Four northern Michigan sheriffs, including Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Borkovich, announced Wednesday afternoon that they are in opposition to some of the recent executive orders from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. They stated that the governor has created a vague framework of emergency laws and as a result they “will not have strict enforcement of these orders. We will deal with every case as an individual situation and apply common sense in assessing the apparent violation.”

The news release, which came from the collective 101st Michigan House District’s sheriffs, comprised of Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, and Mason counties, stated that “we understand her desire to protect the public,” but “we question some restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority.”

The sheriffs said, “each of us took an oath to uphold and defend the Michigan Constitution, as well as the US 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 joint statement concluded 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.”

Sheriff Borkovich told The Leelanau Ticker that he did not author the statement, but he did sign onto it after the newest executive order came out last Thursday. “First of all, I fully support the governor’s order regarding health concerns — meaning social distancing, as well as wearing masks, hand washing or other medically supported recommendations. Fully support.”

He adds, the executive order said that “we need to recreate outdoors — and I agree — and also that we need to be sensible. If you are in rowboat fishing or you are in a motorboat fishing right next to it…we don’t want to get into that minutia.”

“As sheriffs, people came to us fearful or concerned, calling and asking if we are going to write tickets or arrest people for violating the order.”

Borkovich says his focus is to “keep people safe, keep people at peace.” He adds, “Do your part as an American, and respect social distancing. Follow the safety protocols and be responsible.”