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COVID Tensions Run High at County Board Meeting
January 13, 2021Featured, Local News, NewsComments Off on COVID Tensions Run High at County Board Meeting5,033 Views
Frustration with the state’s COVID-19 restrictions boiled over at last night’s Houghton County Board of Commissioners meeting.
The fireworks began as commissioners considered endorsing a resolution that would have declared the county as a “sanctuary county” for businesses affected by the COVID-19 mandates, and that the sheriff and prosecutor would have “no desire” to enforce “unconstitutional” mandates.
Commissioner Roy Britz said the language went too far, and included false information…
Board chair Albert Koskela then threatened to withhold funding for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, comparing their staff to Nazis…
The board is not legally obligated to support the Health Department; however, the health department is also not legally obligated to provide services to counties that don’t pay.
That concerned commissioner Glen Anderson…
Britz, who is a law enforcement professional, came to the defense of the health department…
Several citizens at the meeting also supported the health department and its employees. Barry Fink spoke on behalf of the Copper Country League of Women Voters…
William Keith shot down the myth that allowing people to pick and choose which businesses they patronize would provide protection…
And retired District Court Judge Mark Wisti reminded the board that they can pass all the resolutions they want…
Wisti said it’s time to cool off the tempers…
The board eventually approved the funding on a 3-2 vote, with Koskela and commissioner Tom Tikkanen voting against. No vote was taken on the resolution.