11/03/2006

Letters to the Editor

At Issue: Elections

Understands issues

I have been very impressed by Donna Hornberger's campaign for county commissioner. Donna has over 18 years of managerial experience and has brought the same dedication and hardworking abilities to the many volunteer positions she's held. Most importantly she understands the importance of openness and cooperation in our local government.

Donna Hornberger has a deep understanding of the issues that confront Grand Traverse County and the passion and ability to bring real change to the commission. Please join me in voting for Donna on Nov. 7.

Christie McGue
Traverse City

Record of excellence

The mudslinging of many campaigns is disheartening, if not new. An exception is Judge Nancy Kida's re-election bid in Benzie County. That a campaign can be decent and assert a candidate's strengths without insult is cause for hope.

Judge Kida's campaign speaks volumes about her respect for Benzie County citizens as well as her integrity. Judge Kida's track record of excellence, the exceptional quality of her judicial experience, and the high marks she gets from other Michigan judges are public record.

Cindy Shapiro
Beulah

Try someone new

I was appointed deputy treasurer of Blair township by Kathy Nowak in 1998. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Kathy and would strongly like to urge Blair Township to vote "yes" to recall Kathy Nowak as Blair Township treasurer. After seven years, Nowak still can't get her act together. Let's try someone new.

"Yes" to recall Kathy Nowak.

Kristine Wright
Traverse City

If I were the president

I have announced my candidacy for "United States President" and propose the following for the people of the U.S.

A. Return all reserves and National Guard to our borders.

B. Clean the red tape between the people and our government.

C. Clean up our nation and help rebuild it from the inside out.

D. Clean up the government and restore it to serve the people.

God bless the U.S.A. and its people.

William R. Courson
Maple City

For farmland preservation

Here's why conservatives can get behind farmland preservation in Leelanau County.

1) It keeps taxes down, since the cost of services incurred by residential development, especially sprawl, always exceeds that of the farming it replaces.

2) It sustains our economy, since farming is our second-greatest money maker. From 1990 to 2000, the county lost one fifth of its active farmland.

At this rate, farming will shrink to where its support systems can no longer stay in business. When they collapse, farming will collapse, along with its jobs and its $50 million annual input. Be conservative: Vote for this measure.

Porter Abbott
Northport

For fairness, equity

Race preferences kept Jennifer Gratz, a math major, out of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Barbara Grutter out of the U-M law school. Similar preferences continue to strongly favor African Americans over white and Asian applicants at the undergraduate school, law school and medical school. They certainly don't benefit women.

See the facts at www.michigancivilrights.org and vote "yes" on Proposal 2 for fairness and equality in public employment, public education and public contracting because equal treatment is the essence of civil rights.

Bill Vockel
Traverse City

Contrasts in leadership

The contrast between Mike Huckleberry and his opponent David Camp couldn't be greater. Camp is heavily indebted to corporate interests and the dysfunctional Republican leadership. Mike is very knowledgeable about health care. He knows what is needed to improve our health care system and redo the unnecessarily complicated, expensive Republican Medicare legislation of 2003 that benefits pharmaceutical and insurance companies more than patients.

Mike would make an excellent citizen-legislator for the 4th Congressional district. I hope that corporate money doesn't buy our seat in the Congress.

Dr. R. J. McElroy
Empire

Evaluate the options

I submitted concerns to the Long Lake Township board.

1. If the millage fails, but the grant is approved, will the township acquire Gilbert Pines?

2. Why were two parcels joined in one ballot question?

3. Request was made for the ballot language mandate that the lands be preserved as part of the public trust.

4. Some information being disseminated does not reflect the board's resolution.

Board's responses: 1. Any decision premature; 2. no response; 3. denied request; 4. information from third party, not township.

Despite reservations the unique character/beauty of Gilbert Pines leads me to vote for the millage.

Michael A. Kronk
Traverse City

'5' is bad policy

Proposal 5 is bad policy and should be defeated. Despite claims made by its supporters, the disparity between high-funded and low-funded districts would actually grow if Proposal 5 passes. There are no indications where funds would come from to pay for it, which could leave a hole in the state's budget, estimated to be as high as $700 million.

Every newspaper in the state that has taken a position on this has opposed it. Proposal 5 will lead to one of two things, cutting other state programs or raising taxes. The choice is clear. Vote "no" on Proposal 5.

Kirt W. Kilbourne
Traverse City

Honest, intelligent

The Oct. 26 editorial states Dan Scripps is running a well-financed campaign. But, where is his money coming from? Look at Dan's campaign finance report, and you find donations mainly from people living in the 101st District.

In contrast, Palsrok's financial report shows columns of corporate and political action committee donors. Because Dan has touched people with his honesty, intelligence, willingness to listen and his understanding of district concerns, people have reached deep in their pockets for Dan. His first priority in Lansing will be the people of the district.

A vote for Dan is a vote for the people.

Jerry Solanics
Beulah

A straight shooter

Judge Nancy Kida deserves to be re-elected. She's a straight shooter. She deliberates long and hard before making a decision, always keeping in mind what is fair and honest for both sides. She's helped many a family to weather a storm and remain together.

Judge Kida has been honored for her judicial wisdom by judges, local and across the state. Let's keep her.

Jeanne Dzik
Lake Ann

Dedicated candidate

Money calls the shots for too many of our incumbent representatives. Most of it comes from big business.

It takes a lot of money to get elected so it will take someone of integrity, courage, and dedication to acknowledge the problem and do something about it. Dan Scripps is that kind of guy. Most of Dan's money has come from small individual donations so he is beholden only to people like you and me, not big business.

A more ethical government is at the core of his convictions. Dan is one of the brightest, most dedicated candidates I have met.

Gerald Jehle
Beulah

Yes to education

Please vote "yes" on the only local school issue on the Nov. 7 ballot. This is not a new tax increase, but a renewal of 18 mills on businesses and vacation homes in the Traverse City Area Public Schools district. Resident homeowners do not pay this tax. The 18 mills must be renewed in order to receive full per-pupil funding from the state of Michigan. Our local chamber of commerce supports this issue; won't you?

Say yes to our children's education.

Elizabeth Denoyer
Cedar

Fed up with campaigning

Am I the only one who is thoroughly fed up with candidates invading our homes with their recorded pitch and mud slinging?

They have no regard for how difficult and inconvenient it can be to get to the phone only to hear another recording.

We don't have to be brow beaten and are capable of making an intelligent decision without these calls.

Personally, I feel those who do so do not deserve our votes.

Is it an impossibility for any candidate to have consideration and integrity?

Ferne White
Traverse City

Vote responsibly

As a member of the Blair Township Board, I support Patrick Pahl. The allegations against him can be disproven by reviewing board minutes, and at www.patpahl.us. A "no" vote will keep a long-time community-minded individual active in Blair Township.

Kathy Nowak's continuous disregard for following board direction regarding legal policies, as well as the need for increased audit expenses, makes me question her ability to perform her job lawfully, as treasurer for the residents of Blair Township.

As voters, it is our duty to gather facts that enable us to make an informed decision. Vote responsibly!

Stacey Clous
Kingsley

Where is the outrage?

At the League-sponsored debate, Sen. Jason Allen stated that there should be no abortion for any reason and that any physician performing such a procedure should be subject to criminal penalties.

Voters would discover that he supports the teaching of "intelligent design" in public schools.

Mr. Allen approves of grooming our beaches despite adverse environmental impacts to sensitive natural areas.

His opponent, Sharon Unger, is only spending $25,000; Sen. Allen's fundraising is the largest in the state, the vast majority coming from people outside of his district.

If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention. Unger for State Senate.

Paul Christ
Traverse City

'Yes' to support students

To clarify with our community, there is only one local school issue on the Nov. 7 ballot. As required by law, we are asking you to renew a levy of 18 mills on businesses and vacation homes in our district. School districts are required by the state (Headlee Overide) to renew local non-homestead millage in order to receive full per-pupil funding.

This is not a tax increase; businesses and vacation homeowners will not have to pay any additional school taxes over what they currently pay. Resident homeowners do not pay this tax. Vote "yes" to support our students!

Gerald Morris
Acme
The writer is president, TCAPS Board of Education.

Women's place is politics

These are hopeful times despite the GOP's shameful debacles. As David Broder, longtime political pundit writes, "Much of the political future now rests in the hands of women." He sees a promising rise of women running for public elections. Because women are famed caregivers much of their lives, they tend to be liberal Democrats or Independents. They push for equality and justice for everyone in education, health, employment and social security.

I applaud my progressive sisters who are candidates for state or national offices, our honorable Gov. Jennifer Granholm and equally honorable Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Marge Barrett
Glen Arbor

No balancing act

Kathy Nowak, Blair Township Treasurer, places great creditability on her state and federal certification and "education," alluding office qualified.

Not so. Both are non-quantitative, making her as uneducated as the suggested six other elected board members.

Obtaining "certifications" and attending conferences doesn't mean you're qualified and does not reflect competency.

Township books eventually balance, but she fails to share the number of times of lateness and of times balances couldn't be reconciled because of errors. Township minutes reflect it.

This is not new, and it's time for a "yes" recall.

Paul Schlegel
Traverse City

Understands land issues

I have spent most of my life making a living from Michigan agriculture. As my representative, Howard Walker has been a great listener at home and proactive in dealing with the issues that face farmers in Michigan. Howard has been a great advocate for property rights. He has studied and understands the complicated land-use issues facing Michigan's diverse agricultural economy.

An example is Howard's bill to alleviate development pressures on agricultural land by offering a tax credit to farmers who keep farming.

I am voting to re-elect Howard on Nov. 7 to keep Michigan farmers farming.

Jim Thompson
Traverse City

Keep facts in mind

Recall allegations don't have to be true. Disgruntlement and non-verifiable hearsay is enough, as in the recall attempt of Blair Township Supervisor Pat Pahl. Support Supervisor Pat Paul with a "no" recall vote.

Recall needs of Blair Township Treasurer Kathy Nowak are many and are substantiated in legal township minutes. Restore accountability to office with your "yes" recall Kathy Nowak vote.

Hearsay doesn't prove anything, legal minutes do.

"Yes Recall Kathy Nowak" and "No Recall Pat Pahl."

Marcia Rushton
Traverse City

A place for the children

Those of you who have children and grandchildren know how much they love to play in the woods and along streams and lakes. Since our region is one of the fastest growing in the state, these are the very places that are rapidly disappearing.

Long Lake Township voters have the opportunity to preserve two very special natural areas which were identified in our Natural Features Inventory as properties that should be protected from development. Please join me in voting "yes" for the Natural Areas Proposal on Nov. 7.

John D. Tobin
Traverse City

Will fight for the district

Dan Scripps raised his campaign money from small contributions from people within the 101st District. These individuals gave to his campaign because they want a change from Palsrok, whose money comes from special interests, who fails to address school funding inequities, who talks about protecting the environment but who gets a failing grade from conservation and environmental groups.

Dan Scripps, in contrast, walks the walk; a smart, capable environmental attorney with integrity, who knows how to get things done. A vote for Dan is a vote for someone who will fight for the best interests of the entire district.

Beatrice M. Stone
Frankfort

Vouchers will return

Since 1999 Dick DeVos, his wife Betsy, and their immediate family have poured at least $7 million into expanding school choice, vouchers, tuition tax credits and charter schools, and promoting candidates who back them.

DeVos has carefully skirted the issue of vouchers. However, in December 2002 in a speech before the conservative Heritage Foundation, he said "But when the time comes, we will bring the fight back to Michigan again and do everything we can there."

DeVos criticizes Granholm for not creating jobs. Wrong branch, Republican- controlled Legislature has been in the majority since the reign of King John (Engler).

Jim Sheets
Benzonia
The writer is the Benzonia Township supervisor.

Give her more time

Four years as governor only scratches the knowledge surface and allows little time to make wanted changes. I think Gov. Granholm deserves more time to continue her wisdom and expertise, especially considering the challenges she inherited.

I hope you will consider giving Gov. Granholm your vote to allow the follow-through of programs she has already put in place for the improvement of Michigan. I say, she cares enough to run again for this office, let's give her time to work on her ideas.

Alta Frears
Traverse City

Misleading ads

Jay Duggan ads regarding Gary McDowell are misleading and factually in error, and Detroit bashing is very counter-productive. A healthy, vibrant Detroit would be great for our tourist industry and economy.

Detroit did a terrific job hosting Super Bowl XL, and the Tigers did us proud. I'm currently working with Detroiters on tourism initiatives to help the entire state. Jay Duggan would isolate Detroit. A state representative must build coalitions and work for the common good.

Rep. Gary McDowell is a statesman. We don't need more narrow-minded representation in Lansing — the 107th District should retain Gary McDowell.

Joe Breidenstein
Walloon Lake

Save county services

Leelanau County voters face a critical choice on the one-mill 911 operations millage.

A "yes" vote means that we appreciate the services our county employees and volunteers provide. A "yes" vote means we are willing to pay a little extra to make up for loss of state revenue, ending the 911 phone surcharge, and the Headlee rollback.

Failure of this millage means an end to our 911 service, Cooperative Extension, 4-H, county park upkeep and many other county services. It hacks at the meat of our wonderful community.

Save county services. Vote "yes" on the 911 operations millage.

Susan Och
Lake Leelanau

An excellent addition

As a real estate agent, I know the importance of good county government and its impact on our local housing market. When elected, John Nelson will be an excellent addition to the county commission, where he can use his consensus-building skills to assist in resolving recycling, road and growth issues.

John will continue to work for open and accessible county government that will seek input from all citizens. He'll also continue to work for an elected road commission that will allow greater input from the public.

I encourage you to elect John Nelson for the county commission.

Pam Stowe
Traverse City

Commitment to job

Blair Township Supervisor Pat Pahl's slick Web site does not address his habit of acting first, then attaining board approval after the fact. It also glosses over some other issues which have angered residents and business owners alike!

Treasurer Kathy Nowak has just had another audit and it appears, as usual, that everything is in order. Kathy's commitment to her job and her loyalty to the residents she serves, remains unchanged. Questions about her job performance stem from individuals who see her as a whistle blower and a non-team player because she refuses to go along with others' personal agendas.

Diana Bartlett
Traverse City
The writer wrote the petition to recall Supervisor Pat Pahl.

Actions matter, not words

Jennifer Granholm has been running ads claiming she is "personally opposed" to abortion in an attempt to paint herself as a moderate on abortion. Her record tells a different story.

Granholm vetoed a ban on the gruesome partial-birth abortion procedure. Granholm also opposes common-sense measures like informed consent and parental consent.

Most telling is her endorsement from EMILY's List, a radical pro-abortion political action committee that only supports candidates who favor abortion at any time, for any reason, funded by tax dollars.

Granholm can say whatever she wants about her "personal" views, but what really matters are her public actions.

Dawn Sheidler
Traverse City
The writer is executive director,
Grand Traverse Area Right to Life.