Public Safety

Dozens of new sheriffs will take office in January

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By KAREN HOPPER USHER
Capital News Service
LANSING — In 139 years, Michigan has never had more new sheriffs than the state will get after Tuesday’s election. At least 26 counties will get new top cops in January. The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association said that’s a record since it was formed in 1877. Some are running unopposed. In other counties, two newcomers are runningf.

Elections & Politics

Proposal would make sheriffs, prosecutors nonpartisan

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By ERIC FREEDMAN
Capital News Service
LANSING – Two traditional political battlegrounds could become, well, less bloody, if 83 county prosecutors and 83 county sheriffs were elected without Democratic or Republican affiliations. Four lawmakers led by Rep. Joel Johnson, R-Clare, want to switch those positions from partisan to nonpartisan. The co-sponsors are Reps. Terry Brown, D-Pigeon; Kevin Daley, R-Lum; and Martin Howrylak, R-Troy. Statewide, the GOP holds a majority of both positions.