Executive Board (Public Comment – M. Barnes, 4/9/2024)

**Executive Summary**

**Background:**
This document is an email from Maryann Barnes, expressing her concerns regarding the participation of Leelanau County Sheriff Michael Borkovich in a recent event. The email highlights the perceived implications of the sheriff’s actions while in uniform, suggesting that he may be misrepresenting the views of the entire county.

**Concerns Raised:**
Barnes strongly disapproves of Sheriff Borkovich’s support for a political candidate at the event, insinuating that he misused his position to endorse this candidate while officially representing Leelanau County. She raises accountability issues regarding the possible use of county resources, such as the sheriff’s vehicle and time, suggesting that taxpayer money should not fund any political endorsements.

**Allegations of Misinformation:**
In addition to her concerns about the sheriff’s conduct, Barnes critiques the former president’s remarks at the event regarding the family of Ruby Garcia, asserting that he lied about contacting them. She notes that the family refuted the former president’s claims, pointing out that he used a tragedy to further a narrative against undocumented migrants. Barnes emphasizes the importance of professionalism and ethics in public service, particularly in how public figures represent themselves and their affiliations.