Legislature seeks to limit Whitmer’s use of alert system
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature want to limit Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ability to send statewide emergency alerts to wireless devices and broadcast stations except for “immediate” threats.
The Democratic governor’s administration used the public alert system a few times early in the coronavirus pandemic to notify residents of stay-at-home orders and mask requirements to curb COVID-19, frustrating GOP lawmakers.
Under legislation approved 20-16 by the Senate on Wednesday, the system could not be activated to announce new laws or executive orders unless it is necessary to “respond to an immediate or nearly immediate loss of life or property.” The bill also would specify that threats can include natural disasters, industrial explosions, train derailments and announcements of endangered missing people.
Senators passed the measure on party lines, which indicates the governor likely will veto it. The bill was approved by the House in March.
Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr., an East Lansing Democrat, called it “legislative micromanagement” of the public emergency system. Democratic Sen. Jeremy Moss of Southfield deemed the legislation “preposterous” and “emblematic of a Legislature that is looking for just something to do.”
No Republicans spoke in support of the measure before the vote. But the sponsor, Republican Rep. Bradley Slagh of Zeeland, has cited residents’ complaints about Whitmer’s use of the system.
He said last year that reminding people about a mask mandate she had announced days before “is not an emergency. Overusing the alert system is going to cause people to become numb to legitimate emergencies in the future.”
Former MSU police captain pleads guilty to driving while drunk
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Tuesday announced Valerie O’Brien, a former captain with the Michigan State University Police Department, pleaded guilty as charged to operating a motor vehicle with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) and carrying a concealed pistol while under the influence.
Monday afternoon before Ingham County 55th District Court Judge Richard L. Hillman sentenced O’Brien to the following terms:
• One year of probation.
• Pay a $700 fine and $1,295 in fees and costs.
• Complete 40 hours of community service by the end of the year.
• Complete counselling.
• Apologize to the arresting officer for her behavior.
• O’Brien may not consume alcohol or drugs without a prescription, leave the state without court permission, or possess a dangerous weapon.
In February, O’Brien was arrested after failing a field sobriety test and refusing a preliminary breath test (PBT). She had pulled onto the shoulder of I-96 and the Michigan State Police inquired if she needed assistance.
MSP reported a blood test later showed she had a BAC of 0.251.
O’Brien’s police-issued pistol was in the back seat of her car at the time of arrest.
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