Greene County attorney Thomas Laehn, the only Libertarian currently holding elected office in Iowa, used the word “tyranny” in comments he made to the county supervisors at their April 28 meeting.
Laehn was briefing the supervisors on a letter from the State of Iowa to all entities receiving state grants, reminding them that executive orders have the force of law, and that funds received that originate as federal funds will be pulled if executive orders aren’t followed.
Laehn called the letter “concerning.” “It is true that executive orders have the force of law. Some of President Trump’s executive orders are questionable in legality. In my eight years here I’ve never seen a letter like that come down, basically saying whatever one person utters, we have to do it or they’re going to pull our federal funds.
“I’m not aware that we’re not complying with any executive orders, but I wanted to bring that to your attention and everyone’s attention.”
Board chair John Muir said that to the best of his knowledge, the county is complying with executive orders.
Laehn said he thinks the letter is primarily referring to diversity, equity and inclusion issues. He invited anyone who has questions about DEI to contact him.
He continued, “My concern is there may be executive orders that I would find legally dubious, and do we really have to do whatever one man says? That’s the essence of tyranny.”
There was no response. Supervisor Dan Benitz quickly changed the subject, thanking county law enforcement for their participation in an elementary school Career Day last week.
