Local sheriffs speak out against governor's executive orders

Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Local sheriffs speak out against governor's executive orders 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

MANISTEE COUNTY — Four northern Michigan county sheriffs, including Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk, announced Wednesday they are in opposition to some of the recent executive orders from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement was made in a news release issued Wednesday afternoon from the collective 101st Michigan House district’s sheriffs — that includes Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau and Mason counties.

The sheriffs said they will not have strict enforcement of the executive orders and will instead “deal with every case as an individual situation and apply common sense in assessing the apparent violation.”

“While we understand her desire to protect the public, we question some restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority,” reads part of the release. “She (Whitmer) has created a vague framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan (residents).”

The recent executive orders from Whitmer instruct people to stay home except for essential actions and services such as grocery shopping, exercise and essential work.

That order was clarified further last week to prohibit such actions as using motorized watercraft, certain garden centers and paint sales as well as other actions through April 30. This lead to the closure of three Manistee boat launches to users of motorized watercraft.

The release said that they had all taken “an oath to uphold and defend the Michigan Constitution, as well as the U.S. Constitution, and to ensure that your God-given rights are not violated. We believe that we are the last line of defense in protecting your civil liberties.”

The sheriffs said the focus should be “on reopening counties and getting people back to work.”

“We also need to be aware that this virus is deadly and that we need to continue to practice social distancing, washing of hands, wearing of masks as well as other medically recommended measures,” part of the release states. “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 that work outside.”

The news release states that “as sheriffs of your community we want you to know we have your back and will continue to serve the people who have entrusted us with your protection.”

They continued to say that, “Together, as a community, we will overcome this pandemic, and as Americans, we will persevere and come out even stronger than before.”

The release was signed by Manistee County Sheriff Ken Falk, Benzie County Sheriff Ted Schendel, Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Borkovich and Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole.