11/02/2006

Letters to the Editor

At Issue: Elections

Preservation helps us all

"The preservation and enhancement of our natural resources is the cornerstone of a successful economy.” So said the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce 35 years ago in their enlightened mission statement. It's still their goal today.

Surprised? ... that a conservative business organization would take this stand? ... or that the Chamber has endorsed a "yes” vote for farmland preservation in Leelanau County? Well, don't be. They know that a "yes” vote will be good for business, good for natural resources, good for all of us; and in the long run, will keep taxes lower than development run amuck.

Gil Bogley
Lake Leelanau

Voter info available

I read with interest your editorial in the Oct. 31 paper regarding the fine effort by Project Vote Smart in collecting data on state and national candidates. As part of Project Vote Smart's Library Project, the Osterlin Library at Northwestern Michigan College has a display of their materials plus other voting information including the League of Women Voter's Michigan Voter Guide.

Free copies of Project Vote Smart's "The Voter's Self-Defense Manual” for 2006 are available in the lobby of the library and we would be pleased if they're all taken by next Tuesday.

Ann Swaney
Traverse City
The writer is a reference librarian at
Northwestern Michigan College.

Don't fall for scam

What an opportunity! Long Lake Township property owners have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy 320 acres of swamp land for only $1,956,000. That's a mere $6,000 or so per acre for mosquito-infested muck. Don't waiver. This opportunity won't come again. Never again will township officials have the gall to sell you a similar scam.

Did anyone mention that this property with its extensive wetlands cannot be developed except, of course, by Mr. Clous.

Save your tax dollars and vote "no.”

Jack Capehart
Traverse City

No information offered

Regarding Kelly Steinebach's "Conflict of Interest” opinion of Oct. 31, true, there is a court record on file. Now for the rest of the story.

Ms. Steinebach fails to share that the case is the direct result of Blair Township Treasurer Kathy Nowak's failure to comply in providing requested information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.

After two separate FOIA requests and an appeal, there was no legitimate compliance by Kathy Nowak. (Court file copy "exhibits” suggest information present). Litigation was the last recourse. It's a principle matter, not financial.

Nowak's actions exemplify the need for a "yes” recall vote.

David and Elsie Wineman
Grawn

Incidents add up

Apparently Blair Township Treasurer Kathy Nowak can do wrong and the rest of the members of the township board and the supervisor are at fault.

It is time for Kathy Nowak to step up and take responsibility. She has failed in her duties as treasurer. She does not submit accurate financial reports. She is rude to members of the community and the township board and she lied on the blue flier she sent around concerning her recall.

Not reimbursed for her mileage? Come on, Kathy, it's time to step up and tell the truth. Vote "yes” to recall Kathy Nowak.

Ray Cochrane
Traverse City

Hold the bottom line

Leelanau County taxpayers need to vote "no” on the operating millage. How can the county have a $2 million budget shortfall in one year, 20 percent of a $10 million annual budget?

It's easy. Commissioners overspent $5 million on too big a jail and courthouse, then wasted thousands on emotional, non-essential and non-mandated projects while leaving the budget unattended for four years.

Little attention has been paid to the people's real business, a neglect of their duties as to the core functions and priorities of government.

Vote "no” on these high-tax proposals. Force them to do an honest job.

Stephen P. Mikowski
Lake Leelanau

Support funds for schools

There is only one local school issue on the Nov. 7 ballot. Traverse City Area Public Schools is asking to renew a levy of 18 mills on businesses and vacation homes in our district. This is not a tax increase and will not increase funding for TCAPS. Under the current state funding system, this tax is required for TCAPS to receive their full state funding.

Please do not confuse this local proposal with any of the state proposals. TCAPS has proven to be fiscally responsible and deserves your support on this local request.

Vote "yes” to support TCAPS students.

Ralph L. Soffredine
Traverse City
The writer is a former Traverse City School Board trustee

Shares our concerns

The 101st District of the Michigan House of Representatives deserves to be represented by Dan Scripps, who has the concerns of Benzie, Mason, Manistee and Leelanau counties. Unlike his opponent, who is funded by individuals outside the area, Dan Scripps has the interests of local voters. It is time that we elect representatives who reflect the local community and not that of large corporations or billionaires with no ties to the district.

Dan Scripps reflects the education, small-business and environmental concerns of the 101st District and deserves your support.

Kari Tomashik
Honor

Where do they stand?

Michigan's 1995 drug immunity law denies us our right of court access and disregards consumer protection laws. We are the only state in America that has this law.

Michigan holds all other manufacturers accountable for their products. It has discriminated against Michigan citizens by not holding drug companies to the same standards.

While Michigan continues to deny our rights, in places like Iraq and Afghanistan our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters are dying protecting our rights.

Before you vote know if your candidates stand with you or with the big drug companies.

Leslee Wiltjer
Boyne City

Fights for school funds

I am grateful to Howard Walker for his great determination and persistence in helping to get our fair share in funding for northern Michigan schools.

From day one, he has advocated to close the funding gap that exists between the rich downstate schools and many of our northern Michigan schools. I commend him for his work and encourage everyone to vote to re-elect Howard on Nov. 7.

Joanne H. Smith
Traverse City

Restore checks/balances

People, please wake up! We have surrendered many of our hallmark democratic principles in the name of a never-ending war on terror, and Washington has become morally and fiscally corrupted. Unfortunately, the corruption seems to be creeping towards Lansing. Political greed has become pervasive.

In our foreign policy, we need to talk directly with Iran, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba, not isolate them. To start to make the necessary changes, we need to reinstate some checks and balances in our government, which we don't have when one party controls all three branches of government.

Please vote Democratic next Tuesday.

Cyril L. Thiel Jr.
Elk Rapids

Vote for a change

Republican campaign literature and flashy pictures allude to the political clout that Sen. Allen, Sen. McManus and Rep. Palsrok wield, yet a cold, hard look at the facts exposes just the opposite.

The funding for local schools is at the absolute bottom of the barrel. The monetary support for road repair is not commensurate with the taxes we pay. Sheriff deputies, teaches and public maintenance workers are laid off simply because northwest Michigan does not get an equitable piece of the economic pie. Political clout for friends, but not for us.

Vote for Unger, Huckleberry and Scripps. For a change.

Gary S. Powell
Traverse City

Half-truths/exaggerations

Your statement in your editorial regarding shooting doves in a parking lot is irresponsible. Michigan law forbids shooting a firearm within 450 feet from a building and shooting any bird off of a wire is also forbidden.

The real reason why you should vote "yes” on Proposal 3 is because the Humane Society of the United States is bankrolling this referendum because they want to stop all hunting, trapping, fishing, animal research, pet ownership, and eating meat and eggs!

Don't be fooled by their half-truths and exaggerations.

Bruce J. Finnerty
Cadillac

Disregard endorsement

I strongly urge everyone in the 101st State House District to ignore the Record-Eagle's endorsement of David Palsrok, Republican incumbent, and to vote for his Democratic challenger Dan Scripps of Northport.

Dan is committed to protecting our Great Lakes and underground water, eliminating Michigan as a dumping ground for Canadian trash, making school funding more equitable and protecting a woman's right of choice.

Mr. Palsrok has demonstrated that he holds opposite views. Furthermore, he supported eliminating the Single Business Tax without providing a replacement source of revenue, greatly increasing our deficit. We need Dan Scripps in the state Legislature.

James A. Ham
Northport

Re-elect Howard Walker

I am writing to encourage everyone to re-elect our state representative, Howard Walker. Howard has been a strong advocate for our schools over the last four years. He has fought in every budget cycle to get our fair share in school funding, even going up against those in his own party to try to eliminate special payments for rich schools downstate.

We need Howard to continue this fight. Vote Howard Walker on Nov. 7.

Charmaine Dressler
Traverse City

Backward logic

Regarding Troy Molby's letter of Oct. 25 on dove hunting, in which he stated "Our society has it backwards when birds have more protections than humans,” the last time I checked, it was still illegal to hunt humans! And since it's also still legal to own a hunting weapon, I think the only ones who have it "backwards” are the dove hunters!

Why stop at mourning doves? What's next, the robin? Oh, yeah, that's state bird of Michigan. Well then, go for the cardinal or blue jay at our feeders!

Fortunately for dove proponents, his argument lacks logic and reason.

Amy Falberg
Traverse City

Walker right for 104th

Over the last four years Rep. Howard Walker has proven he is the right person to continue to serve the interests of the 104th House District. He has taken stands to protect our quality of life and our economic future.

Rep. Walker has sponsored innovative legislation, ranging from challenging the inequity of school funding to providing new financial options to protect our farmlands. Just recently, his bill to create forest product renaissance zones was signed into law.

Howard Walker has represented us well. I support his re-election to the 104th District seat.

Mary Jo Fifarek
Traverse City

Paid her own way

The Blair Township treasurer has not received reimbursement for mileage since Feb. 16(*), a check for $67.90, which covered the entire month of January. Beyond that point, it is her pocket money that drives your money to the bank to be invested and protected.

As far as her education being paid for by your monies, the board only allotted a very small portion of what her total would be. She has gone to seminars, conferences, classes and meetings to further her education for the betterment of the township, most of which she personally finances.

Vote "no.” Keep Kathy Nowak treasurer.

Kenneth Nowak
Grawn
The writer is Kathy Nowak's husband.

Going down the tubes

I am sick and tired of politicians who are in the "circle the wagons,” "take my toys and go home” mode, forgetting what they were supposed to learn in kindergarten: cooperation and tolerance.

I am sick and tired of politicians who will not give a straight answer to a question.

I will vote for those few whom I think have integrity, honesty and are willing to work together.

While these people are fighting, our nation and our state are going down the tubes.

Get in the game, people!

Jacquie Thiel
Elk Rapids

Would lobby for jobs

Gov. Granholm says she is working hard to bring companies and jobs to Michigan. If true, why didn't she go hard after the Honda plant that went to Greenburg, Ind.? Why not Michigan? It is reported that she did little to nothing to make Michigan's case. Why? Union presence?

Dick DeVos is correct in placing the blame on Granholm for not putting forth the effort to lobby and meet with Honda executives on her recent trip to Japan. Dick DeVos would have done everything he could to get that Honda plant for Michigan. Michigan needs jobs! Vote DeVos for governor!

Joe P. Francis
Honor

Decision already made

Rep. Howard Walker and Sen. Jason Allen are honorable men who deserve re-election to the Michigan Legislature.

We heartily endorse them and have already cast our absentee ballot for them.

Matthew and
Christine Schoech
Traverse City

Keep priorities in mind

Voting is soon. Remember to vote for life, to protect our unborn babies.

Michael Bouchard, DeVos, Jason Allen, Howard Walker support life.

Don't let biased, endless Republican bashing fool you. Common sense tells us that terrorism, Saddam, 9/11, bin Laden, al-Qaida, nuclear threats are all connected. We need to protect America. Support our troops. Freedom never has come without a sacrifice. Your votes count.

Mildred Komraka
Interlochen

Proven leadership

Blair Township residents, vote "no” to not recall our supervisor Pat Pahl. The accusations against him are false. He is a respectful citizen whose character and leadership are being challenged in a cruel and misleading manner.

He has served respectfully for 16 years on the planning commission and now two years as supervisor. He may indeed be one the best supervisors our township has ever had. He is fair, speaks the truth and holds employees accountable, which is the origin of peoples' anger with him. He has proven good leadership to our community. Keep up the good work.

Lori L. McGee
Blair Township
The writer is an eight-year Blair Township deputy clerk.

Talk to representatives

The House of Representatives of Michigan actually makes the laws and passes legislation; these are the races that are most important. The Republican majority has not helped with job creation or the Michigan economy. Neither have the Democrats. Now is the time to talk to your representatives and find out where they stand for now and the 2008 election. We are out of time for elected officials who spend more time attacking each other or playing party-line politics. We need elected officials who will just do the job and provide what is best for Michigan.

Jim Hollingsworth
Bellaire

Vote on facts

Hearsay against Blair Township Supervisor Pat Pahl is disproved in township minutes. Support Pat Pahl with a "no” recall vote.

Meanwhile, Blair Township Treasurer Kathy Nowak's need for recall is clear and validated in minutes. A "yes” to recall Kathy Nowak is justified.

Vote on fact, not hearsay.

Stan Hill
Grawn

A great investment

Living in Long Lake Township near my grandchildren, I believe the Natural Areas Proposal is a great investment for them. We love to walk the woods and explore nature as we spend time together. I would like their memories of me to be these shared outings.

Passing the Natural Areas Proposal will give us two beautiful areas to take nature walks close to home. Make the Natural Areas available for ourselves, our children and grandchildren to enjoy for years to come by voting "yes” for the Long Lake Township Natural Areas Proposal on Nov. 7.

Nancy Templeton
Long Lake Township

Don't listen to "hearsay”

Why would people support Blair Township Treasurer Kathy Nowak on "hearsay,” for "all that glitters is not gold”? Why would one recall Supervisor Pat Pahl on unsubstantiated "hearsay”?

Township minutes are legal documents requiring board vote to ensure validity. Yet Kathy Nowak and the recall attempt against Pat Pahl do not share the full truth. Is it that to do so would discredit their "hearsay”?

The committee to recall Kathy Nowak validates its claims on fact as do those opposing the recall of Pat Pahl.

Vote "yes” to recall Kathy Nowak” and "no” to Recall Pat Pahl.

Tammy Rickerd
Traverse City

Support renewal millage

Please support Traverse City Area Public Schools' Renewal Millage Proposal. This millage is vital to our school district. I'm concerned TCAPS' proposal may be overlooked on the ballot.

Michigan mandates that schools levy a minimum of 18 mills on non-homestead and vacation property in local districts to receive state funding. Without this millage, TCAPS would lose $1-plus million over the next few years. TCAPS moved its school elections to coincide with November general elections to save costs.

TCAPS produces high levels of student achievement as a lowest-funded district in Michigan. TCAPS' question is located near the end of the voter ballot

James G. Feil
Suttons Bay
The writer is superintendent of
Traverse City Area Public Schools.

Taking game a bonus

Many writers are in opposition to dove hunting and make comparisons to the passenger pigeon. The demise of the passenger pigeon had nothing to do with a regulated hunting season. The birds were shot or trapped by the thousands by market hunters who were perfectly legal then.

Those who oppose dove hunting likely oppose all hunting. If they eat meat they prefer to think it grows in those little foam/plastic containers at the grocery store.

Most hunters will tell you the time spent afield with friends and family is where they derive the most enjoyment. Taking game is a bonus.

Mike Heuss
Traverse City

Loss of open lands

I support the proposal to preserve Leelanau farmland. I come from conservative farm people; I know about tax burdens. But I see what loss of open lands means for farmers and people living near farms. I lived in once-farmed suburbs; taxes are always higher because services, roads and utility taxes skyrocket with density.

If you're like my dad, with his clear-eyed vision of money, you're looking at the bottom line €” a $28 average increase. I'm here to write that the bottom line for "yes” seems utterly reasonable and gives us opportunity to prevent thoughtless growth €” we've seen enough of that.

Anne-Marie Oomen
Empire

Vote for life

Mother Teresa stated that, "We will not have peace until we stop killing our children.” As a practicing Catholic my conscience tells me that I must vote for life. Won't you please join me in voting for Dick DeVos, Mike Bouchard and Dave Palsrok, all pro-life candidates, on Nov. 7 and God will bless this great state of Michigan.

Pat Kamaloski
Manistee
The writer is treasurer of a Right to Life
group starting in Manistee County.