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IRON MOUNTAIN -- A citizen has asked Dickinson County commissioners to drop their policy that allows prayers before regular meetings and instead observe a moment of silence.
County resident John Trester told the board Monday that its policy approved in January 2025 is "unnecessary and divisive."
Implementing a moment of silence "maintains strict legal safety" for the county, while allowing individuals of all backgrounds to pray or reflect privately "according to their own conscience," he said.
Before the board's prayer policy was approved, attorney Steven Tinti of Norway, serving as civil counsel, had advised it could put commissioners "in a precarious legal position." Recognizing that the board might choose to allow prayer, Tinti had offered some parameters, including a stipulation that the speaker should not be a member of the county board.
Trester said the board's regular practice of hearing a prayer from Commissioner Kevin Sullivan, pastor of First Baptist Family Church in Iron Mountain, could be seen as the county favoring a religion. The pre-meeting prayer, Trester said, should be eliminated to ensure government neutrality and protect the religious liberties of all residents -- Christian, non-Christian and non-religious alike.
According to minutes from the Jan. 13, 2025, meeting, the board's policy states "Prayer will begin before 6 p.m. and anyone of any religion who wants to pray may come forward and pray." Often since, at least one citizen has used that opportunity after a brief prayer by Sullivan.
"Local government exists to manage roads, budgets, and county infrastructure -- not to curate religious schedules," Trester said.
Lola Johnson of Kingsford addressed the board in support of Trester's comments.
"I can pray anytime, anywhere," she said. "It isn't necessary to be heard."
Trester said that holding the prayer moments before the meeting begins puts citizens in a position of being a captive audience.
"Forcing a taxpaying constituent to publicly stand up, turn their back on their local officials, and walk out of a government chamber functions as an intentional 'walk of shame' designed to isolate and humiliate dissenters," he said.
Commissioners did not comment during the meeting on Trester's protest.
In Town of Greece v. Galloway, the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014 ruled 5-4 in favor of a New York town that opened its monthly town board meetings with a prayer given by clergy from various local churches. According to legal observers, the ruling relied heavily on the town's policy of allowing anyone who wished to lead in prayer before the meetings to do so.
The pledge of allegiance is recited as the first order of business at county board meetings after the session is called to order.
In other action Monday, the county board:
-- Learned from County Clerk-Register of Deeds Carol Bronzyk that some Breitung Township residents received absentee ballots that include instructions from the August primary election that are incorrect for the Nov. 3 general election. Voters who have received a ballot with a pink or red sticker on the secrecy sleeve should ignore it. There should be a purple sheet with the ballot that has the correct voting instructions, according to the township clerk's office.
-- Heard Prosecuting Attorney Abbey Anderson report that Abby Poss is leaving her position as victim rights coordinator. "It's very hard to see her go," Anderson said. She credited Poss for filling multiple important roles, including coordinating witnesses. The position is first being posted internally.
-- Praised the community for its support after learning from Barbara Kramer of the Lake Antoine Park Partners that its Everyone Plays! project has reach a fundraising goal. "This is an amazing county we have," Commissioner Joe Stevens said. LAPP launched its "Everyone Plays in 21 Days" campaign Sept. 21, with a goal of raising the remaining $40,000 needed to complete Phase II of its project to establish a playground accessible to all in the park.
-- Heard Norway Township resident Bob Simon encourage funding for a Michigan State University-Extension office in Dickinson County, saying the benefits outweigh the cost in comparison to the county's overall budget.
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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.