Statement from Racine Public Health Director in Response to Sheriff Schmaling
City of Racine – The following is a statement from Racine Public Health Director Dottie-Kay Bowersox in response to the Racine County Sheriff’s comments on enforcing the extension of Governor Evers’ “Safer at Home” order:
“It is concerning and alarming that Sheriff Schmaling would be unsupportive and defiant of the extended “Safer at Home” order. The actions come in response to the best available science and data from the CDC and local public health officials. The fight against COVID-19 is not over and how we respond in the coming days, weeks, and months will determine whether or not we will be successful. Undermining this effort adds confusion to the public which imposes unnecessary risk to many residents. The economic hardships of employers and their employees is clear and definitive. They are understandably facing challenges that cannot be easily mediated and/or sustained long term. However, ensuring the health and welfare of all community members is an essential duty of all public servants which honors those we have lost or who are struggling at this time.”
About the City of Racine
With a population of 78,000, Racine, Wisconsin is the fifth largest municipality in the state of Wisconsin. It is home to manufacturing businesses that enjoy world-wide reputations, SC Johnson, CNH Industrial, Twin Disc, Modine, and In-Sink-Erator among them. Racine is also home to diverse cultures, a thriving downtown, and world-class beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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I would hope that the Mayor of Racine suspends him. There are representatives across the state willing to encourage defiance of orders, undermine the governor, jeopardize the health and safety of our population. Part of this acting out likely is attributable to financial hardship, some is no doubt cabin fever. Still, this is dangerous and must be addressed.
The rule of law is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as: “The authority and influence of law in society, especially when viewed as a constraint on individual and institutional behavior; (hence) the principle whereby all members of a society (including those in government) are considered equally subject to publicly disclosed legal codes and processes.”[
However, the principle, if not the phrase itself, was recognized by ancient thinkers; for example, Aristotle wrote: “It is more proper that law should govern than any one of the citizens”. Wikipedia.
Mr. Schmaling, you are taking a position to which you are not entitled.