CLICK TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH REP. FAIRBAIRN ON FLEEING BILL; ICE STORM RECOVERY FUNDING; BEING PART OF U.P. DELEGATION
Northern Michigan state representative Parker Fairbairn says politics being played with his proposal to provide $100 million in state aid to help the area recover from last spring’s ice storm. That storm in March caused massive power outages and heavily damaged homes, businesses, even trails and parks in the region.
Fairbairn (R-Habor Springs) tells RRN News that the House passed his proposal, but it has been sitting in the senate unaddressed. He adds that if this happened in Detroit or Grand Rapids, it’s his opinion that the money would already be on its way. The area was also turned down for some of what it requested from FEMA.
In the wide-ranging interview, Fairbairn also discussed the legislation that would stiffen penalties against people who run from police and cause accidents. And he talked about his relationship with the U.P.’s three state representatives and state senator, even though he lives below the Bridge and represents only a sliver of the Eastern U.P.
The full interview is posted above. His fleeing and eluding press release is below.
State Rep. Parker Fairbairn is supporting legislation to increase penalties for those who are convicted of fleeing and eluding police in Michigan. The plan, House Bills 4690 and 4691, would add mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for fleeing and eluding police.
“We need people to realize that law enforcement is just trying to do their jobs when they make any sort of stop,” said Fairbairn, who represents a portion of the Eastern U.P. “Anyone who decides to run from police, regardless of whether they’ve committed a crime, should face significant penalties. Pursuits endanger innocent bystanders, officers, and even the suspect. Increasing penalties as a deterrent to running is a proactive way we can protect the public and limit these dangerous incidents.”
Fairbairn’s support of the plan comes after a devastating accident involving a Charlevoix school bus in April. The coach and members of the Charlevoix High School varsity golf team were severely injured and hospitalized after their van was struck by an SUV driven by someone actively fleeing police. The driver of the SUV died at the scene.
“Our community is blessed that none of these young people or their coach were killed in this accident,” Fairbairn said. “This incident is a stark reminder of just how dangerous attempting such behavior can be. Fleeing police just makes the situation worse and more dangerous for everyone.”
The legislation would impose the following minimum sentencing requirements for fleeing and eluding police:
First Degree; minimum five years, up to 15 years.
Second Degree; minimum two years, up to 10 years.
Third Degree; minimum one year, up to five years.
Fourth Degree; minimum 30 days if the offender has a prior fleeing and eluding conviction, up to two years.
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