Keli McIntosh February 3, 2020 The Ethics Ad Hoc committee appointed at the beginning of 2019 twice dissolved without detailing any policy for dealing with the ethical conflicts of elected officials. They did produce a resolution, a list of “Whereas, Whereas” statements (one of which had to be removed because it was false information about a state law). These were followed by a couple “Therefore” statements and another recommendation to dissolve the committee. Again, the resolution did not include a policy pertaining to the Commissioners potential unethical behaviors. The Code of Ethics Policy for the county includes requirements that conduct in official affairs should be above reproach. It
Keli McIntosh February 2, 2020 Michigan is recognized nationally for having one of the highest rates of incarceration, and the most severe sentencing policies. The Grand Traverse region has been known for its jail scandals, suicides, overzealous prosecutorial judgements and lengthy sentencing. During the last decade, funding for Michigan’s mental health systems has been reduced by 85%. At the same time, funding for jails has increased to nearly two billion dollars, as the number of incarcerations has tripled. Alternatives to jail and services for victims of crime remain underfunded. At present, Michigan law provides little guidance as to when diversion programs should be used. Unfortunately,
