WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County Commissioner Luis Rosado provided an explanation about his vote last week against seeking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s intervention to have Sheriff Mark Lillywhite removed from office.
Rosado said he had fielded questions from a number of constituents following Tuesday’s vote. Rosado said his vote was cast out of caution based on the circumstances of Lillywhite’s appearance at the commission meeting.
Rosado referenced a letter commissioners sent Lillywhite ahead of the meeting. The letter, dated Aug. 4, cited a Michigan statute giving a county board “the authority to require a county officer whose salary or compensation is paid by the county to make a report under oath to the county board of commissioners on any subject connected with the duties of that office.”
The letter states failure to appear before commissioners could prompt a complaint with Whitmer and possibly trigger the process of ultimately being removed from office.
In accordance with that statute, Lillywhite’s presence was requested. Lillywhite honored the request and provided a 3 1/2-minute summary of sheriff department activity.
Rosado said Lillywhite did exactly what was asked of him, yet the commission still decided to pursue action from the governor.
Rosado, a first-year commissioner whose jurisdiction covers Constantine, Mottville and White Pigeon townships, said he would have preferred to go into closed session and discuss the situation with the county’s legal representative before making such a vote.
Aren’t they using the Election Law Act 116 168.207 – county officers removal from office?
He was found guilty of drunk driving, crashing, and carrying a gun while drunk. He admitted on camera that he was “spiraling” out of control. That doesn’t happen from a single incident.
What’s with this county’s enabling and rewarding alcoholism and other dangerous behaviors in their highest officials?
From the reporting I have seen, it appears that he appeared, read his report, and then declined to stay and answer questions when asked by the board. He seems to have some issues with authority. Good riddance.
Actually, Commissioner Rosado, according to the earlier news article, Lillywhite did not do exactly what was asked of him. He refused commissioner requests to remain for questions and walked out.
If you and the other commissioners knew the subject prior to the meeting, why didn’t you have either the county attorney present, or his written opinion?