Commissioner Stephanie Brown Resigns from BOC

HARRISON – After a meeting in which she had spoken in support of appropriate compensation for the sheriff and undersheriff, Commissioner Stephanie Brown informed her fellow commissioners that she was resigning from her position on the board. Brown was one of the four new commissioners to be seated after the 2020 election.

This action was taken on the heels of a letter to the editor which had been printed in both Clare County newspapers – a letter critical of both Commissioners Brown and Sandy Bristol, written by someone who does not live in either commissioner’s district. Her reference of the letter began with her commissioner’s report:

“I answered quite a few emails in the last month regarding issues,” Brown said. “It’s apparent there are some people that are not pleased that I’m not at meetings [referencing the aforementioned letter], and I wholeheartedly agree with that person. Yeah, I have been MIA … so that’s what I have for now.”

After the other commissioners finished their reports, and the agenda entered New Business, Brown continued:

“As we’ve talked and I’ve asked multiple times to adjust the time of the meetings, it’s been clear that wasn’t happening,” she said. “Based on that and the inability to do my job effectively when I’m not at a meeting, I am resigning today from the Board of Commissioners. It’s not fair to my public, and it’s not fair to the departments that I could potentially be working with when I’m not able to be here.”

Commissioner Bronwyn Asplund inquired of the board how the vacant seat would be treated, and was told the board would appoint someone to the position. Asplund also attempted to console Brown with an “I’m really sorry.”

Brown responded saying “It is what it is.”

She went on to advise those who may be considering running for office to know what is required of them.

“Be sure you understand the full gamut,” Brown said. “And often times, even though your heart is into it, you need to (one) protect yourself and your family – and that’s keeping my job – and have the flexibility to be able to be at multiple meetings.”

Asplund said she knew Brown’s heart had been in the right place, and that she was appreciated.