The Leelanau Township Board meeting commenced at 5:31 p.m. with all members present. Public comments included seven objections to the tower construction on Kitchen Road. Key decisions included approving bills totaling $115,072.78 and various action items such as renewing insurance bonds and purchasing a Kubota tractor for $68,995, enhancing township facilities management.
This document outlines the agenda for the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for April 9, 2024. The meeting will cover updates from various departments and includes action items such as approving recognition events, reviewing the 911 surcharge, considering technology requests, and discussing financial matters, including vehicle disposal and budget amendments.
The meeting, called to order by Chairman Ty Wessell, began with the approval of the amended agenda, including the placement of the Northwest Regional Airport Authority (NRAA) agenda item as an action item. Administrator Allen provided updates, introduced new staff, and discussed upcoming events and communications. Interim Administrator Richard Lewis was also introduced.
The document is a letter addressed to the Leelanau County Commissioners from Alison Heins, expressing significant concern regarding Sheriff Borkovich’s appearance at a recent Donald Trump rally. Heins highlights the troubling nature of the sheriff’s association with inflammatory rhetoric, particularly a sign that depicted a “bloodbath,” which she vehemently disputes as a factual narrative surrounding President Biden.
Sarah Johnson, a concerned citizen of Leelanau County, has written to the Commissioners expressing worries about the Sheriff’s conduct at a rally with former President Trump. She seeks assurances that taxpayer resources were not used. Johnson emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability, arguing that any misuse of public funds would necessitate disciplinary measures or resignation.
Maryann Barnes expresses her concerns about Sheriff Michael Borkovich’s participation in an event while in uniform, implying he misrepresented Leelanau County’s views. She questions the use of county resources for political endorsements and critiques misinformation propagated by the former president, stressing the importance of ethics and professionalism in public service representation.
Sheriff Mike Borkovic’s public endorsement of a political candidate while in uniform has raised concerns about a potential violation of the Hatch Act. Paula Jo Kemler emphasizes that his decision to support candidate Trump is inappropriate, as it blurs the lines between personal views and professional responsibilities, undermining public trust in law enforcement.
Concern over the sheriff of Leelanau County has risen after he was seen at a rally supporting former President Trump. Questions have been raised about the use of county resources for this trip, including whether taxpayers covered expenses. The author, Diane Foerster, seeks ways to prevent future political actions by sheriff’s officials.
In a letter dated April 3, 2024, Tom and Marnie Sutter expressed their dismay about Sheriff Mike Borkovich’s photograph with former President Trump, questioning the appropriateness of his actions and potential misuse of county resources. They emphasized concerns over Borkovich’s political affiliations and called for the county commissioners to ensure he serves the community impartially.
Sheriff Borkovich’s participation in a Grand Rapids rally and a roundtable discussion with former President Trump is framed as a non-political act of fulfilling his duty to protect the citizens of Leelanau County. The document emphasizes that border security is an American issue, not a political one, highlighting the Sheriff’s role in addressing potential immigrant crime.
