City of Southfield

Joint Resolution of Support

Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer

WHEREAS, the citizens of Michigan, the United States and the world are experiencing a health crisis that does not compare to any event in our lifetimes; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 virus spread quickly in Michigan from early March until now infecting over 48,000 Michiganders and causing death to over 4,700; and

WHEREAS, Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer responded to this health crisis by putting lives ahead of dollars, taking a myriad of steps to reduce the spread of the virus including declaring a Michigan State of Emergency; closing the schools; limiting the size of gatherings, ordering the closing of non-essential businesses and issuing two stay-at-home orders; and

WHEREAS, Southfield has had the unwanted distinction of leading Oakland County in the numbers of COVID-19 cases (over 1,550) and COVID-19 deaths (200); and

WHEREAS, Southfield elected officials have experienced the impact of this health crisis as we all know people who became infected with COVID-19 those who have succumbed to the virus in our community and elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, as elected officials we have struggled with the impact that the stay-at-home and shut down orders have had on the economy and people’s lives but choose health and survival over the economy; and

WHEREAS, we stand in support of Governor Whitmer’s executive orders and strongly agree with her legal authority to make the decisions she has; and

WHEREAS, we believe that Governor Whitmer has acted to save lives and keep people from being stricken with COVID-19 and its possible long-term impact on the body;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Southfield, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, do hereby declare our support for Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer and thank her for the proactive measures she has taken to lessen the impact on the lives of our fellow citizens;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Southfield, are disturbed by the misguided actions of some in the recent demonstrations in Lansing over the stay-at-home orders and business closings;

AND FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Southfield, County of Oakland, State of Michigan do hereby declare our gratitude for Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer as she responds to the COVID-19 pandemic in one of the hardest hit states in the United States and for her leadership in dealing with this unprecedented crisis.

Dated this 18th day of May 2020.