The Alger County Commission did not revisit two controversial resolution regarding Second Amendment rights, but local citizens were ready to continue discussion.

At the county commission meeting on Monday, March 20, approximately 40 people attended — roughly three times the audience at a regular meeting. They took their turns addressing resolutions 202307 Resolution to Instruct our Representatives to Oppose All Firearms Control Legislation and 2023-08 Resolution Declaring Alger County a Constitutional Second Amendment Sanctuary County.

“This would expose Alger County to possible undue financial burden,” Brian Menghini of Limestone Township said. “I think it sends the wrong message.”

Those speaking against the resolutions through public comment or through emails sent to county commissioners outnumbered those in support by a roughly 4-to-1 ratio. A few did speak in support of the measure.

“The Second Amendment is not negotiable,” said Jon Rondeau of Rock River Township. “I find it deeply disturbing that most people don’t fundamentally understand their civil rights and how to protect them.”

The resolutions were not on the agenda for this meeting after procedural issues regarding how resolutions are added to the meeting agenda. That also included resolutions regarding “dark store” tax reform and support of Cheboygan County in their fight with the DNR over dam repair funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Alger County Sheriff Todd Brock and Prosecutor Rob Steinhoff said they were unaware of the resolutions until last Monday. Both spoke in staff comments about the resolutions.

“My position is that I decline to weigh in on political things. Those are decisions for you,” Steinhoff said, addressing the commission. “What I want to do is inform the board on the collateral consequences that may help or hurt us in the future.”

Brock took a more direct approach, citing quotes from Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt and Prosecutor Matt Wiese.

“My mind’s been made up 20 years ago. I respect both sides, but I don’t have the legal authority to say what is and isn’t the law,” Brock said.

Eight of the Upper Peninsula’s 15 counties have adopted some kind of Second Amendment sanctuary resolution. Seven of those were done in 2020, but Iron County passed one on March 14. The Iron County resolution does not use the same language as the one proposed by Alger County.