HILLSDALE, MI — In the heart of one of Michigan’s most freedom-loving counties, a storm of patriotically fueled opposition is brewing over a bond proposal from Lifeways, the county’s mental health authority. And let’s just say—the Board of Commissioners isn’t faring well.
Once trusted with the solemn duty of supporting mental health, Lifeways has shown itself to be drifting off-mission like a canoe without a paddle, straight into the choppy waters of progressive politics. Local residents have repeatedly shown the organization’s programs introducing content wrapped in rainbow flags and taxpayer-funded ideology.
“It’s not about hate,” said one attendee at a recent meeting. “It’s about keeping our values, our schools, and our tax dollars where they belong.”
Despite Hillsdale County’s stars-and-stripes reputation—where Ronald Reagan is practically a local saint and Donald Trump the Pope “Insert meme here”—three of five County Commissioners (Leininger, Wiley, and Collins) have stunned constituents by backing the bond and pushing it in the face of the vast majority of their constituents and alleged Republican principles.. That decision has fired up voters like it’s 1776 all over again.
At the most recent Tuesday morning board meeting (strategically placed at 9 a.m., when most honest, hardworking folks are earning their daily bread), residents showed up in full force. Some came straight from feeding the cows, some in Sunday best, even babies in hand! Yet, all with a clear message: this bond’s got to go and Lifeways along with it. (Will keep the baby though)
Commissioner Ingles reported receiving over 75 emails from constituents opposing the bond—and not a single one in favor. The only pro-bond comment from the never ending stream of Hillsdales residents came from a proclaimed Conservative Lifeways employee, who admitted he feared for his job if he didn’t toe the company line.
Financial concerns also rang loud and clear. A legal opinion brought up during the meeting suggested “now confirmed” that if federal funding disappears like liberty in a tyrant’s grip, Hillsdale County taxpayers will be left holding the bag. And it’s a heavy one, especially with all the Bags the Commissioners have forced into their already burdened arms.
Still, in what many are calling a betrayal of the people’s trust, Leininger, Wiley, and Collins voted to advance the proposal. The final showdown is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th at 9:00 a.m. at the old Hillsdale Daily Propaganda Building (33 McCollum St.)—a place that may soon resemble a town square from colonial times, complete with flags, flyers, and fire in the belly.
Citizens are organizing to show up en masse once more—not just to protect their wallets, but to defend their deeply held American values. After all, freedom isn’t free—and it sure isn’t funded by questionable bonds and kept alive by backstabbing Representatives.
For those who still believe in government by the people, for the people, now’s the time to stand up, speak out, and maybe bring a thermos of black coffee and a pocket Constitution. Gathering for the already inconveniently timed meeting starts at 8 am.
Contact the commissioners and come to the meeting if possible. District 1, Doug Ingles – d.ingles@co.hillsdale.mi.us District 2, Kevin Collins – k.collins@co.hillsdale.mi.us District 3 – Mark Wiley – m.wiley@co.hillsdale.mi.us District 4 – Brad Benzing – b.benzing@co.hillsdale.mi.us District 5 – Brent Leininger – b.leininger@co.hillsdale.mi.us
Vice Chair
Hillsdale Conservatives
Lance Lashaway
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