11/01/2006

Letters to the Editor

At Issue: Elections

Experience counts

Blair, Mayfield and Paradise townships are lucky to have a candidate like Phil Scott running for county commissioner. With 27 years of service with the Michigan Department of Human Services, and now as a member of the Mayfield Township Planning Commission, Phil has a wealth of experience that he could use as a county commissioner.

That's why on Nov. 7 I'll cast my vote for Phil Scott.

Justin Shattuck
Kinglsey

Oust 'Party of Darkness'

This year we can do something about the dark wintry days ahead. Vote out the Party of Darkness!

Backroom deals locally and concealed national energy policy meetings keep citizens in the dark.

Deceptive "evidence” of weapons of mass destruction hides facts. Budget deficits enshroud the next generations.

Congressional inaction on serious matters puts them in the closet, out of sight. "Staying the course” pulls the curtain over needed debate. Let's not forget the shadowy puppetmaster — Dr. Darkside himself — Cheney!

Vote for those who actually believe in democracy and openness in government. Go ahead, curse the darkness €” but light a candle!

Ron Tschudy
Central Lake

Cost-effective solution

An important "yes” vote is for Traverse City Proposal 1 to eliminate primary elections in the city.

During the 13-plus years I served as Traverse City Clerk in charge of elections, and during my 12 years as city commissioner, I felt city primaries were a waste of time and taxpayer dollars. Other non-partisan offices such as community college and public schools boards have never required a primary.

Over the years I suggested a charter amendment to this effect be placed upon the ballot. Now is our opportunity to eliminate voter fatigue and save dollars. Vote "yes” on City Proposal 1.

Jim Tompkins
Traverse City

Protect the environment

As a resident of Benzie County, I am tired of watching our elected officials in Lansing vote against protecting our air, land, and water. David Palsrock has received failing grades from the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club of Michigan. The environment we live in is vital to the economic future of our region. We deserve better representation in Lansing.

On Nov. 7, the voters in Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, and Mason counties have a chance to elect Dan Scripps to the State House of Representatives.

James Stricko
Lake Ann

A "nonsense” issue

As a birdwatcher and environmentalist for the past 35 years, I urge Michigan Audubon groups to give up their fight to preserve a 100-year-old tradition. Open your eyes to the 21st century and start using your time and money to protect Michigan's many endangered and threatened species.

Dove hunters do not shoot doves for target practice. Doves are not too small to eat. These are lies dreamed up for the anti-dove hunting campaign.

The money and effort spent to spread this nonsense about one species should be used instead to preserve critical habitat for all wildlife.

Andrea Stewart
Traverse City

Treasurer unfit for duty

To Blair Township residents: it's important you vote "yes” to recall treasurer Kathy Nowak. Her actions have cost taxpayers enough time, money and lawsuits. She's often overstated her ability to perform elected duties. Her defiance of board motions, disrespect of township employees, inflation of mileage(*) reimbursements, overspending of her education budget, transfer of $500,000 against board action and intentional illegal disclosure of my Social Security number are just a few reasons to vote "yes” to recall her.

I also support a "no” vote on Supervisor Patrick Pahl and the great work he is doing for us.

Betty A. Tharp
Blair Township
The writer is Blair Township Clerk

Just talking 'politics'

Dick DeVos is going to replace the single business tax and other business tax cut dollars by working with the Legislature after the election. That is "politics” for cuts in health care, education and essential services .

He's going to improve education but he won't tell us how. Could it be vouchers?

He says he'll create and attract jobs in Michigan but he won't tell us how. And while he has created jobs in other countries and has "saved” jobs in Michigan, how many jobs has he actually created via his businesses in Michigan in the last four years? I suspect none.

David Sciamanna
Traverse City

Leadership, experience

They say the greatest compliment one can be paid is to be imitated.

State Representative Howard Walker led a fight for school funding equity four years ago. Now, Democrat Roman Grucz promises to work on school funding. Rep. Walker sponsored legislation to help create jobs in the forest industry. His opponent says jobs are a top issue. Rep. Walker leads on land-use issues, and has worked on legislation to protect agriculture. Grucz identifies the environment as a priority.

How does copycatting translate to "experience and energy” and a Record-Eagle endorsement?

Want true leadership and experience? Vote for Howard Walker.

Chuck Lombardo
Traverse City

Endorsement Catch-22

It was disappointing that the Record-Eagle virtually unendorsed Jason Allen but made no comment about Sharon Unger, other than she had no experience. How do you get experience being a state legislator without becoming a state legislator?

Reminds me of when my son wanted to become an actor: he needed a Screen Actor's Guild card, but he couldn't get one without having worked as an actor. Same kind of Catch-22.

Since Allen has been virtually discredited by the newspaper, I think it behooves you to come out for an alternative, and Unger is the only other person running.

Vivian DeMorrow
Central Lake

Need for full disclosure

The writer credited with your newspaper's investigative stories about Sen. Jason Allen was previously a paid staffer for Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak. He also donated to a Democratic candidate for the Michigan Legislature. This disclosure is in keeping with your paper's frequent practice of describing the writer's background, which is relevant to readers.

Mary Ann Galic
Traverse City

No corporate candidates

When big money tries to buy an election, it's time for the voters of the 101st State House district to step up to the plate and say "no” to corporate-funded candidates. Dan Scripps is the newcomer who will challenge an incumbent who is influenced by money from faceless corporations outside the community.

We don't need outside money dictating what the four-county area needs. Dan Scripps will do a better job of representing local issues. We need representatives in Lansing who are driven by the needs of the area counties and Michigan.

Virginia Griffith
Honor

Recall Nowak, not Pahl

The recall against Blair Township Supervisor Patrick Pahl is not based on fact. Pat Pahl is working for you and the betterment of Blair Township. We need his integrity, accountability and leadership. Support Pat Pahl with your "no” vote on Nov. 7.

As for treasurer Kathy Nowak, she lacks board support. Legal township board minutes show cause for the recall and your vote of "yes” to recall Kathy Nowak is warranted.

Fritz Marsh
Kingsley

Vote for experience

Nancy Kida has been the probate judge for our district for 12 years, a part-time position.

At the League of Women Voters' Forum on July 25, 2006, each candidate was asked if the probate judge position was to remain a part-time position, would they be running for election. Of the three candidates running at that time, only Nancy Kida said she would run for re-election.

Comments about Judge Kida's salary would be no issue if this election was about a part-time position.

If the job is about judicial experience, then let us elect Nancy Kida.

Norma Elias
Frankfort

Out of touch

Dave Camp seems completely disconnected from struggling citizens in his district.

He refuses to vote for a raise in the Federal Minimum Wage Act. The minimum wage has been stuck at $5.15 hourly since 1997 and has been steadily eroded by inflation. The number of citizens using food banks and soup kitchens has reached 25 million. Congress has received a raise every year in that span. Camp's attitude reflects the uncaring attitude of most Republicans.

For this reason and many others, he should be replaced. Mike Huckleberry, concerned, informed, energetic, is a far better choice. We need him in Congress.

John E. Lewis
Traverse City

She'll work for us

How fortunate we are to have a qualified alternative running for the office of Grand Traverse County Commissioner in District 1.

I have had the privilege of working with Donna Hornberger for several years on various boards and church committees. I have found her to be organized, informed and dedicated to doing her best for the group she represents and not for special interest groups.

She has practiced accessibility and accountability. What a joy. Vote for change. Vote for the best qualified.

I will, and it will be for Donna Hornberger.

Jeannie Ahart
Traverse City

Natural Area road unfit

I question if Cedar Lake Road can handle the increased vehicle traffic if Long Lake Township's Natural Area proposal passes.

We pay taxes for "improved gravel road,” but north of Gilbert Pines is a sandy road not wide enough for two cars to pass in one area. It turns to mud when it rains, leaving the road full of washboards. The township promised to improve this road in mid 1980s, then switched to improve Richardson Road instead and then ran out of money for improvements.

Is the township now planning to upgrade this road to accommodate the increased vehicle traffic?

Robert Miller
Traverse City

A previous success

Success builds support. The new survey regarding the Old Mission Farmland preservation program shows 80 percent of our landowners support preserving farms with millage funding. As one of the program's founders, I urge Leelanau voters to vote "yes” to fund your own program.

Ours is successful, stemming the loss of farmland, generating extensive matching funds and preserving a key component of our local economy and character.

It could not have been done without the millage. But with that millage support you, too, will generate significant matching funding and provide a missing part of what can keep your farming industry strong.

John Wunsch
Traverse City
The writer has a fruit farm on Old Mission
and worked on developing the Old Mission Farmland
Preservation Program and passage of both support millages.

Preserve the future

We urge our Long Lake Township neighbors to vote "yes” on the millage proposal to help fund the purchase of two beautiful land parcels. This will be our only opportunity to preserve these 320 acres of land from development.

Kudos to the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and the Long Lake Township Board for identifying an opportunity leaving future generations a legacy of open areas, hiking trails, protected wildlife habitat and preserved lake and stream water quality.

A "yes” vote for the Natural Areas Proposal is a small price to ensure that future generations enjoy what we take for granted today.

Charles and Ann Weitz
Traverse City

A candidate for us

How great it is to have our resources from our farmlands that Howard Walker assisted in maintaining. Fruits, veggies, cherry pie, foods that keep us in good health and spirits.

Countrysides, raging beauty in fall colors and vineyards — the heart and soul of living.

He not only assisted the aged, but also he attained equal educational finances for children. His belief is that what you put in for children, so you will receive.

We need Howard Walker for representative. Re-elect him Nov. 7.

Ellen Exworthy
Traverse City

Wrong farmland estimate

The Sunday, Oct.29, Record-Eagle contained an important factual error in a story about farmland preservation in Leelanau County. Based on information given by a Solon Township farmer, the article said the half-mill levy for farmland preservation would "cost the couple and additional $600 to $800 in property taxes each year.”

That is flat wrong. Leelanau County property tax records show that taxes on the family farm would raise by about $120 annually.

Opponents of farmland preservation have been overestimating the cost of this proposal to sway voters. Don't let this deception influence your vote.

Dan Ristine
Leland

Protecting our resources

As the State of Michigan works through the current economic challenges and begins once again to reinvent itself, it becomes critical for regions like ours to have strong representation in Lansing.

We need individuals who understand both the unique blend of people and natural resources that define our community here in northwest Michigan and how we align those resources to benefit our area, as change occurs at the state level.

I've had the good fortune of knowing Howard Walker for a number of years, and know him to be the type of individual who can continue to do just that.

John Paul
Traverse City

Support dove hunting

Doves are among the 10 most abundant birds in the United States (estimated 400 million) and over 4 million are migrating out of Michigan yearly.

There is no reason we should not support a common sense hunting season. The management of doves should be based on sound, scientific principles, not emotions and lies.

Hunted or not, the life expectancy of a dove is less than one year with one half the population dying during any 12-month period. Like other game species, the dove cannot be stockpiled while Mother Nature runs her course.

Support Michigan's hunting heritage.

Matt Leach
Kalkaska

A better candidate

I was surprised at the Record-Eagle's endorsement of Palsrok over Dan Scripps. Your editorial sounded as if Dan has a close association with Mr. Stryker, whom he has never met. Are you aware that the League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action have endorsed Dan Scripps, whereas Palsrok gets a failing grade from these organizations?

Look at the source of funds raised by each candidate. Dan Scripps' contributions are overwhelmingly from district residents individuals. Contrast that with 95 percent of Palsrok's contributions from special interest groups. Ordinary citizens want Dan Scripps to be their state representative.

Robert Sauer
Benzonia

A man of action

Rep. Howard Walker is the rare politician who walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to renewable energy.

While many tout their energy concerns, Howard's a man of action. He's not only sponsored legislation in support of renewables, but he and his family actively supported the Michigan Energy Fair in Manistee this summer. He's not afraid to show his bi-partisanship and truly represents all of us in northern Michigan.

Howard is forward in his thinking and advocates responsible use of our natural resources. A vote for Howard Walker is a vote for all of us.

Lynda O'Shea
Copemish

Save the Natural Areas

On Nov. 7, Long Lake Township voters will have the chance to vote "yes” on the Natural Areas Proposal. Over the years, we have seen much change in our township. While a certain amount of growth is inevitable, we believe township residents have a duty to preserve some of the most special places. To ensure that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have the opportunity to hike northern hardwood forests and chase frogs along an undeveloped creek, we will vote "yes.”

We hope that you will help us in preserving these special places for future generations.

Bob and Mary Doerr
Traverse City

Reason enough to recall

Vote "yes” to recall Pahl. Why, you ask? Well, attend the board meetings, ask him questions or give him a call. His response until the recall was, "It's on a need to know basis, and you don't need to know.” Or he will just hang up. If you persist he will have friends recall you if you are a board member.

If Blair is so bad off then why do they continue to give themselves raises? Oh, that must be because the treasurer has done her job with investing the township funds.

Don and Linda Weathers
Traverse City
Don Weathers is a member of
the township zoning board of appeals.

My voting values

This campaign season has allowed me to meet and hear the candidates and incumbents representing my county and district. I am impressed with Scripps, Schippers and Huckleberry. They each come forth with funding from the people who live in their districts. Thus their campaign funds are not fattened by sources outside of this area. They have been in the public eye in the past months far more than the incumbents, conveying the dedication to serve in the office. Their ideas often reflect thinking outside the shadows of the capital buildings walked by the incumbents.

I like that. How about you?

Mary Hagan
Empire

Support school funding

As parents and music/athletic boosters of Traverse City Area Public Schools, we've watched our children learn and grow over their years at TCAPS. And we're writing to urge our community to vote "yes” on the local school proposal for TCAPS' renewal millage.

TCAPS is required by the state to levy 18 mills on non-homestead businesses and vacation homes in order to receive its full per-pupil funding from the State of Michigan. This is not a tax increase, but is a renewal of taxes already levied.

Bill and Alison Arnold
Traverse City