St. Clair County commissioners voted to issue a public letter of reprimand for Advisory Board of Health member Kevin Watkins after multiple residents and board members raised alarm about language he used during the board’s Sept. 17 meeting.

The matter drew a steady stream of public comment across several committee meetings, with speakers saying the language — in particular a reference to "assassination" — was threatening and inappropriate. "Calling for the assassination of fellow board members who did not attend that meeting and then singling them out by name is not just words. It is a threat," said Dawn Falk, who identified herself as an Advisory Board of Health member.

Why it matters: The commissioners said the county must maintain public trust in appointed boards and ensure appointees meet standards of professional conduct. The board’s action — a public reprimand rather than removal — reflects commissioners’ statements that they were alarmed by the words used yet not ready to pursue suspension or removal under the statutory removal process.

Public comments and written letters filed with the committees described fear and intimidation. Leanne Clink of Port Huron, who watched the meeting archive, cited a parliamentary code on members’ conduct and asked commissioners to censure Watkins. Carolyn Richards, in a written statement read into the record, said the remarks could be perceived as a literal call to violence given recent national events.

Kevin Watkins, who spoke to commissioners before they voted, defended his record of community service and said his remarks had been misunderstood. "Character assassination is throughout decades ... they would take that and twist it and state that I'm stating to hurt someone," Watkins said, adding he represents underserved residents on the advisory board.

Commissioner response and motion: District 1 Commissioner (and board chair) Doug Samasco told the panel he had the meeting transcribed to be certain of the record and that a reprimand would be his recommendation. "I felt his judgment fell below that which was expected of board appointees for the county," Samasco said, adding he would not support removal.

Vote and outcome: Commissioners conducted a roll-call voice vote on the motion to censure/reprimand. The clerk recorded: Commissioner Angie — Yes; Commissioner Turello — Yes; Commissioner Samasco — Yes; Commissioner Rushing — Yes; Commissioner Vandebaugh — No; Commissioner Beaton — No. The motion carried. The board directed county counsel and staff to draft a public letter of reprimand to be mailed and inserted in the minutes; commissioners said the reprimand would not remove Watkins from his advisory board seat.

Authorities and process notes: Commissioners discussed the statutory removal process referenced in the meeting (MCL 45.11m) and said removal or suspension would require a separate, specific process and notice; the board did not pursue removal at this meeting.

Next steps: County counsel and staff will draft the public letter of reprimand, review it with counsel and send it to the board and to Watkins. The matter was entered into the minutes and the reprimand will be posted or mailed per county practice.

Ending: The episode prompted several commissioners and residents to urge clearer guidance for appointed advisory boards and to emphasize civility in public discourse. Several speakers called for continued oversight of advisory boards and for efforts to broaden participation in county-appointed bodies.