Welcome to The Hillsdale Conservative Network
Defending Liberty, Accountability, and Constitutional Governance
Our mission is simple. We aim to hold government entities and representatives accountable. We are guided by the enduring principles of the Constitution, including limited government, individual rights, and transparency. Today, we analyze the second Hillsdale County Commissioners meeting of October 2024. This meeting is a striking example of the need for vigilance in governance.
Public Concerns Ignored: Where Is Accountability?
The meeting began with Bob recounting the troubling incident of a break-in at his property. Despite the State Police’s involvement, no arrests were made. This failure raises serious questions about government accountability in protecting private property—a fundamental constitutional right.
A County Sheriff Captain spoke after Bob’s comment. He asked about the stalled healthcare negotiations for county employees. He also noted the jail’s overcrowding crisis (93 inmates in a space designed for 67). These issues, directly tied to public safety and fiscal responsibility, demand immediate attention.
Yet, the Commissioners offered no response, transitioning instead into a presentation from the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). The lack of engagement with public concerns reflects a troubling disregard for the principle of government accountability to its citizens.
A Luxury Spending Spree: Fiscal Responsibility Under Fire
The MAC representative’s presentation focused on taxpayer-funded training sessions at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. An MSU professor hosted these sessions. These sessions, described in glowing terms, exemplify questionable use of public funds.
The Constitution’s principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility require taxpayer dollars to be used for essential services. They should not fund lavish events with dubious value. This misuse of funds underscores the need for stricter oversight and transparency in local governance.
Ordinances and the Unequal Application of Law
Commissioner Brad later announced the removal of a township ordinance. This ordinance had blocked the government’s plan to construct a communications tower in Woodbridge. The ordinance was swiftly removed to facilitate the government’s project. However, citizens often face months or even years of bureaucratic hurdles to address similar grievances.
This disparity violates the principle of equal protection under the law, a cornerstone of constitutional governance. When governments prioritize their own interests, they impose burdens on citizens. This creates an imbalance that undermines public trust in the rule of law.
Tensions and Mismanagement at the Board Meeting
A Reading Emergency Unit (REU) Representative unnecessarily read a report. It had already been entered into the agenda. This sparked tension as Commissioner Lienieger harshly accused the representative of failing to submit REU’s audit.
In response, the REU representative remained calm despite the accusation. They clarified that they were operating within contract terms. The representative assured the board that nothing illegal was taking place. They noted that the audit was completed and in the hands of the accountant. Comm. Lienieger did not respond, choosing instead to take an exaggeratedly aggressive sip of his drink, leaving an awkward silence.
Breaking the tension, Comm. Brad raised a concern about ambulances occasionally lacking paramedics. The REU representative explained that REU is partially funded through a millage. However, they are fulfilling their contract with the County. They added that budget constraints and the challenge of hiring paramedics were ongoing issues. This led to a brief discussion about micromanagement, which Comm. Doug interrupted by questioning the adequacy of REU’s response times. The REU representative attributed delays to inefficiencies in the County dispatch system and proposed potential solutions. The board offered no response, and Chair Wiley gave a cursory thank-you, effectively shelving the matter for the future.
The meeting then moved to Comm. Lienieger’s motion to remove a resolution from the table. Chair Wiley incorrectly supported the motion, sparking a brief attempt at debate from Brad. However, Comm. Lienieger invoked a point of order, cutting Brad off. This revealed Comm. Lienieger’s repeated misunderstanding of Robert’s Rules of Order. Despite the procedural confusion, the motion passed 5-0.
For those familiar with these meetings, the dynamics between board members and the misuse of Robert’s Rules become clear. Originally intended to facilitate equal discussion, the rules are often wielded as a tool to suppress dissent and dominate proceedings. This situation prompts us to consider what other systems or tools might be susceptible to abuse by those in power. This is especially concerning at the government level.
Healthcare Decisions in the Shadows
The meeting’s most contentious issue involved the healthcare plan for county employees. Despite its significant impact, the healthcare committee—a body tasked with deliberation and oversight—was excluded from meaningful discussions.
The County Sheriff Captain rightly pointed out that the committee usually meets multiple times a year. However, it convened only once before the vote. No substantive information was shared. Even more disturbing, the healthcare costs for employees will more than double. This fact was revealed only after the meeting.
Transparency in government is a constitutional necessity. Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution requires Congress to publish its proceedings, a standard that should guide all levels of government. Decisions affecting public funds and employee welfare must be made openly, with the involvement of all stakeholders.
Committees, Compliance, and Overreach
The formation of a committee to “educate” the Amish about government compliance raised concerns about government overreach. This was among other agenda items. While education is valuable, such initiatives must respect the Constitution’s emphasis on individual freedoms and religious liberty.
Similarly, discussions about enforcing composting regulations and critiquing citizens’ practices underscore a tendency to micromanage private lives. These examples highlight the importance of ensuring that government power is exercised judiciously and within constitutional bounds.
Final Thoughts: Upholding Constitutional Principles
This meeting was rife with issues that demand attention. Public concerns were dismissed. There was questionable spending. Decision-making was opaque. There was a selective application of laws. These are not just procedural failures—they strike at the core of constitutional governance.
Our Constitution is a covenant between the government and the people. It requires that power be exercised with accountability, laws be applied equally, and individual rights be protected against encroachment. When these principles are ignored, it is our duty as citizens to speak out.
At The Hillsdale Conservative Network, we will continue to monitor, critique, and hold our local government accountable. After all, as the great Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
Thank you for reading. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Vice Chair
Lance Lashaway
Hillsdale Conservatives
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