, with protests to oppose it, according to the New York Post. The new executive order now allows Michiganders to travel from home to home, which was previously not permitted.
The sheriffs’ letter said, "Our focus needs to be on reopening our counties and getting people back to work... Allowing those without paychecks back to work is imperative to the economic success and well-being of our community. We can do this in stages, especially those who work outside."
It also requests for lower-risk occupations to be put back on the job, such as landscapers. Whitmer has two federal lawsuits filed against her.
The sheriffs' letter said that they took an oath to uphold the Michigan Constitution, and that they are working as a last line of defense to protect civil liberties. The sheriffs also said they would approach things on a case-by-case basis.
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