Four Michigan Sheriffs Defy Governor Whitmer for ‘Overstepping Her Executive Authority’
A group of sheriffs announced they will not enforce some of Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders on the same day thousands rallied against state-mandated shelter-in-place orders outside the state Capitol in Lansing.
Sheriffs Mike Borkovich, Ted Schendel, Ken Falk, and Kim Cole of Michigan’s 101st District released a press statement Wednesday afternoon detailing what they said was their decision to place their oath to the Constitution above Whitmer’s wishes.
“We write today to inform the public for our respective counties of our opposition to some of Governor Whitmer’s executive orders. While we understand her desire to protect the public, we question some restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority,” read the letter signed by each sheriff.
Hundreds of thousands signed petitions and joined online groups to voice their frustration with Whitmer’s orders and to organize protests. Whitmer enacted the stay-at-home policy on March 22 and has been met with criticism from small-business owners and the unemployed.
Sheriffs’ press releas: