Grand Traverse County Settles Lawsuit With Retired Nurse Over 2021 Incident
A four-year legal case involving former Grand Traverse County Commissioner Ron Clous and local resident Patricia “Keli” MacIntosh came to a close last week, with the county agreeing to a $100,000 settlement and a formal apology from Clous.
MacIntosh, a retired nurse now 78, filed the lawsuit after Clous displayed a rifle during a virtual county commission meeting on January 20, 2021. The meeting was held via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions, and MacIntosh was speaking during public comment, urging commissioners to formally denounce the Proud Boys in light of their role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. In response, Clous left the screen momentarily and returned with a high-powered rifle, holding it up for the camera.
The moment was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media and news outlets worldwide. MacIntosh said she found the act intimidating and felt it was meant to silence public dissent.
A Settlement Years in the Making
On Wednesday, the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to resolve the case. Funding for the settlement will come from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, a statewide municipal insurance pool.
As part of the agreement, Clous issued a written apology to MacIntosh acknowledging that his conduct during the meeting was inappropriate and may have caused her to feel threatened. In the letter, dated May 8, Clous wrote that he regretted the distress caused by his actions and recognized they did not reflect the standards expected of a public official.
Attorney Blake Ringsmuth, who represented MacIntosh throughout the litigation, said the case raised serious constitutional concerns.
“Keli MacIntosh was exercising her right to speak out against extremist violence. When elected officials respond to peaceful criticism by displaying weapons, it undermines the very foundation of democratic government,” Ringsmuth said. “This case affirmed the importance of holding government accountable, even in moments of tension.”
Lingering Questions, But a Step Toward Closure
MacIntosh expressed both satisfaction and weariness after the resolution, noting that much of the settlement funds would go toward legal expenses. She has considered using any remaining amount to support students entering the mental health field, depending on available resources.
Reflecting on the apology, MacIntosh said the situation might have been resolved much earlier had Clous simply taken responsibility.
“If he had just said, ‘That was a mistake, I’m sorry,’ we might never have gone to court,” she said.
She also emphasized that she is not anti-gun and supports lawful use of firearms—but believes strongly that brandishing a rifle during a public government meeting crosses a line.
Policy Changes and Public Reaction
In the time since the incident, the Grand Traverse County Commission has adopted a new ethics policy aimed at improving accountability among elected officials and public employees. The policy includes clear language prohibiting harassment and requires respectful treatment of all individuals engaging with the county.
MacIntosh believes the policy is a positive development but hopes to see it strengthened in the future.
County commissioners offered varied responses to the lawsuit’s conclusion. Some described the case as a distraction that needed to be resolved, while others emphasized the importance of protecting public participation in local government.
Commission Vice Chair T.J. Andrews called the resolution a necessary step to rebuild public trust. “This sends a message that we take accountability seriously and that our government works best when citizens feel heard and safe,” she said.
Commissioner Lauren Flynn echoed the sentiment, adding, “Everyone who speaks during public comment deserves to feel respected. That’s how we ensure our decisions reflect the values of the people we serve.”
The Grand Traverse County Commission is scheduled to hold a joint meeting with Traverse City leaders on May 14 to tour the Governmental Center and review future facility plans. The meeting will include two opportunities for public comment.
