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Baraga County Commissioners tackle resignation, manifesto fallout

Baraga County Commissioner Will Wiggins has resigned, after attending only one official meeting. Wiggins was elected to represent the second district in November, ousting 40-year incumbent Mike Koskinen. Wiggins did not attend last night’s meeting. Current board chair Bill Roelof read his resignation letter.

Due to the misguidance of a federal law, it is with regret that I tender my resignation from the Baraga County Commissioners, effective immediately.

There was no elaboration about what the “misguidance” was. Wiggins thanked those who voted for him, and wished the board continued success. The board will appoint a replacement at next month’s meeting. Anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of intent to County Clerk Wendy Goodreau by 4:00 pm on March 5 th.

Board members heard from both sides about the controversial Baraga County Manifesto that was published after last month’s meeting. The manifesto was highly critical of the government’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, and pledged that the county would take no further actions to support them. James Niemela appreciated it.

I’d like to thank all of you who signed onto the Baraga County Manifesto for upholding your oaths to the Constitution.

Rebecca Schultz, though, said the approach is misguided, given that Baraga County has one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the state.

One of the commissioners responded to these remarks by saying, “These deaths were all within the nursing home.” Which, first of all, is not true, and second of all, I wanna say I am deeply saddened that commissioners think deaths do not count if they occur in the nursing home.

Dr. Eileen Schweickert said those who signed the manifesto haven’t done their homework.

They described COVID-19 as unknown and state that there is a lack of data and understanding of COVID-19 on the part of the scientific community. This is incorrect.

She also chided the board for considering and issuing the manifesto through back channels.

When you use your title you are indicating that you are acting under the authority of your title. If that is the case, then the Baraga County Manifesto should have come through proper channels.

The manifesto was not discussed at any county board meeting. It was signed by all five commissioners, and the county clerk, treasurer, sheriff and prosecutor. It was released on the Facebook site that had been used by Sheriff Joe Brogan’s election campaign. Officials at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, which is owned by the county, have said they will continue to enforce COVID-19 safety procedures.

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