Ted Nugent and the National Rifle Association need to be put in their places.
Our senators were elected by the majority of Michigan taxpayers, not by Nugent and the NRA. Nugent and the NRA are a bunch of bullies that need to know who runs this state.
Nugent and the NRA are a real bunch of tough guys who want to kill a harmless bird. Cities need to ban dove hunting.
Jerome P. King
Letter to the Editor
Kudos to State Representative Ruth Johnson who has courageously taken on the powerful, arrogant, overpaid and underachieving Oakland County Intermediate School District administration.
Unfortunately we will not be able to solve the poor level of the education of our “kids” (and at the same time the state deficit) unless we will drastically reform and reduce the system of 660 school districts (26 in Oakland County alone) with 660 bureaucracies and administrators at $100,000 plus per year, assistants and whatnot.
We must establish countywide school boards and administrators and at the same time revise our entire schooling program.
The latest MEAP scores indicated 50 to 60 percent (or less) adequate understanding of the subjects. Some incredibly are 25 percent.
This means that three fourths of the pupils can’t understand or did not absorb what was taught. How come 50-75 percent of the pupils are not flunking and repeating classes?
No matter how dedicated some of our teachers are, these low scores show the total bankruptcy of our methods and education — no history, no geography, minimal language skills (both English and foreign)?
How will this generation compete in a world economy?
Henry Gleisner
Do only some persons know of the state law(s) that gives Orion Township the right to put money that has been collected from property taxes for the township library into the township’s General Fund?
If Jim Marleau and/or Al Barnes, the township’s treasurer and deputy treasurer, could take some time to put so reasoning in print, the taxpaying public would like to know..
We patrons of the Orion Library would like to become informed of just which state statues apply in this matter of the $279,000 in question.
We’ll be waiting with interest for your reply in the future to be printed in The Lake Orion Review.
Clay Rathburg
Monday, November 17 made for a truly emotional and overwhelming morning.
The responses I have heard from people who visited different area restaurants during “Eat out Clarkston” exemplified the support of our community. In Renee’s words, wanting “goodness to rub off on a lot of people” is definitely fulfilling her wishes.
I am glad to see that the establishments that participated have been rewarded for their generosity by receiving new and old patrons at their restaurants, on what could have otherwise been a slow Monday for them.
The restaurants include: Fenton Hotel, Bullfrogs, Nickelodeon, Big Boy of Clarkston, Giacomo’s Ristorante, Classic Coney, Village Cafe, Las Piramides, Pete’s Coney, Burger King of Clarkston, McDonald’s on Dixie-Clarkston, Jet’s Pizza on Dixie, Little Dana’s. Gregg’s Gourmet, Little Caesar’s on M-15 and Sashabaw and Putzio’s Catering.
Thank you Kerri Gualtieri for the “Eat out Clarkston” idea. At our Fourth of July fundraiser, Kerri had asked if we ever thought of coordinating an “Eat out Clarkston” event. That was all we needed to pull together an event we believed would involve the community and soar.
Thanks to our committee co-chairs, Dawn McLatcher and Lisa Gray for their legwork and great job in pulling the 16 restaurants together.
The depth of the Spraypark project is definitely touching the hearts of the Clarkston community. Priceless. Thank you all, for your support and embracing a project that will serve our children and families well.
Michele and Ralph Przybylski
At the Tuesday, November 18 Independence Township meeting, the board made a decision that will cost the township money without getting anything in return.
Judge Fortinberry wisely withdrew her plan to have an inmate work garden in the township next year due to the outrage of the surrounding property owners. Now comes the next problem for the township board.
The judge requested the township pay back the money already spent for improvements that were made to the property to facilitate the running of the work farm. These improvements include a well, a fence to keep out the deer and an irrigation pipe.
The initial money for these improvements came from a $4,000 donation from the Rotary Club, another $4,000 donation from the well digging company and donations from five other individuals. The judge wants to use the irrigation pipe and fence at another location, which sounds reasonable.
What will cost the township money is that the board voted to pay back the Rotary Club and the well company out of the general fund. The public was initially told that this inmate garden wouldn’t cost the public a penny, only the donation of the land to farm. This was supposed to be a win-win situation.
Now the township is stuck with a $10,000 obligation to pay back the donors for this project and the money the township has already spent to add a road and gravel at the site. There are no plans to use this site for anything else, so essentially we have a piece of land in the middle of the woods that the township had to pay $10,000 to improve for no good reason.
Sounds like a lose-lose situation to me. To paraphrase Laurel and Hardy, that’s another fine mess the township board has gotten us into.
Vincent Rizzo
Independence Township
I would like to thank Tierra Jewelers for the beautiful ring I received from the drawing during the 30th birthday celebration.
Another good thing was I got it on my birthday. How good can it get?
Ruth Ellsworth
I’m writing in response to a letter that appeared a few weeks ago, written by Anthony Salazar. He ended his letter saying that members of the staff and school board of Lake Orion should be ashamed.
Well I tell you, Salazar, it’s you who should be ashamed. You and people like you that think you can write anything you want to the paper without benefit of any facts or reality.
We all know the kind of people I’m talking about, people who take any opportunity to make others, especially those affiliated with the school district, look bad.
Now I believe if these people were honestly just inquiring minds who want to know something, they would actually ask questions to the appropriate people before having their meanspirited letters to the editor published.
Now in the case of Salazar’s letter, he would have you believe several staff members and school board members had a vacation at the Crystal Mountain Resort in Traverse City. He would have you believe the high school principal was up there playing golf, all at the taxpayer’s expense, of course.
He may not have come out and said it, but he certainly implied it.
The facts are these people drove their own vehicles, paid for their own gas and went to Traverse City for lunch. That’s right, Salazar — LUNCH — a lunch you didn’t pay for!
There was no spending the night. There was no golf. There was lunch.
This was a lunch where all of these people went to surprise assistant principal Manzo, who had no idea she was receiving an award. Well, how dare these people drive their own vehicles to Traverse City to support an employee who is receiving an award?
Her family was there to support her as well — how dare they?
Salazar, how dare you diminish an award that someone has worked hard for? How dare you imply wrong doing on anyone’s part? How dare you write such unsubstantiated crap?
I’m sick and tired of the letters that some people in this community feel compelled to write that have no basis in reality.
As a member of this community, I would like to apologize to Manzo for the comments of the ignorant.
Congratulations on your award, Sarah Manzo. There are many here who appreciate you and the many others in this district who are dedicated to educating our children.
Kyle Dykman
I’m writing in response to the article published in last week’s Orion Review. The Gingellville Community Center has been and still is a very positive club for Lake Orion residents.
It has children’s activities that it sponsors such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, free Christmas and Halloween parties, Easter Egg hunts.
It has also helped numerous adult groups: Lioness Club, Freedom Works and many other organizations who hold benefit fundraising activities at the club.
It’s a shame the club had to cancel its karate classes due to an instructor who couldn’t follow the bylaws and state rules governing the status of a non-profit organization.
It would be a much bigger loss to let one man tear down the good reputation and works done by the volunteers of the club.
How could such a good “Christian” man try to take advantage of such a worthwhile organization. I also understand this man doesn’t hold down a job.
Well God helps those who help themselves. Get a job Snyder and stop looking for freebies.
JS
This is very informal, very sincere and way past due!
You have done a tremendous job to promote the goodwill of our Spraypark project and we are very grateful and indebted to you for the news exposure you and your newspaper have given it.
Thank you very much.
Michele Przybylski
Kelly Arcello
Spraypark Committee Co-chairs
The Clarkston Rotary has again helped to set the festive mood in downtown Clarkston. Christmas lights and garlands now decorate lamps for the holidays.
A special thank you is expressed to Independence Township Public Works Department employees, Jeff Cooper and Chris Turk, for taking extra time and care in putting up the Christmas decorations.
The Clarkston Rotary has counted this an annual tradition for the past 53 years, and culminates the event with the Rotarians meeting afterwards for fun, food and fellowship.
Mr. B’s Roadhouse is especially thanked for the extra effort in providing hot chili, a salad and hot breadsticks that brought the evening to a great conclusion.
The Clarkston Rotary
Well, we are just a few days away from the Orion Area Holiday Lighted Parade. The support this parade has been getting from the community has been overwhelming.
Our volunteers have been energized by this support and we are committed to putting on the best holiday lighted parade in the state.
Santa will be there and you wouldn’t want to miss Santa. So come to the Orion Area Holiday Lighted Parade on Dec. 6 in the Village of Lake Orion at 6 p.m.
PS: A special thanks to the Hamlin Pub North, Environmental Wood solutions, all the residents who returned the donation envelopes and The Lake Orion Review. You, along with all our sponsors, have stepped in and made the difference for your community.
Keep those envelopes coming.
Joseph Geraci
Orion Area Parade Group
The giving season is upon us and the Lake Orion Lions Club is again running its annual Christmas Basket Program.
Community support in the past has been outstanding and the club is grateful for this community participation, Without it, the club would not be able to assist Orion area families in having a pleasant Christmas.
Especially helpful have been area businesses — too numerous to mention — and LO Community Schools and St. Joseph’s Catholic School.
These people support our project by sponsoring canned food and toy drives, placing collection boxes in their places of business or school building.
The Goodfellows newspaper sale on Dec. 5-6 will also help to purchase items for the basket program.
Again this year, the Lions Club is counting on this same support from our community.
We need collection sites in area businesses for the donations and workers to assemble the baskets. Corporate donations are always welcome.
Setup for the basket assembly begins at approximately 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at the CERC Building, 455 East Scripps Rd. Baskets are then assembled from approximately 3-5 p.m.
Baskets will be delivered by the Lions Club on Dec. 20.
If you know of a family in need of assistance, call Dave Kalish at 248-975-6378 or contact any club. The Lions wish everyone a blessed holiday season.
David Kalish,
Christmas Basket Chairman
It’s come to our attention that there is a great deal of confusion surrounding recent discussions at a township board meeting regarding the use of excess interest earned on the library, which expired in 2001.
Misleading headlines in the local papers have not helped the matter.
We want to make one thing clear. Orion Township has not diverted any funds from the library. Nor has the township taken the library’s share of property taxes collected by the township. Here’s what has actually occurred:
Township voters approved a millage in 1986 to purchase property, construct a library and purchase furnishings for the library. The township in 1987 issued a general obligation bond, pledging the township’s full faith and credit for the repayment of the bond.
Throughout the 15-year life of the bond, the millage was collected by the township from Orion residents on each winter tax bill.
Payments on the bond were payable in May and the November following. From the time the millage was collected in December until payments were made, the money was kept by the township in a separate, interest bearing account.
As you may imagine, over the life of the bond, interest accrued on the money received from the residents. When the millage expired in May 2001, this interest earned by the township totaled over $250,000.
When the bond was fully repaid in 2001, the $250,000 in interest earned remained on deposit. By law, (MCL 135.6), this money is to be used to pay off any other outstanding debt obligations.
However, when the library bond was paid off, the township had no other outstanding debt obligations. The Michigan Department of Treasury has issued regulations stating this interest must remain on deposit for two years following expiration of the millage in case any new debt obligations are created.
The township hasn’t created any new debt since the library millage expired (a new library millage wasn’t approved on Nov. 5, 2002).
Pursuant to the MDT’s regulations, at the end of two years (expiring May 1, 2003), the township was legally entitled to transfer the remaining interest to its general fund. The $250,000 on deposit has since accrued additional interest and has grown to $275,000.
The township board, on Oct. 15, adopted a resolution citing all relevant state law and authorizing this exact action. A copy of the resolution is available at the township if anyone wishes to review it.
The resolution and subsequent board action were prepared by and under the supervision of the township’s legal counsel.
All discussion related to this issue have taken place in open meetings, both in 2001 when the issue first came up, and most recently this past November.
The township has never held a closed session to discuss this matter. If there are further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of us.
Gerald Dywasuk, Supervisor
Jill Bastion, Clerk
James Marleau, Treasurer
I was so angry with the conditions at Lake Orion High School that it kept me awake last night.
My 15 year old granddaughter came home from that school in tears recently. Why? Because at 15, she is still very sensitive about some normal female changes that are going on.
During school she needed a sanitary product and went to four bathrooms in that school only to find not only were the wall containers empty of those products, but there was also no toilet paper.
She tried three other bathrooms and found them locked during the school day!.
And why were the other three bathrooms locked? She was told in the office it was to make the custodians’ jobs easier since there would be less of them to clean.
Less to clean??? Let’s lock all of them then so there are none to take care off!
When I talked to her and her friends, they told me a custodian is seen only at lunch, leaning against the wall talking to other staff, having a good time.
All this while the teen girls have to walk the halls searching for private personal products that are missing from bathrooms.
This just makes me sick. Who is in charge and responsible for this embarrassment? And what is the custodian doing all day?
I work in retail at Somerset Collection. Can you imagine the uproar if we locked all the bathrooms so some custodian wouldn’t have to do what he is hired for?
Is it even lawful? Maybe they think they can do this because they are dealing with children and not adults who wouldn’t stand for it.
So I called the high school on Nov. 26 to talk to somebody in charge only to find out the entire staff had left for an early Thanksgiving weekend.
Gone from Tuesday afternoon to Monday for Thanksgiving — not bad for a hard working group!
Carl Strickland
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to sincerely thank all of those who gave so generously during our 53rd Annual Goodfellows Newspaper sales this past weekend, December 5 and 6. The weekend activity raised $12,500 this year and is truly a reflection that the community supports our endeavors.
One hundred percent of all donations collected will be used to purchase new shoes and boots, hats, mittens and gloves for community children. On Dec. 13, the Clarkston Rotary will host 370 children at the Oakland Woods Baptist Church on Maybee Road.
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to express its gratitude and appreciation by acknowledging the following for the success of this year’s program:
• A special thank you to The Clarkston News, Jim Sherman, Don Rush, Kyle Gargaro and their staffs for preparation and publication of the Goodfellows Edition. The Clarkston News has donated the special newspaper for the last 14 years.
• Oakland Woods Baptist Church, Pastor Galey and church members for joining us for the first time. Their extra help was greatly appreciated.
• Cub Scout Pack No. 314, Boy Scout Troop No. 199 and their leaders for braving the cold and selling Goodfellow papers in front of local grocery stores. Their enthusiasm for selling is something to behold.
• Employees and friends of Machine Engineering for their efforts in selling papers. They have continued to support this program and its success for the past 14 years.
• Clarkston Interact Club members for participating and selling in front of local groceries.
• Sashabaw Middle School Student Council for their generous donation.
• City of the Village of Clarkston DPW for providing a warm space for the Goodfellows headquarters.
• To the many friends and family members of the Clarkston Rotary Club who so generously gave of their time and energy in selling newspapers.
• Oakland Woods Baptist Church for hosting this year’s Shoes for Kids distribution.
• Mr. Alan’s Sportswear and Shoes of Redford, Jason Riegle, store manager, and its store volunteers for their commitment in bringing the shoes and boots to Clarkston for distribution.
• To the local elementary schools and area churches for hosting hat, mittens and glove collection Christmas trees.
This has truly become a community activity, and the Clarkston Rotary is truly grateful for having so many people committed to supporting our projects.
Finally, thanks again to all who gave donations for the ‘Shoes for Kids’ program and especially to those who gave so generously.
Joel DeLong, Lu Hewko, Mary Sloan
Goodfellows Co-Chairs
Clarkston Rotary Club
The Clarkston Farm & Garden Club would like to extend an enormous THANK YOU to the entire Clarkston Community for their generous support at our 12th Annual Greens Market. By decking your halls with our wreaths, roping and fresh greenery arrangements you allow us to continue to Help Clarkston Bloom!
Thank you to the following businesses that are adorned in our Greenery this year: Village Apparel, Clarkston Caf?, Clarkston State Bank, Clarkston Travel, Clarkston Union, Contemporary Computer Concepts, Dr. Stevenson D.D.S., Giacomos, Hi-Tech Environments, Liberty Golf and Banquet Center and Morgan’s Service Station.
Thanks, also, to the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce who continually include us in the Heart of Clarkston Holiday Festivities, as well as to this newspaper for publicizing our efforts. Special thanks goes to The Church of the Resurrection for providing us a venue for our sale. Your facilities and hospitality are outstanding.
Last of all, to our members,your hard work and commitment throughout the year benefit the community in so many ways.
With Gratitude,
Cathy Grogan and Michele Bondy
Clarkston Farm and Garden Club
Green Market Co-Chairs
Contrary to Jerome King’s opinion, Ted Nugent and the NRA are not a bunch of bullies. They are defending the rights of hunters to obtain their food from the woods not a supermarket.
There is plenty of land in Orion Township and plenty of doves to be hunted, so let us hunters get our food with a shotgun and nonhunters with a credit card.
Jordan P. Miller
Once again Thanksgiving dinner at CJ’s was a big success.
A HUGE thank you goes out to the Flaming Pistons, a local car group that collected all year long. Whether it was time, money or groceries, it all contributed to a great day for everyone.
Thank’s also to our employees, loyal customers, Caramagno Foods, Del Bene Produce, Pepsi, Metropolitan Baking Company, Orion Township Firefighters, Snug Harbor, Alice P. Young, CPA, and The Orion House. Children from Christ the Redeemer Church made beautiful placemats.
Leftover monies will be donated to the Lake Orion Lions Club for its annual Christmas Basket Program.
Carl & Joan Slomczenski
As one of the custodians laid-off due to the school budget cuts, I feel compelled to reply to a recent letter complaining about the job performance of the LOHS custodians.
The writer made many erroneous assumptions based on what he heard from a few students and one phone call to the school office.
The truth is the high school has five fewer custodians than last year, yet the student population has increased and so has the size of the school. The remaining custodians now have a far greater area to be responsible for and therefore they can’t be expected to maintain the building in the same manner as before.
This being said, they still try extremely hard to perform their duties as efficiently as possible. Will there still be occasional problems with supplies or keeping everything in order? Of course. Welcome to the world of budget cuts.
As to the claim the custodian does nothing but “stand around and talk to the staff,” whom do the students think removes all the trash from four lunch periods each day? Do they see the custodian repairing all the damage done by their fellow students while they are sitting in the classroom?
They have absolutely no idea what is involved in keeping the high school up and running. There are more than enough bathrooms open at all times for the students.
The ones being locked down are in areas of special use such as the auditorium or pool area. This isn’t done so the custodians don’t have to work, but as concession to the limited number of personnel on duty.
And by the way. these custodians were on duty the day before Thanksgiving. They don’t spend their time answering the office phone; they have far too much work to do.
The next time anyone feels like complaining about the job done by the custodians, stop and take a look at the bleachers after a basketball game. Maybe you’ll think twice about throwing your trash on the floor instead of in a trash can.
Stephen Gallagher
I’ve no idea if you’re going to print this or not, but that won’t stop me from writing this. I graduated in 2001 from LOHS and I’m currently in Mosul, Iraq right now with the 101st AA division, after bring in Korea, at airborne school.
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about people thinking we’re doing the wrong thing by being here in Iraq. Those are also the people who have no idea how the Iraqi peoples’ lives have changed.
Do those people know that Sadam conducted chemical warfare experiments on the Kurdish people in the late 80s, killing 5,000-6,000 in one village.
Have any of them seen the smiling faces of the children when we come rolling through the streets busting blackmarketers who are selling kerosene and propane at prices that the people can’t afford.
We are helping these people survive.
This place is a country full of people exploring their new found freedoms, they have a right to say they don’t like our being here. If it was still Sadam’s rule, they would have been killed.
We are giving them jobs, fixing their oil pipelines, creating a new government for them — and the Iraqi people appreciate it. That is why the majority of them tell us who the people are whom are planning attacks or have already done so.
Mosul is a city containing a constant threat of death. I have already had my brush with it.
On Oct. 30, I was hit with shrapnel from an IED bomb that hit my vehicle head on. I’ve got shrapnel pieces in my right index finger, right hand, right arm and right leg, a couple of pretty deep holes, bruises and gashes. But I’m alive and that I’m thankful for, although I’ll be setting off metal detectors for a while.
Out here the threat of death is an everyday occurrence. You never know when it’s going to be your turn or your friends. All you can do is be in touch with yourself, knowing you made the most out of your time, enjoyed life as much as you could to the fullest extent.
If I was to get hit again and die tomorrow, I would know I was doing something that benefitted other people, working to build their country back, something for their welfare.
Honestly, without a doubt, I would give my life for my country without a second thought. I would give my life fighting to give people the same freedoms that I enjoy back in the United States, those freedoms that so many people take for granted.
As one person put it, “Freedom is not free.” That’s something that so many people don’t understand. Come the Fourth of July or Veteran’s Day, it’s just another excuse for them to party.
Those days will now forever hold a new meaning to me. Come those days I’ll remember my fallen comrades who have served before me, who have served with me, and who will serve with me.
I’ll always remember the day I was spared by someone watching over me and remember those brothers of mine who didn’t make it back.
I’ll always bear the scars from a foe I never saw, nor ever understood why he/she wanted to take my life.
I’ll never forget because one you forget, those memories of your comrades are lost — they deserve more than that.
Specialist Erique De la Garza III
101st Screaming Eagle
As Orion Township residents are well aware on Dec. 8 our electric power failed again during the height of our afternoon commute (5-8 p.m.). During that time our community’s health and safety was at high risk.
The gridlock that results from these power outages makes it nearly impossible for fire, police and emergency vehicles to respond in life and death situations in a timely manner.
Since moving into the Keatington sub 15 years ago, power outages are nothing new. What is getting old is that I have yet to see the implementation of any sort of ’emergency plan.?
What I did see on I-75, M-24, Joslyn and Baldwin Roads was traffic backed up for miles, bumper to bumper, moving at a crawl if at all.
I saw cars at a dead stop on I-75 for at least a quarter of a mile because of backed-up exit ramps at M-24, Joslyn and Baldwin due to traffic lights not functioning.
I also witnessed several near-miss accidents on I-75 as surprised motorists had to come to a complete stop because of the aforementioned backed up exit ramps. I saw no traffic lights working at dangerous intersections along these roads.
Why weren’t county emergency battery trucks brought in to supply the backup power? I saw no traffic control being done by Orion Township contracted or county provided sheriff’s deputies (Note: M-24 is a state road; Joslyn and Baldwin are county roads).
I’ve heard no communication from our elected officials to deal with this emergency.
Is there an ’emergency plan?? If so why didn’t our leadership implement it? If there isn’t a plan, why hasn’t our leadership created an ’emergency plan? to deal with these events. What is the plan for emergency fire and ambulance vehicles to travel these unsafe and unattended community roads?
Why is it that the surrounding communities had power and we didn’t? Is our township’s ‘master plan? inadequate and/or ineffective?
Why haven’t our elected officials demanded that our electric power supplier provide the necessary redundancy to effectively keep the power on when the primary source fails? This is the same leadership that has let our ‘horse and buggy? roads become over burdened with development and traffic.
What about when our water went out this year because most of the township doesn’t yet have the redundancy water lines built because the township board is still haggling with the Detroit Water Board about where it should be brought in.
We should plant 20 new trees to replace any one that may be lost to get this most necessary redundant, back-up water line put in.
Bottom line, our current ‘elected officials? — state senator, state rep, county commissioner, township supervisor and trustees aren’t providing the necessary effective LEADERSHIP to adequately do the job they were elected to do.
All of them had some level of responsibility in these outage issues, yet no one has come through at crunch time with visible action.
Actions speak louder than words. With the lack of action and effective leadership, one must conclude it’s TIME FOR A CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP REPRESENTING ORION TOWNSHIP.
We must elect new leaders with new ideas and concrete plans for protecting our community — people who will truly communicate and work with all levels of government, to engage and coordinate state, county and local township resources.
Thank God, we got through this crisis without any known loss of precious life and potential taxpayer liability.
Will we be as lucky next time? We don’t need talkers; we need doers. Think about it while you are with your families celebrating the holidays. It truly is ‘TIME FOR A CHANGE!?
Happy holidays and have a, safe, healthy, prosperous New Year!!!
Daniel Myslakowski
This December the township hall will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 26 as well as Jan. 1 and 2 for the holidays.
The township hall will be open for business Dec. 29, 30, and yes, the 31. The offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day; however, tax payments will be posted until 3 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Taxpayers can also use the drop box after hours. It is located at the front door facing Main Street.
Dog licenses are now available. Please bring proof of rabies vaccination. Also, bring documentation if the dog has been neutered of spayed. Please consider waiting until after the first of the year to get dog tags. By then the county should be sending completed forms to existing dog owners. In addition, by waiting it will become faster for taxpayers to pay their bills.
Any property tax questions can be answered by calling the Treasurer’s Office at (248) 625-5111 ext. 211, 212 or 249.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township Treasurer
Clarkston Community Church would like to thank all the local businesses that recently donated to the church auction. A fun time was had by all who attended our third annual Clarkston Community Church auction on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Thanks to all the efforts of our hardworking committee and the response of the community, we were able to raise more than $11,000. The proceeds will be used for funding of a home we are helping build in Pontiac under the Habitat for Humanity program, Haven of Oakland County and various programs supported under our women’s organization.
We would like to thank the more than 80 businesses that contributed to this auction.
Renee David
Women in God’s Service Chairperson
What a fantastic job!
You all were wonderful and so very creative. Thank you so much for all of your work, Clarkston Chamber of Commerce and participants. You made the Clarkston 2003 Christmas Parade the best ever.
Thank you.
The Schultz Family
Clarkston Country Store
I would like to thank the Clarkston High School Drama Club for an incredible evening of music, dance and one-act plays.
The Drama Club recently hosted their annual CHS Theatre-a-thon from 3 p.m. until midnight on Dec. 5. During that time there was a constant flow of performances, more than 50 in all.
This event provides a wonderful showcase for the many talents of the students at Clarkston High School. All too often it seems that it is the school sporting events that get most of the recognition within the community and student body. Of course they are important, but I believe that the commitment the CHS Drama Club has to providing our community with quality theatre is equally important.
They do a terrific job and deserve to be recognized for it. It is for this dedication that I want to thank them, and I look forward to attending their musical production of ‘Once Upon a Mattress? in February.
Toni Smith
Clarkston
I would like to thank the Clarkston Police officers who donated their time and served as waiters at Pete’s Coney Island a couple weeks ago.
Through their efforts a substantial sum of money was raised for Toys for Tots.
Darryl Wood
Good-bye Dr. Bob:
Bob was more than a physician, friend, confidant and community leader.
He was the founder of Emergency medicine in this state and county and we know it today. There was no such specialty as ER Medicine or advanced EMS until the 1970’s.
Bob took the mash unit and military medicine and brought them to civilian hospitals, EMS and first responders. His students were legions – he taught doctors, nurses, EMS and community leaders the art and science of responders and ER medicine.
Certainly he was too young to die, so much left to do and accomplish, but let us not grieve the one fourth empty cup, but celebrate the three fourths full cup of a great and accomplished life.
We all question why someone dies relatively so young, lest we forget in eternity there is no time. He gives us a measure of life. It may be 1 second or 120 years, but regardless of Earth time – this is His measure of life for us and certainly Bob accomplished more than most in his alloted time. By this time Bob, He has raised you up, anointed your wounds and ushered you into His house forever.
You need not worry about the three fourths cup, your many students will fill it to overflowing with your good leadership and lessons.
We ask God for His everlasting blessing on you, Pat, your children, friends and this community that you served so well.
We thank God that you lived and let each of us endeavor in our own way try to fulfill a life cut too short.
God bless and good-bye old friend, teacher and mentor. We shall all miss you very much.
Dr. James O’Neill
Clarkston
Don Rush got it right and he gets the credit.
Many patients, professionals, firemen, policemen…the list is too long, will miss Dr. Bob. But it is his love that will be missed most of all. That’s what this world needs and Dr. Bob knew that. He had many accomplishments and they were great; but it’s his people skills that are going to be greatly missed.
Why do you think we called him Dr. Bob? My heart and love, as does Don’s and many others, goes to his family. Each day just share love and the world will be a better place. Then maybe we can keep his legacy alive.
Bill Wint
Clarkston
Is your town a cool place to live? Mine isn’t yet but it has all the right ingredients. The right recipe is what is needed.
Does having a vision, attracting people back to downtown, breathing life into old buildings, attracting potential owners and occupants, community cultural planning, arts, culture, sound interesting to you? It didn’t to my township board when I asked them to send me on their behalf.
So, I went anyway, the opportunity being too good to miss. It was worth every penny of the $50 fee, every minute of a lost day at work and every drop of gas paid out-of-my-own-pocket to be with the who’s making-it-happen-who in Michigan. At my table I was excited to find representatives from surrounding communities: Waterford, Milford, Rose Township and Holly who ‘get it.?
Sponsors, Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, Department of History and Libraries and the Department of Labor and Economic Growth stressed linking culture, community and the economy. Our break out session facilitators, Sandra Clark, Michigan Historical Center and Nancy Finegood, Executive Director, Michigan Historic Preservation Network, gave ‘cool tool? strategies to provide a sense of place; unique and intrinsic local character to enhance quality of life versus the alternative ‘Generic America.? Bottom line was historic preservation is a significant economic tool.
Sounds a lot like Davisburg/Dixie, Clarkston/Dixie or Holly doesn’t it?
Communities all over are struggling for the same thing. People move in for all the right reasons and can maintain those qualities by a mutual, comprehensive plan of ongoing action.
This is where you come in. There are so many facets of our beautiful jewel communities to get that vibrant, vital, energetic, full of life cool community all ideas and viewpoints must be represented. That’s small town America at its best. Everyone is a resource. It does not matter if you are young, old, rich or poor. They are valued for their thought and abilities, and not their status.
Invigorated to think ‘outside the box,? the talented individuals who call these places home can follow the recipes for success the dynamic presenters used to form creative communities with an attitude.
I’m willing to share materials from the conference with other energetic individuals with their community at heart. Please contact me at (248) 882-3180.
Diane Wozniak
Davisburg
The Meals on Wheels program at the Orion Township Senior Center would like to thank CJ’s Cafe for providing Thanksgiving meals for homebound seniors.
We also thank the Lake Orion Nursing Center for providing meals on Christmas and Kruse and Muer’s for the New Year’s Day meals.
Our seniors deserve the best and these businesses surely came through! Thanks again.
Joanne Benedict
This is regarding ‘DTE promises improvements in power in township? in last week’s newspaper.
Got to love the power of the press and the pen, plus an application of some shoe leather to get the ball rolling on two critical Orion power stations.
The citizens of Orion Township all win this time!
Daniel Myslakowski
My 17-year-old daughter was driving on I-75 under the M-15 overpass on Jan. 2 at approximately 8 p.m. when something struck her moon roof, pouring shattered glass over her and the inside of her Volkswagon Beetle. It was foggy and raining.
Fortunately she wasn’t injured and handled herself beautifully by getting off of the Sashabaw exit and calling her father and me.
We had her phone 911 right away to report what had happened. Much to my dismay, the dispatcher told her that no one would be out to take a report (they wanted to know if she saw anyone, please see road conditions above).
To my knowledge, no one checked to see what or who had caused this.
They left her a number to call for future queries. I called that number as soon as we got home because I was upset they didn’t check my daughter’s welfare. I asked if they were going to check out the bridge.
I left a home phone number and it’s now days later and have still not heard from them.
I’m calmer now, but no less puzzled at the lack of action or even the return of a phone call. If this is what my tax dollars are paying for, I’m being seriously robbed.
Wendy Kraus
Dear Elaine,
In response to your New Year’s wish for a wrinkle cream that really works, we would like to offer you Neova Night Therapy cream with our complements.
While nothing can make wrinkles go away (what a miracle that would be!), this cream does a great job of improving skin’s overall texture and elasticity.
Thank you for your wonderful columns in 2003. We look forward to reading more in 2004!
Camille D’Anna,
Schenden’s Spa on the Lake
The Orion Area Parade Group would like to apologize for an oversight in our ‘Thank You? ad.
We had intended to include the fire departments of Orion, Oxford and Oakland Townships for their participation and help with the Christmas parade.
Our website at www.oapg.org has been updated with all the pictures from this year’s parade. Please visit the site to revisit a spectacular evening.
Chuck Saputo
During the past 13 years, Orion Township has been one of the fastest growing townships in Oakland County. And the township continues to grow with a large number of new and important building developments.
I have been asked by numerous local citizens, as well as by the various print media, about various projects recently completed, in process or in the planning stages.
I’m proud to tell you about several of these improvements as evidenced by additions and/or expansions to our business community.
n Great Lakes Athletic Club on Baldwin Road, south of Maybee Road — Completed
n Citizen’s Bank at Brown/Baldwin Roads — Proposed
n Modetz Funeral Home on Silverbell, east of M-24 — Completed
n Standard Federal Bank on Brown Road, west of Joslyn Road — Proposed
n Orion Village Crossing on Baldwin Road — In Process
n Orion Campus at Baldwin/Clarkston Roads — In Process
n Ruby Tuesday Restaurant on M-24 — Completed
n Battaglia Bocce Ball Club and Restaurant on M-24 — In Process
n Bald Mountain Medical Center on M-24 — Completed
n Oakland Catholic Credit Union on M-24 — In Process
n Beaumont Medical Center on M-24 — In Process
n Delphi Automotive on M-24, north of Brown Road — In Process
n Atwater Commons, restaurants, businesses and condominiums in the Village of Lake Orion — In Process
n Karl’s Place Cafe on Baldwin Road — Proposed
n Orion Keg and Wine on Baldwin Road — Completed
n Ciara Produce at Baldwin/I-75 — Proposed
The major investments by all of these companies indicates that Orion Township continues to be a great place to live and also a great place to provide their services.
We wish them all great success and thank them for their confidence in our community.
As we complete another year which has presented a number of challenges as well as numerous rewards, we wish all township residents an exciting and prosperous 2004.
Gerald Dywasuk,
Orion Township Supervisor
If the people in Birdland get more than 10 percent contribution from the township for repaving of their streets then the amount more than 10 percent should be given to the people on Cramlane Drive.
If the people in Birdland think they have outside traffic they should look to Cramlane Drive. Cramlane should be renamed ‘Cut-Through.?
Bob Heazlit
Clarkston
On Friday, Jan. 2, my 17-year-old daughter was driving on I-75 under the M-15 overpass when something struck her moon roof, pouring shattered glass over her head and the inside of her Volkswagon beetle.
It was foggy and raining at approximately 8 p.m. Fortunately, she wasn’t injured and handled herself beautifully by getting off at the Sashabaw exit and calling her father and me. We had her phone 911 right away to report what had happened.
Much to my dismay, the dispatcher told her that no one would be out to take a report (they wanted to know if she saw anyone, please see road conditions above) and to my knowledge no one checked to see what or who had caused this.
They left her a number to call for future queries. I called that number as soon as we got home because I was upset they didn’t check my daughter’s welfare out and wanted to know if they were going to check out the bridge. I left a home number and it is now Tuesday, Jan. 6 and I have still not heard from them. I am calmer now but no less puzzled at the lack of action or even the return courtesy of a phone call days later.
If this is what my tax dollars are paying for I am being seriously robbed.
Wendy Kraus
I see that a local merchant, Damman Hardware, is facing economic challenges, as are other businesses at this time.
I have been a customer of Damman Hardware for over 30 years, especially the location off Dixie Highway in Clarkston. My experiences have been great. Often- 90 percent of the time- I have found what I needed at Damman when I could not find it at other establishments such as Home Depot. And, the Damman staff have always been extremely courteous and helpful.
I hope that Damman can survive in the present economy. For my money, they deserve to continue!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Thank you to The Clarkston News for your generous donation to Lighthouse Emergency Services? Adopt-A-Family/Senior Program.
Your donation has certainly brightened the holidays for a low-income Oakland County family in need. On behalf of our clients, volunteers and staff please accept our sincere appreciation.
With unemployment rates skyrocketing, over 73,000 residents in Oakland County live below the poverty level. Many lack the basics of food and clothing. The need to assist these families is great, and through the caring support of donors like you, more than 4,700 individuals had a wonderful Christmas.
As many families will continue to struggle since the holiday season has ended, please know that your continued commitment to Lighthouse helps to provide emergency assistance to those who need it during the winter season.
Thank you again for your support of Lighthouse, its programs and those we serve.
Emily M. Nadeau
Executive Director of Lighthouse
As a senior citizen and resident of Independence Township, I frequent the Senior Center on Clarkston Rd. a couple of times a week and at times volunteer my services.
As I enter the doors of this ancient farmhouse, also known as the Senior Center, I have to ask myself why a township of this stature has not supported a first class Center for its residents. The senior population, those 50 years of age and older, is one of the fastest growing segments of our society yet, it seems, little is being done to address their needs outside of the workplace.
Seniors today are a busy group of people; couch potatoes they are not. Go to any of the Community or Senior Centers in other areas and you will see plenty of activity by seniors. Volleyball, basketball, aerobics, walking and a host of other activities are common practice.
It is my hope that in the coming years that this community will come together and realize the need to build a Center which we can all be proud of.
Bob Brown
Clarkston
Orion Supervisor Dywasuk and Treasurer Marleau are at it again. They are spreading false information to justify spending your tax dollars to try to block Bald Mountain’s efforts to further improve the quality of our state park system
Mike Weger, the owner of the Indian Lake 82.7 acres, met personally with Oakland County Eric Wilson to clear up the misinformation and invited him and Orion Township officials to visit the sites first hand to see the great benefits of this exchange.
To date, no one has even called, much less visited! Still they misguide the public about the quality and value of this proposed exchange.
The township has no legal basis to oppose anyone’s land transaction, be it a sale, purchase, trust conveyance or exchange (nor is it in the public’s interest)…why don’t they spend our tax dollars and their efforts to fight TOPLESS BARS from coming into our backyard…which they do have a legal basis and it’s in our best interest!!!
We have visited the Indian Lake property (because we asked and Weger welcomed us). We can truly say no one could walk this property without falling in love with this pristine wilderness that sits on Bald Mountain’s front door.
This Indian Lake property personifies the very existence of the DNR and its state park lands!
Congratulations to the DNR and state park officials for proposing this tremendous acquisition for the benefit and pure enjoyment of Orion Township and Oakland County residents.
Concerned Citizens of Orion Township
Congratulations Marylou Enneking and her ‘Three M? Musketeers on new jobs and exciting future for our Orion Senior Center.
We would like to say thank you for helping us with our rehearsal and program needs and a wonderful new friendly atmosphere.
We are very excited with the new programs talked about on Healthy, Wealthy and Wise and the new and upcoming programs listed in the center’s newsletter, the Orb.
It seems that finally things are looking up for our seniors who want more programming and continuity for those who play bingo and cards.
Special kudos to the supporters and ‘friends? of Orion Senior Center.
Kathy Wieland, Director
Church Street Singers
With the Orion Art Center 15th annual fundraiser gala just around the corner (Jan. 31), I would like to acknowledge the generosity of the many local businesses and individuals who have shown their support for arts and culture by sponsoring this event.
Many thanks to: Classic Printers, Environmental Wood Solutions, Oxford Bank, Snider Mechanical, Preferred Catering, Heritage Spinning & Weaving, Mary Rogers Insurance, Lymtal International, Microtech Systems and the dozens of local establishments who have supported the art center by advertising in our new community guide or donating auction items.
An outstanding committee, led by Karen Shackelford and Leslie Shields, has worked diligently for many months to insure this will be a memorable evening.
The black tie optional gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with live entertainment, hors-d-oeuvres and the silent auction.
Dinner is at 8 p.m. with an enormous dessert display and live auction.
There will be music for dancing by GT Jam, fine art, rare sports memorabilia, jewelry and theatre tickets.
Indianwood is an incredible venue and attendees will have access to the entire facility for the evening.
The art center has been on a steady growth path, thanks to local support and grant awards from the Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs for three years running.
While we are grateful for this funding, state budget cuts to MCACA force us to find other ways to carry on the mission of our founders.
Attending the Snowflake Ball is a perfect way to show your support and culture and treat yourself to a great night out.
Tickets are $100/person for an all inclusive evening. Reservations can be made by calling 248-693-4986 by this Friday at 7 p.m. Sorry, there aren’t any tickets available at the door.
Reggie Harrison, Director
Orion Art Center
It is said that testing for prostate cancer (PCa) should be done at age 50 for whites and 40 for blacks (who are more susceptible.)
It would be better said to subtract maybe 10 years and say 40 and 30 respectively. Many men are being diagnosed in their 40’s and some even in their 30’s. Usually, there are no symptoms and if there are it may be late in diagnosis.
Have your doctor or a urologist give you an annual PSA and the DRE test. There is a wealth of instant information out there via the Internet now and all related issues can be discussed in forums and support groups. Since it is difficult to get many or any of one’s questions answered in a doctor’s office, other methods for quick information are needed.
There are many decent books, tapes, articles and such, but with Internet access it is even better. I was diagnosed at age 51 and can only say that I wish I got diagnosed sooner. I got the education of my life after seeing two different surgeons and found the opinions to be ‘yes-curative and 1 percent chance of incontinence? to ‘no? I will not operate on you.?
I found plenty out via books, tapes and Internet and am learning more daily. Two of the best sources for Internet usage on this are at: www.phcagroup.org and another at Webmd.com (prostate forum.)
My advice is take the time to investigate options, ask many questions, get second opinions, do not make a hasty decision as you may have only one chance to get it right.
Robert Parsons
Davisburg
One of life’s greatest experiences is the unconditional love of a pet.
Some have their pets longer than others. We were fortunate to have our nine-year-old Rottweiller, Isis, for as long as we did. I want to let all pet lovers know our experience.
In the attempt to get Isis well, and after going to a veterinarian that did nothing but charge us $300, we went in search of a different vet. This brought us to Independence Animal Clinic on Sashabaw and Waldon. Dr. Brian Covert was the vet on duty and took care of Isis.
Isis was our baby, all 105 pounds of her. Dr. Covert had to come in on the weekend and feed, water, give medicine and help Isis expel herself. Isis could not walk or stand on her hind legs. After three days of doing everything he could, we decided that she would not live a full life this way so we had to put her to sleep.
Dr. Covert and his staff were wonderful, caring and loving. You could hear it in Dr. Covert’s voice when he told us what he would recommend. Dr. Covert stayed past his time to go home to see everything to the end.
It hurts to have lost Isis. There is an empty spot in our home and family, but we want to let everyone know how much we appreciate the service we received from Dr. Brian Covert and the staff of Independence Animal Clinic.
Thank you.
Cindy and Dessie Burroughs
Pontiac
Elaine, you asked a few questions regarding teeth in your column and who better than a dentist to answer them!
You asked why manufacturers still sell a hard bristle toothbrush. The answer to that is just straight forward economics. As long as there is a demand for a product, the manufacturers will still supply it!!
However, you’ll have to search pretty hard to find a dentist who would recommend anything other than a soft bristled toothbrush.
And many have the same thought you did, as they will take their soft toothbrush they received from the dentist and replace it with one they buy at the store. However, as you have mentioned, a hard toothbrush will not only clean the food off you teeth, but also wear down your tooth.
Teeth whitening is in general considered a temporary procedure. It can last anywhere from one year to five years or longer depending on each patient.
If the patient smokes, drinks coffee, tea, red wine, cranberry juice or dark colas, then the teeth will re-stain. One advantage for those who have bleached previously is it’s much easier the second time around to lighten up again.
You mentioned the teeth whitening toothpastes. Those toothpastes have a very minor effect and most of the time it’s too slight for the general population to notice.
You also mentioned all the over the counter products that are out right now. The Crest Whitestrips and Colgate products will work, but they have many disadvantages.
The Whitestrips will only reach the first six teeth. If you only want to whiten those teeth, then this is the product for you! They are also fairly difficult to wear on your bottom teeth as usually the tongue tends to try and pull them off.
The Colgate product Simply White also works, but only for the first 20 minutes or so. Once you close your lips, the product is broken down very quickly by the saliva in your mouth.
Dentists have two methods that they use in their offices. The dentist will make a model of the teeth and fabricate a tray that is custom fit to the patient’s teeth.
The patient will then wear a tray for generally two weeks with a gel product in the tray. Usually this has very high success and, again, as long as the trays are kept, the patient can then purchase touch up kits over the years to continue whitening their teeth.
The second method is used to bleach in office with either lasers or high powered light sources. This is a much newer method and to date has shown much success. This method does have a much higher cost to it however.
You will want to discuss with your dentist which method they employ. Remember, bleaching is a cosmetic procedure and is not going to be covered by insurance!
Christine Saad, DDS
The 2003 Winter Real and Personal property tax bills state the last date to pay without penalty is Feb. 14. The 14th is always the deadline unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
The year Feb. 14 falls on a Saturday. The next business day is Monday, Feb. 16 which happens to be President’s Day, a national holiday for which the Township is closed.
This year the deadline falls on Feb. 17. After Tuesday, Feb. 17 any 2003 winter taxes paid will include a three percent penalty. Unpaid summer property taxes also incur an additional three percent after Tuesday. If you wish to pay both winter and summer taxes please pay with separate checks.
2003 Summer and Winter taxes can be paid at the township hall through the last day of February. This year the last day, Feb. 29 falls on a Sunday. Keeping consistent, 2003 taxes can be paid on the next business day Monday, March 1 at the township.
After March 1 all unpaid 2003 winter and summer property taxes will be considered delinquent, and will be sent to Oakland County. Once sent to the county, additional penalties are placed on the taxes due.
To qualify for a Homeowner’s Principal Resident Exemption (previously known as the homestead exemption) you must own and occupy by May 1, 2004. People who build a new home or purchase a home that doesn’t have the exemption need to pay attention to the deadline. By qualifying, the homeowner does not pay the 18 mills for school operations on their summer property taxes. The exemption form must be filled out and turned in at the Assessor’s Office by May 1.
Call the Treasurer’s Office at (248) 625-5111 ext. 212 or 247 if you have any question.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township Treasurer
Smiles, hugs and tears of happiness!
Moms and dads picking up their children’s Christmas gifts from the Adopt-a-Family program and the Christmas Store were so emotional knowing that on Christmas morning the miracle of the holiday would be alive in their homes.
And then our senior citizens… oh, how happy they were to see the special packages wrapped so pretty.
Each year, the staff at Lighthouse Clarkston witnesses the amazing end result of so many in the community coming together to make the holidays brighter for senior citizens and families experiencing difficult times. This year businesses, churches and individuals provided Thanksgiving and Christmas food and gifts to 100 senior citizens and 950 children.
So many of our Lighthouse Emergency Services families have little to celebrate this year with employment cutbacks and illnesses, higher prices and fixed incomes. When there is so much uncertainty of what the future may bring, the time and thoughtfullness you gave to our holiday programs went a long way.
The staff of Lighthouse Emergency Services Clarkston thank you for your support this past year and look forward to working with you again in 2004.
Wishing you a safe and peaceful new year.
Clarkston Lighthouse Staff
The lack of change at the Oakland Intermediate School District continues as waste and spending in this private club reigns supreme.
Intrusions by taxpayers looking for accountability and economy are barely tolerated. Three senior board members, who decline answering questions, have disgraced themselves and their local school boards and still refuse to resign.
They’ve even ignored Governor Granholm’s asking they resign. Reform is not going to start until they are out.
Have you seen any heavy cuts in staff? An realignment in top administration? Any pay reduction?
Instead, the Oakland School Board is planning to launch an $8 million bond to help pay for the new Taj Mahal administration building.
To the credit of interim superintendent Wm Keane, he is questioning the decision making of his top administration at vocational ed in the spending of $45-50 million there.
County taxpayers must demand their local school boards allow the public to elect the Oakland board by school districts — now. This is provided by state law that allows local boards to make this change by March 1.
It would then eliminate local school boards electing their own to the Oakland board, per the current practice, which we deem conflict of interest, at the least. What will the Lake Orion School Board do?
Students, their local districts and their teachers have been short changed. The flawed special election of 9-25-01 costs owners with a $150,000 home $110/year, a $250,000 home $175/year etc. in perpetuity.
While it promised increased funding of vocational ed and special ed, our FOIA affidavits prove it hasn’t occurred. It must be nullified.
Burke Cueny, Chairman
CURE-OS
I read with dismay about the death of William Robinett in The Review. Even more disappointing, though, was that neither The Review nor the school system had anything to offer about a man who was dedicated to his community and to teaching its kids chemistry.
Mr. Robinett was an eccentric man who cared more than anything that his students learn chemistry. A marathon runner at 61, he would run precariously out of breath when students couldn’t come up with the right answers and begin to ‘flail.?
He taught chemistry at the high school before advanced placement classes were available. His class was College Prep and his goal was to ensure that kids would succeed in their chemistry classes in college and in life beyond.
Neither praise nor A’s came easy in his class, but we all knew he cared.
In 1984, when Lake Orion was still considered a hick town out in the sticks, he taught us well.
In my class of 30 or so in College Prep Chemistry, I know this — at least four went on to become chemical engineers, five mechanical engineers, one electrical engineer and a medical doctor. And probably more that I’m not aware of — not bad.
Mr. Robinett alone didn’t do all of this for us, of course. But I believe he taught us about chemistry and how to work hard, really hard, to get what we wanted in life. Kibby, Cronin and Pung-you had something to do with it too.
Kendy Ball Kutchek
Middle America, sometimes called ‘Regan Democrats,? is beginning to come back home to the Democratic party. The major reason? The Bush Republican agenda has hit Middle America and Michigan very hard as evidenced by an unemployment rate in excess of 7.2 percent which leads all 50 states.
To quote James Carville, ‘It’s still the economy stupid!?
The Bush Republican agenda favors big business and its excessive insatiable ‘corporate greed.? The exportation of American jobs has exponentially accelerated under the Bush Presidency.
In addition to manufacturing jobs, the exportation has been expanded to high paying engineering, and IT professional jobs. Even ‘ma and pa? businesses are forced out of business.
To add insult to injury, Bush and his administration misled the American people about WMD and the reason we went to Iraq.
However, this big business agenda wouldn’t be complete without a new Bush immigration policy which will legalize illegal immigrants so questionable employers like Wal-mart can become legit.
Middle American clearly understands it can’t withstand another four years of Bush. This is why the ‘Reagan Democrats? have come home in droves this year, to ensure the only Republican in the White House next year will be one wearing a visitor’s pass.
Daniel Myslakowski, Chair
Orion Area Democrats
I am a sinner!
How many of you would like to publicize the fact that you are all sinners? Governor Jennifer Granholm seems to think it is okay to label people in relation to their ‘habits.?
Put an extra tax on cigarettes and alcohol because the state needs money. I’ll try to only make one point here and not go into ‘Where does all of our tax and lottery money go??
If we are to be grossly taxed on sins such as cigarettes and alcohol, what kind of tax will the ‘great? Governor put on Twinkies, potato chips and candy bars? How about anyone who curses? Will they get taxed per swear word? What if I have an impure thought? How much will be taken out of my pocket for that?
Maybe the intent is in the right place – trying to raise money for our state’s needs, (even though better spending should have been thought of first) but I sure hope that Granholm isn’t caught with another drink in her hand or a cigarette perched at her lips because I would hate to think of her as a ‘sinner.?
Tammy Layton
Clarkston
On Jan. 4, after having a huge storm, the Lake Orion School District bus drivers had a horrible morning taking the children into school and even a worse afternoon taking them home.
At the end of the day, we were all exhausted physically and mentally.
As I left work at 5:30 p.m., it was very nice to see a wonderful man with a large broom sweeping off our cars so we could go home.
To my surprise, that man was our Superintendent Dr. Craig Younkman. He swept off our cars, thanked us for doing such a good job that day and told us to have a safe trip home.
You can’t know how much that meant to us to really feel appreciated for a very long and hard day’s work.
Dr. Younkman, you are a very kind and thoughtful man and we appreciate you too.
Patricia Pollitt
As the community organizer for the Orion/Oxford Community for the past two and a half years, I have learned much about community and personal involvement.
I have also learned the Orion/Oxford community in general and the Orion school administration will allude to the support of substance abuse prevention, but fail miserable to demonstrate this support with action.
Th. coalition has and has had some wonderful people to bring knowledge, activities, programs and the Developmental Asset initiative to the schools and community.
All these would and could help to reduce the ever increasing use of illegal substances in our communities, IF we (the coalition) had the support of community and schools.
We have not been able to obtain that support. This isn’t due to lack of effort by the coalition or this community organizer, however, as community organizer I share the responsibility.
After much consideration and conversation with family and God and opportunity to pursue other interests, I’m submitting my resignation from my position as community organizer and the coalition effective March 8. I choose this date because I wish to help president Sandy with all the details of the office.
I thank all who have supported me and the coalition efforts.
Gary Binzer
I’m writing in regards to the insert from the Orion Chamber labeled, ‘Lake Orion High School is pioneering Career Focused Education,? by Janette Jones, counseling-career coordinator.
Pioneering again, please……….
Mr. Dunckley, please proof your staff’s articles before releasing to the public! This is not the first time an article has been submitted with errors by the counseling/career educator.
Our district has an excellent teaching staff and this is an insult to all educators.
As far as your program with the ‘Game Plan,? it turned out to be a flop! Many parents, students and several staff members still don’t understand the high school Game Plan. Students are writing down anything and getting credit.
Why did our assistant superintendent, Mr. Beiter allow such fancy, expensive workbooks to be purchased? Our students aren’t even allowed to take workbooks home because they are too EXPENSIVE! How much did it cost????
It might be time to put a plan together that benefits the students not meeting your benchmarks.
Mr. Dunckley, it’s time you take a leadership role at LOHS. Mr. Dunckley, I give you an F.
To the Lake Orion Board of Education…
Many parents feel the school board is not serving the public as it should. The parents/students selected by administrators usually are not the ones you should be hearing from.
I’m tired of walking in my child’s school and seeing involved parents frustrated.
If you really want to know how administrators treat staff, do a survey or hold a meeting. Why not? I hope you don’t think they will come to you.
After what we read about Oakland School Board, You Need to Start Building Our Trust!!!!
JP
Blanche Sims Elementary has placed a ban on all foods containing peanut products entering its facility due to a student who has an extreme allergic reaction to all foods containing peanuts.
Parents and taxpayer who object to this wholesale ban before our Lake Orion School Board are being treated as thoughtless, uncaring and selfish. This is definitely not the case.
I have looked up the websites of the National School Board Association (www.nsba.org) and the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (www.foodallergy.org), which are also under the heading of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Neither of these sites promotes a ban on all personnel, volunteers and students from carrying or eating peanut products.
Instead, they recommend that proper medication be on hand in case of an emergency, that they be prepared to handle a reaction, that they have a no eating policy on school buses, etc.
To place a total ban is overkill to say the least.
What if you have a student who is extremely allergic to pet dander? Would the school board demand that everyone who attends, teaches, works for or visits the school be required to live in a pet free home environment for fear the pet dander would be transferred to the school on a person’s apparel?
Eventually the list of items that couldn’t enter the school environment would reach horrific proportions.
No one wants to inflict harm on any child, but there are means to resolve the issue without taking away an individual’s choice of what they prefer to consume.
Those who disapprove of the wholesale ban only wish for a fair and balanced plan with regard for everyone, including the young person who is innocently afflicted with the allergy.
The chance for lawsuits against the school district for putting the ban in place could generate from either side of the issue.
The mindset of school boards that they are the end-all and be-all of knowledge has already come home to roost within our own Oakland County Intermediate School District.
This was due in part to a former LO School Board member, Tony Rothschild, who chaired the ISD during the Sept. 25, 2001 millage increase.
Mary MacMaster
Regarding Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.
My closest friend encouraged me to write this for the editorial column after telling some friends how sad I am that we’re still missing the point.
This movie is not a debate over anti-semitism or factual violence.
Take away the Virgin Birth. Take away the Heavenly Father. Take away the Jew from Nazareth bringing ‘Christianity? to the world.
Take away any divinity whatsoever and consider Jesus as just a guy. Take away all Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist theology.
Take away any prejudice, any holy war and even in this extreme, Jesus? life still speaks clearly.
Jesus actually lived the powerfully creative life he knew he was put on the planet to live and said we can do the same thing.
He said, ‘You’ve stolen tax money from a lot of people, stop doing that now and live. He said, ‘Don’t send the children away; I want them here with me. He said, ? You’ve had eight husbands, here’s a hug; just don’t do that anymore and live.?
The violence we do to each other in our thoughts alone is the very same viciousness of Jesus? torture. He said, ‘Don’t do that anymore and live.?
Jesus lived real love — full of deep trust, acceptance, attention, support, simplicity, unchanging in any experience.
Living in this love is the reason we were all given birth. We don’t want to miss the point.
Ardean Cheryl
Orion Area Democrats Chairman Daniel Myslakowski wants to blame Republicans for Michigan’s economic woes. He says President Bush is to blame for Michigan’s high unemployment rate.
Let’s look at the facts:
As a result of the bold economic plan President Bush implemented upon taking office, the US unemployment rate is 5.6 percent and is continuing to decline — as it has for the last year.
The stock market is up and the economy is showing growth at rates not seen in over 20 years.
The tax cuts President Bush implemented put more money in the pockets of small businesses and Michigan’s working families and back into our economy which helped put people back to work.
Is there more to do? Yes — and President Bush has pledged to keep working until every person who want a job has one. Now let’s look at Michigan.
Michigan’s unemployment rate is 7.2 percent — up over 19 percent in the last year and the highest it’s been in over 10 years.
In January, Michigan lost 31,000 jobs accounting for 54 percent of all jobs lost nationally. Only Alaska has a higher unemployment rate than Michigan.
Myslakowski would like to have people think this is the President’s fault but based on national statistics, this is obviously not true.
So what is the problem in Michigan?
Easy question. The answer is Jennifer Granholm. Other states were on the ball and took advantage of the bold plan implemented by the President.
Granholm waited over a year before recognizing that Michigan was hemorrhaging jobs at an alarming rate. Then, she had no plan to help Michigan families or Michigan businesses. No plan equals no jobs.
Fortunately the Michigan Republican Legislature stepped up with a plan to help Michigan families and businesses. Their plan helps the ‘ma and pa? businesses that Granholm has ignored and comes to the rescue of Michigan’s working families.
Myslakowski claims the ‘Reagan Democrats? are coming ‘home? this year and he’s right — they’re just not going to his home.
They’ll be coming home after their shift then stopping to vote for the Republicans who are actually working to make sure they have a job and not just talking about it.
Rob Tiede, Proxy Co-chair
Michigan Republicans
A group of concerned parents formed a grass roots organization called Families in Action to combat the ever-increasing teen drug use in our community and schools in 1992. The name was changed to Lake Orion Community School Advisory in order to serve the community and work with the schools to implement programs.
It became known in 1999 as the Orion Oxford Community Coalition and joined forces with many other such organizations in Oakland County and gaining 501(c) (3) status as a non-profit corporation in 2003.
Unfortunately, the coalition has struggled over the last couple of years to get support from community members and school administration in both Lake Orion and Oxford. Lack of support, participation and funding has forced the coalition to close its doors.
As drug use in our community continues to increase and outpace county and national averages, many in our community continue to turn a blind eye for fear of bad publicity or other intimidations.
Our school officials are afraid that community members will blame them for the increased substance abuse, while our teens blame the community for not caring about them. Seventy five percent of the 1,640 Lake Orion youth, surveyed in 2003 by Search Institute, said adults in the community don’t care about them. Nevertheless, adults continue to close their eyes to the substance abuse problems.
Parents believe that having their children involved in National Honor Society, varsity sports, Student Council or other prestigious groups will keep them safe. But sadly, the drug problem permeates every sector of the school and teens are exposed to peer pressure to use drugs on a daily basis.
Still others just don’t believe we have a problem or have an ‘it’s not my kid? attitude.
There’s a serious lack of awareness in our community. Everyone should take the effort to read the police and sheriff’s reports in The Lake Orion Review and Oxford Leader to see the incidents of substance abuse cited on our public streets and schools. And urge your school officials to publicize the number of incidents in school newsletters to increase awareness.
Substance abuse isn’t a new problem in our community, however, it’s an increasing one.
Alcohol has been the number one drug among teens since 1960 and based on a national study in 2000, 45 percent of high school students are monthly users. Marijuana is also prevalent and showed a 20 percent monthly use.
Combine this information with the fact that some adults in our community are or were abusers of these drugs and you can see how this might send a mixed message to our teens.
Our actions also send a mixed message to our teens. We don’t consistently enforce MIPs (minor in possession) in our community and our school policy rewards teens with OSS (out of school suspension) rather than try to teach them about the repercussions of their actions.
Instead of giving back to the community, they sit at home (many times unsupervised, playing video games) for three days.
Our district judges even disagree with the current school policy. As drug use has increased in Lake Orion, we have gone from a full-time substance abuse counselor to a part-time counselor at Lake Orion High School.
In fact, rumors are this position could be eliminated next year, leaving our kids without any support, In addition, the LO School District was one of only a few districts in Michigan that didn’t apply for a ‘Safe and Drug Free School? grant of $25,000 that could have been used for substance abuse prevention programming.
If you want to know more about these issues at LOHS, contact the substance abuse counselor, Michele Novak. She has been a great advocate for the teens, working with the parents and the court system to ensure teens get the right message and learn from their mistakes.
It will be a great loss to our community if her job is eliminated. Please urge your school board members to keep her in the current position.
Even if you and your child/teen aren’t personally affected, look around, talk to your friends and neighbors. You will be surprised how many people you may know who have been touched by substance abuse problems.
The coalition won’t be around so you must take it upon yourself to become aware. Have a serious talk with your child/teen about what he or she is exposed to on a normal school day. You might be surprised!
Sandy Mabery, President
Orion Oxford Community Coalition
On Feb. 19, my husband and I were at the store to buy a few groceries and our truck’s battery needed a jump.
I went into the store to the service counter. They sent an employee out to help. He pushed the truck to where he could connect the cables, which started the engine. We thanked him and he said, ‘That is what I’m here for.?
Thank you again, Joe.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Waid
In a ‘fast paced? world we are forced to live in, we often overlook the human kindness that still exists. March 4 was a sad day for many business people, residents of the Village of Lake Orion and Orion Township.
We lost part of the history of this community that day, but what emerged from the ruble of those businesses is the unity of a great community.
After the flames died down and the smoke still hung low in the middle of the street, people began to come forward embracing the business owners who lost everything and vowed to help them pick up the pieces and rebuild.
This in itself shows what human kindness is all about, but what I would like to point out is what a lot of people don’t see happening in the background.
As the fire rose high into morning and smoke darkened the skies of our mighty little community, the businesses began showing their human kindness by supplying the firefighters with food and refreshments that continued until the last hose was drained and packed away.
Holding the position of firefighter is a very unique position in the workforce. Stop and think for a moment; do you go to work in the morning planning on working 10 to 12 hours without breaks or a lunch period? Is your job such that you aren’t allowed to take a lunch hour?
This is what the firefighter faces and this is what these dedicated people faced on that sad March day. When a community comes forward to be sure these people have refreshments or a donut, piece of pizza or hamburger to eat while they continue to fight the blaze is priceless to these firefighters and they want to say, ‘Thank you very much.?
This great community is being protected by a group of very dedicated people that show human kindness by making up the fire fighting force of the Orion Township Fire Department.
These people care so much for the community that they will give up everything to spend that 10 to 12 hours trying to save what they can of a business district in a historical village.
The next time we are caught up in our ‘fast-paced? schedule, let’s stop take a breath and give the person next to us a smile and nod.
That person may very well have shown great human kindness on March 4 by donating food or refreshments to the people battling the fire.
That person may very well have shown great human kindness and embraced a distraught business owner who had just lost everything.
That person may very well have shown great human kindness by volunteering to be the firefighter trying in desperation to save as much as they could of our village.
Thank you to the following: merchants who donated and supported the firefighters; Oxford Fire Department; Addison Township Fire Department; Oakland Township Fire Department; Auburn Hills Fire Department; Lake Orion Village Police Department; Oakland County Sheriff’s Department; anyone else who may have contributed.
Robert Smith, President
Orion Township Firefighters Association
Eight years ago when we opened the Sagebrush Cantina we had no idea we would be so profoundly blessed with so many friends and caring people.
We thanked God every day for this, but nothing has proven it more than the last few days. The moral, spiritual and monetary support that has poured into our lives is truly amazing and so greatly appreciated.
Helping our employees through this difficult time is one of our top priorities. We were so pleased to hear about the fund established by Downtown Lake Orion and want to thank all those who have contributed.
We also want to express our heartfelt thanks to the community, the fire department, police department and local officials for their hard work, love and support.
We are so heartbroken to see the beautiful historic buildings destroyed, but please know we will do our best to rebuild a Cantina that will complement the downtown as quickly as possible.
Again…thank you so much.
The Zarga Family
The Lake Orion Firefighters? Ladies Auxiliary wishes to extend thanks to all the area businesses, organizations and private citizens who delivered food and refreshments to our firefighters last Thursday.
Twelve hours of firefighting is exhausting and the guys were very grateful for all the goodies (pizza, donuts, fruit, pop, water coffee, etc.)
It’s comforting to know their services are appreciated by our community. They put their lives on the line each time they respond to an emergency.
LO Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary
The Orion Historical Society members and directors are devastated by the downtown fire. We share feelings of sadness, loss and reverence for the affected businesses, their owners, building owners and, indeed, for our entire community.
The JC Predmore building and the others, too, have served as a visual and symbolic center for our cultural past. But all is not lost. In spite of the loss of even some of the fa’ades, others remain. They stand (thankfully!), along with the many other very precious historic resources in town, as a testament to our unique and proud past.
The Orion Historical Society offers our sympathy, as well as our support in future endeavors to rebuild the next chapter in Lake Orion’s history.
Perhaps some of the historical data on downtown buildings and photos we have collected over the years might be of some use to those involved in planning to rebuild.
We urge everyone to remember the sense of loss that resulted not only from losing a good Mexican restaurant, but also a good gathering place, and a portion of a downtown that served as a backdrop for our identity as a community. We need to remember this very real connection to our past as we design our future. Please contact us if we can be of help.
Frank Demers, Chairperson Board of Directors
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Clarkston High School Drama Club’s performance of ‘Once Upon a Mattress.?
I have always enjoyed attending high school concert and theater performances, and this was no exception… or perhaps it was because it was… exceptional!
How good it is to see the theater program grow and flourish in the wonderful performance facility. Each year, the production gets better and better, growing in sophistication and stage technology.
The expertise of the ensemble of directors, Mr. Tice, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Chapman, Ms. Seaman, Mr. Jones and Ms. Newman, along with parents and staff, have channeled an outstanding group of talented students to achieve a beautiful artistic accomplishment. One could feel that the audience was truly impressed and delighted in the quality of the show.
How wonderful it is to see kids take on the dedication, work and responsibility in creating such a fantastic result… with each and every person involved, being as important as the next. The outcome was glorious.
My genuine hearty applause to the cast, crew and directors.
Bev Territo
Clarkston
Can the owners of the Clarkston News come to their senses and rid us of these poorly thought out editorials by an intolerant dolt?
It gives me great pleasure to be a conservative Republican who has the opportunity to lecture a liberal on ‘tolerance?. ‘Jesus Freaks?, as you call them, are not the bad guys here, despite what your liberal professors told you. These ‘Jesus Freaks? are a group of people who are trying to spread their beliefs, and the only difference between them and you is that their message has been well thought out. Your editorial, on the other hand, is ill conceived, and the manner you use to address this group of people shows a complete lack of social tolerance. Congratulations, you’re a religious bigot!
You and your liberal buddies want to infest your beliefs on the rest of this country, and you don’t have a problem reaching into my wallet to pay for it. At least these ‘Jesus Freaks? only want to keep Janet’s clothes on, and get some shock jock to shut up. I don’t have a problem with that, and it’s free to boot. By the way, it’s my guess that if Clear Channel were making a ton of money having Stern on their station, he’d still be there. Econ 101, Bud.
You close by suggesting that our political leaders are spending time talking about Howard Stern and not addressing Social Security and terrorism. You also ask how a couple jokes by Stern are more harmful to United States residents than having our presidential candidates bought by special interest groups. I hate to dignify those comments with any sort of answer, as your assumptions are completely absurd. You have thought this through like a third grader. If I owned the Clarkston News, I’d fire you for being incompetent.
Please feel free to comment about kittens or T-ball, and leave the heavier topics to those who do their homework and can think through an issue.
In response to Kyle Gargaro’s column ‘Who is drawing the line?? I have to say that on a political level you have the right to say what you like.
However, I must protest your using the name of ‘Jesus? in a derogatory way. While I understand where you got the terminology I would think a man in your position would have a modicum of respect for the religious beliefs of others and the sensitivity that the name ‘Jesus? evokes in those who believe as I do in his position as the son of God and in the sacrifices he made.
Perhaps you will argue that those are not your beliefs, if that is the case I hope that in the future you might challenge yourself to seek him further.
Wendy Kraus
Clarkston
Our hearts continue to ache for a person who we saw ‘bullied? by administration.
Let me tell you about a person we met many years ago as a parent volunteer. She gives her all and never accepts the credit. We admire her ‘Team Spirit.? To this day she continually supports our efforts, giving a helping hand ‘behind the scene? whenever needed.
This person not only gives support to our local families, but most important she has continued to help the neediest. She gives what others in the schools fail to give, genuine and nonjudgemental support to parents, staff and most important all our children.
She stands up for her beliefs! She’s a true advocate for all children!!!
Unfortunately, for all of us, she no longer is an employee for the school district. As many of you know, our district retains the ‘dead weight,? not the ones who make the difference in our children’s lives.
Recently, I was at an event with staff and parents when I heard very disturbing information regarding the strong armed tactics of our superintendent, Dr. Craig Younkman, and his ‘good old boys.?
A staff member gave me a tape of a board of education meeting where the parent informed the school board and asked for a meeting to discuss her concerns. (What strength and determination she has).
No meeting by the school board was ever held. Why?
Apparently the strong arm tactic used by Dr. Younkman didn’t surprise anyone I spoke with. It seems the Lake Orion administration resorts to harassing and intimidating those who challenge the district’s policies. Information from people who are close to her said, ‘They attacked her!?
Dr. Craig Younkman, because a parent asks the tough questions and wants answers and knowing her persistence (she may have been a threat to the underhanded tactics we see so often), IT DIDN’T GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TELL HER IT WOULD BE IN HER BEST INTEREST IF SHE DOESN’T VOLUNTEER.
Yes, this statement is true. Dr. Younkman and another administrator made this comment to someone else who has come forth.
WE NEED MORE PARENTS IN OUR SCHOOLS AND ADMINISTRATORS ARE DRIVING THEM AWAY?
With scandals still rocking the Oakland Intermediate School District and the taint of corruption threatening to undermine public confidence in individual districts, Lake Orion’s School Board members should be more responsive to parental requests for greater openness, accountability and honesty.
We believe you might mean well, but often have become rubber stamps for administration.
It’s this type of attitude that leaves parents/staff wondering what is going on in the ‘back room.? Who is responsible for allowing this misbehavior by our Dr. Younkman.
Maybe it’s time for several of our school board members to resign.
To our former coworker/friend, we know you wouldn’t approve of us writing and know you will forgive us, that is your nature.
Just to let you know the administrators didn’t ask for our input (the people who worked on projects with you), so don’t believe in Younkman’s perceptions, this is the GAME he plays.
We miss you and your positive energy you exuberate to us all. As always, you’ve welcomed in our schools!
Staff and Parents Unite
Typically I try and keep my emotions in tact and not to respond to the negative nature of the vocal minority, however, the ‘mother in me? is forcing me to change all of that today.
I am responding to a recent letter by someone only named as, JP. JP’s letter went off into all sorts of directions blaming and naming certain individuals for all kinds of issues at the high school, but as an active parent in the building I feel I have to address this.
I would have to ask JP, please tell us what areas you are involved in your child’s school? As a parent I sit on the Career Focused Education Committee. I have taken in a job shadow student at my place of employment. I have taken an intern for work experience at my place of employment. I sat in and gave my input into the ‘Game Plan.?
I have volunteered time in the Career Center, not only to help students, but as an assistant. As a community member involved with many non-profit organizations, I have offered dozens of kid’s opportunities to achieve Service Learning hours.
Our Career Center is an invaluable tool to aid our students and our parents! This is our student’s opportunity to have hands on experiences in the career they believe they may be interested in, before they spend four years in a university trying to become an architect, only to realize in year three of college, what they truly wanted to be was a graphic artist.
This is a tool to empower our students, and possibly save thousands of dollars for parents.
You mention the cost of the, what you refer to as expensive workbooks, well, if you were as involved as you profess, then you should have done your research. As a parent and part of the committee, I can tell you that it was people like Mr. Beiter, Mrs. Jones, Chris Bell, Mr. Dunckley, and myself, along with many other people who worked very hard to make sure our students could have this valuable tool WITHOUT a large expense to the district and as a group, found grant funding to pay for those books!
JP did you even know Lake Orion was honored recently for its Career Focused Education program and the value it brings to our youth by Oakland Schools?
‘Pioneering,? is the perfect word to be used when it comes to this program. Because just as the early settlers were shot at as they made their way through uncharted territory, you too are shooting your arrows at the staff in our district.
You go on in your letter, jumping to our school board next, and I am not even sure why? Again, as a parent, I feel proud that I can say I have children in all three levels of education here in Orion.
I believe that when you live in a state, that continues to cut funding for public education, it is amazing, that yet we continue to be honored with more blue ribbon schools, and our district continues to operate in the black, I would shout out loud, that our school board made up of VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND PARENTS, the teaching staff, and all of the support staff are doing a fine job!
So JP, don’t hate on everyone around you and write letters to the editor just for the sake of doing so. Come on out, join a School Improvement Committee, or the Career Focused Education Committee, or any other committee that best suits your talents, and use your words for the positive. Our community just might benefit.
CE
The owners and management staff of the Verwood Apartments at 54 South Broadway in the Village of Lake Orion would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the fast response and safe evacuation of our tenants during the recent devastating fire.
We feel the exceptional efforts of the fire department of Orion Township (and surrounding areas) is the sole reason the damage to Verwood was minimal and our tenants were so quickly able to get back home.
The Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Methodist Church and local residents were also fantastic in providing our tenants temporary shelter, food and assistance in replacing items that were lost and damaged during this tragic event.
We can’t express enough gratitude to everyone who made themselves available to help during the emergency, along with the many individuals who continue tirelessly to provide assistance on a daily basis.
We applaud the professionalism and dedication of the people and organizations dedicated to the village. We are confident the business district will be up and running in no time.
Verwood Owners/Management
With this letter of assurance, the residents voted to take on a personal debt of $1.5 million, only to their demise. The letter in question, dated Aug. 4, 2000, was written and signed by Jill Bastian, township clerk, to Sue Turpen, president , Hi Hill Homeowners Association.
‘The Charter Township of Orion Board of Trustees, at the regular meeting of July 31, 2000, adopted the Resolution Regarding Use of Host Fee Funds for Hi Hill Improvements, which will dedicate any remaining Host Fee funds to paying for sewer and road capping cost connected with the SAD project.?
With all the stipulations of the resolution met, the township has chosen to pay its own cost of the project back from these host fee funds.
That payment to the township was not in the resolution. Nor was it part of the decision when they gifted the monies to themselves from the $30 million Water and Sewer Fund.
Hi Hill Village was put at the mercy of the Landfill Closure Committee to fight for its funds, also not a stipulation of the resolution.
At that time I had asked to be on that closure committee, but was turned down by the township board. The committee, led by Bastian, produced its first report on July 29, 2003.
The conclusion of this report determined the possible expenditures outweigh an ‘excess? of host fee funds at this time. The report was to break the spirit of the resolution and again thwart the residents of Hi Hill Village, all with township board approval.
At the Aug. 18, 2003 township board meeting, I refuted the closure committee’s report with facts from the Department of Environmental Quality. The board ‘agreed to notify Ms. Turpen and Mr. Geraci of future committee meetings.?
Trustee Gingell tried for months to get the committee to meet with us. In December 2003, he stopped trying.
Now at the March 1, 2004 township board meeting, the landfill closure committee has a new report to be filed. Obviously it found the time to meet, but just forgot to notify us.
With the board meeting running past 11 p.m., the board votes to accept the report with the stipulation of ‘no comments from the public.? The board once again voted all in favor of accepting this new report once again in haste.
After four and one half hours of waiting, I’m denied my rights as an American to question governmental policy in a public forum
Joseph Geraci, Vice President
Hi Hill Homeowners Association
March 14-20 is Media Democracy Week. Democracy is the foundation of our society and in order for democracy to flourish, people must be able to communicate ideas, share opinions and get information.
A healthy, democratic society is founded on engaged, informed and included citizens.
The primary means of information delivery and exchange today is through electronic media, especially television. Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) media centers, such as Orion Neighborhood Television, provide people with access to electronic communications training, equipment, facilities and delivery systems; encourage civic dialog and participation; and teach media literacy.
ONTV and other PEG media centers serve their communities? needs and promote media democracy for all people regardless of their life circumstances, their political or religious beliefs or their ability to pay.
Orion Neighborhood Television thanks our volunteer producers and crew for helping to keep democracy alive in our community by continuing participation in producing and promoting programming for Orion residents.
We would also like to recognize and thank our government meeting cablecasters who keep Orion citizens informed by working to provide live coverage of Lake Orion Village Council, Orion Township Board, Orion Township Planning Commission and Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education meetings.
ONTV Staff
I was shocked after reading Kyle Gargaro’s ‘Who is drawing the line??, in the March 3 issue of the Clarkston News. I was baffled how a man who has risen to the status of editor of a newspaper, as small as that paper may be, could have such a flawed view of the workings of the American political system, and of the Janet Jackson halftime incident the editor refereed to as nipplegate.
Let me begin by saying that the Janet Jackson incident, as well as Howard Stern’s show, offended not only the religious right, but the feminist left. Perhaps Ms. Gargaro sees no problem with the blatant
objectification of women found in both instances, but members of both political spectrums do, and should speak up. Mr. Stern pays women to expose themselves so he and his cohorts can ‘rate? them, slap them, and
treat them like dirt. Again, both conservatives and lib erals agree that this was unacceptable, not just ‘Jesus Freaks? as Mr. Gargaro so ignorantly put.
Mr. Gargaro complains that the Republican’s presidential candidates are being hijacked by special interest groups. This may be true, but the exact thing can and must be said about the Democratic candidates as
well. As much as they would love to feel like they aren’t, liberals are not immune to political pressures from special interest groups, and they, like Republicans, act accordingly. Mr. Gargaro is so intent on
getting his political views across, he throws common sense and logic aside. (And I thought narrow-mindedness was a conservative problem!)
Finally the fourth paragraph from the bottom makes absolutely no sense, and is the culmination of a truly awful article, that any professional journalist should be ashamed to write. My advice: learn the facts, take
off the liberal painted goggles, and write something worthwhile.
Mike Claus
Freshman, DePauw University
Welcome back Ed Davis!
You have been greatly missed. How wonderful to have you back at The Clarkston News.
Missed such things as your coverage of Fourth of July in Clarkston and the Grand Slam Metal Jam.
Nobody covers the sports scene like you do. Hope you didn’t miss the bus.
Gini Schultz
Clarkston
As a lifetime resident of Clarkston, I was beaming with pride to know that our local resident and superb performer Kid Rock had the honor to introduce the magnificent Bob Seger as an inductee into the Hall of Fame.
Bob Seger is our original hometown hero. His music encompassed our young lives. His concerts at Pine Knob were one of a kind. Amazingly he remains innocently humble. I don’t think he truly realized his musical influence.
Congratulations to him. His recognition is long overdue.
Maybe we can get our two local boys to perform a concert together. Wouldn’t that be a night to remember? I’m sure Pine Knob would have numerous sold out shows.
Thanks for the music.
Sandy Matich
For those of us interested and sincerely concerned about our retirements, it needs to start with our kids. If you save tons of money and have a generation of kids who have no respect for themselves or their parents, money won’t fix their lives. What Keith Clement and the Clarkston Athletic Boosters are doing provides an invaluable service to all in this community. Providing extra-curricular activities for our kids guarantees the parents our children are plugged into more than just an athletic endeavor. They are completing their education and ensuring us they will be responsible, dedicated leaders in the next generation.
I don’t know Keith Clement personally, but I’ve seen him at all the football games; he is one of many unsung heroes in our community. Thanks for your write up in The Clarkston News.
Benson Lange
Ed Davis’s article, in the March 17 edition of The Clarkston News, covering the Clarkston/Waterford Kettering basketball game was very good.
But, a statement on the second page states, ‘The Wolves have never gone further than the quarter-finals? is incorrect. Around 1980 the Wolves lost to Highland Park in the semi-finals at Michigan State University’s Jenison Fieldhouse. I believe this was Tim McCormick’s senior year. Gary Nustad was the coach, prior to Dan Fife’s coaching tenure.
John Priebe
Clarkston
First, I would like to thank Jeff Key, Bob Smith and all of the FIRE FIGHTERS for the GREAT job they did fighting the Sagebrush Cantina fire.
It was a sad day for the community of Lake Orion to see one of our great restaurants, that we enjoy going to for their food and entertainment, go up in flames.
But when I was reading The Lake Orion Review and saw the article called Fire Briefs, I couldn’t believe someone wanted to find the owner of the Sagebrush because he had received a $10 gift certificate the night before the fire and wanted a refund right away.
Well, this just about blew my mind. Boy, I wish I could have been there. I would have given the guy 10 bucks and bought the gift certificate from him. I wouldn’t want the poor guy to be out $10.
Then when the day comes and Sagebrush reopens its doors, I would have used the gift certificate because I know they would honor the certificate.
One more thing, I want to thank the Zaraga family for deciding to rebuild their business. I can’t wait to get a bowl of their great chicken and rice soup.
Lloyd English
Tom Chen from Skanska through parks and rec is planning a millage that will combine a community center and senior center as a result of his firm’s $10,000 feasibility study for Orion Township.
It was requested to Chen that the seniors maintain their autonomy and have their own millage monies to support a center because in 10 years, 27 percent of our population will be over the age of 55.
We don’t want the parks and rec and senior center millage monies combined.
If the purpose of the suggested millage by Chen is to support a community center/senior center, we would like to know why the cost to the taxpayers would be $23 for 93,120 square feet at Friendship Park (supported by a 1.1 mill tax increase).
Rochester built a center for $14 million with 90,000 square feet (including the cost of the land), costing taxpayers only .25 mills.
Why would Chen propose putting $1.2 million into the exciting senior center that will NOT increase usable space, does NOT include fixing the Union Church OR more space for parking.
I’ve done my math; can you do yours?
Kathy Wieland
I have lived in Lake Orion my entire life and have spent a lot of time on and around the lake. As a village resident, I am all in favor of keeping Greens Park open year round.
It would be great to be able to use the ice for skating in the winter. I am not sure if they still have the swimming lessons in the park now that there is a pool at the high school, but besides that, I don’t feel that lifeguards are really necessary.
I also think it would be a good idea to have a skate park available for the kids so that they don’t have to use parking lots. Gaylord has a great skate park for an example. A small skate park in Green’s Park would be a great idea.
Give the kids places to do fun things and make the lake available for all. They should also make a bit more parking available, if at all possible.
Jane Chamarro
Ok, here we go again. I feel like we are talking to our kids. No means no to the senior citizens center. If seniors want a senior citizens center then they should pay for it. There are many other costs that the average family needs to pay for which is the majority in this community. Like rising insurance costs (up 250% in 6 years), home property taxes up every year. Trying to save enough money to provide our kids a college education and trying to save enough money so we can retire ourselves some day. Updating our homes and living spaces. I would never ask my neighbor to help me fund something that I would use. If I wanted it, I would save for it.
Jim Altene
Clarkston
President Bush and other conservatives have been accused in recent weeks of seeking to ‘put bias in the Constitution? by endorsing an amendment that would define marriage as solely the union of one man and one woman. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Gay marriage has never been a constitutional right in America — or any other civilized nation. Those who support the amendment aren’t trying to deprive homosexuals of any of the legal protections they currently enjoy; instead, they are trying to prevent runaway courts from creating out of thin air new ‘rights? that would prove detrimental to society.
Amendment supporters have also been disparaged as ‘bigots.? How can that be, when the language being proposed is identical to the language of the Defense of Marriage Act, passed by 427 members of Congress? Are they — and former President Clinton, who signed the bill into law — bigots, too?
This aggressive campaign to undermine marriage, as it’s always been known, can be defeated — but only if we all stand up to support the Federal Marriage Amendment. Please stand firm for the sanctity of marriage that has served society for centuries.
Anna Anderson
Clarkston
Throughout March, I had the opportunity to read to students in every public and private elementary school in the 44th District. I really enjoyed meeting the students and sharing the joy of reading. Reading opens up a world of possibilities for young people and provides the foundation for success in life. I hope each student saw those possibilities and will embrace the value of reading as they strive to achieve their personal goals.
I want to thank the principals and teachers who worked so hard to make these ‘March is Reading Month? events happen. As educators, parents and community leaders we have a responsibility to help students develop a positive attitude toward reading. With any luck, our students will develop a lifetime interest in books that serves as a stepping stone to success.
John P. Stakoe
State Representative, 44th District
We read that the war on terrorism is now to be extended to Syria. For the consideration of your readers here are some observations by Michael Lind in his book, ‘Made in Texas,? Basic Books 2003.
? Before 9/11 Bush was busy canceling treaties and withdrawing the US from International Conventions, planning an invasion of Iraq, and treating the Likud government of Israel as it’s closest foreign ally. After 9/11 the Bush administration continued to carry out exactly the same policies – even though unilateralism, the planned invasion and occupation of Iraq and the pro-Sharon tilt undermined America’s ability to muster a long-lasting global coalition. A year after the Al-Qaeda assault, the US was more isolated abroad and more divided over foreign policy at home, than at any time since the Vietnam War.
? Shrugging off international law and diplomacy, the US would wage ‘preemptive? wars against regimes that might pose speculative threats, even if they did not threaten the US…with imminent danger. P 124.
? Career officials in the US executive branch privately described the grand strategy of GWB as ‘the Israelization of American foreign policy. P140.
? Arafat, the legitimately elected president of Palestine was treated ‘as a mere criminal who the US refused to deal with. The project for the New American Century, a neo-conservative think tank that disseminated the thinking of the Wolfowitz circle called on US military to eliminate Hussein but also engage in preemptive strikes against Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and other states that shared nothing in common other than their opposition to the state of Israel. P. 140-141.
So now we are going to attack Syria!
? Southeners, eager to support American wars are high school educated, white males from the rural or small town South. P 142.
? The religious right believes in apocalyptic ideology regarding land stolen from Arabs as the ‘fulfillment of biblical prophecy.? P. 147.
? Since 1977 Protestant fundamentalists have acted as an echo chamber for the Israeli Likud party. P 149.
? What the Scots-Irish did to the native Irish Catholics in the 17th century is remarkably similar to what the most militant Jewish colonists did to the native Arab Palestinians in the twentieth century. P 155.
The colonization projects (in Ireland) like those in Israel/Palestine have been accompanied by every kind of atrocity on the part of Israel. The American taxpayer, 98 percent of whom are not Jewish, are taxed billions every year to support Israeli policies.
Where is separation of Church and State here? Where is morality?
Irene Rauth
Clarkston
Right on with Elaine’s Martha comments. None of this would have happened to her if the public didn’t feel inferior to her because she has good taste and knows the rules of etiquette and they have given up caring.
Becky Goodman
I’m against the overlay on Baldwin Road.
I spoke to Beth, the planning coordinator, Orion Township Clerk Jill Bastian, Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk on March 4, the day after the planning commission meeting. At that meeting, Mr. Pote made a motion to go to the township board on March 15 to ask for funding to implement the Master Plan for the overlay area and the money was needed for Mr. Wortman.
In my conversation with the different township officials, I told them they should implement us on Baldwin Road between Judah and Jordan Roads.
Mr. Stiemel even told me three different times while the Master Plan was being studied that he was going to ask the board to implement us.
The board decided to place a moratorium on development or expansion of development on us, March 12, 2001. One of the reasons was to resolve traffic issues in the entire area.
Well, guess what, we still have a traffic issue so township board members be fair and SMACK A MORATORIUM on Baldwin Road between Judah and Maybee Roads.
That is the best solution at this time and please remember election time is coming soon.
Betty McDowell
As a fourth generation Lake Orion resident, I was very upset to see another resident write such a letter last week.
I’m sorry that Hadley thinks our town paper is so beneath her! Now let’s see, how did she put it? Quaint? Not particularly accurate? Not particularly well written? Very sub-average?
Well, I’m glad she canceled her subscription. I think she should stick with a larger publication.
So they misspelled some things. We all make mistakes. We are not all perfect! I love our town and its paper.
Carol Pihajlic
Thank you to all of you who put your time and effort into making the spaghetti dinner fundrasier such a huge success.
In 13 days, this community proved just how strong we are. All of the support was truly appreciated.
A special thank you to Michelle Zimmerman, Andrea Martinec, Lorrie Wood and Lisa Zyrek. Your friendship is invaluable.
Thank you to all of the Sagebrush employees, Eduardo and the Zaraga family for assisting us when it was you we were trying to help. Your continuous support is endless and we can’t wait to have you back.
Thank you to Chris (DJ), Jeff,, Kurt, Gino and your team for making our raffle run so well. A big huge thank you to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for without its facility, this would not have been possible. Thanks to John at Caramagno. Your fast response and follow up goes far and beyond.
Last but not least to the media, for your coverage to get the word out in such a short time. The Lake Orion Review, The Oxford Leader, Oakland Press, Detroit Free Press, Eccentric, TV channels 2 and 7 and a special thank you to Deena Centofanti; you helped make our day a big success.
To all who couldn’t attend, donations can be made to: National City Bank, Sagebrush Employee Fund, 88 West Flint Street, Lake Orion MI, 48362 or to Oxford Bank.
The Ross Family
We had a very cool thing happen at our school several weeks ago. A few of our students on our boys? basketball team found out that one of their teachers, Mr. Hopkins, has his car basically blow out the engine and he was without transportation.
They thought it was the perfect opportunity to show this teacher how much they cared. These boys organized with their other teammates and pooled their money together, found a car for Mr. Hopkins, paid for it get fixed and presented it to him recently.
How often do you hear of this sort of thing? It makes me proud to be an Oakland Christian School mom.
We thought it would be a perfect piece for people to be encouraged by the fact that there ARE great kids out there. This is a great school with many of its students from Lake Orion, Clarkston, Oxford, Goodrich, Rochester Hills and the surrounding areas.
Cheri Lott
Mr. Jim Altene, who wrote a letter to the editor in the March 31 edition of The Clarkston News, jumps to conclusions after reading the article entitled, ‘Officials set to revisit Senior Center issues? in the March 24 edition of The Clarkston News.
He jumps to the conclusion that he will be asked to pay for a new Senior Center after discussions by members of the township board and representatives of the senior advisory group.
He assumes the new center will be funded by increased taxes, although there was no mention of money in the article. It is much too early to project costs when we haven’t even defined the nature or size of the new center.
Altene also implies the child-like seniors of this township don’t know the meaning of the word ‘no.? In fact, the Senior Center committee is looking at viable alternatives to the proposals put forth to the voters in 2002, not a revisit to the same concept that was rejected in the election. In other words, we are taking into consideration the messages communicated to us in the election turndowns, and reworking the plans according to what the voters told us.
And, for the sake of discussion, what if the article did ask the community to pay for a new Senior Center? Actually, the community is supporting the current building, which requires constant repairs and is expensive to heat and cool.
Finally, what if we asked the electorate to pay for a new Senior Center? Such a facility could be a source of pride to Independence Township, a reward to those who have paid their dues and supported all of our kids in school during all their peak earning years. Many of today’s seniors have paid their school taxes without having any students in school, taking advantage of the educational programs offered. In most communities, it is considered a part of your real estate value, a benefit of living in Independence Township.
But we are getting way ahead of ourselves. Nobody has determined a new Senior Center will cost you or your neighbors anything. All we are doing is exploring our options, something that we have a right to do whether or not you agree with our efforts thus far to design a Senior Center that is both suited to our needs and is affordable.
This is not the time to jump to conclusions.
Harry Knitter
Clarkston
Hang in there Janet!
I know Janet Thomas and she needs to remain in her position with OISD. I met Janet while working on a committee for the Clarkston School Board. She is steeped with integrity and has a fantastic vision of what needs to happen with respect to the children she serves in our community.
She is only concerned with the welfare of children, and isn’t that why we elect the people we do to our respective school boards? I would vote for her in any position whether in our district or countywide. I believe that Janet has the backbone to remain in her position and continue to consider the best interests
of the children.
Completely cleaning house at this point would be detrimental to the children we serve. She needs to stay and fight for our kids, as she remains the historian in the group.
Jeanne Santala-Rose
Clarkston
You’ve probably heard in the past few weeks the charge that the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would define marriage in the US Constitution as the union of one man and one woman, would write discrimination into our country’s founding document. Don’t believe it for a second.
It is not homosexuals, but marriage, that is under attack. Left unchecked, rogue judges intent on finding new rights in the Constitution will succeed, someday soon, in extending marriage benefits to gays. Supporters of a marriage-protection amendment aren’t out to discriminate against anyone; they simply want to preserve the institution of marriage as it has served society for centuries.
Amendment opponents have also turned to an emotional argument in asking, ‘How does one couple’s gay marriage threaten anyone’s heterosexual marriage?? This question misses the point: The goal of gay activists isn’t the individual relationship of any two people, despite such statements. It is the revision of national policy to say that gender, especially in child-rearing, is inconsequential, even though research indicates children do best when raised by a married mother and father.
These and other distortions of the truth must be resisted, because marriage and the benefits it brings must be protected. We must stand together to support the Federal Marriage Amendment. Will you stand up for the future of our children by supporting the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Carol Vandermeer
Clarkston
What a beautiful spin on the fire that destroyed the historic buildings in Lake Orion that I read in the Downtown Digest dated March 2004, Volume III, Issue 1.
I’m glad to see my tax dollars are at least saving some faces, but surely not the historic village store faces that were with us for so many years.
If only we all had such eloquence to tell tall yarns and to publish flashy little color montages to appease the minions with money that was basically ours and wasted on this piece of spin.
Let’s look at the real cause of the destruction of the downtown area. How about a village management, a policing authority in charge of zoning and the fire marshalling that showed itself to be inept and unable to protect and serve its community at a distance of less than one village block away.
It’s a good thing they weren’t Detroit City blocks and Mrs. O’Leary’s cow was out of the barn.
It’s my opinion all the village council and the zoning arm of the village should resign and step down with letters of apology for their inability to cope with real zoning issues, issues that affect all of the community’s fiscal responsibility.
They should be completely censured for the aesthetic and even more so the economic damage we all have suffered because of them. Please heed my words to try and put a stop to any more destruction people like this can inflict upon us.
The governing authority should immediately be given to the seat of the community that is located on Joslyn Road and thereby reducing our village taxes by almost half.
Why am I paying double taxes for this type of mismanagement of local government? Maybe it’s so my property can be assessed a higher property value for even bigger and brighter color brochures and other spin doctoring. I don’t want this propaganda sent to my home that just gets tossed into the local landfill.
As a tax paying citizen of the community, I call for a voluntarily stepping down of the current administration or an immediate election to oust this government.
I place as much blame on those that are supposed to be watching out for us as I do on the way that cash flow was generated at the Sagebrush. Why should we as a small village not police our own policies that brought about Federal agents into our midst to ‘investigate.? Federal agents, I’m sure that was a freebie!
It was only because the Sagebrush could bring in such a good draw, that is, cold hard cash, that the blind eye of small town corrupt politics would tend to overlook why this incident actually happened.
Maybe that’s why we as citizens of the village are paying to have zoning officers come around tell us we need to get our houses painted in a more timely manner or that we forgot to get a permit for putting new shingles on our roof. Or that there are no yard fences to be built. Or that our flowers and shrubs are obstructions and a nuisance.
All these items are surely much, much more important issues than protecting out homes and buildings from being burnt to the ground and ultimately raising our insurance rates.
These great property-zoning infractions must be ver-r-r-y important zoning issues, much more so than fire alarms in the commercial district.
As one great bard put it, ‘to err is human.? So lets not do it again. Do a microscopic focus on removing the root cause of the whole problem in the first place, the village council and the whole kit and caboodle wasting our tax dollars on saving their face with our money.
Pete Mauss
As Orion Township continues to grow, we are facing a public demand for greater recreational options for our residents. Fortunately, due to careful fiscal operation by our government, we are now in a position where we have excess cash reserves even though we have one of the lowest tax rates in Oakland County.
The township board is currently deciding how best to meet township recreational needs at the lowest cost.
The first decision is how we should respond to the 950+ citizens who requested a community center.
After two years of studies, surveys and group discussions, it’s estimated that a new community center would cost an additional 1.1 mils in property taxes.
There are several options currently being considered. It’s my concern that if we offer conflicting plans to voters, it will only lead to confusion.
I encourage the township board to decide on a single plan, put in on the ballot and allow the voters to make an informed up or down decision.
The second decision the board must make is how best to provide operating millage to the parks and recreation department after recent budget cuts.
The township board is currently considering a request for a 3/4 mil operating tax hike to the voters. Sometimes government officials have an urge to request a tax hike when they feel voters will vote for something that is politically popular.
In this case it’s not necessary, since our careful budgeting in the past has provided cash reserves that can fund these programs well into the future.
Let’s provide additional operating millage out of our current cash reserves to fund the parks and recreation department programs and submit to voters one concise plan for a proposed community center.
This will increase recreational options, save confusion and help keep property taxes low.
Jerry Dywasuk, Supervisor
Orion Township
In response to Ms. Rauth’s letter on President Bush and the war with Iraq: This was nothing more than a book report, and unfortunately, Ms. Rauth, most of us stopped writing those in elementary school. It may be time for you to move on, or at least find places, other than the editorial section of the local newspaper, to publish your ‘book reports.?
In your entire letter, you put forth two of your own ideas, which I will address, and seven of Mr. Lind’s ideas – one of which I will address. If you’d like me to address more of Mr. Lind’s thoughts, please tell him to write a letter to The Clarkston News.
First, let’s address one of Mr. Lind’s ideas, which you decide to highlight:
? ‘Southerners, eager to support American wars are high school educated, white males from the rural or small town South.? P. 142.
As a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame, I know hundreds of ‘white males from the rural or small town South? and all of them could likely put your education to shame. They are some of the most intelligent young men in the country, and guess what Irene – they support the war. Next time you send us a book report, please refrain from regurgitating such irresponsible commentary.
? ‘So now we are going to attack Syria!?
No, Ms. Rauth, we’re not. Don’t get yourself all worked into a tizzy.
? ?…The American taxpayer, 98 percent of whom are not Jewish, are taxed billions every year to support Israeli policies. Where is the separation of Church and State here? Where is the morality??
No, in fact, we’re supporting something much more basic and easy to understand – they’re called human rights. Remember Hitler, Ms. Rauth?
Please stop insulting the intelligence of the people of Clarkston.
Brandon Griffith
Clarkston
This is in response to Jim Altene’s letter in the March 31 issue of The Clarkston News.
I bet a lot of letters were generated from Mr. Altene’s comments about the Senior Center.
Yep, that’s right. The seniors should pay for their own center according to you. Well, who do you think has been paying for the schools for the children to use? According to you, if you don’t use it, you shouldn’t have to pay for it.
If that’s the case, then all seniors should be exempt from paying school taxes because they don’t use the schools – some only while they attended school and some used the schools for their children probably from 13 to 25 years. But, they have to pay school taxes all the years they own property. What about the seniors who paid school taxes but sent their children to private schools – years ago there were no benefits. Is that fair?
Maybe the schools should just have a place for the seniors since they’ve paid most of the school taxes. Yep, we can use the halls to walk and maybe a time to swim? Maybe the schools should use the tuition system like private schools – then it would be fair to all. You use, you pay. No means no to schools taxes too. Get it?
Remember that seniors when you’re being taxed out of your homes because of rising school taxes and when the schools ask for more money in their next election.
You are asking your neighbor to help fund something they do not use, unless you did not go to school and have no children. Or, do you apologize to the seniors for using their tax dollars to build those beautiful schools will all the non-needed frills.
M. Taylor
Clarkston
As a volunteer/member of the Gingellville Community Center and township resident for more than 30 years, I’m very concerned over what’s happening. I don’t believe we can’t come to some agreement.
The last thing we need to do is involve attorneys any more than they already have been. Wasting our taxpayer’s money and the GCC’s isn’t right.
As an Orion taxpayer, I resent any of my tax dollars being spent on this nonsense. We can and must settle this.
For 65 years it has served Orion residents well and wants to continue doing so.
I bet almost every Orion citizen has at least one special memory regarding ‘GCC? — roller skating, scouts, Pinewood Derby, spaghetti and fish dinners, kids? Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, funeral dinners, blood drives, breast cancer awareness, Boys Club, voting precinct, benefits for people in need and many more.
This charge….FREE.
The GCC has been nonprofit for 65 years. WHY NOW?
Let’s spend our tax dollars where it will do the most good. Finish the bike paths, the water system; improve our parks; clean up the dilapidated buildings and vacant properties, and for God’s sake, work with the county and state on our roads.
Dee Gordon
As a volunteer/member of the Gingellville Community Center and township resident for more than 30 years, I’m very concerned over what’s happening. I don’t believe we can’t come to some agreement.
The last thing we need to do is involve attorneys any more than they already have been. Wasting our taxpayer’s money and the GCC’s isn’t right.
As an Orion taxpayer, I resent any of my tax dollars being spent on this nonsense. We can and must settle this.
For 65 years it has served Orion residents well and wants to continue doing so.
I bet almost every Orion citizen has at least one special memory regarding ‘GCC? — roller skating, scouts, Pinewood Derby, spaghetti and fish dinners, kids? Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, funeral dinners, blood drives, breast cancer awareness, Boys Club, voting precinct, benefits for people in need and many more.
This charge….FREE.
The GCC has been nonprofit for 65 years. WHY NOW?
Let’s spend our tax dollars where it will do the most good. Finish the bike paths, the water system; improve our parks; clean up the dilapidated buildings and vacant properties, and for God’s sake, work with the county and state on our roads.
Dee Gordon
We at Oxford/Orion FISH would like to thank the people of Oxford, Orion and Addison for contributing so generously to the Postal Carrier’s Annual Food Drive for the Hungry. As you know, the food collected in our area was all donated to FISH and will help to feed the needy people of our communities for several months to come.
A special thanks to the hard-working postal carriers who collected all the food and the angels who volunteered to help at the pantry on Saturday and Sunday. There were over 10 tons of collected food to sort and store. It was a great community effort all around.
Oxford/Orion FISH
We at Oxford/Orion FISH would like to thank the people of Oxford, Orion and Addison for contributing so generously to the Postal Carrier’s Annual Food Drive for the Hungry. As you know, the food collected in our area was all donated to FISH and will help to feed the needy people of our communities for several months to come.
A special thanks to the hard-working postal carriers who collected all the food and the angels who volunteered to help at the pantry on Saturday and Sunday. There were over 10 tons of collected food to sort and store. It was a great community effort all around.
Oxford/Orion FISH
We at Oxford/Orion FISH would like to thank the people of Oxford, Orion and Addison for contributing so generously to the Postal Carrier’s Annual Food Drive for the Hungry. As you know, the food collected in our area was all donated to FISH and will help to feed the needy people of our communities for several months to come.
A special thanks to the hard-working postal carriers who collected all the food and the angels who volunteered to help at the pantry on Saturday and Sunday. There were over 10 tons of collected food to sort and store. It was a great community effort all around.
Oxford/Orion FISH
We at Oxford/Orion FISH would like to thank the people of Oxford, Orion and Addison for contributing so generously to the Postal Carrier’s Annual Food Drive for the Hungry. As you know, the food collected in our area was all donated to FISH and will help to feed the needy people of our communities for several months to come.
A special thanks to the hard-working postal carriers who collected all the food and the angels who volunteered to help at the pantry on Saturday and Sunday. There were over 10 tons of collected food to sort and store. It was a great community effort all around.
Oxford/Orion FISH
Dear Editor,
I am writing this in response to your article on ‘developmental days? at Clarkston Community Schools.
I have yet to meet anyone who is part of the ‘clear and strong majority? that is mentioned. Perhaps these 800 respondents are ‘single income? families.
The impact this program has on dual income families is huge. The cost savings to the district became a transformed cost to the families when we were forced to buy into the schools? care programs. Our options became to pay for the school care, lose our safety net at the bus stops and let the children be at risk, unsupervised, and alone while waiting for the late bus pickup. Will the district take responsibility for the safety of my child while waiting for the bus alone? I doubt it.
As to the ‘computer lab and/or tutoring times? at the middle schools, my daughter attends Clarkston Middle School and in all the ‘developmental days,? so far, they have gone to the gym twice. They are confined to the cafeteria area only. There is no provision for a more comfortable environment. Other than the two gym trips they have watched movies every time. The comment ‘It was not remarkably different from normal instruction days,? couldn’t be farther from the truth.
I was not surprised the teachers are for this program, why wouldn’t they be? The fact is that there is a loss of 30 hours of class time this year, and my children still have guest teachers frequently for one reason or another.
While we value the teachers our children have had in the Clarkston School District, we can’t help but feel that some or most of this training time could be done during the summer break.
Bill Rogers
Dear Editor,
Well, the Clarkston School Board has done it again.
They chose a CM firm that cost them the first time around. The fact they gave the project to a company that had a $500,000 higher fee, and is a foreign company makes me wonder what sort of deal was struck?
That should really make us feel good to know that our tax dollars are going to support some company in Sweden. The ‘not to exceed? comment is a smoke screen.
So, good luck Dr. Roberts and the taxpayers of Clarkston (of which I am one), I hope you get what you’re going to pay for, and believe me, we’ll all pay for it eventually. Maybe the voters will send the administration a message.
Beverly Burling
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Dr. Roberts states there is no tax increase in either of the ballot proposals.
What is .127 mill restoration of the Headlee reduction? Vote no on the operating millage renewal with this override. It can be provided again without this override.
The reason there is no tax increase on the 7 mill bond tax is that this is limited by the state.
Bob Heazlit
Clarkston
I would like to thank Kallie and Jim Yuzwalk and their Scout sons Tyler and Troy for a wonderful donation. The Yuzwalks? Metamora Equestrian Center was the site of Pack 44’s most recent meeting.
The family performed their ‘Parade of Breeds? presentation with the help of numerous volunteers and did a splendid job.
Kallie taught us all many things about horses we never knew, and the interaction was just enough to keep even the youngest kids interested. She also prepared a special handout with basic ‘horse facts.?
Again, thanks so much to the Yuzwalk family for the dedication and generosity.
Adam Westmoreland
Committee Chair
Oxford Cub Scouts Pack 44
Dear Editor,
BGO Recreation would like to say a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who generously donated their valuable time and energy to the construction of the Ortonville Village Skate Park. We would also like to extend a special thank-you to Ron Lapp, the Brandon Township Supervisor, and Paul Zelenak, the Ortonville Village Manager, for their ongoing support and for volunteering their time and energy Saturday to ensure the completion of this park. We are grateful to have such dedicated leaders who willing to dig in and work hard to provide expanded recreational opportunities for the youth of our community. Thanks also to Ak’wa Water for donating cases of water for the workers.We applaud all the wonderful citizens who donated time, money, and services to this project. Only through your combined support could we finally make this dream a reality.
Gratefully yours, the Brandon Township Recreation Department staff:
Fred Waybrant, Recreation Director
Candee Allen, Administrative Assistant
Diane Taylor, Recreation Programmer
Drenna Beek, Office Assistant
Dear Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to comment on recent suggestions by the Oakland County Sheriff (OCS) and Mackinaw Center for public police.
The statements indicating that the OCS could provide road patrols at a lower cost than the Michigan State Police (MSP). But the facts are, in Oakland County a deputy makes slightly more than a comparable MSP trooper.
Furthermore, this assumption misses the point in several other key areas. Oakland County is a donor county to the State of Michigan. We pay more in taxes than we get back. We should not reduce what MSP support we get. Why should every other county have MSP support, except Oakland County?
In addition, the study does not reflect that many small townships have MSP support because they do not have the tax base or crime activity to support contracted sheriff service. Small townships are being hit the hardest with the current revenue cuts. Removing the MSP would put a huge burden on the smallest communities least able to handle it.
The arrangement is no free ride, we all pay state taxes and are entitled to have MSP support in Oakland County like every other county. The current arrangement benefits the MSP, the state, our townships and the county.
Robert DePalma, Supervisor,
Groveland Township
Dear Editor,
There are very many times in our lives that we are given the opportunity to stand up and do the right thing, unfortunately, all to often we let those opportunities pass us by. On May 21, everyone in the Goodrich area has the opportunity to stand up and fight for the community they call home.
I live in Hadley Township, but am proud to say that my four children either are enrolled in or will be enrolled in the Goodrich School System. I drive on the roads in Goodrich every day and support Goodrich businesses by shopping there as often as possible. I am very proud to say I am from Goodrich.
If the Mobile Home Park rezoning were to be approved or forced upon us by a Court ruling, EVERYONE in the Goodrich School district will be affected. It is not enough for you to sit in your living room and say you don’t agree with it or you don’t want one. The schools will be overcrowded, we will lose many arts, sports and community service programs that we have worked so hard for. You will eventually be asked to pay an unfair amount of taxes so that new schools can be built. Your child’s education is at risk. Are you willing to pay for up to 1,000 extra children whose households are not paying their fair share?
We are given, by law, the opportunity to voice our concerns. We cannot win this battle unless, as a community, we stand up and say, ‘NO!?
The Master Plan for Atlas Township does not indicate a need for this development and in fact it would go against its efforts to retain rural integrity. First, we must ask the Township Planning Commission to stand by its Master Plan. We must ask them to address all of our concerns about the roads, schools and numerous environmental issues, which would have a tremendous impact on our community. Secondly, if the Township does deny the rezoning and is taken to court, continue to show your support. I would gladly give my money now to pay legal fees in a fight for my children and community, rather than to be forced to give it later so that a developer can make a profit at our expense.
This is not an easy fight, but is certainly one worth fighting. Don’t feel defeated. This is only the beginning and we only have one opportunity to voice our opinion. As a parent and a proud member of this wonderful community, I am asking each one of you to please attend the Atlas Township Planning Commission Meeting at 7:00 p.m., May 21, at Lakeview Community Church. If you are not able to attend, please put your concerns in writing and send them to Atlas Township at 7386 Gale Rd., PO Box 277, Goodrich, Mi. 48438 or call them at (8 10) 636-2548. By doing this your opinions will become a matter of public record and may used for consideration by the Courts.
Your opinions do matter! Don’t let this opportunity to do the right thing pass you by.
Thank you for your support.
Cynthia Crosby
Goodrich, MI
Dear Editor,
I am a married adult woman from Laos. I have five children. I need this program to continue so that I can increase my English skills and get a high school diploma. My family moved around a lot when I was younger. I was unable to get an education in Laos because this and the poor environment. I came to the United States in 1988, I was 22 years old. I had to go to work to support my family, and was unable to get my diploma. I presently work in a factory soldering small parts. With an education I plan to increase my salary and get a better paying job. I have been attending Adult Education for 4 years. I know I am learning a lot, it is helping to increase my English. Please keep Adult Education. My family and I need it.
Mai Xiong
Dear Editor,
Starting the evening of April 3, 2003, a series of ice storms blanketed most of North Oakland County.
According to most estimates, these storms ranked among the worst to have ever hit Orion Township and have, to some degree, affected every Orion citizen.
As the clean-up nears some level of completion, there are many who need to be acknowledged.
The Orion Township Firefighters and Oakland County Sheriff’s Department did the outstanding job that they are trained for.
There were many downed live wires as a result of the fallen trees and limbs which all needed immediate response. The Lake Orion Dispatch insured that all emergency calls were responded to promptly and efficiently. As a result, there was no loss of life or reported injuries.
The Orion Township Water and Sewer Department worked around the clock to insure lift stations without emergency back-up could be maintained with portable generators.
Through the assistance of Waste Management, over a period of eight days, over 600 truckloads of trees, limbs and debris were unloaded at Eagle Valley at no charge for Orion residents.
The Village of Lake Orion Police Chief and Orion Township Senior Center Director, with the help of Oakland County Boot Campers, cleared tree debris for at least 55 senior citizens.
The Road Commission for Oakland County cleared roads which were previously impassable as a result of fallen trees and limbs.
DTE Energy needed assistance from crews in surrounding states, including crews from as far away as Virginia and West Virginia. With this out-of-state assistance, they expedited the return of power as promptly as possible to minimize the inconvenience which all of us encountered.
Finally, we need to thank the Citizens of Orion Township. They pitched in to help one another and also worked to clear roads that were impassable to emergency vehicles as well as the citizens themselves.
Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk
Dear Editor,
We, the students of the Clarkston Middle School Junior Optimist Club would like to thank you for contributing to the March 29, 2003 ‘Night on the Town? auction presented by the Clarkston Area Optimist Youth Club.
The Optimist Club does so much, including supporting our four youth clubs, each of which serves the community in so many ways. They also sponsor scholarships, oratorical, essay, tri-star basketball contests, a junior golf tournament, youth appreciation breakfasts, respect for law programs and much more.
Your contribution will help support all of these programs as well as individuals who need funds for special charitable causes.
Once again, on behalf of the Clarkston Area Optimist Club, our four youth clubs, and all the other young people in our community that benefit from the program…Thank You.
Katie Ballough
Clarkston Area Optimist Club
I need to clarify a possible impression that might have occurred in the letter to the editor that I wrote.
The life lesson taught was only to praise my mentor and say that we all could benefit from Dr. Hunt’s wisdom. In no way did I intend to cast a bad light upon Dr. Foster.
Dr. Michael E. Hennessy
To the Editor:
I agree with the Editor that a review is long overdue on truck traffic in the Village on both South and Mill Street, especially at the current posted speed limit. In addition to the present safety concerns on South Street there are similar concerns along Mill Street because of the skate store and the skate park. Pedestrian safety issues on both South and Mill Street may actually escalate this summer because of the new skate park. A site distance issue exists on the side street beside the skate store. The building obstructs the view of motorists turning into the street. There are no sidewalks on this side street for pedestrians to use to access the sidewalk on Mill Street. Safety issues presently exist at the Old Mill as children ride their skateboards across the dock of the Old Mill and then jump the steps of the dock and land on the sidewalk. Another valid reason for heavy truck traffic to be banned or regulated with a lower speed limit on Mill Street, between M-15 and the traffic light at South Street, is to protect the structural integrity of the Old Mill, a 147 year old building. When heavy trucks travel down Mill Street at the current posted speed limit it shakes and vibrates the entire structure. It was greatly concerning and often scary last year when The Old Mill was gradually being lifted up off its foundation for berm replacement and repair, especially if you were the one inside the building when a heavy truck drove by on Mill Street. A few suggestions might be to: 1) Prohibit heavy truck traftic on Mill from M-15 to the Mill/South St. intersection. 2) Post a sign to prohibit skateboard riding on the sidewalks in the Village. 3) Lower speed limit for heavy truck traffic in Village from M-15 South Street and Mill/South intersection to Oakwood Road. 4) Regulate heavy truck traffic in Village from M-15/ South Street to Oakwood Rd. with posted hours when they are permitted to be in the Village, at a reduced speed limit. 5) Blind driveway sign should be posted on side street at the corner of the skate store. 6) Prohibit traffic from entering this sidestreet, or prohibit turing right, at the intersection of Mill.
Becky Gilpin
Dear Editor,
One day a year, Christmas in April unites volunteers of all faiths, from all walks of life, to join forces, armed with truck loads of donated materials, to improve the quality of life for those in need.? The 2003 workday took place Saturday, May 3. My wife Jody and I were pressed into service with short notice due to the retirement of our previous coordinator. With little time to plan, we were able to rely on our usual group of caring, dedicated volunteers who come out every year and work so hard. We made improvements to a home and yard of a deserving citizen. Along with our house captain Brad Medellin, we would like to personally thank those volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Many thanks also to the area merchants who donated so generously; Country Oaks, Wojos, Hamiltons and Jean Bombeck donated wonderful plants, shrubs and even a tree. Papa Bellas donated to the Volunteers? lunch which was deliciously prepared by Bob and Marge Chambers. Thanks to Brandon Fire Department for providing the space for the lunch in Station #1.
We will start planning for Christmas in April 2004 in September. We are always looking for volunteers and homes to repair. We would like to have at least 3 homes to improve. It’s a wonderful opportunity once a year to do something good for someone else. Information is available from Christmas In April at (248) 889-5450 or Information is also available from Jeannie McCreery at the Brandon Township Clerk’s office, 248-627-2851.
Rob & Jody Chambers
Brad Medellin
Dear Editor
Many young Goodrich athletes are not making the cut due to the recent explosion in the student population. Goodrich Area Schools recently jumped from a small class-B school district with a student population of roughly 2000, to a class-A district with double the student population. Not long ago this school district was comfortably housed in 2 elementary schools, one middle school and a high school. Now classes are over-crowded, and Goodrich needs another school. This is due to the recent development of 173 acres of farmland into a mobile home park. With no tax support coming from the mobile home park residents, many budget cuts are planned, including the sports programs. Those sports that survive the cuts have so many kids trying out, that many players get forced to the sidelines.
This hasn’t happened yet but if the recently proposed mobile home park is allowed to be built on Hegel Rd. east of M-15 our children and grandchildren will suffer. The developer proposes to turn the 173-acre farm into a mobile home park, which can hold more than 1000 mobile homes. This will destroy our schools and our community through uncontrolled instantaneous population growth.
Besides the issue of uncontrolled population growth there will be a heavy financial burden on each and every homeowner in Atlas Township and Goodrich Village to pay for all the needed buildings and services. Think about the cost of new schools, roads construction, improved sewers, police officers, firemen and ambulance service. By the way, mobile home residents only pay a flat $36.00 a year in taxes due to a Michigan State law established in 1956. This is not an error, this law is 47 years old and the amount is $36.00 a year.
The rural community, schools and the foundation for our children’s future is the reason we residents pay our fair share of property taxes and live in Atlas Township. This all could change immediately if we don’t get involved! I would encourage every parent, grandparent and taxpaying resident to attend the public hearing at Lakeview Community Church on Wednesday, May 21 st at 7:00 pm. This meeting is being held by the Atlas Township planning commission to hear the residents? comments about the proposed mobile home park.
Gary Sallans
Wayne Warner
Dear Editor,
Wow! What a way to start the new year…I just read your column [“Don’t move to Brandon Township,” Editor At Large, Jan. 13] and wanted to give you a slightly different perspective of Brandon Township from new residents of the area (my husband and myself).
We relocated from the Los Angeles on Thanksgiving weekend. Before uprooting ourselves from our families, church, and loved ones, we researched several areas of Michigan. We have a toddler and found Brandon schools very appealing and the neighborhoods very charming. We found our dream home and have almost finished unpacking (well, almost).
We have had a more than friendly reception at the Seymour Lake United Methodist Church from the pastor and many of the attendees. We have been so warmly received by our immediate neighbors that we have learned a valuable lesson from them within the first two days of meeting them – two of the families actually had us in to their houses for hours of chat and one even provided us with dinner.
We have never experienced such openness and hope to find ourselves as receptive to others in the future. We come from a community where open doors are a rarity. Because of the friendliness of our new Brandon Twp neighbors, we have been reminded that people come first and chores and tasks come second. In the excitement of our new neighbors, I found myself sweeping snow (a new task for us!) off of the stairs to our front door as quickly as I can, so we can be as open to them as they have been to us.
My husband and I did not see the ugly side to our town since we did not attend the board meeting on Jan. 7. I am glad that you wrote about it if it was, indeed, so ugly. This way we can work on improving the situation (we being the community) once it has been brought to our attention.
Long before we settled in, my husband and I had been dreaming of putting together a neighborhood-type phone book with people’s names, phone numbers, addresses, and hobbies listed in it. We are going to keep our “newly-moved-here rosy glasses” on and hope that projects like this can make our area more neighborly.
Thank you for your time – just wanted to give you a slightly different (and hopefully better) perspective of Brandon Township.
Julie Quinnell
Brandon Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing to draw attention to new ordinances on the planning agenda for Groveland Township, specifically Ordinance #132 and #133.
I have lived in this township for seven years and worked in north Oakland County for 10 years. This community has always been attractive to families who work and play hard. We like our toys and tend to have items that need to be stored outside our home.
The township proposes to limit off-street parking, as well as what one may store in the garages and how many licensed vehicles one may own and/or be parked at one’s residence.
I, as many in today’s society, have a blended family with many teenagers. Under the proposal, one would be limited to one vehicle for each licensed driver in the home.
What is a parent to do? A minor may not sign a contract for a car and those with adult children in college keep their vehicles plated, licensed, insured and parked in our names. Are we to force our children not to have their own transportation until they are 18 years old and/or out of college?
Is the township prepared to provide public transportation for children for after-school activities, work and socializing with friends? If one is fortunate enough to have a company vehicle, it must be stored in the garage. So are we to park the company car in the garage and put personal vehicles outside?
I, as many do, own a classic automobile, which I do not drive daily and requires constant work to maintain. How about those with motorcycles? Are they expected to choose between a car or the motorcycle?
Also in this proposed ordinance, one will be restricted to where, how, and whose vehicle one may work on. One can work only on their own titled, plated and insured vehicle (sorry husbands, the wife, children and other family members must go elsewhere) and it must be in a garage. If one needs to do any emergency maintenance it must be done between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. I have yet to run my battery down, get a flat tire or repair a fluid leak at a convenient time.
So, if we can’t store our vehicles outside and we can’t store or work on it inside, what are we supposed to do? Unfortunately, Groveland Township did not pass an ordinance requiring builders to provide a residence with garage openings to accommodate larger vehicles, so many of our neighbors cannot park their vehicles inside.
The other ordinance pertains to sales of vehicles and their display. It is aimed at businesses but it can be applied to a person if more than one vehicle is sold. Don’t we have a right to sell our own vehicles? Apparently Groveland Township feels we haven’t.
Why did we move to a country environment? One of the reasons I moved here was so I would have enough land to store as many vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles and toys that I could afford.
The Public Notice does not tell us what is being proposed. Please consider the ramifications to our homes and family life and attend the hearing on Jan. 28 at the Groveland Township offices. If citizens can’t make it in person, they should make sure their voices are heard.
Silence only guarantees that the wishes of a few are imposed on us all and one more right as a land owner and citizen is forever taken away.
Kristen Nelson
Groveland Township
From many aspects gravel roads are desirable to asphalted ones. They are environmentally friendlier than asphalt roads and contribute to the rustic atmosphere and lovely ambience of our countryside. Bicyclers and walkers horseback riders and carriage drivers prefer their beauty to going along a paved highway. All Michigan Beauty Roads in our township are gravel roads. The cost of their maintenance is approximately the same as that of asphalt roads. Asphalting them would cost $1,000,000.00 per mile. Their big disadvantage is the creation of clouds of dust during the summer months. However, dust control procedures applied consistently improve their surfaces year round, eliminate dust clouds, and contribute to the health and welfare of our community.
Oxford Township has 45.7 miles of gravel roads. Primary roads are 5. 83 miles. There are approximately 30 miles of local roads, and approximately 7 miles of sub-local roads.
Every summer the Oakland County Road Commission conducts dust control (chlorinating) on all primary roads. Many townships provide this dust control for the health and welfare of their citizens on all local roads. Oxford Township provides one-half of the cost and adjoining landowners must provide the rest. This arrangement is extremely tedious and impractical. Consequently, many of our gravel roads are not treated and generate clouds of road dust as well as more potholes during the summer months. One of the worst examples is the stretch of gravel road adjoining the future high school, heavily traveled by gravel and garbage trucks, where children appear out of dust clouds on bicycles. This is an area waiting for accidents to happen.
We therefore propose that the Township should provide the total cost of dust control in 2003 on local and sub-local roads and that this item be put the agenda of the Board of Trustees in the near future. This project should be conducted with a bidding process and negotiated at the best possible price.
Yours very truly,
Henry Gleisner
Oxford NACC Director
Dear Editor:
Private meetings are now taking place on revisions to the motorcycle ordinance in Brandon Township. These ordinances do not pertain to residents in Ortonville as was assumed by noise opposition petitioners or village residents who signed a recent noise opposition petition. There is not a review of adopting a noise standard in the community for any excessive noise of a loud and continuous nature that would disturb the public peace or create a nuisance to their neighbors as the nearby communities of Groveland, Highland, Oakland, Oxford, Springfield, Waterford, Winter Lake, Addison and Lapeer have.
This is in direct contrast with what the opposition to the noise ordinance relayed to the planning commission in 2001. They opposed a township noise ordinance that singled out or only regulated dirt bike noise. The township planning commission painstakingly created a noise ordinance that defined a noise standard in the community and did not single out a specific noise source. These noise standards were created to provide every citizen the right to the enjoyment and usability of their private property as well as protecting their financial investment in their property.
Any degradation in the quality of life, image or character of our community equates to a decline or loss in property value and the inability to attract potential buyers to our community. Who wants to relocate to any community, invest their hard earned money or pay high taxes to incur degradation in the quality of their life compared to where they previously lived or a future loss in the value of their home? No one!
Those in support of noise ordinance standards never supported a particular activity or specific noise to be singled out and regulated. They support the adoption of noise standards for our township that are different than township road standards, building standards, home occupation standards, etc. The adoption of a noise standard would respect personal/property rights, quality of life and the financial investments of every resident in the township. The township planning commission spent a year towards developing such a standard for it to rejected by elected officials who desire to revise a motorcycle ordinance when there are already Michigan laws in place for off road vehicles that are not being enforced in our community.
State law prohibits (Act 451 of 1994, Sec. 324.81133):
wORV riding within 100 feet of a dwelling at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain controlled forward movement except on property owned or under the ORV operator’s control
wupon the waters, stream., river, bog, wetland, swamp or marsh
wprivate land, in a residential area, within 300 feet of a dwelling at a speed greater than the minimum required to mantain controlled forward movement
wriding on public right of ways or upon lands of another without the written consent of the owner
Brandon Township residents will once again have an opportunity to show support or opposition for ordinance revisions relating to noise issues. We can either work together to protect our rights, quality of life and financial investments or we can remain divided and become conquered by social politics. Everyone would have to agree that the primary motivation in speaking out publicly for opposition or support of any issue is regarding our financial investment. Despite the reasons for purchasing our property whether it was for our primary residence, a recreational activity such as dirt bike riding, for hunting, to park or store business/commercial vehicles, for a home occupation, etc. we all want our financial investment to continue to increase in value. No one wants to see a decline in the value of his or her property. The adoption of noise standards that apply to all residents is the only way our property will retain its value into the future. Surely we can all agree that we desire and expect our property to retain its value and increase in value each year. This expectation can be met if we now make an effort to work together and show support for the adoption of a noise standard in our community.
Becky Gilpin
Brandon Township
Dear Editor:
I read your news story, “Resident Claims He’s Target of New Ordinance” and the Letter to the Editor, “Laws Would Take Away Rights” [Monday, Jan. 20].
Mr. Combs couldn’t be more wrong. While it is true Groveland Township has had Mr. Combs in court this past year, it is for violations of existing ordinances.
The proposed ordinance on outside vehicles is a direct request from a group of concerned citizens to the planning commission. These citizens live on the opposite side of Groveland Township and have nothing to do with Mr. Combs’ violations or court case.
It is true, the township did take him to court for operating a used car business in a residential area, and there is still pending activity for other violations.
The letter by Kristen Nelson, Mr. Combs’ friend, also has misconceptions and contains inaccurate information.
Anybody that knows me personally is aware that I own numerous cars and motorcycles. The township does not care how many vehicles you own, but it does care about a few residents who abuse the rights of the rest of us by parking one or two dozen vehicles all over their property – similar to an impound yard. If you keep your property orderly, with vehicles stored inside, the township will not need to contact any resident regarding ordinance violations.
The statement that you won’t be able to work on your spouse’s or kids’ cars is ridiculous as well. The clear intent is to stop people from running a commercial repair service in a residential area.
As is usually the case, requests to the planning commission from our residents are the result of a few inconsiderate residents. Residents are entitled to ask the commission to review these issues. That’s how the process works!
Robert DePalma, Supervisor
Groveland Township
Letter to the Editor:
Recently, the Goodrich Area Schools Board of Education decided to name the new high school auditorium after Superintendent Dr. Raymond H. Green. My question is, why did the board of education arbitrarily decide what the name should be?
When the new elementary school was completed, names were submitted which included people who had spent their lives working and living in the Goodrich community. The board said the policy was not to name a building after a person. Hence, the new elementary was named Oaktree Elementary School. (By the way, has anyone seen that oak tree lately?)
Why didn’t the board of education present the names of the new auditorium to the community of Goodrich? Isn’t it a shame when very few people have input over the name of a structure that will be forever in the community?
At the very least, the person receiving the honor should have lived and been a part of the community for many years. Not just someone who has earned their living here. Does said honoree live in the community? Has he been a significant, integral, contributing member of the community for 22 years? I strongly disagree, as do many others.
Maybe community people are just too busy living to get involved or fear the publicity of stating their opinions. Remember, it is “our” school system, not just “theirs.” In many ways, there is no real freedom of speech within the hallowed halls of the Goodrich school system. I know, I’ve experienced it many times. Lend me your ear sometime.
Fritz P. Wolff
Goodrich
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your continued donation of a subscription to the Oxford Leader to be placed in the Creative Sharing Corner on our campus. We have appreciated receiving the paper throughout the year of 2002. The students have enjoyed reading about local news, especially when the Leader printed the feature article on our new Culinary Arts Program!
We are committed to providing a healthy, safe and age appropriate environment to the children and teens in our care. The current difficult economic times make this task quite a challenge. Thank you again for your continued support.
Janet McPeek, Ph.D., L.P.
Executive Director of Crossroads for Youth
Dear Editor,
A friend forwarded the article on Ed’s retirement to me. I was just in Oxford last Fall and my first stop as usual since 1968 was at Ed’s Sunoco. He wasn’t there, but I left him a note as I’ve done in the past.
Even though I didn’t have a car in high school (1957-1961), my classmates that did not only filled up their cars their before heading down to Pontiac (to cruise Ted’s, et al on Woodward avenue), but if you
ever had anything wrong with you car you could get free advice from Ed, and if you needed to use his hoist or tools, he would let us do it gratis….and, if you didn’t have enough cash, which he knew when you would only put $2 in your car….he’d say, “put a couple more bucks in, and I’ll carry you.”
In 1965, I did finally purchase a 1964 409/425 Impala SS….and Ed was constantly helping me improve it’s performance, as well as letting me and others wash our cars there and showed all of us, that didn’t know, how to change our own oil filters, and lube and oil our cars.
Since service in Vietnam, I’ve lived in Florida, Az, NYC, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Lake Tahoe and now Montana….and whenever I visited Ed’s Sunoco, Ed always had time to take a few minutes to talk about the good ol days and what I was doing with my life, they don’t come much better than, Ed.
Nor than you, Jim. You provided a couple of the Sandor boys jobs when we needed it.
Many thanks, to you, Ed and others that made Oxford the greatest place to grow up.
John “Skip” Sandor
Dear Editor,
Letter to the Editor:
I, along with others, agree with Fritz Wolf about the Goodrich school board naming the new high school auditorium after Superintendent Raymond H. Green without asking the public [“Board should have asked people,” Letters to the Editor, Feb. 3].
When the new elementary was built, there were several names to choose from. The one I remember was Robert McNally Elementary, because it was the one that received the most votes by teachers, parents and students.
Robert McNally was known by everyone because he worked for the students as a teacher, student counselor and principal. Yes! He worked directly with teachers, parents and students.
Does Dr. Green? If Dr. Green showed up at Reid Elementary more than two times in a school year, we were very surprised. I know, because I worked at Reid for 13 years.
Yes! The school board said it was their policy not to name a building after a person. I have not seen in any of the board minutes where this was changed.
If it was changed, it still should have gone before the public. If this is the new policy, then I submit the name of Robert McNally for the new middle school that has no name as yet.
Let the public name a public building.
Dennis E. Harris
Atlas Township
Dear Editor,
I left a meeting with neighbors on Feb. 3, 2002 with two impressions:
1) how much we care about maintaining the integrity of our waterways; and
2) how little our government agencies seem to consider the consequences of some of their actions on those waterways. Streams, and lakes, are not, and should not be, sewers.
Years ago, storm water was managed by using flood plains and wetlands to receive and filter the water as it flowed vertically into aquifers and horizontally into streams and lakes. Now, with the loss of so much of our flood plains and wetlands – our natural filters of water – we are challenged to find other, equally effective, ways of protecting our ground water, streams and lakes from pollution.
In this the 21st Century, we continue to use certain techniques for managing storm water which date back centuries. Years ago, farmers cleared their land, put in drainage tiles, spread manure, and used the local stream as a storm drain (i.e., sewer). Now, we know the possible adverse consequences of turning our streams into sewers.
Even today, much as farmers did long ago, our management systems direct pools of storm water away from flooded sites and into streams and lakes. This is done even though those waters may contain high concentrations of petroleum products (e.g., gasoline, oil and coolant) and road salt (in the winter months).
Check your roadways – notice where the drains, or “sluiceways,” direct the water from gathering places. When my wife and I drove home from the community meeting, we had to use caution to drive around a huge gathering of rainwater on M-15, apparently caused by a plugged drain. Did you know that, when unplugged, that drain directs that water into the creek joining the Mill Pond with Parke Lake, untreated? And, that kind of management of storm water is typical.
We need to find modern ways to manage our storm water, to replace the natural ways which have been lost, if we want to preserve the purity and integrity of our groundwater, lakes and streams. Our waterways are the source of life to us: we drink groundwater, even when it is collected and distributed by a municipality; and we use surface waters for recreation (e.g., swimming, boating and fishing). If our waterways become unhealthy, so will we.
We must expect those who serve us to protect us, whether they are involved in local government (i.e., city, township or state) or governmental agencies (e.g., local DPW, Oakland County Road Commission, or Michigan Department of Transportation). We need to speak up before it is too late.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I attended a Lake Orion Village Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Feb. 6. I was there because I heard the board wanted to evict Wendy Patton, owner of the Ehman Center, from her own building.
I can’t believe it’s acceptable for the Boys and Girls Club, community organizations, police, and all the community voters to use her building, but not the owner.
Her attorney submitted several letters to the board on Patton’s behalf from various community members and neighbors.
At one point, a board member asked if she should read the letters in support of Patton out loud into the record. LO Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel told this board member she didn’t believe they were relevant to the variance being requested.
Just prior to voting, another board member said they had heard from several neighbors who were against granting this variance. He used this as part of his basis for a decision to evict Patton from having her business office in her own building.
These letters and what they had to say could have made a difference as to whether or not her variance was approved. Now we will never know.
I’m disgusted the village manager has taken her dislike of Wendy Patton and her ideas to this extreme. Wendy is trying desperately to bring new life into our community.
The only reason she hasn’t begun the major renovations that the building requires is because it hasn’t yet, after two years, been approved to renovate into saleable office space.
She has fixed items as they have come up with a band-aid approach in case her PUD is not approved and she can’t use the building as such.
I believe these letters should have been read into the record, if for no other reason than because residents wrote and submitted them with that intention.
When we write letters to public officials, boards, councils and such, it’s because we feel strongly about something.
The individuals who wrote those letters had every right to have them read into the record. The public has a right to hear them and take note of them. As citizens of this community, we have the right to speak out and be heard, whether we write a letter or talk at a meeting.
I hope in the future all citizens are given the opportunity to be heard. This is our community as well and I believe we can only make a difference if we assert ourselves.
I certainly hope that in the future, meetings of any kind consider what every person has to say, whether written of spoken. This will make our community one that is banded together, not one in which village officials carelessly tread over the public
Laura Proctor
Letter to the Editor:
I believe there is more than one type of problem that needs to be addressed in Brandon, other than just noise reduction. Noise reduction is an important issue and needs to be addressed in a way that will not take anyone’s personal rights away.
Noise reduction should be a common sense issue. All people need to do is ask themselves is, could I be bothering others? If the answer is yes, then maybe I should not do it.
But if it something like riding motorcycles on one’s own land, then no other person has the right to stop them. The only time I would say yes is if it is late at night and the noise is keeping people awake who may need to get up early the next morning. Face it, people move out to get away from the loud noise and want peace and quiet and that’s a hard balance to reach when the community is growing faster than people can adjust to.
My issue is drivers who do not understand how the four-way stop works. I have noticed in the mornings, at the corner of Mill Street and Church that drivers who are second, third, etc. at the stop sign behind the first vehicle will follow the first vehicle through the stop sign and not come to the proper stop. This could lead to having a traffic light installed, and in my opinion that will cause more problems than it will solve.
In the morning, people do not follow the speed limit sign; they either driver 15 mph or more faster than the posted speed, which when the kids are walking to the bus stop (and let’s face it, most the time children do not pay attention to cars going by). That could cause injury or death. That’s not something I think any of us would want to live with for the rest of our lives.
My other issue is the teenagers and moms who drive their children to school and turn onto M-15 and don’t drive the speed limit but go 15 mph slower than the posted sign. All I’m asking is, go the speed limit because there are other drivers who need to go to work.
I know it sounds like I’m complaining a lot, but we as a community need to address these issues to make life easier for all.
Andrew Fisher
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
First, large applause for mashing the sports pages into section one of The Clarkston News. For years I have been simply throwing away the second section. Now, I find reason to look through both sections. Thank you.
I was sorry to read your unhappiness with the “yuck” of Michigan’s winter. If this weather “beats you down to a shell of your former self,” what the heck are you doing here anyway? You know what they say in Maine (where folks are made of far tougher stuff) “If you can’t take the winter, you don’t deserve the summer.”
Indeed, if, as editor, your “duty is to raise the spirits of those who brave the cold weather,” consider this: Many of us don’t need our spirits raised. Many of us love the cold, crisp, snowy days and nights? a chance to take brisk walks and snuggle in front of cozy fires. The extremes which summer brings are the food of life for many individuals. It really is Michigan in February. What do you expect? Do you always see the glass half empty?
Additionally, your list of items that are worse than Michigan in February could be improved. It would appear you spend too much time on the couch watching foolish television. How about the worst being Bush charging into his war; against world opinion. Right now I’d consider that far worse than Michael Jackson and Jared. Thanks for listening.
Judy McConnell
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
In today’s paper (2-5-03) Jeff Patrus said, “The foreign policy discussion and talk about Iraq is best left to those in elected offices, political science experts, (here’s the kicker) and average citizens who have relatives in service.
Wow, what rock did he crawl out from under? Does he really advocate limiting free speech to a selected few? If that is truly his position he should not be working for your newspaper. Of course, if you agree with his position then your paper would no longer be welcome in my mailbox.
Harold Fineman
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thank you Elaine, for finally stating in writing, the attitudes of certain Village of Lake Orion Council members regarding the DDSA and Main Street Program.
What’s the matter with these council members that they don’t appreciate the fact that we were “chosen” to be a part of this program.
Do they NOT want the village to progress? Do they want us to stagnate and then be slowly absorbed by the township?
I, for one, am very proud of the accomplishments this village had made in the last couple of years. It’s all due to the efforts of the village manager JoAnn Van Tassel and downtown development coordinator Becky Goodman. Kudos to both of them.
Additionally, another observation made of council meetings; are there citizens out there who think by running for council, they will be above the law and above rules and regulations that are set BY the council?
At the election for village council on March 10, please vote for candidates who have the best interests of the VILLAGE in mind.
Sandy M.
Dear Editor,
Every year two things take place in Oxford at this time of the year ? there is the annual Groundhog Day event at the park and our local cable company raises their rates and fees.
Because our local groundhog passed away last year I recommend that a representative from Charter Communications be substituted for the ceremony at the park.
Of course, whether or not he sees his shadow, we will still see rates go up.
Rod Charles
Oxford
Dear Editor:
Let’s set the record straight! This is a response to the Letter to the Editor [“Raise questions on ordinances,” Feb. 17]. There are always a few people who cause problems. They don’t want to cooperate with the township. We enforce ordinances the same way for everyone. Most people comply if they are approached by the ordinance officer. However, after repeated attempts with no improvement, the township has to seek legal action, to get compliance.
This township, and every other township that I’m aware of, does not have an ordinance officer driving around snooping on peoples’ property without cause, simply to harass them and look for violations. However, if a violation is brought to the Township’s attention we do investigate. We don’t ask, “Do you like your neighbor?” That has nothing to do with the issue of violating an ordinance. The process in Groveland Township has been the same for decades.
The township has a part-time ordinance officer. He can only respond to legitimate complaints. There have been many complaints with no basis, and no action is taken after the initial investigation. But for those who think they are above the law, and not only don’t remedy, but defy it, we have to respond to protect the community.
The driveway dealer is a prime example. We asked him to reduce the intensity; he doubled it. Did they have six, eight or 10 cars on the property? No, they had up to 23 cars! Hardly appropriate in a residential zoned district. Maybe we should poll other communities like the Village of Clarkston. Do you think they would allow a used car lot with 23 vehicles on their residential part of M-15. I doubt it, and neither does Groveland Township.
We currently do have an adequate “junk car” ordinance. Some people use dealer plates or antique plates as a loophole to store 20-30 cars on residential property. That is clearly not what is intended for residential use. If we don’t fix the problem, we will become a haven for others who would damage our community.
The ordinance officer is required to follow up on complaints about anybody. The principal difference is, 99 percent of the residents will take steps to comply. Only a few make the situation worse and force the township to take them to court to finally get a blight conviction to clean up the property.
As far as most of the valid points brought up by citizens at the last meeting, I’m sure the planning commission will address the valid concerns as they always do. Citizen input is welcome and most ordinances are modified before they are recommended for approval by the township board.
It should be noted that this ordinance change request was in response to a number of citizens – not the township board or me. Citizens have the right to seek assistance when a valid problem develops. The solution is generally in the residents’ best interest and fair for all involved.
The remainder of other comments in last weeks letter does not warrant any response or comment as they are too bizarre.
I have been committed to maintaining our rural way of life for over 20 years. No one is a bigger advocate of keeping government small. But, when a minority abuse the majority, we have an obligation to respond. Nobody wants our community to be a Birmingham or Sterling Heights, but we sure don’t want it to be the junk yard of Oakland County.
Robert DePalma, Supervisor
Groveland Township
Dear Editor,
I would love to see Orion Township divided east of M-24 from Brown Road to Indian Lake to Kern and change the name to Eastway Township.
The charter of this township would have a governing board of one supervisor and two trustees elected by the citizens. The clerk, treasurer, assessor and maintenance would be appointed by the governing board.
The board would also appoint an attorney, full-time and resident.
Meetings would take place every Monday for the residents. Decisions on ordinances and rules would be decided by the residents’ and taxpayers’ vote.
I realize there would be complications with the school system adjustment and right now all this doesn’t exist, but someday this may become reality.
When the people of the east side finally wake up and realize that the only times our so called township officials know we exist is at election time. And then I think most of them need a map to find their way around anywhere east of M-24.
They say sometimes dreams come true; don’t kill the dream.
James Delavan
Dear Editor,
Well, it must be election time in the village and here comes the biased attacks against certain council people.
I thought a letter to the editor had to have a full name? Who is Sandy M?
What about Elaine Stieb and her little “Notes” column? First she writes how Brad Jacobsen is this great volunteer and she was miffed about how he was treated at a council meeting.
I saw the meeting in question. I think it was Jacobsen who was attacking the council. Also doesn’t Jacobsen sell his flowers to the DDA?
I don’t think calling Jacobsen a volunteer is fair, not if he has a financial interest in the committee he is serving on. Why does Stieb never report Jacobsen had a financial interest; isn’t she a reporter?
Speaking of people running for council being above the law, why can’t Van Tassel follow the rules? There were no permits pulled for building the gazebo in Children’s Park. Now Van Tassel is attacking people in the village for not having the right permits.
Also, Bill Siver was painting council member Cummins’ house when he voted to approve a lot split for him. Must be nice making money on your votes. (Maybe Siver will be painting the houses over on Atwater Street too.)
Does Van Tassel not work for the council? It’s very obvious she runs the council behind the scenes. Council members Hollenbeck, Stephen and Siver are puppets of hers.
Let’s get a council in there that works for the residents’ concerns, not runs Van Tassel’s agendas.
Dee Lukas
Dear Editor,
Thank you for presenting another view of local sentiment regarding the potential for going to war against Iraq.
The photo of “NO WAR” was taken of my mailbox and poster. I need to mention that this is the third such poster that has been erected at that site.
The first was stolen and the second was destroyed. If you look closely at the photo you will notice the wooden reinforcement across the bottom of the sign and the substantial number of nails that attach it to the mail post.
This, of course, is all an attempt to discourage the type of vandalism previously encountered.
Please advise your readers to spread the word that the freedom that so many want to protect by going to war applies equally to those who oppose the war, as well as signs and demonstrations supporting that point of view.
Even GW Bush recognizes that democracy welcomes open dialogue and opposing views as a way of safeguarding the rich, free traditions of America.
I wonder if the sentiment supporting war will be the same if war becomes inevitable and we start to witness the devastation of the innocent victims of collateral damage on the nightly news and the inevitable coverage of our brave troops returning in body bags to their suffering families.
Michael Bzdok
Dear Editor,
True leaders lead by example.
Our freshman governor, in the face of looming budget deficits, has proposed a 10 percent pay cut for herself and is exhorting the state Legislature to do the same. Jennifer Granholm may not have gotten my vote, but even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Now at the local level, our local school administration can lead by example as well, by showing their willingness to bite the financial bullet.
Superintendent Virginia Brennan-Kyro can show true fiscal leadership by buying her own gasoline, eschewing her bonus, insisting on a pay cut ? which should be frozen until better times return ? and then encouraging the other administrators to follow her lead!
This would show rank-and-file teachers and administrators that she means business, and could inspire even greater cuts through the creativity of the truly talented people of the Oxford School District.
Talk about Trickle-Down Economics!
And then there’s positions like Director of Communications ? this ain’t General Motors, folks. It seems to me that the job of gathering local school information for newsletters and such could be done well by para-professionals, and parent volunteers ? like the PTO.
Tom Moore
Oxford
(Editor’s note: This was sent to us from a reader responding to a recent column about celebrities commenting on current events including the possibility of a war with Iraq)
Dear Editor,
The following Hollywood types have joined hands in condemning the dreaded SUV. They call the gasoline fill-up of your SUV “Supporting Terrorism.” Who are these people that want to PC your automobile?
· Norman Lear (All in the Family televisions fame): Lear had a 21 car garage at his 13,000 square foot home. His servants put 40, yes, 40 trash cans out by the curb for their weekly pickup.
· John Travolta: Travolta owns a private 707 and flies it himself around the world. How much fuel does he burn?
· Adriana Huffington: Huffington moves around in her 9,000 foot home. I wonder what the energy costs of that place are each month?
· Barbara Streisand: Streisand is driven around in a 45 foot mobile home so she can avoid public restrooms. What is her cost of avoiding germs?
· Gwyneth Paltrow: She too joined hands in condemning the dreaded SUV. Unfortunately for that camp, she spoke to soon. It seems she still has not found a buyer for her Mercedes SUV.
If you drive an SUV, enjoy the ride. Your critics are all living in Hollywood or perhaps they think they are in “la la land.”
Dear Editor,
I want to state that after observing village council meetings of late, I decided to do some research on the candidates running for council.
I feel each of the following would serve the best interests of the village by their professionalism and duty to office:
Charlotte Patton: interested in seeing the village progress
Ken VanPortfliet: former council member who has proven himself with past performance
William Siver: incumbent
Harry Stephen: incumbent
Please vote on March 10.
Patricia Fry
Dear Editor,
I recently read a letter from Dee Lucus in your paper. It was titled, “I saw Jacobsen attacking the council.”
I was amazed at how a person can blatantly misrepresent the truth or is merely too lazy to check the facts. This person presented herself as an informed citizen. Here are the VERIFIABLE FACTS:
1. I obtained a lot split on May 29, more than four months before Bill Siver was elected to the council to fill a vacancy. Please see Resolution of Council dated May 29, 2001.
2. On Oct. 9, 2001, more than four months after I obtained a lot split, I didn’t vote for Siver for the council vacancy. Please see Village of Lake Orion Village Council minutes, regular meeting Oct. 9, 2001.
3. I took bids for the painting of my house. Siver was the lowest, most qualified and I awarded him the contract.
There is no payment for votes when councilman Siver wasn’t on the council and didn’t vote on my lot split. I didn’t vote for Siver to be elected to the vacancy on the village council.
It’s imperative the voters receive accurate and verifiable information before casting their votes. What a disservice to the voters by Lucus.
James Cummins
Dear Editor,
We have lived in the village for 11 years. We enjoy the friendly, peaceful feeling of living here. We have become involved in our community as volunteers and by attending council meetings quite regularly.
It seem to us there are only a few members on the council who are dedicated to serving the residents while others are busy serving their own needs.
Tom Albert, Mark Brancheau and Doug Dendel have been more than willing to address issues or concerns from ANY resident.
To further promote a “resident’focused” village council, we support MARK BRANCHEAU, JAMES KEITH CAMPELL AND ED ROBERTS in the upcoming village council election.
These candidates are committed to serving our (the residents) needs for the improvement of our community.
Vote on March 10.
Curt & Lauri Bussell
Dear Mr. Carnacchio,
We would like to commend you on the way you wrote the story about the trial of Phillip Brown.
You gave all the facts about the trial and how he murdered our son.
Thank you for the excellent way it was written.
The family of Randy Pardy would like to thank the Oxford Police and Fire/EMS departments and all who came to Randy’s aid.
We would also like to thank the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department ? all the detectives and all the experts who worked on this case.
Thanks to the many in the court system who worked long and hard to bring justice.
We also would like to thank everyone who gave to his children’s fund, sent flowers, food and had masses said.
We give all of you a heartfelt “Thank You!”
God Bless the American Justice System!
Randy was that one that was hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget.
We will love him forever.
Just be grateful now that Oxford is a safer place with Phillip Brown behind bars.
Thank you,
Phyllis Pardy
Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to show our gratitude for the love and concern shown by everyone.
The community has been so helpful getting us through some difficult times. Gordon will be missed by so many in so many different ways.
Sara M. Bachmann
Atlas Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you! It is so hard to believe some of these people these days (like to know where they have been these past several years or months and why they can’t see the large picture). And, it is also great to hear others’ ideas.
Simply put, she (Toni Smith, a college basketball player who turned her back to the flag during the National Anthem as a form of protest of a possible war with Iraq) may have her reasons but then leave the country that defends her if she can’t resolve her differences honorably. She should have thought it out better before acting it out.
As for those who feel they are saving the world…we should not let them back into the country if they pull pranks like being shields and causing extra trouble for our young military people who have a duty to perform for the safety of the United States’ people and under privileged souls around the world. You are correct in my eyes…no other way to look at it but treason. We must get focused on the real problem and follow it to the end.
Thanks again for your article. We at this house agree.
M. Underwood
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank my kids’ bus driver. She knows who she is. She’s the Clarkston Road route driver. Our road is one of the most difficult to travel on.
For the past seven years, you have safely picked up and dropped off my three kids. Here are just some of the special things our Clarkston bus drivers do for us:
· On developmental days kindergartners are sometimes sent on the wrong day and drivers let parents know or have calls made to notify the school.
· If a student is on the bus and there is a question as to where the child belongs (such as Kid’s Connection or home) the driver takes the time to have calls made to schools, home, parents’ work, etc. to make sure of the child’s destination.
· When dropping a child at home and the norm is perhaps a vehicle in the drive, a garage door open, a wave from a parent, etc. and this doesn’t happen they check it out before leaving the bus stops.
· On a daily basis (kindergartners mainly) or other elementary students are taken home and the parent isn’t home for them. The student isn’t released until much checking is done and students are kept on the bus until a parent comes, calls or they are returned to school.
So, with that, I say thanks to our Clarkston school bus drivers. Our unsung heroes. You are appreciated.
Joy Vander Weel
Davisburg
Dear Editor,
Oakland County Commissioners with a 10 to eight vote on March 6 opted not to appoint a temporary commissioner to fill the vacancy left by Larry Obrecht.
This will leave district 3 — Lake Orion, Orion Township and Oakland Township without representation at the county level until the June 17 special election.
Apparently a majority of the commissioners don’t share the same insight as our Founding Fathers did in regard to Taxation Without Representation.
If there was a perceived fiscal responsibility to leave the seat vacant how ridiculous when you consider the $22,000 spent on a recent junket to Washington DC to “generate ideas for commissioners that sometimes translate into cost savings.”
How do you put a price on the rights of the residents affected by the commissioners’ decision?
Orion Township Trustee Eric Wilson was the only representative from our district there on March 6, lobbying this issue of no representation to the commissioners. Lake Orion and Oakland Township where were you?
Over the next four months we will be at the mercy of the county, from making policy decisions to the current budget crisis and looming cuts.
This is a pivotal year for our district with the upcoming mandatory well and septic system inspections by Oakland County. With no representation in a district that has a good number of residents on wells and septic systems. OH MERCY!
Thanks, Eric, for your dedication to the community.
Joseph Geraci
Dear Editor,
Oakland County Commissioner Larry Obrecht’s resignation, effective March 3, means that special (primary and general elections) will be necessary to fill that position until the next regular election in 2004.
District 3 encompasses voters in the Townships of Orion and Oakland. The specific dates have yet to be determined.
As has been common practice in Orion Township, all registered voters will be mailed absent voter ballot applications (for both elections, if a primary is necessary). The application may be completed and returned to the township clerk’s office by qualifying electors choosing to vote by AV ballot.
For voters choosing to vote in person, refer to the township polling place location on your voter ID card.
Please note: It may be necessary to use several temporary polling locations for the upcoming special elections due to construction at some schools and churches.
Information will be mailed to each voter affected by these temporary changes. Information will also be posted on the township website, in the newspaper and on the local cable channel.
(Unfortunately, at the same time Obrecht was submitting his resignation, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and have been undergoing treatment. Even in my temporary absence, deputy clerk Rosalie Ward and the clerk’s office staff will be continuing to serve your needs and working diligently to prepare for the special elections at the most efficient cost to the taxpayers.)
We encourage you to get informed about the candidates and vote in the special elections to elect a new county commissioner. Please take the time to cast your vote — it’s your right.
Jill Bastian,
Orion Township Clerk
Dear Editor,
Did you know that our Governor Jennifer Granholm wants to reduce the MEAP Merit Award to $2,500 to $500?
She wants to take away our hard-earned college money to pay for the Michigan debt. I do not think so! I did not work my butt off through high school from excelling in academics, sports, leadership activities, and volunteering my valuable time for nothing. If there was no reward for this assessment test, I would not bother spending so much valuable time on it.
This is the one scholarship opportunity for every student to obtain some kind of financial help for college. Most of the middle class students depend on this money to help pay for college, since the government of the United States will not help us, yet universities’ tuition is only for the wealthy to pay. What about the students stuck in the middle? This MEAP scholarship goes to every individual who performs the required score on the test, no matter the other competitors’ scores.
I understand that the Governor needs to make cuts in the Michigan budget, but this is the only form of financial help for most students. It is the one scholarship that most high schoolers can work for and count on for the expensive tuition of higher education.
Adult authorities and corporate executives tell us we cannot get a job without earning a college degree of some sort, however the tuition scares most away to not even try. The way high school is set-up still astonishes me, but that is another concern of mine that will give you an ear full, so I’ll save it, for now at least.
I give Granholm this thought: you are not going to expect much out of the younger generation if we can not receive help from the elders. The drugs and alcohol, low-interest in learning, lack of participation in school problems will only increase.
I am student, I know this. I see it every day. And frankly, I do not the blame the kids so much as I used to for their unconcerned behavior. I have thought about giving up myself and not caring about school. Who needs it? Unless you have the money, but who has that? No one in the middle class, yet everything is increasing except salaries.
My life and my dream depend on scholarship right now. I’m going to fight and stand my ground, and I encourage everyone else to, too. We stopped them before from taking away our scholarship money by handing out ‘vote no on proposal 4′ notes on Halloween and sending out fliers at school. This is the students’ money, let the students decide what happens to it.
Elizabeth Banachowski,
Oxford High School senior
Dear Editor,
We have family in Iraq. We know the faces of women and men who live there; they are our sisters and brothers. We are the Leadership Team for the Dominican Sisters of Oxford. There are over 150 Dominicans in Iraq, native citizens. They are family to us, There are many other urgent reasons to oppose this war. We believe there must be another way to resolve our conflicts. The pope is calling for peace and we urge President Bush to listen to him and respect the United Nations process. We echo the words Of Our Holy Father John Paul II when he said that by “conversion of heart, penance and solidarity, we will become true peacemakers, both in our own families and in the world.”
We echo the words of the leader of the world wide Dominican Order, Fr. Carlos A. Azpiroz Costa, OP, who said that we can “still avoid a cataclysm that could lead to disastrous results for the Iraqi people as well as for the Middle East and its relations with the rest of the world.”
We respect and support our citizens in the armed forces who serve our country and who are called to live their vocation of assuring the peace and defense of our country, Our opposition to war is not a condemnation of their honorable service.We urge President Bush to respect the United Nations process and to turn back from the brink of destabilization and catastrophic loss of live.
Sr. Teresita Lipar, OP, Prioress
Sr. Sue McMahon, OP, Vicaress
Sr. Gene Poore, OP, Councilor
Dear Editor,
The Kids Kingdom is going to be built this Memorial Day weekend and we are looking for volunteers to help with this project. It will take 100 people every day for the three day weekend to build the playground.
This will be the biggest community built playground in the State of Michigan. It will be a lot of hard work but it will all be worth it when the project is done.
We need all kinds of help. Making telephone calls, organizing events, entertainment, child care, and of course, putting up the playground.
If you’re a local business and want to donate, we can use all kinds of help there, also. Be part of this special event. Call the Park and Recreation office at 248-628-1720 to volunteer. Let’s make Oxford a better place to live for our children.
Rick Laidler
Oxford
Dear Editor:
By all accounts, we are nearing a critical period in history as we face saber-rattling from North Korea and continued agitation by terrorist groups. However, the threat of a war with Iraq is most imminent, as there is reason to believe a strike from the free world could begin during late March.
Therefore, I would like to offer some advice and caution.
On the advice side, prepare yourself for the worst, in terms of your investments. Historically, the markets have declined at the beginning of wars. We should anticipate that happening again.
If you believe you may need to raise additional cash in the very near term – for living expenses, paying children’s or grandchildren’s tuition or any other reason – consider any sales you may have to make now, particularly if you personally believe we will go to war. I would also advise you to consult with your tax advisor on any possible tax consequences you may incur as a result of a sale.
But I am only advising this strategy if you will need new reserves of cash and you believe the markets may decline because of a war.
On the caution side, do not panic. We have been through this before with Desert Storm. Your investments are fundamentally sound. Although no one can predict exactly what will happen, I still believe a long-term approach to investing is best. A good deal of planning has gone into your portfolio and I would not recommend making any unnecessary changes at this time.
There could be difficult weeks ahead for us as a nation and as individuals. Let us hope and pray for a speedy resolution.
Robert Renchik
Raymond James
Financial Services
Ortonville
Dear Editor:
For as long as I have been writing Letters to the Editor, I have only recommended one movie to go and see: “We Were Soldiers,” about the war in Vietnam. Now comes a second must-see movie, the Civil War film, “Gods and Generals,” which was released Feb. 21.
This is one all Americans should see. It’s more than just another war film; it’s a film of a crucial period in our history, which served to define us as a nation. It’s history at its best.
Some night or weekend, take the family and go to the movies. It’s a long film, lasting 215 minutes. It’s everything you want in a film: entertainment, outstanding performances, a lesson about history, gripping cinematography and, for a change, uplifting dialogue.
The movie, “Gods and Generals,” is based on the book by Jeff Shaara, the son of Michael Shaara, who wrote the book, “Killer Angels,” from which the movie, “Gettysburg,” was adapted. The film is the prequel to that film. The film was shot on location in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The extras in the film are reenactors with authentic reproduction uniforms and equipment.
What many will find unique about this film is the deep spiritual values of those involved in this conflict, on both sides. These soldiers prayed, read the Bible, recited scriptures, faithfully carried out their duties and were faithful to their wives and families.
The War Between the States was the bloodiest in terms of lives lost and casualties. More people were casualties in that four-year period than all our wars combined, including Vietnam. During the Battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam, more Americans died in a 24-hour period than in all other wars previous; more than 23,000 died on “America’s Bloodiest Day.”
This movie will instill in citizens a sense of pride to be an American, whether your ancestors were from the north or south. In this film, viewers will discover the meanings of the terms Duty, Honor and Valor.
It is very important that this film be seen by all Americans. Believe me, it will make a positive impact on viewers. It is important that this film is a success in the financial aspect. If it succeeds, then more quality films can be made like those of the quality of “Saving Private Ryan” and “We Were Soldiers.”
Duane Getzmeyer
Brandon Township
Dear Editor,
As I read the article about the $900,000 in school cuts, the one thing I didn’t read in the article is what degree of school cuts are happening at the administrative level. As a Clarkston resident, I feel there are still too many people at the administrative level that could be cut. How many people could we cut there, having them responsible for more? Most companies look at that, too. At another level, in the high school, I find no need to have three assistant principals. One would be certainly enough. That in itself could save about $150,000. So why do the kids suffer first all the time by cutting teachers, and sports, still paying these other salaries that could be eliminated? It’s always the students that suffer. Do we have a school board that is truly looking out for our kids? Let’s look at other options first, tighten our belt and take care of students.
Jim Altene
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I’ve been watching for another performance of the Clarkston High School Drama Club’s production of shows that they have had in the past.
It brings to mind the fantastic production of the musical “Anything Goes” which was certainly a smash hit. All the singing, acting and stage props were surely professional grade with the students giving a superb performance in every aspect of the show.
As I sat there in the beautiful theater engrossed in the performance I couldn’t help thinking I was in a Broadway theater in New York City as the performance was done to perfection.
My continued applause to see more of these Clarkston High School productions.
Vernon Kath
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
My name is Dee Lukas. I’m writing to clear up some questions regarding a letter that was printed in your paper and having my name as the author.
I’m a God fearing 67 year old senior citizen. I’m a grandmother to six, soon to be seven grandchildren. I have never sent a letter to the paper.
My husband of 47 years and I are snowbirds. We leave Michigan Dec. 1 and return April 15. Our home is completely closed up and secured with an alarm system.
I have never been active in local politics, but we vote in every election. I don’t receive The Review. I had no knowledge of an election. I didn’t receive an absentee ballot or application.
I don’t know any of the names mentioned in the letter except JoAnn Van Tassel whom I have the highest respect and regard for. She’s extremely competent and we are fortunate to have her in the village. I’m so sorry someone would make comments about her integrity.
A neighbor read the letter to me recently (I don’t have a copy). That letter was very damaging and wrongly so to a lot of people.
I’m also upset that someone would use my good name to harm good men who are working hard to create good will in our lovely community.
I would also like to state that I have attended six village meetings in the 17 years we have had a home on the lake. The last one I attended was two years ago.
Those meetings we attended were regarding our personal property and two were on the quality of life on the lake.
I have no knowledge of any questionable items that were listed in the paper. I also suggest paper research letters when they are inflammatory.
Mrs. George Lukas
Editor’s Note: Mrs. Lukas is correct. The identity of the writer of the letter that was printed in the Feb. 26 issue of the paper was not verified. I apologize for any unhappiness that Mrs. Lukas experienced over the printing of this letter.
Dear Editor,
What a joy it is to be writing to The Lake Orion Review!
A good friend, Nancy Reemer Curnow, (former Lake Orion resident), sent me a copy of the Jan. 13 Review where the Looking Back column mentions my mother, Mary Okolovitch, winning $10,000 in the Michigan lottery.
Mom actually won $50,000! She and dad were in the process of retiring to Florida and that windfall certainly enabled their successful move.
Also, there is a T in their name.
They lived in Lake Orion from 1950 through 1974. and now reside in Port Charlotte, Florida.
My husband, Victor, and I lived in Lake Orion from 1950 through 1995 and loved raising our three children (Cristal, Mark and Allayna) and living there.
However, the sea’s siren’s call of warm winter weather lured us, at retirement, to the balmy shores of Florida.
But, oh, Lake Orion will always be in my heart and I cherish all of my memories of those 45 years.
Elaine Claussen
PS: The main reason we settled here on the Cape Haze peninsula? It has the ambience of Lake Orion 15 years ago!
The March 12 Review contained an article stating my support for Eric Wilson to replace myself on the Oakland County Commission. In fact, I’m not supporting anyone as several competent candidates have entered the race.
True, early in the process I stated my support for Wilson but as he knows, I’m not endorsing anyone. Since Steve Drakos has entered the race, I’m remaining neutral.
Larry Obrecht
Dear Editor,
Isn’t it encouraging to find that the Oakland County Interim Superintendent of the Intermediate School District Dan Austin is trying to work out problems and ease tensions internally and externally?
Mr. Austin’s example of cooperation is to blatantly side-step Rep. Ruth Johnson’s Freedom of Information Act requests.
Then Austin has the temerity to accuse Rep. Johnson of refusing to meet with him.
If he can play games with a duly elected representative he can play even grander games with Oakland County taxpayers.
Representative Johnson wants not only Austin’s verbal declarations ? she wants the black and white documentation on how our tax dollars have been distributed and accounted for.
Does Dan Austin and the I.S.D. Board have a malady called “Situational Ethics?”
Has the ISD Board replaced Dr. Redmond with someone of the same stripes?
The I.S.D. is trying to take out a loan of up to $8 million dollars to pay back the unlawful expenditure on their new palace complex, and states the laws allow them to do this without a vote of the people as required by the 1978 Headlee Amendment.
Law firms and legal advisers hired by the I.S.D. act more as their defense counsel, instead of looking out for the public good.
Guess whose hard cash is actually paying for all their legal representation?
Mary MacMaster
Orion Twp.
Dear Editor,
On March 4, my son had brought his skateboard to school, so he could skateboard after school in the parking lot. As previously agreed to by my son and myself, he was to skateboard for a specified length of time, then go into the library and get his homework done, then he was to be picked up. Upon entering the Brandon Library, he was informed that he could not bring his skateboard into the library, but he must leave it outside. Being an obedient person, he left his skateboard outside unattended and proceeded to complete his homework in the library-thus fulfilling the Library’s wishes and mine also.
As we should have expected, someone decided to steal my son’s skateboard. Of course the very special one he picked out for Christmas and I went back to the local skate shop and purchased for him).
We filed a police report and asked the Library to review their surveillance cameras to see if they could see anything that would be helpful or identify the culprit. Unfortunately there was nothing they could offer and the police really didn’t do anything either.
I went back to the Library and asked if he could at least put the skateboard behind the desk inside the Library while he was inside. I was told through a library employee that Paula Gauthier, the head of Adult Reference, said that it is against Library policy and no exceptions or provisions could be made.
So, now we have a student who is thoughtful enough to get his homework done and utilize the library as it is intended, but can no longer do so because of the fear of having his skateboard stolen-or he doesn’t bring his skateboard to school and misses out on some time to relax, and blow off some energy before tackling his homework.
It seems to me that some consideration must be made for the skateboards in our community. We are funding a skate park, encouraging kids to do something that is physically challenging and trying to keep them out of trouble, but then asking them to leave their boards outside, with no way to lock them up, and take the risk of them being stolen.
Maybe $160 is not a lot to Paula Gauthier, but it was to my son. (That’s what it cost to replace the skateboard).
Kathleen A. Simms
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
The article you wrote on John Foster brought back fond memories of Dr. Forrest Dale Hunt.
He was a great mentor as I started out in the dental profession in 1987. I had just graduated from dental school when I bought his practice and would not have had the success both as a dentist and as a person without his leadership.
Dr. Hunt taught me one valuable lesson when working with patients and others,” Always tell the truth and you won’t have to remember what you said the last time you spoke.”
Dr. Hunt passed away a few years before John Foster arrived in Clarkston. It would have been nice if he too had benefited from his leadership.
Dr. Mike Hennessy
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Isn’t it encouraging to find that the Oakland County Interim Superintendent of the Intermediate School District Dan Austin is trying to work out problems and ease tensions internally and externally?
Austin’s example of cooperation is to blatantly side-step Represetative Ruth Johnson’s Freedom of Information Act requests. Then Austin has the temerity to accuse Johnson of refusing to meet with him.
If he can play games with a duly elected representative, he can play even grander games with Oakland County taxpayers.
Johnson wants not only Austin’s verbal declaration — she wants the black and white documentation on how our tax dollars have been distributed and accounted for.
Does Austin and ISD board have a malady called “situational ethics?” Has the board replaced Dr. Redmond with someone of the same stripe?
The ISD is trying to take out a loan of up to $8 million to pay back the unlawful expenditure on its new palace complex. ISD officials say the law allows them to do so without a vote of the people as required by the 1978 Headlee Amendement.
Law firms and legal advisors hired by the ISD act more as its defense counsel instead of looking out for the public good.
Guess whose hard cash is actually paying for all ISD’s legal representation?
Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
Next year will be an election year and hopefully that means the end of this present Orion Township Board of Trustees.
What has this present bunch of elected officials done for township citizens?
Well for openers, the present board voted to raise your water and sewer rates to the max. Your sewer bill went from $32 per quarter to $45.10, the water depending on how much you use which if I’m not mistaken per 1,000 cubic feet or gallons.
It all depends on what makes these people happy and that’s only when they can ram the three R’s at you — Rules, Rates and Regulations — without you the citizen voting on the issues.
This present board went and purchased a $254,000 sewer machine, but said they couldn’t see spending an allotted $8,559 for new chairs for the hall, but look what those tin gods sit on!
And how about an ambulance for the township? No way! But they will waste your money and do a lot of time studies and vote themselves healthy salary raises.
By the way, just how much of a raise to you officials and trustees think you’re worth? I think the citizens should decide if you board members are entitled to a raise or not.
The best the board deserves is a pay freeze and that’s really more than they deserve! Let the citizen get the bang for the buck, not the special interests.
And as for Eric Wilson and Steve Drakos running for county commissioner, having an attorney in any political office is like having a cat guarding a fish market.
Let’s get some new fresh people in who aren’t tied to a political party or machine — non-partisan where citizens decide their fate and not by elected officials making the decisions and rules for them!
James Delevan
Dear Editor,
I’m a 2002 graduate of Lake Orion High School and feel there are matters in the district that should be shared with parents and students.
LOHS’ administration seems to lack the ambition/courage to execute the district’s polices and consequences in regards to sexual harassment toward students and teachers.
It would seem members of the school’s administration are only interested in preserving the school’s “good name” as opposed to the well bring of the students and staff.
I’m specifically referring to incidences that occurred in the past four years, since I was a junior. I come forward now because the problem has only worsened.
While I was attending Lake Orion, I worked in the theatre as a technician. The man I worked for was known (by his student crew) for sexually explicit and lewd comments made toward students, teachers, administration and other staff members.
Fellow crew members and I took these issues to the high school’s administration and were told the situation would be remedied. We continued to stay in touch with administration and were informed the “situation was handled.”
On the contrary, the sexual innuendoes didn’t stop and our boss only became more sarcastic with the crew. It was clear to us that he knew which students went to administration (we were supposed to remain anonymous) and began to speak to us and act toward us as he strongly disliked us.
We continued to speak with administration and the situation didn’t end. This continued over the last four months of my junior year.
My senior year, I didn’t continue working in the theatre, but stayed active in the drama department. Until January, I didn’t have any confrontations with my former boss.
Over the last year, he began to lose his temper toward the paid and non-paid backstage crews. In January, out of his pent-up anger toward me, he told another staff member to keep me away from him or he would kill me.
I was made aware of this and took it to the school’s administration, who did nothing about it.
After two weeks of communication between administration and myself, I wrote a letter to the superintendent of schools. Two weeks after mailing my letter, I was brought into the principal’s office to speak with both the principal and the superintendent.
I was told my letter was both a shock and an outrage. I was asked if I seriously felt threatened and replied that I didn’t, as was the case. I was told there was no problem and sent back to class. Out of respect for my elders, I didn’t respond.
The school district, in the wake of Columbine, has a strict policy against threats; all threats are to be taken seriously.
Had the roles been reversed, I the student making such a threat would be expelled at worst, but at least punished, as per policy.
This should be the same, regardless of the nature of the threat, for all staff, including those whom administration is fond of.
“…A district employee, board member’s or pupil’s exercise of free expression must not interfere with the rights of others and all must be able to work, learn and grow in an atmosphere which is free from any form of harassment.” This is a quote directly from the district handbook under the heading of sexual harassment.
This is not the case in LOHS. Many incidents of sexual harassment were reported to administration, all of which were not dealt with in a necessary manner.
I hope those members of Lake Orion administration are ashamed of their lack of immediate action in this matter, as it’s been over three years that they’ve been receiving information regarding these issues.
The removal of the harassed staff members for their courage to stand up against the harassment is NOT appropriate or necessary action. Removal of the problem is the appropriate action.
Matthew Garrett
Editor’s Note: According to Lake Orion School District Superintendent Dr. Craig Younkman, some problems did exist in the drama department. He said at the time Garrett’s letter was received, corrective action was directed to the employee, and to the best of his knowledge, the problems were resolved at that time.
Thanks to everyone who came to the Chicken Dinner sponsored by the Leonard Summer Festival Committee on March 19.
Because of you it was a success.
Those who missed it can attend the Spaghetti Dinner on April 29.
Watch the Oxford Leader for details.
The committee wishes to express thanks to the Elks Lodge of North Oakland # 2716 for the use of their kitchen facilities.
We would also like to thank Judy Verse, Phyllis Roe, Debi McDonald, Cheri Arsenault, and Pauline Bennett for their help at the dinner.
We couldn’t have done it without you.
Thanks to the Leonard residents who donated homemade baked goods for our desserts.
Last but not least, we would like to express our thanks to The Oxford Leader for their continued support in our fund-raising endeavors.
The Leonard
Summer Festival Committee
Dear Editor,
The Brandon Music Boosters is an organization whose objective is to promote interest and the continued support of the music program within the Brandon Schools community. Through various fund-raisers, these dedicated individuals volunteer many hours throughout the year to ensure that the music program will continue and with threat of financial cutbacks to our educational system from the state, it makes our goal all that more important. At this time the Brandon Music Boosters consists of mostly parents of band students, but our membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the Brandon School Music programs. We could use your help and for further information, please call Greg Dixon, the Brandon Music Booster president, at (248) 627-5821. This is a wonderful group of people and it has been my pleasure working with them for the past few years. I thank them for their hard work and their dedication. If you have or had a child or grandchild in the Brandon Music program, that child benefitted from the efforts of the Brandon Music Boosters.
Salli Pentherbridge,
Brandon Music Boosters
Dear Editor,
In 1838 just one years after Brandon Township established their local unit of government, roads were first located on townline section lines. Baldwin Road on the east and Oakhill Road in the south. Other roads followed the section lines when the terrain allowed.
The roads were made up of pit-run gravel from various farms in the area. Jim Bradford’s farm on Honert Road is one place and the Weidman farm on M-15 is another. There were many more throughout the area. There was much work into building roads in those days. Trees and stumps had to be removed with horse power and too steep an incline had to be undercut. Stump fences along side roads are no longer seen in our area, but there are still some further north.
Many farms paid their property taxes through road building. The farm that furnished the gravel was credited for the year. The one who used his team of horses to spread the gravel was credited at $3 a day, and the one who worked with a shovel to level was paid a dollar a day. That was not bad pay considering that the average income was less than $400 a year.
Grading of the roads in those days with the horse and blade was only necessary about twice a year. Today, with the heavy use, it takes about ten gradings and the makeup of the roads are the same as it was when built.
Speeds over 35 miles per hour will deteriorate a gravel road within a few days. The washboard effect on hills is caused mostly by accelerated speeds. By maintaining an even speed you will help keep a smoother roadway.
There are too many homes along our gravel roads to go any faster. Most driveways have many trees along their road property and kids have the tendency to scoot out with their bikes or wagons. There is less than a minutes difference for a mile by driving 35, instead of 50.
Bill Wright
Brandon Township
Dear Editor,
In 1620, a collective group of persecuted Christians aboard the Mayflower entered the waters outside of Cape Cod. The men on that ship signed a social contract, known as the Mayflower Compact, in which they agreed to a government under God, and whose charter focused on the good of the whole. From her humble beginnings on that cold November day, through the entire course of her short history, the United States of America has remained that Nation so conceived.
America was then, and still remains a land of higher purpose. It is much more than merely soil, air and water and has a responsibility greater than only to herself. A land so blessed can’t be so selfish as to turn a deaf ear, and a blind eye to oppressed societies. Justifying our abstinence from obligation by hiding under the infamous umbrella of value imposition, is not an acceptable behavior.
Freedom is not a Western value; it is the basic right of all men. Freedom originates from God, and he expects us to make good use of it; and that; whether we like it or not, spells duty. Everyday, American armed forces fight and die for the freedom of others, while defending their own. To deny this basic right to others – to recognize the danger to our fellow man only to cower from the fight – is akin to providing the oppression ourselves.
If we can understand that, then we can draw near parallels between what Jesus expects of our nation as a whole, and what our nation expects of us as individuals. America is, and will remain, mankind’s last, best hope on earth. Freedom has been the basis for every war for territory, occupation rights, self-proclaimed ethnic superiority and religious persecution.
But America fights only for the right of her people, and others, to be free. Men of immeasurable faith, from George Washington to George W. Bush, have led our country into some of the greatest battles for freedom the world has ever known. Those battles have been fought, and won, by men who understand the final objective of any conflict; that freedom must endure.
So we’re asked; would Jesus go to war? Jesus is always at war. It would go against every principle for the Son of man, conceived in goodness, not to battle evil wherever it exists, in whatever shape it may take. Jesus fights this battle spiritually; combating temptation by being absorbed into the hearts of his children; and shining his light through their actions.
Americans fight this war by applying discretion; directing the appropriate diplomatic methods when possible; using force when necessary, while protecting the innocent at all times. It’s His intent that men live in peace, irrespective of faith, with the expectation they will do right by each other.
Jesus died so that others may live. Evil must be defeated so that others may be free. Those who rule by force – those who kill their own people – only understand one thing; their own demise.
One day we will be called to justify our existence in His creation. Mankind will be judged, not by our deeds alone, but by our abhorrent silence in the face of evil. America must not be silent in the struggle between right and wrong. Military action has always been our last resort. We recognize the right for all societies to exist, but we can’t abide by those who threaten the existence of others. Action otherwise is conduct unbecoming of an American.
Don Herbert
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Insensitive and unthinking would describe your decision to run the story of the tragic event re-told in the 1978 section of “a look back,” in the March 26 edition of The Clarkston News.
You can do better. Please try.
Zac Bell
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I received a sad, and too often tragic, phone call last Sunday from a mom who had just found out her daughter was raped by two men, one a foreign national.
Besides the tragedy of the rape, we can’t track HIV or criminal prosecution.
We’ve consoled parents who have had youngsters killed, severely injured, drugged or molested, and yet they flock south.
You can have fun and be safe without alcohol, drugs or pills. Be buddies, stay away from drugs and alcohol. Bring chaperones and look after each other.
Be careful, moral and safe!
James A. O’Neill, M.D.
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
It’s not easy to express our immense gratitude in words. They can’t do justice to the incredible outpouring of love and support we received after the loss of our son Steven Crowder in June 2002.
We are grateful for the guidance and support Pastor Mike Harris of Baypointe Community Church provided for us. Our thanks to Bill and Kristin Grannis of Opa Restaurant and the LO United Methodist Church for its food and hospitality.
We thank Ed Levy and Bill Golling along with the Golling Pontiac GMC employees for their support. Thank you to Carl Zoolkoski, one of Steven’s many wonderful teachers and role model for the beautiful tribute of the song The Comet written and performed by him.
Steven’s closest friends, Radu Marginean, Matt Snyder, Kyle Dallafior, Shane Tobin and Mike LoPresti, have diligently worked on a proposal that would provide additional safety paths in portions of Lake Orion.
We thank them for their unwavering determination in cause dear to their hearts. We’re so proud of each one of you.
We truly appreciate each and every meal, flower arrangement, phone call, card, visit, gift, kind word and prayer given to us. With the monetary donations we were able to set up a fund in Steven’s memory. The generosity of our community has been overwhelming.
We have used a portion of the money to purchase a state of the art snare drum to be used ay LOHS bands. Additional money has been donated to the Michigan Animal Rescue League where Steven fell in love with and adopted his beloved dog and cat.
A band scholarship award is being set up to benefit a deserving middle school musician. Our hope and dream is for the memorial fund to grow to offer college scholarships to LOHS students.
Please know that every act of kindness was recorded in our heart. Our words have felt so inadequate and at times we had no words.
Blessings to all the special friends of ours and Steven’s who so unselfishly gave of themselves during this difficult time.
We are eternally grateful for every single thought and prayer sent our way.
Dave, Laura & Ali Crowder
Dear Editor,
A hearty, gritty congratulations to the LOHS, first ever, first place finish at the Great Lakes Regional First Robotics competition held this past Saturday in Ypsilanti.
The competition was breathtaking and showed the engineering, cognitive and team skills of our LOHS students and their alliance partners.
As parents, and members of the Lake Orion Community Family, we were awed and oh so proud.
Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors for their hard work, time and financial commitment, which made this all possible.
Once again, good job team, congratulations and GOOOOOO Dragons….
Proud Parents of
Daniel Myslakowski
Dear Editor,
The following is my 3/8/03 response to an unsolicited e-mail from “Mary” which contained the following link http://truthout.org/docs 03/030103A.shtmi to a letter dated 2/27/03 written by US Diplomat John Brady Kiesling, John Brady Kiesling, “Letter of Resignation to: Secretary of State Colin L Powell.”
Mary,
Are we to assume the rantings of a mid level diplomat are sufficient justification to ignore the studied policy decisions of the two most powerful democracies on Earth?
The isolated policies of the late 1930s had the US ignoring the ruthless adventurism of a European dictator as our allies were falling by the wayside and suffering horrible loss of life and property.
It took the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor, whose loss of life was no greater than Sept. 11, to push us into action. Have you ever pondered how many lives could have been saved (in the death camps too) had we come to the defense of freedom in 1939 when the German bombers were devastating London nightly?
The destruction of the World Trade Center was an act of war! Will it take the detonation of a weapon of mass destruction in a schoolyard in Los Angeles with a massive loss of life to remind us of the value of the adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?”
Is it wise for the US to ignore the ruthless adventurism of a Middle Eastern dictator who poses such an enormous indirect threat? I think not!
Putting a stop to Saddam Hussein will not stop terrorism; it would be foolish to think so. It will however prevent a wealthy and sophisticated supplier of high technology weapons from providing them (terrorists) continued support.
It could buy us the time we will need to further reduce the threat to our homeland. There’s a huge difference between a suicide bomb on a transit bus and the destruction of an entire city.
Having served in our military during the misadventures of the late ’60s and ’70s, I understand the brutal reality of war. People die! And I didn’t like it. However I also understand a threat to my love ones and to ignore it would be criminally irresponsible.
Saddam Hussein poses a real and quantifiable threat to the free world in general and to US specifically. He has had ample time to disarm as mandated by the United Nations and he has repeatedly “given us the finger.”
Kiesling wrote in this letter, “Sept. 11 didn’t do as much damage to the fabric of American society as we seem determined to do so to ourselves.”
How much damage do you think a million dead will do to the fabric of American society if we ignore our responsibility now?
Roger
Editor’s Note: The name of the victim has been deleted from this letter. This letter was addressed to reporter Jenny Matteson. Mr. LaFleur is referencing a March 19 article Matteson wrote about his capture in Texas after being a fugitive for almost two years.
Dear Editor,
I’m sure if you’re astute you already know who I am by the envelope.
I’ve recently read your latest article about me. I find it very discouraging, but not surprising that you truly don’t have your facts straight. For all I know, you’ve been fed misinformation. I’ll assume that you’re not malicious, just naive. Detective Greg Glover obviously hasn’t been told the whole truth by (the victim) or if he has, doesn’t care.
(The victim) had been blackmailing me and on one occasion even extorted a guitar from me. (The victim) also started the assault by trying to drive a kitchen knife through my chest repeatedly.
There’s a lot more to this than meets your eyes as you will see when I’m brought back to face trial. Polygraph, as well as outside testimony will confirm that (the victim) wasn’t the only victim here ? I was also a victim. The problem is is that I’m a felon on parole for aggravated stalking and she told me that very night of June 1, 2001 that she’d lie about the events – that’s why I fled.
There was no kidnapping. There’s never been seven women either, only three and a fourth filed a (Personal Protection Order) against me. The five-hour torture crap is just that ? crap.
There are many more things that were stated by you that aren’t correct. As time shows this truth you’ll see. You should be more careful when speaking on peoples lives so as not to destroy them or their loved ones. It’s not really a good idea to lie about people as I’m sure libel attaches.
I am truly sorry that June 1, 2001 ever happened, but you haven’t been fed the whole truth and that’s a fact. You’ve also through your writing tainted my possible jury pool from that area. Your writing about me being caught is good as I’m sure the Oxford public will be happy, but your facts are way off. In the future, try to be careful so as not to find yourself in court as well.
Sincerely,
Patrick Andy LaFleur
Travis County Correctional Complex
Del Valle, Texas
P.S. You can give this to Glover as I’m sure you will.
Dear Editor,
I received a sad, and too often tragic, phone call last Sunday from a mom who had just found out her daughter was raped by two men, one a foreign national.
Besides the tragedy of the rape, we can’t track HIV or criminal prosecution.
We’ve consoled parents who have had youngsters killed, severely injured, drugged or molested, and yet they flock south. You can have fun and be safe without alcohol, drugs or pills. Be buddies, stay away from drugs and alcohol. Bring chaperones and look after each other.
Be careful, moral and safe!
James A. O’Neill, M.D.
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Brandon, Groveland and Ortonville residents have even more opportunities to actively assist in maintaining and assuring high water quality in our community by participating in April in the Township Spring Clean Up and the newly created Oakland County Hazardous Waste Disposal Program, an alliance of 19 Oakland County communities.
Additional opportunities are available in community participation in upcoming local events, such as the annual Kearsley Creek Clean Up in July; water quality programs at the Brandon Township Library in June; and the proposed Creekfest Celebration on June 7. Your participation will assist to further promote and assure that the waters and wetlands in our community will maintain high standards of water quality for all. . .the residents, the aquatic life, and the many species of native wildlife that reside here and depend on the water in our community for their existence.
Becky Gilpin
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
This was a saying in New York and the country during World War II. I feel the newscasters in the Iraqi war area are using their mouths without putting their brains in gear. They are informing us, on television, things which should only be known to the officers and generals of our armies. They are informing the enemy of our movements tomorrow, also how many of our people have been killed in action before their families here are informed. Also, where our troops are going to be tomorrow and the next day, informing the enemy so they can flank us before it happens.
We have many armed forces in Iraq. Many of them are from Michigan, some of them have already been killed. The news media are showing pictures of our dead before their families have been notified. We need only newcasters like Ernie Pile of World War II, who knew when to keep his mouth shut, and not betray our troops. Loose lips still sink ships and armies.
Lawrence Love
World War II veteran
The Road Commission for Oakland County will not allow the dirt roads in Brandon Township to be included in their road clean up program because they are deemed to be unsafe for pedestrians. Despite this fact, Supervisor Lapp, Clerk McCreery and Trustees Palmer and Willett voted to postpone any discussion with DTE until January 2005 on the proposed use of the DTE utility corridor as a safer pedestrian alternative to our dirt roads.
Supervisor Lapp declared the concept a ‘dead? issue without ever determining if any financial contribution from the township would be required. DTE may have only desired the support of elected officials to allow it to be used by residents. Besides providing a safer alternative to our dirt roads for pedestrians, the existing natural corridor is in keeping with the rural character of our community where concrete/asphalt sidewalks are not. Supervisor Lapp has also declared the adoption of a noise standard in residential areas a ‘dead? issue. The revised motorcycle ordiance to be unveiled on April 15 may be the next one. Additionally, Supervisor Lapp recently denied a citizen request for the township to obtain photocopies of 1937 township property records held in the Michigan State Archives that would provide current and future property owners information on the age of their historic barns, homes and existing farmstead structures.
Quality of life issues, additional amenities and records or safer recreational alternatives in our community for Brandon residents at no cost or minimal cost are apparently not a high priority or even desired by some of our elected officials. Perhaps this is the explanation for Brandon Township residents paying some of the highest property taxes in Oakland County while our property value has the lowest rate of increase in the county.
Becky Gilpin
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
War in Iraq, interminable power delays and the IRS deadline have made for a memorable spring for many residents.
There are several developments that may be of interest to township residents.
May 1 is an important date for property owners to have their Homestead Affidavit on file in the Assessors Office at township hall. If you are building a new house or buying a home that is currently classified as non homestead it is in your best interests to file the affidavit before May 1. You may actually file your Homestead Affidavit after May 1, but then you are required to provide physical proof that, not only did you own the property prior to May 1, but also that you occupied it as your primary residence. Proof includes driver’s license, voter registration, utility bill in your name, etc.
You are entitled, by law, to a homestead exemption for your principal residence. More about principal residence below. Homestead property owners do not pay the 18 mills operational millage to schools on summer tax bills that are included for non-homestead properties. Non homestead properties are non residential properties and residential properties such as rentals, second homes, etc.
In December of 2002 the State Legislature passed a bill that was signed into law dealing with property homestead exemptions. Prior to the passage of that law a property owner could only seek one year refund for incorrectly paying non homestead taxes. Now, a property owner can claim up to three previous years if you hadn’t filed the affidavit with the Assessor’s Office. You will need to file in the Assessor’s Office and they will take your claim to the next Board of Review. If approved the county will refund the difference you paid in non-homestead taxes and the homestead tax rate.
Currently in Lansing, the legislature is working on a language change replacing ‘homestead exemption? with ‘primary residence.? The reason for seeking the change is too many people are confusing the homestead credit (State-1040CR) and homestead exemption (local).
Currently there exists a property homestead credit as a function of your State income taxes that allows qualified residents to receive a refund based on their income compared to their property tax paid. To qualify property tax payers fill out the necessary Michigan Income Tax form, and receive their refund from the State.
Locally, there is a homestead exemption affidavit for a person’s primary residence. The exemption became part of the changes in Proposal A passed in Michigan in 1994 by the voters in the State of Michigan. The exemption is filed locally in the Township Assessor’s Office, and qualifies the home owner to not pay the 18 mills operational property taxes placed on non-homestead properties.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township Treasurer
Dear Editor,
On May 10 and 17 the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be hosting the annual spring cleanup campaign.
On the 17th, household hazardous waste will also be collected. Information about the hours, materials accepted, fees an be obtained by calling the DPW at 625-8222. There will be a nominal fee for the service. The township pays for most of the overall costs of the program. The May issue of the Parks and Recreation Magazine has incorrect dates for the cleanup. Scheduling issues caused the changes to May 10 and 17.
This year cleanup has new meaning because of the ice storm damage. DPW will take brush, limbs, etc. at their site on Flemings Lake Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours ate 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You will need to check in at the office to show proof of township residency before dropping off your debris. Sorry, there are no provisions for curb-side pick ups. DPW will be closed for the Easter holiday on Friday April 18 through Sunday, April 20. Please do not bring storm debris in on Saturday, May 10 and 17 as it would cause delays and traffic problems with the scheduled cleanup activities.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township Treasurer
Dear Editor,
Thank you, to all those people of Lake Orion who supported the Girl Scouts by buying Girl Scout cookies. It was very nice of you to buy cookies in the bad weather and when you already had some.
We would also like to thank the employees who bought cookies.
We would like this to be printed in the editorial section because there’s so much negative stuff and we’d like to have a positive note in there.
702 Lake Orion Girl Scouts
Dear Editor,
I’m married with three children and want a better future for myself and my family. In September, I decided to go back to school. I will graduate in March 2003.
Why did I want to get my high school diploma? I felt that if I was pushing my children to get a good education, I had to set a good example for them.
The program here showed me nothing was impossible, that the goals you set in life can be accomplished. I’m a better person today with a lot of confidence.
The environment here at the program makes you feel comfortable and wanted. That helped me get up every morning to go to class.
It helps to have someone on your side along the way telling you that you CAN do it if you don’t give up. It makes you feel good about yourself and who you are.
I hope the governor will give others a chance to get a better future and to further their education as I had the opportunity to do at Lake Orion Adult Education. I want to give thanks to the staff and teachers for everything they have done for me and my family.
Maria Cassavoy
Dear Editor,
I’m from Mexico. I’m studying because it’s very important to me to learn and take this opportunity.
When I arrived to US, my English was shorter and I didn’t speak very well. I didn’t know a lot of words. I couldn’t have a longer conversation, only two or three words, no more.
I think this program should be continued because the classes are of benefit to me. My fluency, practice and conversations is increased.
I’m very grateful with the teachers for the great help and the support for all students.
I have plans to stay in the US for a long time because my husband is an engineer and he’s working for Japanese company and he design air bag. I want to continue my classes because in the future I want to work and be a preparation person.
Please give us the opportunity to continue our studies with the same teachers and program and all the benefits.
Ana Maria Hijar
Dear Editor,
Liberal theologians in the past have questioned the Scriptural account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Colleges, universities and many seminars have taught their theories and beliefs. In the past few decades, evidence has been discovered that the Scripture is true, archaeology and history are supporting Scripture.
In the late 1800s, Robert Ingersol, a noted orator of the time, got involved. Ingersol was called “Beautiful Bob,” and he was hired by politicians to speak for them. Ingersol was an atheist, and he traveled through the midwest preaching atheism.
One evening, in a midwestern town, he challenged God, and took out his watch and stated “I am going to prove once and for all that there is no God, if there is a God I give him four minutes to strike me dead.”
He stood there holding his watch and as time passed the audience grew tense. As the watch ticked closer to the time he set, some women fainted. “Would God strike him dead?”
The four minutes passed and Ingersol declared “You see there is no God, I am still alive.” A white-haired farmer in the back of the town hall stood and asked “Mr. Ingersol, do you really believe you can frustrate the grace of God in four minutes?”
Ingersol went on his way on his speaking tour and got acquainted with retired General Lew Wallace.
“Wallace,” he said. “You don’t really believe all they preach at that church you attend? Join me and we will write a book that will destroy Christianity once and for all.”
Ingersol convinced Wallace, a literary genius, that they should write a book that would destroy Christianity. They decided that since the resurrection was the basis of the Christian faith, they would prove that it hadn’t happened.
The Resurrection of Christ was supposed to have happened in Jerusalem, so Wallace spent a year searching for evidence that would disprove the basic belief of Christianity. Before the year was up, he found that rather than it being a false belief, the facts indicated that the resurrection had taken place.
With the evidence all indicating the Biblical account was true, Wallace believed, and received Christ as his personal savior. Later he wrote a book that has been made into a movie, “Ben Hur.”
Hi Scouters!
What a perfect day to do yard work yesterday… even at someone else’s house.
I’d like to thank the wonderful parents (12 of them) and scouts (13 kids) who showed up yesterday, despite the work that needed to be done on their own property, to huff and sweat and toil for the sake of a sweet 93-year-old woman and for our Pack.
Thank you’s to Dawn and Jim Reis, Craig and Peta Birrell, Tom Dvorak, Ken and Rhonda Kuypers and their children for all their hard work and for (unlike me) showing up on time!
And extra special thanks again to Mike and Brenda Kubiak for coordinating this opportunity and leaving all of the insurance earnings to the Pack.
For those of you there, did you notice the wonderfully unselfish efforts of Molly’s neighbors, Rich and Angie Green? Wow! They supplied rakes, chain saws, ropes, ladders, cables, a truck, a tractor, wheelbarrows and soda and ice cream for all the workers, and they’re still going to finish the job themselves!
I thank the Lord above for people like them and all of you every time I pray, and now I remember why we moved to little old Oxford.
You all made Molly very happy.
Thank you again!
Adam Westmoreland
Council Liaison
Dear Editor,
A very special sincere & heartfelt thanks to all the gentlemen who stopped and helped my daughter and I on the morning of April 4th on Indianwood Rd. when a large tree decided to fall and total her van.Their concern for us was overwhelming. The only name I got was that of Mike who sat with me in a truck so I could stay warm. One man took pictures and many moved pieces of wood as my son cut the tree away to free the van and clear the road.
We hope everyone who helped will see this article in the paper. May the angels watch over and bless you as they did with us.
God bless all of you.
Sincerely,
Marilynn Toteff
and Susan Walton
Dear Editor,
I appreciated the article about Kenneth Acheson, I don’t know who wrote it, but it was typical of Ken. I am sure his children appreciated it too. He was my brother-in-law. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Irva Ousnamer
Editor’s Note: C.J. Carnacchio was the one who wrote on the story about Mr. Acheson’s passing. Thank you for the kind words.
Dear Editor,
A recent letter to the editor criticized the township supervisor and members of the township board for not addressing ‘quality of life? and ‘recreational? issues in the township. I find these comments to be both unjust and in opposition to the facts. At issue is the DTE services corridor running through Brandon Township, which a few individuals would favor as a public access pathway. The concept for this pathway was given a critical evaluation by the board last year, and found to contain numerous problems including safety, security, privacy, and compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Township liability would dictate that significant funds would need to be spent to properly engineer the trail. In addition, DTE indicated that public use of this active service road would require a formal township proposal and approval from eight different departments at DTE – a costly and time consuming proposition for the township, with no guarantee of a positive outcome. In an open township meeting held last year, despite an elegant presentation from the Oakland County Planning Commission, only two residents spoke for the proposal, with countless resident speaking against it before discussion was closed.
In the face of numerous difficulties, there was, and is, little public support for this project. Instead, the township has put their efforts into developing the Seymour Lake property as a community recreation area, replete with walking trails. The entire board of trustees support this concept.
To say that our elected officials are not listening to our residents and addressing their needs is not looking at the facts. Our public officials should be applauded for their responsiveness to this and the many other difficult issues which face our growing community.
Sincerely,
Stephen Robinson
Dear Editor,
In a recent editorial authored by Ms. Becky Gilpin, Ms. Gilpin accused me of arbitrarily ending discussion and research on the proposed pedestrian trail that would have utilized the DTE corridor along Granger Road. Ms. Gilpin further states that I declared the noise ordinance a dead issue, and denied a resident’s request to obtain photocopies from the Michigan State Archives of township records.
Let’s examine the facts. The idea of creating a pedestrian/nature trail along the existing DTE right-of-way, along Granger road was discussed by your elected Township officials. The Township Board authorized a feasibility/engineering study be conducted. After reviewing these reports, study sessions were held, information letters were sent to residents, and discussions regarding the proposed trail were conducted at Board meetings. Several problems were identified with this proposed trail, including cost, easement rights, privacy issues, parking and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act. At the April 7, 2003 Township Board meeting the pedestrian-nature trail was again debated by the board. A motion was made to postpone any decision regarding the trail until January 2005. Ms. Gilpin states in her April 14 editorial that this concept was declared ‘dead? without ever determining if any financial contribution from the Township would be required. Cost estimates were provided to the Township by Hubbell, Roth and Clark, the Township’s engineering firm.
Ms. Gilpin next asserts that I declared the noise ordinance issue to be a ‘dead? issue. In this case, she is absolutely correct. After months of discussion, numerous study sessions, three public hearings, a vote by the Planning Commission, and a final vote by the elected officials of the Township Board the proposed noise ordinance was not adopted. The noise ordinance issue was again brought up at the February 3, 2003 Township Board meeting. Residents not satisfied with the outcome of the vote taken on January 7, 2003 required that the issue be reexamined. These residents were informed that the noise ordinance had been examined, voted on, and was at the present time a ‘dead? issue.
Ms. Gilpin states ‘Supervisor Lapp recently denied a citizen request for the township to obtain photocopies of 1937 township property records held in the Michigan State Archives.? The Township has never denied a citizen access to the Michigan State Archives. We did deny a request by a citizen for reimbursement of copying cost, and mileage related to obtaining information for the Historic Society, a non-profit special interest group.
I understand that citizens have the absolute right to question government, and the elected officials who hold office. I believe it is only fair that when questioned, the facts be accurately and honestly stated.
Ron Lapp, Supervisor
Brandon Township
Dear Editor,
When you marry someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, you begin that process of not knowing fully what to expect in the future to an extent.
I have come to know a special person in my life who I admire more than anyone. Her name is Shiela Turk. This lady has raised our children, maintained a household, paid the bills and put herself through college at age 42.
When you admire someone, you look at the overall character of a person and their beliefs. I have come to recognize she is the type of person who someday with the help of God I can become. She has maintained almost a 4.0 in her classes and has just finished her degree in Education. I can’t fathom what dedication this takes a person with all the added responsibilities she has. She is my rock, my soulmate and my mentor.
We have three wonderful kids, due in large part to her motherly skills, who will become productive, honest and sincere citizens. They are a big part of our lives, and because she has been so dedicated at proving to herself that dreams do come true, they actually happen through hard work. Although she wanted to prove something, she already has to her family.
She will make a great teacher because she has all the ingredients. The main reason she will be successful is, she cares. That’s the core of her character.
She will someday realize that success isn’t in a degree; it’s in the person who uses that degree for the good of mankind. We are so proud of you and what you stand for.
Mike, Brooke, Addison and Michael Turk
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I say no to the school millage renewal if it includes the Headlee override, but yes if it does not.
The taxable value of a house increases with inflation providing more revenue. Why not vote each part separately? Why should the benefit of the Headlee Amendment be given away?
Bob Heazlit
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Well, what do you know, our township supervisor Gerald Dywasuk has decided township citizens are going to get clean up relief from the April 4-5 ice storm that hit this area.
You know Mister Dywasuk, or would you rather be called Mister Supervisor, if this township had a disaster plan to begin with there wouldn’t be all this hoop-a-la now!
Does Orion Township have a tree and forestry department? If there is, the township must have it tucked away somewhere along with ambulance and new chairs.
It know It’s hard to satisfy all the citizens, but let’s have some common sense. If this township would let the citizens decide what kind of emergency and disaster services they need, I believe we would be a lot farther ahead and better prepared than to sit back and hope nothing will happen.
Your comment in the April 16 Review sums up my argument!
‘If funds are available after paying the contractor, the township may be able to reimburse residents who have already paid for the disposal of debris (may be?). Residents are instructed to save their receipts.?
As far as ‘may be? goes, this was a natural disaster, not a pruning and trimming on a nice spring day!
This is the reason the citizens pay taxes so we can have some protection and preparation.
But if you think Dywasuk and this present group are doing such a good job there go for it!
I hope in 2004 Orion Township gets a group of new fresh people who care about the citizens and work together to bring equality to everyone and not just the special interest.
James Delavan
Dear Editor,
We are seeking support for a very special project that we are working on.
Last June, something tragic happened in Lake Orion. A young boy, only 14, was killed in a car accident on Heights Road. Perhaps you read the story in the newspaper or heard about it on TV.
Recently, some of Steven’s friends have received publicity for their efforts in spearheading the building of new safety paths in the Lake Orion community.
Steven Crowder was an amazing student, musician, athlete and friend. And while Steven is no longer with us, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.
In remembrance and honor of Steven, we, along with the Orion Art Center, are producing a compact disk of inspirational music, with the title song, The Comet, written especially in memory of Steven.
All profits from the sale of this CD will go directly into the Steven J. Crowder Memorial Fund, which provides music scholarships for middle school students. And if enough money is raised, college scholarships will be offered to Lake Orion High School students who exemplify characteristics of Steven.
The Comet Project is a huge undertaking. We are presently searching for funding, coordinating studio work and investigating manufacturing options with plans for the album to be complete by the middle of this summer. We could really use your help.
At this time, we have exhausted monies already donated by private donors to fund this project. Donations would be used to pay for project expenses over the next few months.
Any donation money left over after the project is complete will then be put into the Steven J. Crowder Memorial Fund, along with the profits of the CD sales.
Send donations to: The Comet Project, 6581 Eastlawn Avenue, Clarkston, MI 48346. Checks may be written to ‘The Comet Project.? Because we are affiliated with OAC, which has 501(c) 3 nonprofit status, your donation is tax deductible.
Chris Whitley, Project Manager
Dear Editor,
A developer is requesting that 175 acres of land currently zoned RA (Residential Agricultural District) be rezoned to MHP (Mobile Home Park District) to build a mobile home park one mile east of M-15 on Hegel Rd in Atlas Township. This development is planned to extend from Hegel Road all the way to Coolidge Road.
How does this affect Atlas Township residents? Whether or not you live near the proposed site you will feel the impact of this development based on the following facts:
1. Mobile Home Park developers have been allowed to place up to 8 mobile homes per acre, which can exceed 1000 new homes on the proposed site. This would increase the current number of residences in Atlas Township by nearly 50%.
2. Mobile Home owners pay a flat rate, established in 1956, of $36 per year in property taxes. They are not assessed on the value of their homes, as are other residences.
3. At the estimated rate of at least 1.3 students per household, this could quickly add 1300 or more new students to our school district, which is over half of our current student population. This increase will require additional millages and the construction of new schools to support the sudden growth. Since the new homes will be taxed at a flat rate of only $36 per year, the financial burden will fall on the current residents of Atlas Township.
4. With this number of new homes, studies show that 5,000 – 10,000 vehicle trips will be added per day to already congested roadways. M-15 is currently at critical congestion levels. Hegel and Coolidge Roads are essentially secondary country roads. All of these roads will have to be upgraded in order to handle the additional traffic. Current state regulations again place the burden of any improvements on the township residents rather than on mobile home park developers, unlike other single-family home developments.
5. Additional fire and police protection will be required due to the sudden increase in new residences in the township. Again, due to the $36 per year flat tax rate for mobile home owners, current residents will fund this expense.
6. State regulations severely limit townships? authority while empowering mobile home park developers in important matters such as sewage disposal, storm runoff, effects on neighboring wetlands or streams, noise, traffic congestion and any other consequences of the development. The township, however, bears the full financial responsibility for addressing and correcting any issues that arise from the development and its impact on the surrounding area.
An Atlas Township Planning Commission meeting and public hearing regarding this rezoning request is scheduled for Wednesday May 21 at 7 p.m. at Lakeview Community Church 10023 S. State Road, Goodrich. It is important that everyone in the community attend this meeting to ask that the Township Planning Commission and Township Board deny this rezoning request.
Sincerely,
Kim Beard
Karen Warner
Dear Editor,
Please let me tell you what happened to me last Thursday afternoon. While lying prone on our front walkway, a stranger passing by stopped her car and called out to me to ask if I was all right. I assured her that I was and thanked her for her concern.
Then, she smiled, apologized for having bothered me, and drove off. I was sincerely touched by such an expression of empathy and contriteness by a total stranger.
(I should explain that I was working on the low voltage lights along the walkway.)
Isn’t Clarkston just a wonderful place to live?
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I fully support the school district’s decision to keep the developmental days despite parental objections. With the No Child Left Behind and the state’s Education YES requirements, it leaves schools with some impossible tasks ahead of them. It is important that the teachers be given the time and opportunities to discuss plans and ideas for meeting these new requirements.
It seems that parents are only worried about the school systems taking away their means of ‘child care? and ‘inconveniencing? them.
Teachers are not given the opportunity to conduct group meetings during the day or go away on lavish meetings and golf outings to discuss strategies as many of the private companies send their people to on company time and at the companies? expense.
It was mentioned in the news story in The Clarkston News that some parents believe teachers should receive training after students leave for the day, on weekends or during school vacations. How many companies require their people to receive their training on weekends or vacations? Teachers? days do not end when they leave the building or on weekends. Many hours are spent outside of school correcting papers, planning lessons, figuring grades and taking extra classes.
I applaud Clarkston for sticking with their decision to keep developmental days. They know it is something that works and is what will be best for students in the long run.
Jane MacKinnon
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Jillian Quinlan’s column in the April 23 issue of The Clarkston News was ‘right on the money.?
The best way to get a new pet is to rescue one. In many cases you can find a specific breed, if you are looking for one.
The Michigan Humane Society, the Michigan Animal Rescue League and Oakland County’s Animal Care Center are just three local sources. There are various other rescue organizations devoted to specific breeds, both within Michigan and out of state.
You can find these easily by searching the Internet. One especially nice web site is www.petfinder.org. There are lots of ways to meet your new ‘best friend? and it is so satisfying to know that you have saved a life.
Please spay or neuter your pets.
Mary Ann Saran
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The last few days I have heard from teachers and students that this might be the last year for Lake Orion’s Adult Ed. It makes me sad to think that next year all these people who think they will graduate won’t have a chance.
I myself started adult ed in November and I will graduate this June. When I started I was slow in math. Now with one-on-one help from my teacher, I have come a long way in just a few months.
I feel it would take a good future away from a lot of people who want to make a better life for themselves and their children.
Adult ed is important and very much needed for our fast growing community.
Margaret Garcia
Dear Editor,
I have concerns for future funding cuts of adult education. If adult ed is completely cut, there will be a large amount of people uneducated without a job and without the chance of a future at all. Are we supposed to live our lives working the fast food forever.
We aren’t here because we HAVE to be; we are here because we wish to finish our education. Without proper education, we can’t live our lives.
So many people say that an education is something we all need to live so how can we live if we are getting thrown out on the streets.
If this proposal cuts adult ed completely, you will only be perpetuating this cycle of impoverished people who have no chance in this world.
If you think there are a lot of people poor in this world, then you should be opposed to this completely. If this cut is passed, the amount of poor people will multiply by hundreds.
Without these programs, the people that truly want an education and have come back to school will be without jobs. That, in turn, will lower the economy, having the opposite desired effect.
Bryce Haviland
Dear Editor,
DOGS -I have read many articles about dogs over the past 20 years. If they’re your dog, you love them to death and treat them better than your own children.
Responsible dog owners will make sure that their pet is cared for and safe. I have the most regard for the responsible pet owner and know many. I myself had a Norwegian Elkhound, he was a beautiful dog and I loved him very much. I kept him well feed. Brushed him out constantly. Had a fenced in yard so he had room to run. When certain people would visit, I would put him in a caged area so my guest would not feel intimidated. Made sure that when he was barking, I would shut him up.
I even went to the extent to ask my neighbors if he was barking while I was gone.
However, there is the other dog owner that doesn’t pay attention to their dog(s). They put their dog(s) out their door, while they remain inside their house. They think they know where their dog(s) are, yet they have no idea. Some have thier TV or stereo up so loud they can’t even hear their own dog barking.
These people just don’t get it! Not everyone loves their dog(s) like they do. This infringement on others has ruined many relationships between their neighbors over the years.
If dogs run lose, this is what they can do:
? They can make neighbors put up fences.
? They can nip and bite.
? They bark and charge people in their own yard or just walk down the public road. ?
They run after cars. This never made any sense. Don’t their owners carefor the safety of theirpets?
? They keep their neighbors? guests away, if they’re afraid of dogs
? They dig up gardens, lift up their legs and urinate on gardens – infringing on their neighbors? consumables.
? They nudge you to pet them (thus, smelling like dog) or they put their nuzzle into your privates.
? If you like birds, you can’t throw a piece of bread out for them without dogs coming over and eating the bread.
? You teach your neighbor to dislike your dog(s) and you
? And the list goes on and on…
When dogs bark.
* They wake your neighbor up throughout the night. There are noise ordinances for certain parts of the night and into early day.
* After hearing a dog bark constantly for more than 20 minutes, it starts to get annoying. One, two, three, and more hours is nothing more than ridiculous and rude. .
Now for the debate – Who’s infoinging upon who? Who has the respect? Is it the dog owner that lets his/her dog run and bark or the one that keeps their dog under control?
Remember NOT ALL PEOPLE love your dog as much as you do or how much you think they do.
Just last year someone in our local community shot a dog that everyone loved (so they say) and got in a lot of trouble as this is a felony. Yet, if that dog owner would have kept her dog maintained in her yard (the law for most counties) this unfortunate mishap would not have happened!
Just lately another family lost their dog to a car mishap. My heart goes out to you if you kept your dog maintained to your property and it got lose.
But for those who let your dog run, you have to take the responsibility that YOU are putting your dog in jeopardy, not the driver. Dogs are quick!
Have you ever thought about the situation that you have put the driver in? That the driver has to live with killing a dog that shouldn’t have been loose to begin with.
Now the sad truth You are the bad neighbor if you:
? complain to the law enforcements for barking or stray dogs.
? run over the dog with your vehicle.
? talk to the dog owner about your concerns regarding their dogs.
Remember, everyone that has had their rights infringed upon by a dog or dogs — it is not the dog’s fault, it is their owner’s lack of insight toward their neighbor and others around them.
Call the police. More than likely you’re not talking to that neighbor anyway.
Just curious, I would like to know an attorney’s point a view on this issue…
Richard Reneaud
Goodrich
Dear Editor,
The idea of having the children released from school at 11:35 a.m. on Developmental Day Wednesdays seems ludicrous. I am appalled that the School Board would even consider such a recommendation.
J.L. Gregor
Dear Editor,
First of all, I want to thank Supervisor Dale Stuart and Trustee James Wenger for voting no on the use of the Waterford Hills Race Track for police training.
Clerk Joan McCrary is more than welcome to use my back yard anytime the race track is in use. I am sure that the noise will not bother her because the allowed noise level is 105 decibels.
In the rest of the township, the allowable noise level is 75 decibels. If the track was only used on its 14-scheduled weekends and the 38 scheduled weekdays, the extra 12 days might not be so bad. The track has already been used on two unscheduled days and the season is only two weeks old.
Clerk McCrary should leave her office and listen to the tire squealing all day from the teaching of proper breaking techniques, then decide if it is loud and annoying.
Trustee Daniel Travis, a lifetime member of the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club, should not vote on any matter involving the OCSC due to a conflict in interest.
James K. Conway
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Dog tags for 2003 went on sale in December at the township. It is to the dog owner’s advantage to purchase dog tags before June 1.
Michigan law requires a dog license for all dogs four months or older. Oakland County Animal Control administers the licensing for the State. Local municipalities, like Independence Township, offer the dog tag sale for the convenience of our residents.
Before June 1, neutered/spayed dog tags are $7.50. Dogs that are not fixed are $15. There are senior citizen rates for dog owners 65 years old or older. All dog licenses after June 1 are $30. The only exception would be newly acquired dogs or new residents to the community.
Please bring with you proof of rabies vaccination and proof of your dog being spayed/neutered if you are purchasing dog tags at the township. Bringing in the filled out application sent to you by the Oakland County Animal Control with you will save time at the township.
If you lost the application or never received one, the Treasurer’s Office has blank forms to fill out. You may also purchase dog tags in person or by mail through Oakland County Animal Control on Brown Road. Instructions are listed on the form the county sends to you.
For more information, there are more than 57,000 registered dogs in Oakland County. Independence Township issued 1,684 dog tags in 2002. In addition, there were 546 tags issued by veterinarians in the township. No records are available on how many Independence Township dog tags were renewed by mail or in person through the Brown Road location of Animal Control. There have been no reported cases of rabies in Oakland County in recent years.
There are a handful of Oakland County villages and cities that also require cat licensing. Both Keego Harbor and the city of Southfield fall into this category.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township Treasurer
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the voters of Oakland Township, Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion who made it out to the polls for the primary election on May 13.
I appreciate all of your support and the dedication you have shown to your communities. I encourage you to participate in the upcoming general election on June 17.
Thanks again for your essential contribution in regards to the future success of our communities.
Eric Wilson
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the wonderful article about River of Life. I just need to make one correction.
River of Life Watershed Projects is the parent corporation of the ROL/Clinton River Watershed Project (CRWP).
While we work with the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWP) and support many of their projects, we aren’t affiliated with them.
River of Life/CRWP is unique because of our interfaith based approach and contacts through area congregation leadership. Our mission involves reminding all those who believe in God of their responsibility to care for His gift of creation.
Debbie Riccardo,
ROL/CRWP Manager
Dear Editor,
One of our great freedoms is the right to vote. Yet when this right presented itself to citizens in the special election, only 9 percent of the registered voters showed up to cast their vote for the vacant Oakland County commissioner’s post left by Larry Obrecht this past February.
I have my doubts about the Republicans and Democrats. In fact, I don’t believe in political parties period! But I do believe in the right of the citizen vote — one of the freedoms many citizens take for granted.
You know when you don’t vote, then you give the politicians in all facets of government (state, local, federal) the authority to make the rules and laws for you, without you the tax paying citizens having any say.
A good example of what I’m stating above is the law which was passed by Orion Township trustees back in 2001. The law says you can’t park a vehicle over one ton GVW in your driveway in a residential area.
Another is the taxes, fees and expense approvals. Citizens should be deciding how they spend the tax money, not the elected politicians.
Politicians should serve at the pleasure of the citizens and should be governed by the citizens.
But it seems to me, a lot of people like being treated like sheep grazing in the meadow to be fed for slaughter, the slaughter being not getting out and voting.
James Delavan
A big stamp of approval goes to the US Postal Service and a ‘PS.? We love you from Oxford/Orion FISH, who were the lucky recipients of the generous mail carriers doing double duty picking up bags of food donated by the caring people of Lake Orion and Oxford.
We would like to especially thank Gary Richardson and Pamela Wilson from Lake Orion and Vickie from Oxford who spearheaded the drive.
Lake Orion collected 3,920 pounds of food. Oxford collected 4,020 pounds.
Besides the mail carriers, there were FISH volunteers who picked up from the post offices and took food to the FISH pantry to sort.
Added to these were donations from Lake Orion Kroger and Lake Orion Farmer Jack’s. To all who participated, we say a heartfelt thanks.
So far this year. FISH has given out a total of 31,000 pounds of food.
For some people, it’s the hardest thing to ask for help. But everyone needs a helping hand sometime, so please pass on our telephone number (248-693-0638) to anyone you think could use help.
Oxford/Orion FISH
Dear Editor,
The article you wrote and published about Saint Augustine’s was terrific!
It will help build awareness of its existence which is greatly needed.
I even had a few comments about my picture.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hope to see you some Sunday for the 10 AM service.
Ernie Baker
Orion
Dear Editor,
Kudos to you for a well written article about Leonard’s tornado.
The coverage was superb!
I always enjoy the Oxford Leader, but this edition really hit home.
Being a resident of Leonard and also living on Hagerman Rd.
I will keep this edition in my memory book. Well done!
Kim Mulholland
Leonard
Dear Editor,
A big stamp of approval goes to United States Postal Services and a “P.S.” We love you from Oxford\Orion Fish who were the lucky recipients of the generous mail carriers doing double duty
Picking up bags of food donated by the caring people of Lake Orion and Oxford.
We would like to especially thank Gary Richardson and Pamela Wilson from Lake Orion and Vickie from Oxford who spearheaded the drive. Lake Orion collected 3,920 lbs. of food and Oxford collected 4,020 lbs.
Besides the mail carriers there were Fish volunteers who picked up from the post offices and took food to the Fish pantry to sort.
Added to these were a donation from Lake Orion Kroger and Lake Orion Farmers Jack’s. To all who participated we say a heartfelt thanks.
So far this year fish has given out a total of 31,080 lbs. of food. For some people it is the hardest thing to ask for help, but everyone needs a helping hand sometime so please pass on our
Telephone no. 248-693-0638 to anyone you think could use help.
OXFORD\ORION FISH
P.S. to C.J.
Thank you for the great pictures you took of the ‘Crop Walk?. You certainly catch the spirit of our communities. We at FISH think you’re special!
Mary Jo Coates
Oxford/Orion Fish
Dear Editor,
One of the determining factors in our decision to purchase our home in Atlas Township was the requirement of a three acre minimum for lots upon which to build a new residence. This requirement causes a little distance between neighboring homes and helps to preserve the rural feel and character of the Atlas Township community.
If the Planning Commission approves the rezoning request for Mr. Walker, the commission will help destroy the rural character of Atlas Township. The Planning Commission historically has not approved a use of any property in the township contrary to their master plan. Approval of this request will violate their master plan for the Township.
If approved, the Mobile Home Park development will add thousands of vehicle trips per day to Hegel and Coolidge Roads. Neither road can handle the additional traffic. Coolidge Road was nearly impassible this spring with ruts and holes deep enough to ‘bottom out? trucks and SUVs, making passage impossible for some passenger cars. The road was in such a terrible condition it made school bus travel unsafe for our students and other drivers sharing the road.
If approved, the Mobile Home Park would raise the number of single family residences in this Township by approximately 50%. How will schools, fire, police and road maintenance be funded to support the rapid increase in township population? Current residents of Atlas Township know full well who will pay their fair share of the cost and it most certainly is not the mobile home park developer, nor the residents of the MHP
Mobile Home Park residents pay approximately 1 % of the property taxes paid by other single family residences in this Township. Property taxes are a very major source of funding for schools, fire, police and other services in this Township. A mobile home park will devastate the service levels we now enjoy.
The Planning Commission should not approve any request for rezoning to MHP. Approval of the request will change the rural character of this community irreparably.
Every resident of this Township should attend the Public Hearing of the Planning Commission on May 21 st at the Lakeville Community Church, 7:00 PM and voice their opinion on this ill conceived and unnecessary rezoning request.
Greg Anderson
Goodrich
Dear Editor,
On May 10th, A Charity Motorcycle Ride was held in Ortonville to raise money for Compassion International’s USA Kids Ministry. I would like to take a moment to thank those who made this event a success. Local Business, as always, were EXTREMELY generous! Boomers Biker Apparel, D.L. Bonner Jewelers, ReMax Property Center, Flagstar Bank, Hutchinson’s Appraisal Service, Tool Sign and Sport, Complete Building Mnt., and The Dave Ramsey Show, Sponsored this event along with generous donations from Brandon Chiropractic, Dr. Ronald Lane, The Village Pub, and several private citizens. We received food donations from Bueche’s and Tenuta’s market, and prize donations from Arrants Ford, Simms Chevrolet, Ace Hardware, American Cycle Mart, Anderson’s Honda and ABC Harley Davidson. I would also like to thank Gordonwood Camp for hosting us, the Oakland County Sheriffs Dept, the Ortonville Village Council, and all those who donated their time and energy to this cause.
Bobby Hampton
Empty Tomb
Motorcycle Ministries
Dear Editor,
I would like to publicly thank the members of our school board for looking out for the benefit of some of our youngest citizens. Many people do not know we were in danger of losing our half day/every day kindergarten program at the Brandon Schools due to possible budget cuts. Currently there are four sessions of half day kindergarten with busing provided at mid-day (in addition to the normal morning and afternoon runs). Some children are not physically or mentally able to handle a full day of school at this age. That day often starts at 8:30 am and ends at 4:45 pm, when the bus ride is factored into the day.
The school board rejected plans to cut the program. Thanks to the school board for recognizing that all children are different, and giving us choices to best suit our children.
Pam Coyne
Dear Editor,
The school bond issue vote on June 9, 2003 will add another $5,000 plus, on top of the already $8,000 plus per taxable household bond debt. Bond issues were approved in 1993, 1995 and 1997 and we are now being asked to add more to stretch out for 26 years.
Property taxes for schools, not counting Community College, amounts to 52 percent of the total, and state funding for schools is over 51 percent of the total state budget, plus the amount the U.S. government pays for its programs.
It is time to reduce this appetite for funds, starting with an administration that has Assistant Superintendants and Deputy Superintendents, spokespersons, personnel who decide on which courses should be offered, and which texts to be used, and plans for teachers to follow to teach.
Things like which texts, and how the subjects are taught, is the ultimate responsibility of teachers, so they should make those decisions, not someone in administration.
Isn’t this the same administration that misjudged the new high school size by 20 percent, which doesn’t give them exactly high marks? A simple check with the building department would have given them an idea of planned multi-bedroom homes to be constructed, so they could more accurately estimate future needs.
They are also the ones who complain that they are faced with a ‘moving target? as it takes them three years to develop programs to comply with new laws. What doesn’t change in three years?
Most of the teachers I’ve known are intelligent, resourceful and enthusiastic about their profession, who will cope with new changes their way and not the way some bureaucratic administration dictates it. Tell them what the new laws are, and let them do it their way.
The current bond indebtedness is more than enough at over $117 million.
Charles M. Vaughan
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Academic Boosters of Clarkston supports the School Bond & Non Homestead ballot proposals. Monday, June 9th is an important day for the Clarkston Community. Our school population has grown by over 750 students in the last 5 years, yet we are one of the lowest funded districts in Oakland County.
With the possibility of more state funding cuts, our schools need to pursue every opportunity to maintain funding levels. The proposed measures are necessary to avoid severe overcrowding and cuts in essential programs. In order for Clarkston to maintain the high quality education we have, the ABC’s recommends that voters pass both ballot proposals.
Sherri Kerby, President
Betty Reilly, Vice President/Treasurer
Dear Editor,
How truly privileged we are to have so highly qualified a candidate running for the Clarkston Community School Board as Jean Dasuqi, who is willing to devote her time and efforts to the business of improving the education of our children. This comes as no surprise to those of us who know Jean, as the business of children is already the focus of Jean Dasuqi’s daily life. As the owner and operator of Lil? People’s Place Childcare Centers, Jean Dasuqi has made a strong personal commitment to the welfare of children.
Annually, Jean Dasuqi works with over 300 families from our community and has first hand experience with the varying needs of a highly diverse group of children. Jean daily interacts with parents of school age children attending all of the elementary schools, both public and private, in the Clarkston school district, which gives her a unique insight into educational, economic and social factors specific to our community. Further, Jean is both educated in and directly involved in early childhood development and education. Jean Dasuqi operates pre-school, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs in the private sector, which gives her the latitude to implement and assess both conventional and innovative methods that may not yet be available to our public school system. Just as importantly, as a profitable businesswoman, Jean Dasuqi knows how to implement and run programs in the most cost-effective manner. This first hand knowledge of business operations, enables Jean Dasuqi to offer fiscally responsible suggestions that are based on fact and experience.
Jean Dasuqi is both a mother and a long-term resident of Clarkston. Although her children are now grown, her two sons attended Clarkston Schools from K-12. Jean has personally experienced the growth of the community and seen the ever-changing needs of the educational system that supports it. Jean Dasuqi’s personal, business and educational backgrounds provide her with a very broad perspective as to the impact of issues and policies upon ALL of the children and educators of our school district, as opposed to a select segment of the school population. Jean Dasuqi is a professional businesswoman, in the business of improving the lives of children. Jean Dasuqi will be an advocate of all of our children and a true asset to the Clarkston Community School Board.
Candace Woodward
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I have been a longtime subscriber to your newspaper and have enjoyed it, but I’m upset by a recent trend.
The Looking Back column has always been a favorite, but in the past few years it has started repeating some very hurtful articles.
I question the reasoning for this. Is it to make sure the people involved are reminded of what happened or is it to make sure they are once again punished by their peers.
These articles might have been newsworthy 10 or 20 years ago, but certainly not now!
In this day of sadness and violence filling our papers, it was always nice to remind us of our youth in our small town — things like the advertised prices, our schools, and local sport teams — things that we can enjoy remembering.
I certainly can’t understand how anyone can gain anything from these articles. No one should be hurt by something from all those years ago.
A Regular Review Reader
Dear Editor,
I’m a 20 year old student who’s attending the Lake Orion Adult Education program. This program is needed for a lot of people for a lot of different reasons.
My reason for writing this is that I have a goal. My goal is to be a nurse in the labor and delivery section of a local hospital. I presently work as a menial job that I hate.
Without this program, I would have no choices in life. Now my dreams can come true with this program.
I have met many people who need this education to further their lives. Some are older, some single, married, pregnant, etc. Without this program, our choices will be limited.
Michelle VanOrman
Dear Editor,
Your newspaper reported Orion Township had a 1 percent better voter turnout than Oakland Township. The reason for this and lesson for apathetic voters is the following:
As a candidate, I campaigned all day, as did another candidate at Orion’s Precinct 6. There was a very low turnout. Many times in the morning there were many long periods when no one drove or walked up to vote.
The other candidate became concerned and began calling several of his party’s precinct delegates and the chairperson of the Lake Orion precinct delegates, asking them to call his supporters and get out his vote.
This would normally be OK. However, both political parties usually try to stay neutral in their party’s primary election because all party candidates are considered to be good party members. Staying neutral doesn’t give any candidate an unfair advantage.
In this special election, there were nine candidates running. Since this candidate didn’t have a connection to any Oakland Township precinct delegates that township wasn’t influenced.
As the day wore on, voters showed up and told us they forgot. It was a good thing, thus the 1 percent increase in Orion voter turnout, the difference between first and second in this election.
LESSONS LEARNED FOR ALL. DON’T BE APATHETIC. GET OUT AND VOTE. A FUNCTIONAL DEMOCRACY REQUIRES YOU TO DO YOUR PART.
Kudos to all who participated in this election process.
Daniel Myslakowski
Dear Editor,
Why do our police harass the youth of Oxford?
I am a thirteen year old eighth grader and a few nights ago I was in downtown Oxford just associating with my peers not doing anything wrong, just talking, skating and hanging out. I was disgusted when Oxford Police rolled around back in their car and told us all to get out. So, my friends and I skated and walked elsewhere. I was on my skate board and the cops told me I couldn’t skate on the sidewalk so with my board in my hand I went and sat down on a bench behind the movie theater with three other friends to talk, drink some pop, and eat some licorice. When the officers told me & I, wasn’t allowed to sit on the bench I thought ‘what’s the deal, there’s a bench here, what’s it for if I can’t sit on it!? but I didn’t say anything, I felt real discrimination for the first time in my life.
I’m mad because we weren’t making any monkey business, it was hours before the curfew, (about 8:00) and I had the feeling the Police wouldn’t have been harassing us if we were older. We’ve all supported the merchants by buying candy, pop, coffee, ice cream, pizza, popcorn and other things like frequenting the Oxford 7 Theater and spending our money. We were not disturbing the peace, were not vandalizing the buildings, were not using drugs, were not hampering the flow of traffic in or out of the shops and we’re definitely deserving of a little more respect than we are served with now. We are told we are loitering when we want to drink the pop we bought from the sellers and sit on the benches. To me, if I am using a product bought from a certain shop on their property I’m in no way loitering. The people who own the establishments don’t mind selling us food and stuff but then they seem to mind when they call the cops on us for just eating it there.
Just because I’m a youth doesn’t mean I don’t have rights. In my interpretation of the first amendment says I can be anywhere I want to be (within reason) as long as I’m acting in a peaceful manner. As far as I know talking to my friends is not considered rioting or illegal. We weren’t chanting ‘Down with America? and we were not throwing paint on people with fur coats. So, why were we thrown out of a part of our town for no reason?
Cops wanted us to pay attention and give them respect when Officer Mike walked into our Elementary Schools with the D.A.R.E. program like ten times a year, and we did. Then they gave all of us their complimentary D.A.R.E. pencil and left. Now, my friends and I want some of that respect back and freedom just to be, and be where we want to. So to the Oxford Police I like to ask them to D.A.R.E. to be different and respect their town’s kids.
In conclusion I felt wronged and harassed by the people who are supposed to protect me and if you ever wondered why so many teens get this ‘screw those cops? attitude then now you know why. There has to be a reason for the change in attitude from the D.A.R.E. program times to now. Lastly I’d like to know why Oxford’s Sheriff has an over zealous stance on preventing the socializing of this town’s youth.
Sincerely,
Jesse Thirey
8th grade
Dear Editor,
Oxford residents have once again come through to help Veterans.
We would like to thank everyone who donated to our poppy program, and the businesses that let us distribute poppies at their business. We would also like to thank the Village and the Township for permitting us to distribute poppies.
Last but not least, we would like to thank the American Legion family members, who stood out in the rain and the cold for ‘Our Veterans.? These members are truly dedicated to the American Legion, and to the reasons why it was formed back in 1919.
The poppies are made by veterans. We purchase the poppies from them, and whatever we receive from distributing the poppies goes back to help the veterans. These veterans know first hand that freedom is not free.
Lest We Forget,
Valerie Joslin, Unit 108 Poppy Chairman
Donna Parkhurst, Auxiliary President
Dear Editor,
Dear C.J. Carnacchio,
Thank you so much C.J. for the article in The Oxford Leader. It was so much more than I expected and so perfect. You always do excellent coverage. My husband Chuck and our children were so proud and thrilled with the rock and program. Everything was perfect, even the weather. God is love and it showed in Oxford that day.
Oxford Love,
Marma and Chuck Curtis
Dear Editor,
Okay, let’s call a spade a spade.
The Clarkston School District’s bond election is a tax increase no matter how you look at it. Maybe not today, but certainly in the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
First Dr. Roberts states, ‘The district is not asking residents to increase the current seven mill debt rate. Instead, the district is asking for residents to extend the current rate for six additional years.? (Clarkston News 5-21-03)
Time is money, folks. The current average weighted residential assessment in Independence Township is $129,143 (per the Township assessor) and the extension of the seven mills is for a period of six years, from year 2024 to 2029. Let’s calculate that future tax in today’s dollars. $129,143/1,000 x 7 mills=$904 per year. $904 x six years=$5,424. That’s in today’s dollars, not 2024-2029 dollars.
Dollars you personally may or may not be spending then, but certainly your children and grandchildren will be responsible for. Using a conservative rate of inflation of 1.5 percent per year, a dollar today will be worth only .73 in 2024. $1 divided by 73 cents = a factor of 1.37. Multiply $5,424 times 1.37 = $7,431 future tax dollars, calculated at today’s average property tax assessment level, which will surely increase, possibly double, maybe even triple, by 2024. If the assessment doubles you are looking at $14,862. Tacking on six more years to your tax liability is no different than tacking on six more years to your mortgage, you’re still paying more no matter how you look at it.
And that raises another question, will the proposed physical improvements actually last that long? Will they need to be refurbished and/or replaced by the year 2024?
Secondly, the 4.5 mill renewal as part of the 18 mills the non-homestead properties must pay is not necessarily a tax increase. In 2003 most of it is a renewal. The remainder does however override a Headlee rollback. And the district’s long term plan is to have the voters renew the 18 mills each year, thus effectively and annually negating the application of a Headlee rollback altogether.
This violates the intent of Headlee, which is to limit the income to any taxing authority to what they had the previous year plus the rate of inflation, plus new construction.
Furthermore, the people that, by and large, pay the 18 mills are for the most part disenfranchised in the election, as they are the owners of commercial and industrial properties and owners of taxable personal property. They may not necessarily live in the community, and if they don’t, they don’t have a vote. If memory serves me correctly the Boston Tea Party was all about taxation without representation. Aside from all the houses, just think about Hosler’s new facility, POH/Genysys, Comerica and Recticel just off Sashabaw Road to name a few. All brand new tax dollars to the district.
The proposals are separate issues, the first discussed above is Proposition II, and the latter proposition I.
These are the facts. It is not my decision individually as to whether or not the proposals by the school district should or should not be approved by the electorate. But it is important the voters understand the long-term financial ramifications of this proposal. As Dr. Roberts states in his column, ‘As long as every resident is armed with facts and information, I will be satisfied.?
Henry M Hogan Jr.
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The second grade classes of Pine Knob Elementary took a walking tour of downtown Clarkston last week. The tour is part of the second grade curriculum study of Clarkston History. We would like to thank all the people involved in making this a fun, learning experience for all of us.
First, we want to thank Mr. Don Schelske, at The Clarkston News. He gave an interesting history of the building and early Clarkston. Next the people at Clarkston Bank talked to us about the interesting photos on their walls, the check sorter and even locked us in the bank vault.
Later we walked to the Clarkston Union to hear the history of the church building, see the church pews and hand axe cut beams in the basement. We then visited Morgan’s Service station for a brief history lesson, including the bank robbery. Gaylene Portela of The Chocolate Moose invited us all in for a special sweet treat to go with our history of the building.
It was a beautiful day for a walk through Clarkston and then to the Independence Township Library. There the Clarkston Historical Society taught us about early Clarkston and we were able to enjoy some hands-on activities. We also toured the Clarkston Heritage Museum at the library.
We are thankful to all of you for helping us with this learning experience our children will remember for a long time.
Marilyn Brown, Janice Driver,
Kim Voog-Sabbag and Angie Winsman
Second Grade teachers
Pine Knob Elementary
Dear Editor,
During the past three years I have served as the principal at Pine Tree Elementary, it has been my priviledge to work with a remarkable group of parents, staff and students.
At this particular time I would like to recognize them for their generosity, caring and willingness to give of themselves.
Recently, due to the SARS situation, our fifth grade students and parents and teachers had to change plans for their annual trip to Tornonto.
They had already paid for tickets to see ‘Lion King? and were unable to receive a refund. These remarkable people chose to donate their tickets to students from urban schools in Toronto and United Way in Canada.
Their generosity gave others, who otherwise may not have been able to have this experience, the opportunity to enjoy this incredible performance.
Each year, during the month of May, our school sponsors an altruistic project in which we raise funds through donations. This year our ‘Helping Hands? project raised over $900 for local familes in need.
Our Pine Tree community not only gives financially, but more importantly, they give their time.
At a recent breakfast, we honored our volunteers for the hundreds of hours they devote to our students. We truly couldn’t accomplish all that we do with our students were it not for the involvement and support of our families.
I appreciate this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the members of our Pine Tree family who never ask for recognition and yet are so deserving of our gratitude.
Diane Dunaskiss
Dear Editor,
Wow! Do the people of this community care for each other? You betcha!
The response to the article about the OCEF Food Pantry’s (The Citizen, June 2, 2003) empty shelves has been heartwarming.
Many families and individuals have responded generously. Donations include everything form a check for a substantial amount (Thank you, Anonymous, we always love to hear from you) to a CoolWhip container full of coins from the Brownies.
Thanks to the many folks who brought in things to restock the shelves.
Thanks to The Citizen for publicizing the need.
This is a time of discouragement and prayer for many of our clients, as well as for the OCEF board and volunteers.
We all thank God for answering those prayers through you.
Sue Howard, Ortonville Community Emergency Fund
Dear Editor,
To the editor:
Kudos to Christiane Daily for her opinion column on the proposed trailer park in Atlas Township. How sad it is for anyone to attack another person’s character because they live in a trailer park. ‘Those people? are human beings, and deserve the same respect as those who live in a quarter million dollar house. Attitudes of superiority, as history so tragically reveals, are the cause of some of the most hideous crimes and most oppressive governments mankind has ever seen.
The size of someone’s home, the sticker price on their car, or the number of ‘toys? in their garage does not determine their worth as a human being. Every human being has worth based solely on the fact that he or she is made in the image of God. There are no ‘losers? in God’s eyes, only sinners who need His saving grace (which, by the way, includes all of us – whether we live in a mansion or a trailer).
I wonder, if we took a poll of the residents of Atlas Township, how many are one pink slip away, or one failed investment away, from living in a trailer park and becoming ‘one of those? people.
The issues, as Christiane made so clear, are whether the infrastructure, schools, and natural environment of Atlas Township can handle such a large influx of population in such a short period of time. In discussing the viability of a trailer park for Atlas Township, let’s keep to the issues, and keep personal prejudices at home , or better yet, bury them in the back yard and never dig them back up.
Pastor Frank Nolton
Lakeview Community Church
Goodrich
Dear editor,
I am writing to you concerning an article written in the May 26th edition of The Citizen. The article was entitled ‘Talking Trash.? As a 30 year Groveland Twp. resident and the last local waste hauler now serving our community, I would like an opportunity to ask a question and contradict some falsehoods contained therein.
The thing I question about this proposal, is why target the garbage industry? Maybe our township should only have one propane company or only use the U.S. Postal Service and stop allowing Fed-Ex and U.P.S. to deliver our mail. Maybe there are too many real estate signs and only one realtor should be used for our community. Why should I have to compromise my freedom to choose any of these options?
As a Groveland Twp. resident and business owner I want the opportunity to serve my fellow residents. Furthermore, I believe they deserve the right to choose between my services or the services of another company. I also do business with many other local companies here in my hometown and want to continue to do so.
Being experienced in this industry, I want to clarify some presumptions that were made about trash collection in the aforementioned article. First of all, ‘an average savings of about $14 per three month period? was mentioned. Unfortunately, large companies who come in with cheap prices usually raise their prices frequently or fail to mention surcharges or administration fees. Furthermore, the two largest haulers who would be willing to service this area are not local. The money we would be paying them, therefore, would not be reinvested into our community; in fact, it would be going to Arizona or Texas.
Another point the article made about going with one hauler would ‘hopefully eliminate the time garbage is set by the roadside reducing the opportunity for animals or weather to disrupt it.? While this may be true for some residents, others would in fact be out for longer periods giving more time for wild animals (or the neighbor’s dog!) to get into the trash. Residents in our community are already aware of the wildlife here, accommodating accordingly with pens or sturdy waste wheelers. An increase in trash exposure would increase the problem of animals getting into the trash.
Reliability was another point mentioned in the article with a reference to vacationing drivers and missed stops. Picking up stops on a route, however, is not dependent on the vacationing driver but the company the driver is employed by. Vacations are handled with experienced substitute drivers and delay time is usually minimal.
Finally, I would like to thank our friends and neighbors in Groveland Twp. for their patronage and loyalty. I appreciate being able to service my hometown and would like the opportunity to continue to do so. I would also like to thank The Citizen for allowing me to voice my thoughts and concerns on this proposal.
Matt McKay
Waste Away President and Groveland Twp.
resident
Dear Editor,
After reading Ms. Daily’s ‘Just My Opinion? column in the June 2nd edition of The Citizen I have a couple of questions.
While I agree the woman you mentioned in your column who spoke at the public hearing on May 21 may have sounded as if she were singling out mobile home owners as ‘those people?, I must say you missed the points she was attempting to make. She may have assumed you and the rest of the audience had done a little research regarding the additional needs a community must support when a mobile home park is developed and the on going cost to the community after development.
As mentioned during that hearing by another person, the number of police runs made to a mobile home development is much higher than the average single family home subdivision of site built homes. The person’s comments were based upon local police department statistics for a couple of the parks close to Atlas Township.
Fact: the number of special needs children living in a mobile home park is more than double that of the rest of the community.
Fact: the taxes paid by a mobile home owner is considerably less than a residential property owner in other zoning types.
Would you please explain in your next column how you came to the following conclusion ? ..the fact that they don’t pay the same amount of taxes as the rest of the community, which is by the way, not true.?
You may want to start your reading / research with the following links:
http://fpl.centurytel.net/c2c/taxloophole.htm
http://fpl.centurytel.net/c2c/taxplan.htm
The mobile home commission has had a free ride for too long. It is time to abolish the commission and let free trade and community needs dictate when, where and how mobile home parks are developed.
I understand this is a very emotional issue for all of us. Those who are not directly affected cannot fully comprehend the impact upon our community, rural character, roads, fire safety, police services, water quality, and schools. This community cannot handle the impact of a 50% rise in township residents.
I look forward to your column next week which will explain how a mobile home park will be taxed at the same rate as single family residential property in Atlas Township.
Thank you for your time.
Greg Anderson
Goodrich
Dear Editor,
A special thanks to the honest person who found my camera and cell phone on the playground at the Independence Oaks Park on Friday May 30 and turned it into the park office.
Thanks also for taking the time to make a phone call to my home to let me know it had been found and where it was.
Jeanette Justus
Dear Editor,
It takes a whole community to create a post graduation party, and we have an incredible group that made it happen this year.
The class of 2003 partied until 5 a.m. on June 5, and left the CCA building with tired, but content faces. There were hugs, tears and appreciation from the more than 400 students who attended.
We personally would like to thank the committee chair-people: Lori Hall, Terry Rosengren, Beth and Will Lahousse, Sheryl Herr, Margaret Provensano, Terri Bendes, Karen Manvel, Jan Parrott, Linda Mehaffey, Nancy Carlson, Kathy Chojnowski, Carol Larson, Hope Kuhn, Pam Ruggirello, Sandy Kolano, Marty Bolten, Kathie Carroll, Gail Wojoiechowski, Bruce Rosengren, Rico Vanchina, Gary Hanna, Luanne Zimmerman and Mary Ellen McLean.
Also a big thanks goes to Pastor Dan Niewoit, Carlos and the whole CCA staff, all the junior parents, senior parents, CHS office staff, Jan Meagher and administration, and you – the community – who have helped us raise our students and gave us the opportunity to send them off with a spectacular celebration.
Carol Schwarb
Marsha Combs
2003 Post Grad Party co-chairs
Dear Editor,
I am writing this to thank everyone who helped make the Independence Township Parks and Recreation 2003 Youth Baseball/Softball Opening Day a huge success on Saturday, June 7.
The weather held out for a beautiful day and the turnout of teams and spectators alike showed this. I would first like to thank the sponsors, parents, coaches and players for putting forth their time and money to help continue a great tradition of youth baseball and softball in Independence Township. Without the sponsorship of many local businesses, the teams would not have the wonderful uniforms that they proudly wear out on the field.
I also would like to express my appreciation to the Independence Township Fire Department for supplying our sound system and the Independence Township Library for supplying our flags.
Finally, I would like to thank some specific people at Independence Township Parks and Recreation for their dedication and help to our youth baseball/softball program. I want to thank Beth Walker-P’Simer and Jeff Morris for helping me organize this event; Larry Hess, George Thompson and Eric Jenks for making the ball fields look their finest; Beth Lawrence and her concession staff; and the supervisor staff of Mike Ellsworth, Bob Soeder and Sam Webster and their umpires for helping set up for the festivities. Thanks again to everyone who participated and we hope to see you all out on the ball fields.
Scott McGregor
Youth Baseball/Softball Director
Dear Editor,
Could someone explain the logic behind the new three way stop on Heights at Lakeview? Not only is the poor person’s yard at that intersection now sliding down the hill, it provides no use at this location.
The curve was already tight enough that you had to slow down to navigate it. It appears to be a waste of taxpayer money in a time of current freezes imposed by the governor.
If the purpose was to slow traffic on Heights, why not put it in a useful place. There is no access to the lake at the end of Sherry Drive, with two blind corners. Why not put the stop signs there? Wouldn’t it improve pedestrian safety? Or at least put a flashing yellow light to warn drivers of an impending hazard.
We (the residents of Sherry Drive) have also tried to get stop signs put on Sherry to reduce the speed of people using this street as a way to avoid the Lapeer/Clarkston intersection.
The road commission did a speed study of this street, but of course, with evidence of speed monitoring clearly visible, most people reduced their speeds that day. (Yes, they did it for just ONE day!) Therefore the commission said no action was warranted.
A friend of mine, who is a former police officer, said they could have parked a vehicle on the side of the road with monitoring equipment in it that would NOT be obvious. The equipment could have recorded a more accurate picture of the speeds on this road.
Plus, the study was done midday when traffic volumes are lower, not from 5-8 p.m. when volumes are heaviest.
If there were stop signs at Buckhorn going north and Oakland going south, it would break up the straight shot between Heights/Clarkston.
There are many children on the street, playing and walking to the lake. Does it take one of them getting killed before something is done?
Concerned Sherry Drive Resident
Dear Editor,
I was impressed by the letter in the May 28 Leader from Jesse Thirey, the 13-year-old boy questioning why the police ‘harass the youth of Oxford?.
His letter was articulate, descriptive and well thought out and if all he says is true, I, as a citizen and taxpayer of Oxford, feel young Jesse deserves an answer to his question.
I also feel Jesse’s parents should be very proud of a boy who chooses this method to vent his anger.
Phyllis Hrlic
Oxford
Dear Editor,
I don’t know who you are Jesse Thirey, but I would like to let you know I am proud of you!
Not only for writing your thoughts and feelings to the local weekly paper, but for recognizing the injustice and the unfairness of it all.
I agree with you!
If adults were sitting on the bench, no one would of noticed.
If what you wrote is true to fact, it is upsetting to me and should be upsetting to everyone who read your article.
Maybe you should wear an Oxford football jersey everywhere you go, that seems to gather a whole lot of respect around town, easier and faster than acceptable behavior.
Were you discriminated against, I think so. And I am sorry for that.
I have lived in Oxford for the last 11 years. Not once have I encountered an unruly or disrespectful youth on the sidewalks. But I have encountered quite a few adults that were suspect. This town is full of them.
Once again, if you are true to fact and you weren’t disturbing the peace, vandalizing buildings, using drugs, hampering the flow of traffic, throwing paint on people’s fur coats, ? then you had every right to be where you were, and every right to be where you want to be, (young or old).
And if you were doing any of the above mentioned activities then the Oxford police were negligent in duty and should have arrested you.
So which is it Oxford?
Was he being harassed? Or was the Oxford Village police too lazy to arrest a crazed youth that walked the streets and dared to take a seat with his friends on a public bench?
Good for you Jesse Thirey, I’m sure your family is proud of you.
The Oxford Township police would have treated you fairly and respectfully. That is a fact!
A taxpayer who votes
Dear Editor,
In response to the letter from the children in our community who feel harassed by our Oxford P.D.
Be thankful they’re keeping their eyes and ears open and following you into our alley ways and behind our merchants properties.
Don’t you realize how protected you should feel? Don’t you listen to the news on T.V. or read about young people your ages being abducted and molested and/or worse right out in broad daylight?
The list of known sex offenders right here in Oxford and Lake Orion is about 4 pages long.
Why do you think we have the Amber Alert?
Why are under-18 year olds left to wander around downtown on skateboards and where does all that money you have to give to the merchants come from?
Times have changed, young man ? where are the parents of these young people?
Yes the OPD are ever vigilant! On your behalf.
A car pulls up and perhaps a man or woman you’ve seen and even spoken to many times calls you over to their vehicle and says, ‘I’ll buy you a new skateboard? or here’s some more money for pop or chips-come with me and I’ll take you to wherever! Your ‘friends? that you’re ‘hanging out? with are left to call 911 or your baby-sitter or your parents.
It may be the last time you’re ever seen alive.
Go ahead and harass those ‘street kids?, officers. I for one citizen am thankful when I see you patrolling behind the storefronts and giving the children the opportunity to become parents.
Lois J. Rice
Oxford
Dear Editor,
The Oxford 7’s management wants to thank the Oxford Police Personnel for all the help and support they have provided us. Hopefully the citizens of Oxford realize the professional work our Police do and realize how hard their duty is on a day to day basis. As one of many merchants in the Downtown Oxford area, we understand and appreciate the stress and complexity our Oxford Police go through everyday for our security.
The Oxford Police Department has always timely responded to problems the Oxford 7 has had ranging from vandalism to patrons being disruptive in our auditoriums. They have made consistent efforts to assist us in keeping problems to a minimum. Chief Mike Neymanowski has proven he is committed to our needs. It is appreciated to see the Police Department reliably and courteously interact with everyone, especially the younger moviegoers at the Oxford 7.
The Oxford 7 says thanks to the Chief and his officers for the fine job they are doing.
Brian Eichstaedt, Area Manager
Goodrich Quality Theaters
Dear Editor,
You start with a seed of an idea.
You plant the seed in ‘Friend-ly? soil.
You add a little nurture and a lot of sunshine by way of community and local business support.
Then, you wait for some of God’s sustaining rain and you grow a community event called, ‘The Friends of the Addison Township Public Library Plant Exchange and Garden Workshop.?
Thank you to our event sponsors, non-profit organizations and cast of volunteers for providing the exceptional support that made our first annual event, last Saturday, a success.
A special thank you to Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio who gave us wonderful news coverage and participation before, during and after our event.
In addition to the Oxford Leader, we’d like to thank the following event sponsors ? Addison Township Board of Trustees, Suzy’s Sweets, Mike Mather State Farm, Marcials? Nursery and Garden Center, Oakland Land Conservancy, Caroline’s Shear Inspirations, Lakeville United Methodist Church, Louie’s Food and Spirits, Oxford McDonald’s, Oxford Meijer Inc., Oxford Bank, Oxford Farm and Garden, Nosie Rosies Flower Shop, The Roadhouse, Wojo’s Nursery, Wright’s Market and Perennial Impressions.
With Deep Appreciation,
Claudia VonDrak, President
Friends of the Addison Township
Public Library
Dear Editor,
I am writing to support Trustee David Ax and other Groveland Township officials who will be considering a township-wide preferred waste hauling contract proposal (‘Talking Trash,? The Citizen, May 26). The primary goal is to lower garbage costs to residents. Among other aims is the desire to reduce heavy-truck traffic on gravel roads.
There is another reason to reduce this traffic: damage to asphalt roads. Today a hauler collected garbage on our street, Madison Drive. Tomorrow a different hauler will be here (preceded bi-monthly by a recycling vehicle), and on another day a third company comes by. The asphalt on Madsen is beginning to deteriorate, certainly aggravated by these trucks, by far the heaviest on this no-outlet street.
This deterioration will eventually affect the appearance of the neighborhood, hurt home values and, at some point, lead to expensive resurfacing. Granted, there are few other paved neighborhood roads in the township, but the main roads are affected, too.
The waste collectors are not at fault; they’re just doing their job. But the inefficiency, fuel waste and road damage are apparent. Competition is great, but in this case it should be for securing a contract. Limiting waste collecting to a single hauler would greatly reduce heavyweight truck traffic.
Jim Grey
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
Over the past few weeks, there have been many anti-mobile home park letters, each of which have mentioned the $36 paid by mobile home owners. These people seem to feel that is all we pay.
Let’s look at facts instead of claims. Mobile home parks are owned by corporations, who pay property taxes, at a rate almost double that of homeowners. They then pass these property taxes along to those renting the lots.
Anyone familiar with Michigan’s homestead property tax credit form will note that for renters (including those that rent mobile home lots), 20 percent of their rent is considered to be property tax. Mobile home owners now have to pay an additional tax of $36 per year that homeowners and those living in apartments do not pay.
Using myself as an example, my lot rent is $426 per month. Doing the math (426 x .20 x 12) results in my paying $1,022.40 in property tax. With the additional $36 I have to pay $1,058.50, for a lot I don’t even own.
I would say that those living in mobile homes do indeed pay their fair share of property taxes.
Steven Baker
Brandon Township
Dear Editor,
There seems to be plenty of talk and opinion on the trailer park issue for Goodrich/Atlas. It is sad that anyone feels it is necessary to attack one person’s view as though that person spoke for an entire community. As to not upset, but rather agree to disagree, a trailer park has many disadvantages to our community. Our schools will suffer in both a financial aspect, as well as a population aspect. As a parent, this concerns me. However, the issue does not need to become one of religious ridicule, as Pastor Nolton should know. Unfortunately, the article which he chose to send to The Citizen quotes his own concerns. Everyone in this community, or at least the majority, do not hold responsible the owners of these trailers for being ‘financially burdened.? Although Pastor Nolton asked that we ‘stick to the facts?, he too, found it necessary to remind us of our own shortfalls by asking how many pink slips or failed investments we were away from living in a trailer park ourselves. Is this the message you meant to send? Because that statement implies that you feel all people living in a trailer park do have shortfalls of some sort. Pastor Nolton, with all due respect, take your own advice and stick to the facts.
It was best said, I believe, by Goodrich resident Greg Anderson who said: ‘This community cannot handle the impact of a 50 percent rise in township residents.? This is the fact. Are we prepared for a 50 percent population rise?
Our community is bound to expand and grow over time. The point best thought of is this fast of a pace of growth over such a short period of time. Tragic. The opinion of all should be heard, including Pastor Nolton, those who it truly effects. This community has such passion for the subject because for better or worse the Goodrich/Atlas community has always taken care of one another and yes, its shortcomings. So for those of you who do not live in this community yet feel it necessary to have an opinion; do us all a favor, print it in your own papers and we, as a community, will continue to be productive in ours with or without the trailer park community.
Lisa Johnson
Goodrich
Dear Editor,
An Open Letter to the Ortonville Village Council:
As I wrote to Sue Bess, Chairperson of the Council, it is not effective to spray the ball fields to kill mosquitoes. First, there are no mosquitoes there to kill. They are off in adjacent properties, hiding in shaded areas during the day. Also the DPW does a truly excellent job of keeping the grass well-mowed, and mosquitoes hate well-cut grass. Spraying the fields every other week will probably kill NO mosquitoes. You will not fight the Nile virus by spraying the fields.
Second, spraying will harm our children. They will kick up dust and breathe in the poison, and then they will suffer strange effects that parents will find difficult to understand and counteract.
Third, the spray will harm our ground water-the water we have to drink. Imagine drinking a glass of water that is half poison. Or a quarter poison. Or one-eighth poison. Or, get this, one-billionth poison. A bit of poison so small as a few billionths of a solution can affect humans dangerously. People living on Cedar Street, Church Street, Schoolhouse Street and Ball Street are all likely to be most hurt by all the stepped-up spraying that will take place this year. (The spraying of Crossman and Narrin Parks may harm the residents of Mill Street and Oakwood Road.)
To paraphrase Rachel Carson, there is no person on the face of the earth whose body, because of human idiocy, does not contain carcinogens-harmful chemicals. Let’s not add to the woe.
After getting permission from home owners, if the council wants to combat mosquitoes, it should spray backyards where there are bushes and trees and other spots where mosquitoes hide’and not spray the open ball fields, which have no places for mosquitoes either to hide or to breed.
It has been said that the spraying will set up a spray barrier for mosquitoes. Not so. Any reasonable person will conclude the mosquitoes will simply fly above it. For that matter, flying only one inch above the fields will allow them to escape this sprayed area. Spraying the ball fields is not a wise idea.
So, please Council, do not spray our ball fields and infect our kids with poison, while the mosquitoes come out at dusk unharmed. Save the Village thousands of dollars by canceling the contract for the ineffective spraying. But if you insist on spraying, at least notify all residents each time to keep themselves, their pets, and their children inside on the days of insecticide use.
My next letter on this topic will mention some of the things you can do to combat mosquitoes without the use of poisonous chemicals.
Fred Howard
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
I was disappointed to see the errant title in the News? lead article on June 4, ‘School election on Tuesday… Candidates attempt to show uniqueness.? In fact, the election was scheduled for Monday, June 9.
The confusion in the headline exacerbates an already troublesome problem – the proliferation of misinformation about school elections.
The News? headline perfectly illustrates my point. Most people equate elections with Tuesdays. During the presidential primary season we have ‘Super Tuesday,? Michigan’s regular primary elections take place on a Tuesday in August, and general elections occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. So, why are school elections held on Mondays in June? I believe the question is valid and appropriate considering recent circumstances.
The existence of two parallel election systems, one for schools and another for local, county and state elections, combined with a permissive approach to the scheduling of special elections contribute to low voter turnout, especially in school elections. It also is the cause of concern among some residents that school elections are designed and scheduled so as to produce a specific result.
Currently, local elections can be scheduled on almost any issue on any day. The process causes confusion among voters. Additionally, the elections, with some exceptions, are run by untrained school officials instead of trained locally elected clerks. The practice of scheduling elections on a whim brings the integrity of the election into question and violates the basic tenets of our democratic form of government.
We need a system that brings consistency to the election schedule and restores integrity to the voting process. Several government officials have suggested a plan to make this happen.
On Wednesday, June 11, Secretary of State Teri Lynn Land and a bipartisan group of state legislators introduced legislation to improve voter participation by consolidating elections, and requiring all elections to be administered by elected clerks who are trained and experienced in election management.
These changes will save taxpayer dollars and free up much needed financial resources so that school districts can invest what would have been spent on ballots and maintaining voting equipment, in classrooms, where it can have the best impact. By approving changes to existing law that consolidate elections and create uniformity, the state Legislature can ensure the rights of all Michigan residents and the sacred principles of our democratic society are protected.
Now, as a professional involved in media relations, I understand the importance of getting facts straight. An errant title or misconstrued fact can cause serious problems. Like The Clarkston News, as a professional involved in relating news to the public, I consider the task of providing accurate information to readers my utmost job responsibility.
Unfortunately, we all make mistakes. In this instance, some Independence Township residents may have been confused about the actual date of the election. They may have gone to the polls on Tuesday, only to find that when they arrived, there was no one to register their voice.
As an Independence Township resident, I know from experience that The Clarkston News and Sherman Publications strive to accurately inform the residents they serve. I extend my appreciation for their efforts. However, it is the solemn duty of the electorate to make informed decisions. It is difficult to do so when the information available is inaccurate.
I encourage all residents to consider their responsibilities in this process. I submit that we have a right to accurate information regarding elections. I also submit that we have a responsibility to take an active role in keeping the media accountable for providing accurate information. By doing so, we will be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding our community.
Tim Sievers
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the wonderful article you wrote about me and my love for Clarkston SCAMP…nothing could be more true.
In one paragraph there is a quote from me that I feel needs clarification. In speaking about the kids that attend SCAMP, it might be misinterpreted the SCAMPers are the kids who are not wanted in their neighborhoods. When, in fact, our SCAMPers are very well received in their neighborhoods.
The unique thing about SCAMP is our ability to offer SCAMPers the opportunity to be involved in a summer program with the resources and trained staff that would not be available to them in a typical summer camp program.
I sincerely appreciate your support.
Donna Clancy
SCAMP Executive Director
Dear Editor,
I work in Ortonville, and enjoy reading your paper week after week. My father worked on a small paper in Richmond, and told me lots of stories, and reading The Citizen brings back that small-town, family-publication good feeling. I’ve always enjoyed the stories, and even the columns I’ve read, even though I usually disagree with the opinions.
You see, I’m one of those’far-left wackos?, hence my differences. However, I’ve learned to always try to consider all sides of an issue, and attempt to keep my mind open. It’s a real challenge, especially today.
But I must admit from time to time I’ve come across some excellent viewpoints and arguments which have caused me either to change an opion, or at least dig a little deeper into new sources to learn more.
It’s no secret that the the majority of opinions at The Citizen are pretty conservative, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as I just
mentioned. However, the first responsibility of good journalism is to ensure that the source of information is reliable.
So I was pretty surprised when I read Mr. Sherman’s column referring to what he had read
from the BIG EYE in the Porcupine Press, up in the UP, concerning Hillary Clinton’s coming under ‘this fancy ‘Congressional Retirement and Staffing
Plan.?? I used to get as many as 5 to 10 emails from friends forwarding outrageous stories about any number of things, this one among them, and I’ve
found that the vast majority are simply myths, hoaxes and sometimes, plain lies started on a web page or email, and forwarded ad nauseum to millions of people who don’t take the time to check.
I’ve found several websites which exist simply to collect information on hoaxes, myths and urban legends, in order to better inform people who fall for this stuff. Snopes.com, ThruthMiners.org, BreakTheChain.org all have this ‘story? covered ? go to http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/pensions.htm for one example. I remembered this one from many conservative friends who forwarded it to me, and I replied with one or more links like this.
After reading the same in a newspaper by the publisher, I did a little more checking. In the first 5 pages of hits from Google, there were 6 web sites which were dedicated to researching and debunking the story (and many other email/web rumors).
Each of those explained in large or small detail about the facts about retirement for congressional members, how the Secret Service is paid (and how any compensation wouldn’t even come close to paying the Clinton’s
mortgage payment.
Most of the other sites were various conservative groups quoting the email directly, or Rush Limbaugh reading the story, etc. ? but without any investigation, simply reciting the story as if it was the truth and raising the outrage.I understand that the opinion columns in any newpaper are just that ? opinions. But it’s a major disservice to your readers to simply state something which is, at least, not entirely true, and ? at worse ? a blatant misrepresentation of the facts. It’s been almost three years since the Clinton’s have left the White House, and I know how scared some people are of the thought of Hillary running for president.
My dad would have hated it every bit as much as the biggest anti-Hillary conservative (I wish I could have seen his face when the possiblility was first raised
Grant Hickey
Lake Orion
Dear Editor,
The old name for Mobile homes is ‘trailer?. I will use the old name, mainly because I’m lazy, and also because it saves on the expenditure of ink.
The story of the proposed trailer park in Atlas is an old tale, currently replayed. There are many residents opposed to having a new trailer park coming in. But while fewer in number, there are parties who are strongly in favor of such a development, and are the ones who will make it happen.
The first proponent is politicians. The arrival of high density housing is attractive because, for each residence, there will be at least two more voters. Trailer park residents tend to favor liberal politicians, so you may expect to see more social programs instituted in their favor. In addition, since there will be a large number of new residents, new candidates for public office may likely come from their area. They will get the votes, based on their many neighbors. It will show in taxes.
Next, there are the school boards. Since the trailer park folks get a big break on property taxes, they tend to be heavily supportive of bond issues or increased millages as may apply. The trailer park can put over almost any program the school board wants. The prospect and need for new schools will have the school boards salivating over planning and construction of new, and as usual, extravagant edifices for the school district. Somebody else pays the big tax bill.
The churches also see a big influx of parishioners. The potential for expansion is great, and they are welcomed with open arms. We’re already seeing commentaries in the paper about the desirability of new faces. Whatever the social level, the folks in church are always nice.
The food stores are probably acquiring land already for bigger stores to serve the increased market for groceries. How could you condemn them for that?
State politicians will have a stronger case for highway expansion, so taxes somewhere will pay for the improvements.
You can never fault those who wish to take residence in a trailer park. It’s a good and inexpensive way to live. In almost any trailer park, housekeeping rules are stringent, and the residents tend to keep their little piece of the world clean and neat. As far as crime and casual offenses are concerned, the density of police activity is probably less, relative to the number of calls per capita in other less concentrated areas. More density; more action. However, the proximity of a high density populated area does have a downgrading effect on the value of adjacent property; it’s a fact of life.
So, the folks in Atlas might as well accept their fate. There will be hearing upon hearing by the zoning commission. All it takes is one meeting that is poorly publicized, and thus poorly attended. Then, stand back and watch the graders go to work.
Doug Houston
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
I work in Ortonville, and enjoy reading your paper week after week. My father worked on a small paper in Richmond, and told me lots of stories, and reading The Citizen brings back that small-town, family-publication good feeling. I’ve always enjoyed the stories, and even the columns I’ve read, even though I usually disagree with the opinions. You see, I’m one of those ‘far-left wackos?, hence my differences. However, I’ve learned to always try to consider all sides of an issue, and attempt to keep my mind open. It’s a real challenge, especially today. But I must admit from time to time I’ve come across some excellent viewpoints and arguments which have caused me either to change an opinion, or at least dig a little deeper into new sources to learn more.
It’s no secret that the the majority of opinions at The Citizen are pretty conservative, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as I just mentioned. However, the first responsibility of good journalism is to ensure that the source of information is reliable. So I was pretty surprised when I read Mr. Sherman’s column referring to what he had read from the BIG EYE in the Porcupine Press, up in the UP, concerning Hillary Clinton’s coming under ‘this fancy ‘Congressional Retirement and Staffing Plan??. I used to get as many as 5 – 10 emails from friends forwarding outrageous stories about any number of things, this one among them, and I’ve found that the vast majority are simply myths, hoaxes and sometimes, plain lies started on a web page or email, and forwarded ad nauseum. to millions of people who don’t take the time to check. I’ve found several websites which exist simply to collect information on hoaxes, myths and urban legends, in order to better inform people who fall for this stuff. Snopes.com, TruthMiners.org, BreakTheChain.org all have this ‘story? covered – go to http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/~pensions.htm for one example. I remembered this one from many conservative friends who forwarded it to me, and I replied with one or more links like this. After reading the same in a newspaper by the publisher, I did a little more checking. In the first 5 pages of hits from Google, there were 6 web sites which were dedicated to researching and debunking the story (and many other email/web rumors). Each of those explained in large or small detail about the facts about retirement for congressional members, how the Secret Service is paid (and how any compensation wouldn’t even come close to paying the Clintons? mortgage payment. Most of the other sites were various conservative groups quoting the email directly, or Rush Limbaugh reading the story, etc. – but without any investigation, simply reciting the story as if it was the truth and raising the outrage.
I understand that the opinion columns in any newpaper are just that opinions. But it’s a major disservice to your readers to simply state something which is, at least, not entirely true, and – at worse – a blatant misrepresentation of the facts. It’s been almost 3 years since the Clintons have left the White House, and I know how scared some people are of the thought of Hillary running for president. My dad would have hated it every bit as much as the biggest anti-Hillary conservative (I wish I could have seen his face when the possiblility was first raised
Grant Hickey
Lake Orion
Dear Editor,
To the editor:
I see some armchair bureaucrat, from Oakland County wants to impose, by force, septic tank inspections. John P. McCulloch begins his ‘explanation? with a non sequitur, Oakland County has had great success with growth… we are going to have to protect our natural resources. Oakland wants to protect the Ground Water…
Meanwhile, Mr. McCulloch and the county ignore the dewatering going on by Midway Sand Gravel! What amazing hypocrisy! Groveland Twp. is having its only source of fresh water being pumped away at the incredible rate of 21 million gallons per day; does any authority in Michigan care, NO!Now these sleazy politicians want to trespass on private property, and charge you for it! Does McCulloch have friends in the septic tank business??
Robert DePalma is right on when he says, ‘I don’t think people need Big Brother breathing down their neck.? As for me, no one but no one is coming on my property, without my express permission! While I realize our United States Constitution is now considered null and void by would-be tyrants, it’s still very much in force, where I live! The county may pass any ordinance it cares to, but if it is not in pursuance of the U.S. Constitution, it is not lawful! I do not blindly obey any law that is passed in order to install a government of absolute tyranny!
Alan H. Schwartz
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
I work in Ortonville, and enjoy reading your paper week after week. My father worked on a small paper in Richmond, and told me lots of stories, and reading The Citizen brings back that small-town, family-publication good feeling.
I’ve always enjoyed the stories, and even the columns I’ve read, even though I usually disagree with the opinions. You see, I’m one of those ‘far-left wackos,? hence my differences. However, I’ve learned to always try to consider all sides of an issue, and attempt to keep my mind open. It’s a real challenge, especially today. But I must admit from time to time I’ve come across some excellent viewpoints and arguments which have caused me either to change an opinion, or at least dig a little deeper into new sources to learn more.
It’s no secret that the majority of opinions at The Citizen are pretty conservative, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as I just mentioned. However, the first responsibility of good journalism is to ensure that the source of information is reliable.
So I was pretty surprised when I read Mr. Sherman’s column referring to what he had read from the Big Eye in the Porcupine Press, up in the UP, concerning Hillary Clinton’s coming under ‘this fancy ‘Congressional Retirement and Staffing Plan.?? I used to get as many as five to 10 e-mails from friends forwarding outrageous stories about any number of things, this one among them, and I’ve found that the vast majority are simply myths, hoaxes and sometimes, plain lies started on a web page or e-mail, and forwarded ad nauseam to millions of people who don’t take the time to check.
I’ve found several websites which exist simply to collect information on hoaxes, myths and urban legends, in order to better inform people who fall for this stuff. Snopes.com, truthminers.org, breakthechain.org all have this ‘story? covered – go to www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/pensions.htm for one example.
I remembered this story from many conservative friends who forwarded it to me, and I replied with one or more links like this. After reading the same in a newspaper by the publisher, I did a little more checking. In the first five pages of hits from Google, there were six web sites which were dedicated to researching and debunking the story (and many other e-mail/web rumors.)
Each of those explained in large or small detail about the facts about retirement for congressional members, how the Secret Service is paid (and how any compensation wouldn’t even come close to paying the Clintons mortgage payment.) Most of the other sites were various conservative groups quoting the e-mail directly, or Rush Limbaugh reading the story, etc. – but without any investigation, simply reciting the story as if it was the truth and raising the outrage.
I understand that the opinion columns in any newspaper are just that – opinions. But it’s a major disservice to your readers to simply state something which is, at least, not entirely true, and at worst, a blatant misrepresentation of the facts.
It’s been almost three years since the Clintons have left the White House, and I know how scared some people are of the thought of Hillary running for president. My dad would have hated it every bit as much as the biggest anti-Hillary conservative ( I wish I could have seen his face when the possibility was first raised) but he would have been the first to tell you that using a newspaper to spread misinformation is not just irresponsible, it detracts from the idea of a free and informed debate and decision process.
Grant Hickey
Lake Orion
(Editor’s note: The Citizen is a sister paper of The Clarkston News. Both are owned by Sherman Publications, Inc. Jim Sherman’s column also appears in this paper.)
Dear Editor,
I’ve been a Clarkston resident for about six years now. One thing I learned quickly was that burn days are on the first and third Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
This is an old ordinance that needs some updating. With the Clarkston area growing immensely, this ordinance needs to change to no burn days unless you live on more than five acres of property, or even none at all. Cities around us like Waterford, Rochester Hills and Pontiac have updated to have no burn days at all.
It always happens every year when it is a beautiful day and a few residents burn their leaves and cause the majority to keep their houses closed up, not enjoying the nice weather. Not to mention I have to power wash my house every year, and the fact that breathing the air is not good for you.
I repeatedly have asked the board members, through e-mails and personal contact, to look at this and at least let the voters decide. They always skirt the issue and will have someone look into it. But they never do.
According to U. S. Environmental Protection Agency studies, besides being an irritant, leaf smoke contains many hazardous chemicals, including carbon monoxide and benzo, pyrene. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the bloodstream and thus reduces the amount of oxygen on the blood and lungs. So carbon monoxide can be very dangerous for young children with immature lungs, smokers, the elderly and people with chronic heart or lung diseases.
Benzo(a)pyrene is known to cause cancer in animals and is believed to be a major factor in lung cancer caused by cigarette smoke. It is found in cigarette smoke and coal tar as well as leaf smoke.
So let’s let the voters decide.
Jim Altene
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I was a sixth grade band student of Mr. Douglas Doty at Sashabaw Middle School during the 2002-03 school year.
I just wanted to tell everyone what a fantastic band teacher Mr. Doty is. He is very talented, being able to teach about several different instruments at the same time as well as play them.
He has always seated us fairly when we did our ‘challenges? and he spent his own time after school to work with students. He even found me a flute tutor for me to practice with during this summer.
I feel gypped that he is retiring this year and I won’t be able to learn more from him. I sure hope his replacement can do at least half as much as Mr. Doty. Mr. Doty is a great teacher and my favorite teacher. I’d like to say, ‘Thank you Mr. Doty, for a great year!?
Tina Layton
Sashabaw Middle School
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank all who participated in the special election for county commissioner on June 17.
The voter participation was only 8 percent, but democracy was at work because 100 percent had the option to vote or not to vote.
A special thanks to all the candidates, the Orion and Oakland Township clerks and their team, the county clerk and his team, the board of canvassers, the volunteers and poll workers who worked so hard.
Although I didn’t win it, it was a great experience for me and as I learned in sports in my youth, if you do your best, work hard you will be rewarded.
Thanks again to the 807 Orion and Oakland Township voters who supported me.
Dan Myslakowski
Dear Editor,
By now you all know about our illustrious Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson being pulled over by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.
The reason the deputies pulled him over was because of erratic lane changing or swerving, according to all the news reports.
Patterson admitted he had a couple of glasses of wine and was taking medication for some health problem previous to his driving the vehicle.
This information was what I had gotten from watching Patterson on a replay of the deputies video machine which was shown on the TV stations.
Joe Louis used to have an old saying. Before he got into the ring with an opponent, he said, ‘He can run, but he can’t hide.?
Patterson you should take a lesson from Joe Louis and from me as well. The people know when you’re not being honest with them or yourself.
Even OCSD’s Gary McClive and Mike Bouchard said on the news that ‘no one is above the law!?
I hope all the voting citizens of Oakland County remember this incident if you decide to run for Oakland County Executive again or some other office in 2004.
To be honest with you Patterson, I never thought much of you as prosecutor or county executive. This special treatment given you will always have some sort of civic unrest until we realize what our Constitution and Declaration of Independence means.
Every person in these United States should receive and get equal justice and rights, no matter what your financial status, religious belief, race or ethnic background, health status, whether you are a ruler or peasant.
And as far as rulers and peasants go, just because one person has a better education or more money than the other, doesn’t make them any better or more privileged.
James Delavan
Dear Editor,
My father, Orsel Dudley, on June 6 received his high school diploma from Lake Orion High School during the graduation ceremonies at Oakland University.
He is 77 years of age and entered the military service in 1944 after completing his junior year of high school. Through an act of Congress, the cooperation of the Lake Orion School District and school board, he was honored and received his diploma.
Thanks to all who helped, especially Leeann Bartley (president of the school board), Dr. Craig Younkman (school superintendent) and Lynn Mills who did most of the leg work to permit this to occur.
Everyone he came into contact with before, during and after the ceremony welcomed my father.
We will be forever grateful for the standing ovation, initiated by the graduating seniors and staff, that he received for his service to our country.
A special thanks to John and Sally Freeland for opening their home to us for the weekend to celebrate my father’s accomplishments and gathering of family.
Gary Dudley,
Indianapolis, Indiana
Dear Editor,
My father, Orsel Dudley, on June 6 received his high school diploma from Lake Orion High School during the graduation ceremonies at Oakland University.
He is 77 years of age and entered the military service in 1944 after completing his junior year of high school. Through an act of Congress, the cooperation of the Lake Orion School District and school board, he was honored and received his diploma.
Thanks to all who helped, especially Leeann Bartley (president of the school board), Dr. Craig Younkman (school superintendent) and Lynn Mills who did most of the leg work to permit this to occur.
Everyone he came into contact with before, during and after the ceremony welcomed my father.
We will be forever grateful for the standing ovation, initiated by the graduating seniors and staff, that he received for his service to our country.
A special thanks to John and Sally Freeland for opening their home to us for the weekend to celebrate my father’s accomplishments and gathering of family.
Gary Dudley,
Indianapolis, Indiana
Dear Editor,
Thank you for showing your confidence in my abilities by electing me as the new Oakland County Commissioner for the 3rd District.
Having the opportunity to represent you in the township has been a valuable and rewarding experience. I now look forward to the new challenges that await as I represent you as the new county commissioner.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns; it’s my honor to serve you as county commissioner.
Eric Wilson
Dear Editor,
Guest House wishes to offer a big thanks to all of the volunteers who have helped us through the very difficult time of cleaning away downed trees and branches from our property as a result of the early April ice storm.
Literally thousands of trees and branches were destroyed creating an enormous challenge for us.
Particular thanks have to go to Larry Mullins and his crew with Environmental Wood Solutions of Lake Orion. Larry volunteered his and his staff’s time to help us clear all the debris, haul it to a single location on our property, and then chip it for disposal/use elsewhere!
This was a huge undertaking that was just recently completed. In a day and age when ‘Good Samaritans? are harder and harder to find, Larry Mullins and his crew showed that in Lake Orion, at least there are some of these good people still around!!
Grateful Staff, Volunteers
& Clients of Guest House
Dear Editor,
I would like to extend much-deserved congratulations to the OHS graduating Class of 2003.
In addition to being extremely proud of my son Dan, who is a part of this fine group of young people, I think they deserve some recognition for the tremendous spirit, courtesy/manners and overall great attitude demonstrated by all of them at the ‘All-Night Party? following their graduation on Tuesday, June 16, 2003.
This is a tremendous event and from all I could see and witness the kids had a great time and demonstrated outstanding behavior. All the parents should be very proud of these graduates.
I would also like to take this time to urge parents of students who will be seniors and juniors next year to get involved. Senior parents, so that they may share and witness these special times with their sons and daughters and junior parents, to help the senior parents who are very busy at this time of year and to be prepared to be the most helpful when their kids are seniors. I can not stress this enough, high school parents get involved now! A committee will soon be working on next year’s party, it is an all year effort to do this right.
And lastly, special thanks to Josie Hunwick, her husband Ed, Dan and Noreen Keller, and Bill and Linda Hyders. These couples worked all year on this and it could not have been done with out them (and they don’t all have students in this class).
Bob Offer
Dear Editor,
This letter concerns the ineffective pesticide spraying of our three ball fields. My feeling is that the thousands of dollars you plan to spend spraying the fields this year is money wasted. I challenge you to find errors in my reasoning below. If you cannot find any, you will be left with the thought that the spray program should be stopped NOW.
1 . One field contains a paved basketball court. Mosquitoes avoid pavement. 2. The fields contain four sandy ball-diamond areas. Mosquitoes avoid sand. 3. There is a skate park built on cement. Mosquitoes avoid cement. 4. The DPW does its usual close cutting of lawns. Mosquitoes despise well-cut lawns. 5. The fields are always sprayed on sunny days. Mosquitoes avoid sunny days. 6. The fields are well-drained and dry. Mosquitoes avoid dry conditions.
Because of the above reasons, when spraying occurs, there are probably NO mosquitoes on the ball fields. The spray probably hits no mosquitoes, and so no mosquitoes are killed. All the mosquitoes are off resting in shady areas in nearby yards, waiting till dusk to come out.
The company doing the spraying talks of the ball fields as mosquito barrier areas. This sounds good, but it simply is not so. Why? Because mosquitoes have wings. They can fly just an inch above the ball fields and escape any so-called barrier. Spray barriers are effective for insects like Armyworms, which the corn and wheat fields of Southern Michigan are being infested with right this moment. But these worms have no wings. They must crawl over sprayed soil and eat sprayed plants. So spray barriers for them exist. But they do not exist for winged mosquitoes in the ball fields.
Remember this: Spraying the ball fields, where there are probably NO mosquitoes, is ineffective. Mosquitoes not hit by spray are not killed. Spraying these fields WASTES THOUSANDS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS.
Please, Council, do not continue this ineffective program. If you do, you affect ground water that residents must drink, and you almost certainly to some extent harm the health of kids who play in the fields, kick up dust, and breathe in the poison. Do you want to poison ground water? Do you want to poison kids?
My wife, Sue Howard, and I have for over forty years encouraged kids to fish in our village lake at the comer of Ball and Cedar Streets. We love kids, and we definitely do not want to see them harmed by the spray.
If for no other reason, though, stop the spray program NOW and use the thousands of saved dollars where they will be effective.
Fred Howard
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
Recently, I approached Representative Ruth Johnson about a Proposal for the State of Michigan to provide tuition vouchers or some other kind of tax credit for students who play ‘Taps at military funerals. These tuition vouchers or credits would apply to any institution of higher learning in the State of Michigan. A similar law has been proposed in the State of Wisconsin.
This proposal is necessary because a recorded version of ‘Taps? is often played at military funerals now. Last fall, a man approached me to share his opinion about this, remarking that he found it inappropriate, ?…that a final tribute for a veteran comes from a boom box.? I agree, but there are only 500 military buglers in the country. The only viable alternative is to use civilian buglers at memorial services. And yes, we do. We use civilian buglers on Memorial Day when the senior horn player plays ‘Taps?, and we have an echo.
When I was first informed that I could use civilian buglers at military funerals, I approached Mr. Russell McMartin, director of the Brandon High School Band, and he welcomed the idea. He said that, ‘He did not serve, but was willing to participate.?
He allowed me to approach some of his band students with the idea, and these students said, ‘Yes.? This patriotic response-from our senior high school band director and his students is much appreciated. Now, when a family requests a bugler, arrangements can be made. Would a small stipend for these students as a display of gratitude be out of the question?
I approached Representative Johnson as a private citizen, not as a representative of the organization I lead. Michigan is a very patriotic state, and throughout history we have sent our very best to war. Because our current financial situation is critical, I don’t hold out much hope in getting this law passed even with a strong grassroots effort. Still, some form of appreciation to the students who are willing to do this great deed would be appropriate. All we can do is try.
Duane Getzmeyer
Brandon Township
Dear Editor,
Clarkston has been a welcoming community for us after moving from Philadelphia just more than one year ago.
We quickly got involved with the community events, clubs and schools. What we are concerned with, as a new member of the community, is the constant vandalism to our house and property.
We live in a sleepy little subdivision, off Bridge Lake Road in Springfield Township, on a beautiful one-acre corner property. Apparently, because we live on a corner property, someone feels the right to toilet paper our trees and house, egg our car, trash-up our lawn with beer bottles, disregard the speed limit, and the most offensive – drive over our property all in just over one year’s time.
All this has occurred overnight while we sleep. It may seem like harmless enough pranks by local teenagers but regardless is not acceptable behavior.
Should we be concerned with the safety of our children, animals and others that visit our home? We would like the parents that live and drive through our subdivision to be aware of potentially dangerous behavior by their children. We would like our home to feel as welcoming and safe as the Clarkston community has made us feel.
Pam and Rob Aughe
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Property owners should receive their 2003 summer tax bills by the first week of July. Please contact the Treasurer’s Office if you did not receive your bill.
Property owners without an escrow account will receive the actual bill. Property owners that have an escrow account will receive a copy of the bill for your records. Payment of the bill covers from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004 for all education related taxes. The bills are payable through Sept. 14 without penalty.
This year the State Education Tax will be five mills instead of the normal six mills. Yes, you are reading it right – a reduction. The State of Michigan, which authorizes local municipalities to collect the SET, has reduced the levy for one year only.
The set is collected statewide and becomes part of the State aid formula to equalize spending on students state-wide. The reduction came about through negotiations to require all municipalities to collect the set on a summer tax.
Many smaller populated municipalities only had a winter tax bill which covered all property taxes for schools, municipality and county. Starting in 2003 the SET will be collected by all municipalities in a summer tax collection. Independence Township residents will not see any changes since all school millages are already collected in a summer tax.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township Treasurer
Dear Editor,
When an event is successfully completed it is most satisfying for the chairmen to sit back and be able to see that it was definitely a joint effort.
More than 140 women from all over the state gathered June 4, 2003 for installation of new officers and awards at the Liberty Golf and Banquet Center in Clarkston. The theme being as it was almost all wore hats – one covered with live orchids, one made of wallpaper and another her ‘going away? hat from the 50’s. The response was wonderful.
Both of our clubs gave us 100 percent support and the lead staff at Liberty, Jenny Locricchio, Zoe Aldrich and Tracy Molzon couldn’t have been better and were a most accomodating trio to work for.
Marsha Schweikert, Springfield Branch
Kay Robertson, Clarkston Branch
Dear Editor,
I’ve learned that practical jokes are not to be taken lightly. Crossing a fine line is very easy on this and can really hurt people you love.
They can cause embarrassment and hurt the trust someone has in you. If you’re like me, you like to be the one laughing, not the one laughed at.
But next time put your yourself in the other’s shoes before you play that so-called prank.
I hurt a friend, Todd, and now I’m really sorry. I have learned a huge lesson.
Doris
Dear Editor,
We are long-time residents (26 years) of Lake Orion and our children have grown up reading The Lake Orion Review.
Our family would be lost without this community paper. It’s so much a part of our family. Thank you for this wonderful hometown paper.
Shirley Ziegler
Dear Editor,
I was appalled when I read your June 25 issue. As a village resident living on the lake, I’m sick and tired of ‘fireworks.?
For the past two years, I head north to escape the chaos. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy the fireworks show that the village sponsors. In fact, it’s a beautiful show that we can be proud of.
What I object to is the amateur and unlicensed pyrotechnics that disrupt our rights of peaceful living the weeks before and after July 4th. Not only is our peace disturbed, but our children, pets, cars, boats, homes and ourselves are put in harms way.
Fireworks are illegal in Michigan and anyone caught setting them off is ticketed and fined.
Your articles: ‘How to transport fireworks safely,? and ‘How to store your unused fireworks? and ‘Research your fireworks to find what’s right for you? is irresponsible reporting.
What other illegal acts will you be informing our readers about? Let’s see — maybe you’ll be telling us how to transport chemical weapons, how to store dynamite or research your explosives to find out what’s right for you.
Why don’t you offer a website on all the accidents caused by fireworks?
Cynthia Schurman
Dear Editor,
Mike Hadley was ousted from the Village of Lake Orion Planning Commission according to village council president Bill Siver because as he stated,? he didn’t want two people from Park Island on the board.?
Siver then appointed a person from Bellevue Island to replace Hadley when there is already a person on Bellevue Island currently on the board. How much sense does that make?
Interestingly, at the previous planning commission meeting, Hadley was unanimously approved to be the committee’s vice chairman, and also interestingly — Siver voted in favor of Hadley’s appointment along with the sitting board members.
I wonder what happened at the next village council meeting that made Siver want to oust Hadley? No plausible reason was given except that according to Siver he wanted ‘experienced people? to serve even though Hadley has served faithfully for a year and a half.
The other interesting part was that no effort was even made to notify Hadley — even out of courtesy — that he was going to be voted off the board at the village council meeting.
The truly interesting part is that the person (Chuck Viers) who Siver appointed to replace Hadley is a campaign crony of Siver, Stephen, Van Portfliet and Patton and had worked for all those council members on their elections.
All those council members voted in favor of ousting Hadley and appointing Viers as Hadley’s replacement.
One must think long and hard if they want to volunteer to actively sit on any board or to serve the community as did Mike Hadley. Obviously their volunteerism is only relevant if it suits the village’s council’s agenda or their crony-ism.
I think Hadley is owed thanks for serving as well and as long as he did and he’s owed an apology for the rude and ungracious way he was dismissed.
Mark Brancheau
I bid farewell to the Oxford Community Schools Board of Education. I have asked myself, where did the seven years go? It was my honor serving the kids of Oxford these last several years.
As a board member you make decisions that are best for the school district as a whole. Many decisions you agonize over but you try and make intelligent, honest, and sincere judgments, I can honestly say that I gave it 100% and think Oxford is a better place for my involvement. I tried to bring integrity and commitment to the table, so being raked over the fire by this rogue editor of the Oxford Leader is something that I took very personal. Especially, when he has never attended a board meeting or has a clue on the many diverse agenda items that we address. The one board meeting, a few months back, that C. J. was supposed to attend because our regular reporter had a conflict, C, J. was a no show. Looking people in the eye and facing them is not on his agenda. His agenda is to criticize, and bad mouth everyone and everything. Take a drive by Kids Kingdom at Seymour Lake Park and tell me that’s not a good thing for our community.
People who serve on various boards and committees do so to improve the community that they live in. To be criticized and attacked by an uninformed, insensitive coward, and backed by The Oxford Leader, is something I cannot figure out. Jim Sherman, Sr. would never let his community be torn apart by this newcomer.
My resignation in May of this year was due to my personal battle with anxiety attacks. Over the last eighteen months only a few people knew what was going on. My close friends, my son, not even my employer knew, and that’s the way I wanted to keep it. But a sleepless night in May made me make a selfish decision to step down from the Board of Education.
My personal decisions are my business, not the business of an uninformed, gutless editor of the Oxford Leader, who writes for sensationalism and controversy.
Oxford is still a small community, and I look forward to seeing C. J. face to face. Because I will confront someone when I think it is necessary, and not bide behind the word processor in my office.
Ronald Etherton
Editor’s Note: The editor covers Oxford Village Council meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, which take place at the same time as school board meetings. The only time the editor is not at these council meetings on Tuesdays is when he must spend Tuesday night working at the office instead. Reporter Jenny Matteson covers the school board meetings as part of her assigned beat.
Leader editorials regarding Mr. Etherton’s resignation were not centered on his personal reasons for resigning, but his choice of timing.
It should be noted our competitor, the Oxford Eccentric, also editorialized on Etherton’s resignation stating, ‘The timing short-changes voters of the right and privilege to choose whom they would like to fill the balance of the term.?
We wish Mr. Etherton well in his retirement from school board, thank him for his years of service and hope his health situation improves. ? CJC
Dear Editor,
Congratulations to the Fire Department and all of the participants.
The Fourth of July parade was great again this year. How many hours and how many people did it take to construct the Free Methodist Church entry? It was fantastic.
Having so many participants is what makes it so much fun for the audience and what an audience we had.
Hope you all noticed the HIM member with the red, white and blue high heeled shoes.
This is a great community.
The James Schultz family
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
There are other businesses in the Village that have been around for more than 30 years.
Morgan’s has been in the Village under the same family ownership for 71 years. Clarkston Country Store Main Street Antiques has been here 32 years with the same owners.
We enjoy the Village and its residents and their support.
The James Schultz Family
Clarkston
Please, is there anything that can be done about the stunt airplanes practicing over Orion Oaks and Orion? They are very loud, turning off their engines and restarting in mid-air is dangerous.
Orion once was a beautiful community. It’s wrecked every Saturday and Sunday and some week nights by these stunt planes.
Can anyone tell me who I can contact to inform them about this problem. Thank you.
Pete
Dear Editor,
The childish temper tantrums erupting from elected officials in Oxford Public Fire and EMS Commission are outrageous.
OPFEC should have ended over four years ago when voters rejected its funding in two separate millage votes!
Our elected officials chose to override the voters and kept OPFEC alive by funding it from village and township excess tax dollars.
Doesn’t it set off any lights there is so much money left over from our government entities that we can support an entirely different entity ? a separate taxing authority in its own right ? for not just a couple of months, but for four years?
How much faith should we put in officials who without a doubt ignore our legal votes?
Ignored what men have died for?
Ignored our freedoms?
Township officials who are voted into office and represent ALL Oxford citizens are withdrawing from OPFEC (four years after we the people voted not to fund it anymore).
What happens next?
Officials stomp out of meetings, village officials lock the township out of the old fire hall (although township tax dollars updated and maintained the building for the last 15 years), and a variety of other backstabbing indecencies by our so-called ‘grown-up? officials.
If officials couldn’t agree on a means to close down OPFEC ? after four years ? then we applaud township officials for taking the belated first step to rid taxpayers of the stagnant albatross that we VOTED to bury long ago.
Elected officials need to understand the Constitution and their oath of office to uphold the Constitution.
Government is only a tool implemented for we the people, by the people and FOR the people.
Government is not to be used for personal agendas.
Sue Bellairs
Helen Barwig
Oxford Township
I was deeply offended by Jim Sherman’s remarks in the June 11 edition of The Clarkston News about President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton.
Why did you not mention the same benefits for all living Presidents and their families? But once again you had to attack the Clintons.
When my wife and I attended a play in Traverse City some time ago the lead actress was President Reagan’s daughter Patti. The Secret Service was providing around-the-clock protection for her.
I do not object the service provided by the United States government, but I do object to the narrow-minded journalism.
Mel Vaara
Clarkston
I agree with Jim Altene’s letter to the editor ‘Let voters decide on leaf burning issue.?
I too live in Clarkston in one of the many historical wood sided houses with a wood barn. My neighbors burn something, which makes me nauseous, and the debris floats through the air.
I know they light their fires on days when the wind will not blow smoke back into their homes. Do they realize the smoke wafts into other homes? I thought it was just me, but apparently the Environmental Protection agency says it is hazardous to all of our health. That is one reason to stop the burning.
Another reason, which I consider equally important, is the fire hazard to our homes. I am sure those that burn make sure the fire is far enough away from their home, so as not to catch fire. Unfortunately it is closer to my property with its many trees and barn.
Why place our homes, many of which are wood, in jeopardy when we have trash companies that will pick up yard waste for compost, at least two days a year where we can drop off our hazardous waste, and tree companies that will chip those large lawn limbs?
If the council will not abolish burn days, let the voters decide.
Nell Deake
Clarkston
Surprised is one word to describe how I felt when I read your article about Select Soccer. Annoyed is another.
Surprised because there is no mention of the Clarkston Select Soccer Club that is already established in Clarkston. Annoyed at the implication that Clarkston isn’t qualified to have their own team and that we need to rely on another city to come in and take over.
We have a great group of kids and parents that make up the Impact and Shadows teams of Clarkston. CCSSC’s philosophy is to develop the players to the best of their ability and ‘keep them loving the game of soccer.?
So if you are interested solely in player development with no regard for your children having fun than it is best to go elsewhere.
I think I can speak for the parents of Clarkston by saying that we have a quality select soccer program here in Clarkston. Instead of dividing our city we should work together and build on what we have.
Dena Menard
Soccer Mom
Dear Editor,
Here’s an answer to Peter complaining about stunt planes ‘ruining our community.? Give me a break!
Whenever I hear them I’m outside watching. It’s a free air show and I love it. Keep it up!
Pat & Ray
Dear Editor,
I’m terribly upset to find out the Road Commission for Oakland County would consider selling its property at the corner of Clarkston and Lapeer Roads to Wal-Mart.
The last thing we need at this already congested intersection is another large chain store. A facility of this size should be located further down Lapeer Road, if at all.
We don’t need a store of this magnitude in our area, not so close to the downtown corridor and the lakes. What happened to the quaint community feel of Lake Orion? Are we becoming too focused on the almighty buck?
Another factor to consider is that along with this large discount chain will also come crime. It’s a proven fact that in other locations where this retailer and others like it, ie, Meijer, crime has followed. I don’t think we need to invite this into our community either.
I truly hope that others in the community will express their disapproval to the road commission and that we will have a voice in such a decision.
Carol Ebner
Dear Editor,
This is in response to ‘Pete? letter in last week’s edition.
Apparently it’s true that ‘everyone likes something different.? We love the biplane practicing in our area. It’s enjoyed by our neighbors and visitors alike.
In fact, if you can find him, I’d like to go for a ride.
Michael Pollick
Dear Editor,
It behooves us all why the Orion Township Board of Trustees goes ahead and buys a $254,000 sewer jet cleaner without the citizens? approval and spends at least $10,000 to have a consulting firm do a study on whether or not we need a civic center.
Now we have township treasurer, planning commissioner and leather goods businessman or anything else he has his fingers in, James Marleau, telling us he’s looking at possibly turning the township’s public works over to Oakland County.
Marleau, you’re just like a lot of other business people. You always put the almighty buck first!
Marleau has been treasurer since 1996. He has approved increasing the cost of everything, especially the water and sewer rates. For a long time they stayed stabile until people like Eric Wilson, the Dywasuk, JoAnn Van Tassel (when she was on the township board), took it upon themselves to keep increasing township expenses without citizens? approval.
You people in this township should wake up (there are some of you out there who feel the same way I do, but very few). This township is going to end up being another Royal Oak Township and fall into state receivership, just like Hamtramack and Highland Park.
And if you think I’m spouting a lot of hot air, you should take a look back at what those cities like Hamtramack and Highland Park were like 50 years ago.
That’s where Chrysler, Sears, Dodge, Plymouth, Ford Chevy Gear and Axel, etc. were located.
You know what ruined these cities? The citizens weren’t paying attention. They were asleep when they should have been awake and history keeps repeating itself.
James Delavan
Dear Editor,
More than 600 employees work for the Oakland County Intermediate School District. How many Oakland County residents knew that?
More than OISD employees gross salaries of $100,000 or more and 17 staffers earn more than $90,000 annually.
Of course just like the buzz phrase, ‘It’s for the children,? interim OISD Superintendent Dan Austin states, ? I think we are comparable to local districts.?
The taxpayers of Oakland County are looked upon as a ‘cash cow? for the ISD while we have districts within the county talking about cutting out bus services and many other student amenities.
Meanwhile, we have Representative Ruth Johnson so frustrated with the ISDs lack of cooperation in supplying her with information on how the district operates and spends that she’s now planning to have hearings that will require ISD staff to give testimony.
I’m of the belief that the Michigan Association of School Board’s main goal is to teach its members how to stiff the taxpayer.
Does anyone else have the opinion that the expensive ISD bureaucracy should be dissolved?
Mary MacMaster
Compliments to Representative Ruth Johnson (R-Holly) who had the political courage to point out the overpriced, underachieving cost of our school administrations.
We have more than 600 school districts in Michigan, each with an outrageously expensive administrations. We should have county-wide school districts (as some states have) and thusly reform financially our education system.
When I pointed out this suggestion to Governor Granholm, I received a reply from her office that had nothing to do with my suggestion and was totally senseless.
Henry Gleisner
Oxford
Dear Lake Orion,
Lake Orion doesn’t need a Wal-Mart. There’s already enough traffic in Orion and Oxford.
Wal-Mart doesn’t treat its employees fairly and it buys a lot of its products from China, which most of it is slave labor!
Wal-Mart has been stepping on others too long!!
Jerome King
Dear Lake Orion,
Complements to Representative Ruth Johnson who had the political courage to point out the overpriced, underachieving cost of our school administrations.
We have over 600 school districts in Michigan, each with an outrageously expensive administration. We should have countywide schools districts (as some states have) and thusly reform financially our education system.
When I pointed out this suggestion to Gov. Granholm, I received a reply from her office that had nothing to do with my suggestion and was totally senseless.
Henry Gleisner
Dear Lake Orion,
This letter is in response to the many, many letters from James Delavan. I will only sign my initials as I don’t want to become the next victim of his barbs.
Delavan, I’m weary of your complaining about our township officials. As you have brought up several times, these are elected officials.
I’m personally acquainted with a few of these officials and feel strongly they are doing the job they were chosen for. I have yet to see your name on a ballot.
Do you really feel you could do a better job? If so, then run for one of the offices and see how the populace feels about you.
While I certainly understand your right to express yourself, and the freedom of speech idea, your letters do get tiring.
I believe you have too much time on your hands and you ned a life, as they say.
Why not volunteer your time instead of constantly writing letters criticizing others? There are many places your help would be greatly appreciated.
Drive a senior van; volunteer time at a convalescent center. Join a literacy group since you’re obviously a good reader and writer.
Help at the elementary school level, doing whatever they need doing — tutoring or reading to the kids or helping them with spelling and such.
Make a valuable contributions to society. Please, please, stop complaining and do something!!!
SE
Our first North Oakland Lakes Kiwanis Charity Golf Outing raised more than $1,400 on June 14.
We would like to thank you for your participation. Through your generous contributions we were able to send two foster children to summer camp and we are purchasing a brick to help support Spraypark at Clintonwood Park.
We would like to thank all of you who contributed prizes and hole sponsor money. It is people like you who make this world a better place to be. This event could not be the success that it is without you.
We thank you again for your generosity and look forward to next year.
Tammy Anderson
Chairperson/Secretary
Being very involved in the Clarkston Select Soccer program for years, we were taken aback by your article “introducing” select or travel soccer to Clarkston.
For years Clarkston’s travel club was affiliated with the Independence Township Parks and Recreation program, but we grew beyond their capabilities. We split into a separate entity led by some very dedicated and giving parents who donated hundreds of hours of volunteer efforts to launch our own Clarkston Select Soccer Club (CSSC.)
We have met and overcome many obstacles and are growing bigger and better every year. We enjoy a great working relationship with the Independence Township Parks and Recreation Department and the Clarkston School system. Recently held CSSC try-outs for the fall and spring seasons next year drew a record number of kids.
Today, we serve more than 250 young soccer players and their families from the Clarkston area and are very proud of our program and the level of play we have achieved. We train youngsters to compete at a level that prepares them for high school competition and play.
As parents working together, we have created an enviable program and look forward to many years of great soccer in the Clarkston area. To find out more about us please visit www.clarkstonsoccer.org
Mary and Andy Pinkos
Clarkston
Riding through the city park on Thursday I observed a DPW employee cutting the park with about a 26 inch push mower.
On Friday he was still pushing and cutting. Being a frugal taxpayer, I asked why the push mower and his reply was “it is new sod.” Where he was cutting the day before was not new sod. When I asked about it he said his supervisor wanted him to cut the entire park with the push mower. He said his supervisor, Pursley, was not in.
Thursday I reported to this same DPW employee that there was loose sand on the bike path being dangerous to bicyclists near Deer Lake Road just inside the city limits.
I now understand why I had to cut the brush blocking the side walk on M-15 and near the rivers so walkers and bicyclists could pass unobstructed.
Our little city has state of the art everything. They could certainly do a more efficient job of keeping the bike paths/sidewalks safer if they weren’t doing busy work with a push mower.
C.L.Weber
Clarkston
( Editor’s note: The Clarkston News contacted Clarkston DPW Director Bob Pursley. He said the push mower is only used on the new sod so the bigger mowers do not suck up the new sod or when the other two bigger mowers are in use. Pursley said it is not true that he instructs the employees to cut the entire park with a push mower. About the loose sand on the bike path, the DPW has identified the problem and is looking for ways to correct it. It is a county road so whenever Oakland County Road Commission grades the shoulder or it rains, gravel gets on the path. “It is a continuous problem. We clean it up and in a week it is dirty again. We have one full time employee and two part time employees. We can only do so much,” Pursley said. “We know brush needs to be trimmed but we can’t be everywhere at once.”)
A great big “thank you” to all my neighbors who so graciously donated their refundable cans/bottles to the cause.
Another great big “thank you” to Dan Gauthier at American Speedy Printing for donating their time and material in the copying of the flyers that got the word out.
And last, but not least, thanks to my husband for his support and help. May God bless each and every one of you.
Dolores Smart
Clarkston
I often have to catch up on The Clarkston News two or three weeks at a time. This morning as I was enjoying a little down time I was doing just that.
I seldom read Gargaro’s World but the headlines of July 16 and July 23 caught my attention. I can say with some confidence I have not missed anything of any value.
First regarding July 16th’s “Just make my cake, lady,” perhaps the country would be in better shape if people would stop having picnics and parties on Sunday, closed the stores and attended church. Since that is not likely to happen then people like Mr. Gargaro need to quit condemning those of us who do believe in God and stand up for our right to work and practice our religion.
Secondly, regarding July 23rd’s “It is a Harry problem,” I would much rather have children and adults reading a story about a boy wizard where the true theme is good vs. evil than to have either generation watching violence on television or playing violent video games.
There is nothing wrong with a child, senior citizen or anyone in between reading something a little light for a change.
You’re right Mr. Gargaro, you don’t get it. Somehow that does not seem to be a surprise.
Leah Jones
Waterford
I am one of your three readers, so I read your editorial the week of July 16 about the lady who sued Meijer because they fired her for not being willing to work on Sunday.
I couldn’t believe your statement of, “However, it is really unimportant what her religious beliefs are.” You may not be familiar with the commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy, but there are many of us who live it. Not only do we not work on Sundays, except for essential health care and emergency jobs, but we do not shop on Sundays, buy gas on Sundays, go to the show on Sundays, go out to eat on Sundays, etc.
In fact, I think that it would be wonderful if all stores were closed on Sundays. They used to be, you know, until the mid-60’s.
I have six children and as each of them has become old enough to work, wonderful employers who have respected their religious beliefs about not working on Sunday have hired them. Burger King, Subway, Big Boy, Office Max, JoAnn, Etc., Little Caesar’s in Troy and the Chocolate Moose are a few of the places that my children have worked.
No, they didn’t work at Meijer. My daughter applied there and was told that if she didn’t work on Sunday then she couldn’t work at Meijer whether it was for religious reasons or not. My daughter indicated that she could not work on Sundays on her application, was interviews anyway, and was berated for not being willing to change her mind. This is illegal, Kyle, whether you like it or not.
“Michigan law prohibits discrimination in employment, education, housing, public accommodation, or public service. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has authority to accept complaints based on unlawful considerations of religion, race, color…” etc. This included being refused employment.
And no, we are not “kooky.” There are many religious groups that sill believe in keeping the Sabbath.
Gerri Hofer
Clarkston
We are writing to thank Miss Claire, the children’s librarian at the Independence Township Library, for a great summer reading program.
We had so much fun at all the activities, especially the final day with the moon walk, ice cream sundaes, games and cool prizes. (Egghead was funny, too.)
Miss Claire is an awesome librarian. She knows everyone’s name and always takes a minute to stop and talk to us when we are in the library. We have been going to the Wednesday morning storytime program since we were three, but this is the first year we were old enough for the summer program, and it was so cool.
If you don’t know Miss Claire, you should go to the library to meet her. She’s a great librarian and a nice friend.
Jillian Richey, 5-years old
Abby Wilson, 5-years old
Clarkston
I want to thank The Clarkston News for its great coverage of SCAMP.
SCAMP is truly one of the most wonderful things in this area.
Jeff Weger
Clarkston
“Happiness was,” to have Gini and Jim plan a “Pre-90th” birthday surprise party for Bob, as we would not be here, Dec. 24.
Our Robertson Court families all came, laden with the usual good food.
Gini and Jim had a birthday sign – and a huge cake, all sang, which was a tear-jerker.
Our loving thanks and hugs for all.
Uldene and Bob Jones
Clarkston
I thought the Clarkston schools are all about the kids. It’s obvious the community wanted Tony Miller as a member of the board or he wouldn’t have won the election and it’s also obvious Tony’s athletes want him as a coach.
Why is he not allowed to do both? Is it really a conflict of interests or is it a conflict of egos and personalities? I could understand Tony not being allowed to be a member of the board and coach if he were hurting someone or working against what the school says it stands for, but Tony is all for the kids of this community.
The board had a lawyer who “interpreted” the law into a long lecture against Tony. he also said laws are put there for a reason and Clarkston schools should want to uphold all laws. I sure hope the rest of the nation doesn’t feel that way, because a lot of people would be in serious trouble.
For instance, in Iowa, a law states that a kiss can last for as long as five minutes, but not any longer. In New Mexico, females area strictly forbidden to appear unshaven in public. What if I sent my children to school in West Virginia? Their breath better not smell of wild onions, and if my husband wanted to buy alcohol in Pennsylvania, he can’t unless he has written permission from me.
Are these laws being upheld? Hardly! Are they for the benefit of the people of this wonderful nation? No! If a “law” is keeping a decent hard-working man with a heart big enough for every student in this district from helping children in a way he loves, should it be upheld? Is it truly a law or an opinion?
Well, my opinion is that you don’t find many loving and giving people anymore who are willing to donate their time for their community. I support Tony Miller and I know I don’t stand along. That is not an opinion; it is a fact.
Tammy Layton
Yes, Tony Miller should be able to serve on the school board while continuing to coach football. We should encourage all board members to be involved in various school functions to better understand the students and their needs.
As 27-year residents of Clarkston, we don’t see it as a conflict of interest, but as an interest which benefits the school district.
Ron and Cindy Juzysta
First and foremost, the community knew what Tony Miller was involved in when they voted him in. Also that is how so many people knew of him is from his coaching career.
I feel that Tony Miller would do a wonderful job at his board position as trustee, also as an assistant varsity coach he is very dedicated in what ever he may be involved in. I feel he could keep them separate.
Charles Miller
I feel that Tony Miller would do a wonderful job at his board position as trustee, also as an assistant varsity coach he is very dedicated in what ever he may be involved in. I feel he could keep them separate. This is not only affecting Mr. Miller, it is also affecting the team he would have been coaching. I don’t understand why he can’t coach but the coaches may call him and get his opinion on what he would do in a certain situation.
Katherine Eghbalian
Upon reading your recent article I began asking myself how in fact there would be any conflict for a board member who volunteers their time to assist with a school function.
The current situation at hand being that of a board member versus assisting in the coaching of a sports team for the school. If this is a conflict of interest does this mean that as a board member who determines funding for other school events such as field trips, could not additionally volunteer to be a chaperone for the event without being subjected to scrutiny and considered potentially biased. Are we saying that board members can’t be active with those they are so closely working for, the students? Come on now, I don’t believe that.
I would think that these so-called laws may have been set to prevent those on a board from inciting policies that would benefit themselves or their family members. Like a teacher on the board determining raises for their own pay, or that of board member’s awarding contracts to a family business for the sake of profit. These are the issues of bias I would consider in need of and worthy of protection.
These topics such as sports teams and extracurricular activities are for the most part set entities within the school and would seem to have very little potential for bias by the board, let alone a single member.
Are we saying that on the opposite side of the coin a single member against some standard practice of the school such as sports teams could impart their bias to eliminate the activity as well? I again would think not.
There are some things that are just the way they are. Clarkston has always had and always will have excellent programs for the students like sports, band, drama, of which many of these activities rely on the interest and offerings of citizens like Tony Miller who have devoted their time to be a positive influence in the lives of the young people of our community.
I would prefer to see the board involved and in touch with those they so closely serve. To assume they should insulate themselves is ridiculous, and addresses why in years past the focus hasn’t always been that of the most important commodity this community has: the children. I would say those who initiated such a conflict for the school should reevaluate their intent and understand their own bias assuming others are of there own nature.
Let the man coach.
I feel that Tony Miller would do a wonderful job at his board position as Trustee, also as assistant varsity coach.
He is very dedicated in whatever he may be involved in. I feel he could keep them separate. This is not only affecting Mr. Miller, but it is also affecting the team he would have been coaching.
If it were a problem why did the athletic department promote him to assistant varsity from assistant junior varsity coach until all this began?
Sandra Miller
Clarkston
Shame on you, Dr. Roberts and the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education.
Tony Miller is being denied the position of assistant football coach (an unpaid position he has held for 10 years) for Clarkston High School, due to conflict of interest because he is a newly elected member of the school board.
In reference to an article published in the Aug. 23, 2003 Oakland Press, Mr. Miller consulted with Assistant Superintendent David Reschke prior to the election and was told there would be no conflict of interest. Dr. Roberts, you have a responsibility for what your staff is recommending.
This issue has gone too far, Tony Miller should be on the football field and on the School Board, doing what we elected him to do. We voted for Mr. Miller because of our contact with him thorough the football program. He is an excellent example of the high moral values and conduct that is so beneficial to our young people today.
We applaud and support his desire to pursue this issue. There is no conflict of interest but rather just sincere interest in the students of this community on several levels. Put politics aside, Dr. Roberts, shouldn’t all interests benefit the children?
Mike and Vicki Navarre
I thought Clarkston Schools are all about the kids?
It’s obvious that the community wanted Tony Miller as a member of the board or he wouldn’t have won the election and it’s also obvious that Tony’s athletes want him as a coach. Why is he not allowed to do both?
Is it really a conflict of interests or is it a conflict of egos and personalities. I could understand Tony not being allowed to be a member of the board and coach if he were hurting someone or working against what the school says it stands for, but Tony is all for the kids of this community.
The Board has a lawyer who “interpreted” the law into a long lecture against Tony. He also said that laws are put there for a reason and Clarkston Schools should want to uphold all laws. I sure hope the rest of the nation doesn’t feel the same way, because a lot of people would be in serious trouble. For instance, in Iowa – a law states that a kiss can last for as long as five minutes, but not any longer and in New Mexico – females are strictly forbidden to appear unshaven in public. What if I sent my children to school in West Virginia? Their breath better not smell of wild onions and if my husband wanted to buy alcohol in Pennsylvania, he can’t unless he has written permission from me.
Are these laws being upheld? Hardly! Are they for the benefit of the people of this wonderful nation? No! If a “law” is keeping a decent hard-working man with a heart big enough for every student in this district from helping children in a way he loves, should it be upheld? Is it truly a law or an opinion? Well, my opinion is that you don’t find many loving and giving people anymore who are willing to donate their time for their community.
I for one support Tony Miller and I know I don’t stand alone. That is not an opinion; it is a fact.
Tammy Layton
I read Don Rush’s column in the Aug. 27 edition of The Clarkston News and have only one thing to say: You go Don.
There is no reason Mr. Miller shouldn’t be able to do both jobs. For close to 20 years now I have listened and watched the school board. I have in the past tried to communicate with the board on one or two occasions with little or no success over certain issues, leaving me with a feeling of frustration and helplessness.
I have also had the experience of hearing Mr. Miller and think he would be a fine addition to the board. He appears to possess common sense and honesty, something sadly lacking in the world at this time. I think Rush is right on target when he said the board is there for the people, not the other way around.
Wendy Kraus
Clarkston
Many thanks to Jennifer Nemer for the wonderful feature story about my good friend Judith Hoddinott.
I have been privileged to know Judy for many years and she absolutely is “dedicated to volunteerism,” although that headline doesn’t even begin to capture the depth of Judy’s commitment to giving of herself to help others. I have never seen a task that Judy wouldn’t accept willingly and accomplish thoroughly and successfully.
Her talents truly are boundless and she applies those talents with quiet grace in every aspect of her life as a wife, mother, nurse, artist, dancer, organ procurement specialist and volunteer for schools, numerous charitable organizations and community activities.
Judy Hoddinott is the embodiment of the word “volunteer” in that she gives of herself generously and with no expectation of receiving anything in return. In fact, she literally shies away from any sort of recognition for her innumerable good works. Every time I am with Judy, I find myself looking behind her to see if I can catch a glimpse of a pair or wings, for she truly is an angel here on Earth.
On behalf of all of those whose lives you have touched, Judy – thank you.
Dana Fortinberry
Clarkston
Within the past two weeks the building of Trillium Village has begun on what is familiarly known as the former “Ritter Property,” to the west of Hummingbird Lane.
In spite of many protests, we can see and hear the huge bulldozers destroying the age-old stand of trees, disturbing the wetlands and the environment of our community. Isn’t the name of this development even a contradiction?
We owe all of this to the Independence Township Council and the local developers with “deep pockets.” I just this week heard a commentator say, in reference to a similar project, “follow the money, someone is getting rich off this deal.”
We know who you are.
Norma White
Clarkston
I have read both editorials from parents affiliated with the Clarkston Select Soccer Club in response to the article on Jim Sinclair starting the Clarkston Metro-Stars/Gators. I am a Clarkston resident and Clarkston Gator parent who would like the opportunity to respond to those editorials.
I take offense to anyone thinking they can “speak for the parents of Clarkston.” What they feel is a quality soccer program and what someone else feels is a quality soccer program may be different. It should be up to each individual family to research and compare what each club has to offer and make that decision. I feel that having a choice is a good thing, whether you are trying to decide where to shop, live, attend school or worship.
I also feel the implied statement that the Metro-Stars/Gators organization has “no regard for your children having fun” couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone that would like to visit a practice and watch the players laugh and interact with their trainer is more than welcome. The reputation and philosophy of the Metro-Stars/Gators are well known and respected.
Are there families that couldn’t be happier or more proud of CSSC? Of course there are. Are there families that would rather not play with CSSC? Yes, there are. Yet I don’t think that is necessarily a direct reflection of the club or the people affiliated with it.
Families need to be able to make decisions based on what is best for them. I hope others don’t take those decisions personally and are respectful of that freedom.
Are there wonderful parents that have worked hard to build the CSSC? Of course there are. Are there wonderful parents working hard to build the Clarkston Metro-Stars/Gators? Yes, there are. I do believe that is a direct reflection of our community.
It appears to me that Clarkston is blessed in all that it has to offer our children and that the parents always work hard and are supportive. Many of us chose to live here for that very reason.
The children that want to play soccer but were turned away because of the shortage of teams and/or positions now have another opportunity to play. How can that be a bad thing? We can’t lose sight of what’s important here. It’s not important which club the kids play for but that they get to play soccer and develop a lifelong love of the game.
I know that is Jim Sinclair’s vision and his passion; he would like to see every child that would like to play soccer have the chance to play.
I see no reason why a second select soccer club in the area has to divide our city, our parents or our children if the focus is kept on what is best for the children.
Susan Batchik
Clarkston
As advocates for educational opportunities for our children, the Academic Boosters of Clarkston are concerned by the recent disagreement withing the Board of Education.
We urge a speedy resolution to the matter, without further cost or waste of time that could be better spent on educational issues.
Sherri Kerby
President, ABC’s
One thing which distinguishes us in the United States from residents of most other countries is the choice we have made to follow the “Rule of Law.”
This keeps us from being barbarians, from experiencing chaos, from depending on the whims of others for our freedom. And, we have chosen this path deliberately, democratically.
Sometimes we forget how important this principle is, and chose to bend it to our special wishes. Some of those choices can be harmful, but are viewed by us as “minor.” For example, who among us has not driven over the speed limit (where is it written that five miles over the limit is reasonable?); who among us has not turned right on a red traffic signal, when it is clearly prohibited; who among us has not elected to speed up at a yellow traffic light, only to find that we have gone through a red light; who among us has not gone through a stop sign, just because there was “no traffic in sight?” Yet, any one of these acts could cause injury to someone.
I have followed the controversy surrounding the effort of newly elected Clarkston School Board member Tony Miller to continue as an assistant football coach. I voted for him, I sympathize with him, but I don’t agree with him. We can’t be deciding issues on the basis of just whether we like a person. I liked what I heard about him and voted for him to be on the Board, but I didn’t invite him to “do whatever he pleased,” as a legally elected public official.
What is next? Shall we have the presidents or bargainers of the various groups of school employees, with which the School Board must negotiate employment contracts periodically, be on the Board if “we happen to like them?” Shall we have contractors, with whom the Board contracts to do business, be on the Board? Talk about chaos.
Sometimes living by principles, especially legal principles, can be painful, but it is appropriate. I applaud the School Board and Superintendent Al Roberts for doing what is right, even though it is unpopular.
We have selected these neighbors to represent us; we expect them to be democratic and principled. We should not condemn them for their integrity. What kind of message do you suppose such condemnation sends to the next generation of community members and leaders – the students?
We have had our freedom of speech. Let us move on. Let us enjoy all our freedoms. Let us live by our principles. Let us accept our responsibilities as Americans. Let us be an example to our young people.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Among the Letters to the Editor in the Sept. 3, 2003 edition of The Clarkston News, Norma White wrote “…someone is getting rich off this deal. We know who you are.”
The reference was to the project entitled “Trillium Village.” We all know the developers and builders intend to make money on the project, so it’s unlikely Norma White is referencing those individuals.
The clear insinuation is that someone on the Township Board, in the Building Department or otherwise making decisions related to this project is receiving money for making their decisions other than their normal paycheck.
I, as the Independence Township Supervisor, challenge Norma White or anyone else with knowledge of illegal payments to step forward and make the facts public. If anyone in Township government “is getting rich off this deal,” the Township will take every legal step it can to punish the offenders.
Dale Stuart
Independence Township Supervisor
The Spraypark Committee would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Spraypark at Clintonwood, as of August 27, 2003. With your generous contributions, we have raised over $20,000 since April.
As many of you are aware, the Committee’s goal is to raise a total amount of $153,000 by 12-31-03. To celebrate our achievements and to get ready for the next four months to come, the Committee is hosting a KICKOFF Celebration at Clintonwood Park September 13 at 10am. Everyone is welcome! For additional information about the KICKOFF or about the Spraypark, please visit www.clarkstonspraypark.org or contact Ralph and Michele Przybylski at (248) 625-1386.
Girl Scout Troop #444, Ken and Carol Gill, The Meagher Family, The Gallagher Family, Jeremy Gill, Marion Miszcak, The James Smith Family, Dr. Richard Bolton, DDS, The 2003 Staff at Springfield Plains Elementary, The Conwell Family, Jeff Long, 2003 Student Council, The Hoffman Family, The Walker Family, Mary Schleusener, The Lowney Family, Dave Smith of State Farm Insurance, The Clark Family, Clarkston Coalition for Youth, The Meloche Family, Erika Rodgers, 02-03 CHS French X, Rita Burdick, Tom Biggs, Oxford Bank, Bailey Lake PTA, Brian & Maura Plante, The Otenbaker Family, Frank & Carole Meyers, The Twisted Sisters, The Blazevic Family, Jeff, Theresa, Jordan & Jacob LaPorte, Cathy Perry, The Cesario Family, The Torpey-VanSimaeys Family, Mark Endreszl & the Marksmen Corporation, Nancy, Amanda & Austin Guzman, The Reilly Family, Jo & Jerry Samluk, Dree Anne Wint, Dr. Richard J Baker, DDS, Gail Johnson, Optim Eyes-Dr. Todd Staniszewski, OD, ‘02-03 Clarkston Middle School Student Body, Dasuqi’s/Lil’ Peoples Place, The Licata Family, John & Ann Craven, Dale, Lori, Cal and Anna Wheeler, The Families of Stone Valley Subdivision, Elizabeth Van Horn, The Nicklins, Michael, Deirdre, Devin & Enya Spaulding, The Zak Family, The Moms Club of Clarkston, Mike Kopec, Mike Mizusawa, Baiba Ejups, The Przybylski Family, Nancy Linton, Jim, Larissa, JT, Roxanna & Michael Thornton, The Jensens, Cheryl McNeil, The Marmon Family, The Clarkston High School Graduating Class of 2003, The Leech Family, The Kelton Turner Family, The 2003 CHS Leadership Class, Jane Brodsky, Megan Gula, Virgil, Devon & Michael Martin, Endreszl and Associates Engineering, N. Oakland Kiwanis Club, Gail Hess, Walter & Jan Denio, Alison Grieme, The Yeloushan Family, Karen Czarnecki, Steve Cantrell, Albert & Margarette Gill, Elaine Peterson, Clarkston Elementary PTO, Clarkston Elementary K-Kids 2003, Linda Start, John & Millie Ham, The Davies Family, Auburn Hills Sam’s Club, Amy Wilson, Clarkston Schools Transportation, Clarkston Health Center, Martin Heiss, Michele Alli, Jeanne Molzon, Clarkston Allergy and Asthma (C.L. Cookingham, MD and D.D. Harrison, MD), Kevin Berman, Wickersham Homes, Inc., Dan & Kara Fuller, 2003 Clarkston Baseball Team, 2003 CHS Cheer Teams, Clarkston High School Attendance Office, Metro Stars/Gators Soccer Team, The Sinclair Family, Vicky Morrison and Family, Impressive Type, IGD Solutions and the Clarkston Optimist Club, Bob and Kelley Kostin.
Spraypark Committee
We would like to thank the CHS football players, coaches, parents, and the community for their tremendous support of the “Rush for Food” effort that was held August 22 benefiting Lighthouse Clarkston. Over 2,000 pounds of food was collected which filled an empty pantry and should last for several months. The players worked very hard!
We also like to thank Joe Lunghamer Chevrolet for their donations to fund the player pre-“Rush” picnic; left over funds were directly donated to Lighthouse. Thank you, also, to Nick and Peggy Sorise, owners of The Fenton Hotel, who donated burgers and buns for the pre-“Rush” picnic. The support by these businesses of the CHS football program and Lighthouse is greatly appreciated.
For the sixth year in a row our community was very generous and helped make this project a big success. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s efforts.
CHS Rush for Food Committee
Another green space in Independence Township has “bit the dust” and the sad fact is the ones responsible are local developers.
This so called progress is taking place at the former Ritter property in the vicinity of Dixie Highway and Maybee Road.
Last year, nearby residents tried their best to stop this new condo development; meetings were held, petitions were signed, all to no avail. The biggest concern was the inevitable increase in traffic in an area where the traffic situation is already the worst in the township.
Quoting a once popular song, we are still “paving paradise to put up a parking lot,” with no concern for the quality of life or future consequences. How very sad that these people are so short sighted and only interested in the profits they will reap at the expense of our community.
Jan Valliencourt
Clarkston
After the Ten Commandments and their author have been given an “Exodus” from our courts and so called places of justice, now to whom shall we swear to witness, truth and fidelity to and on what shall we place our hand?
Let us guess, we shall place our left hand on an object of no symbolic value adjudged to be politically correct and inoffensive and of no value or respect to anyone.
Then raising our right hand, we shall swear to tell the truth, and in fact the whole truth that is politically correct and essentially enlightens or offends no one nor advances the truth, so help me Lucifer.
Dr. James A. O’Neill
Clarkston
I’m a 65-year-old wife, mother, step grandmother and great grandmother. My husband, Fred, and I are fortunate to live with ou three Shih Tzus in a little stone house surrounded by English-style flower gardens on Big Lake Road in Davisburg.
I recently decided to get serious about diet and exercise. I power walk two to three miles every day in the morning and after our evening meal. As I walked I would notice trash scattered along the road.
After about a week of complaining to myself about it, I decided to adopt one mile of the road. Each morning I would stick a plastic grocery bag in my pocket and, on my return trip, pick up the litter. It took me over a week to accomplish my goal.
Was it humiliating? Not really. I’m loved and respected by my family, friends and students and my self esteem is firmly in place. One power walker approached me with a can she picked up and handed it to me saying with a smile, “good job.”
I actually began looking forward to walking as I could enjoy the differences I was making along the way. I soak in the pristine sky, woods and, now, a pristine path.
People still throw litter out their car windows but I am not obsessing about it. I now collect the litter about once a week. It’s not much.
After all there must have been years’ worth of litter before I began. If this story inspires any other walkers to adopt their own paths what a wonderful, pristine world we would live in.
Carole Overall
Davisburg
Mr. Miller was elected by a majority of voters to represent all students in the Clarkston School District.
He should not waste our education dollars on his desire to coach approximately one percent of the students. He should also realize that he has a fiduciary responsibility for all Clarkston students.
For the good of Clarkston Schools, Mr. Miller should put this issue behind him. It is time to get on with his duties or resign as a school board trustee.
Betty Reilly
Clarkston
A little rain and cooler weather did not deter the annual Labor Day Parade in downtown Clarkston from being held.
The crowds may have been smaller, but the enthusiasm was still evident, especially among the children lining the streets of Clarkston. The Clarkston Rotary has sponsored this annual event for the past 60 years.
Complete with umbrella, this year’s Grand Marshal, Ken Winship, seemed to be taking the weather in stride while riding in a Jaguar convertible. He captured the moment by video recording the people along the parade route.
More than 40 entries participated this year, including several that registered moments before the parade began. The theme for this year’s parade was “Lend a Hand,” based upon the Rotary theme chosen by this year’s Rotary International President, Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, a lawyer from Nigeria.
Awards were given for best float, the First Congregational Church; best theme, Coldwell Banker and president award, SCAMP.
The Clarkston Rotary is proud of its longtime heritage in providing community service for the Clarkston and Independence Township area, especially organizing the Labor Day Parade.
Thank you to all that participated in the parade, as well as those who waited patiently along the streets for the parade to begin.
See you at next year’s parade.
Joel DeLong
Clarkston Rotary President
I completely agree with Shirley Wilson’s letter about Rudy’s selling all those flowers.
Clarkston is a merchant community struggling to increase its retail popularity and keep up in this tight economy.
It seems to me the village retailers would benefit more by mutually agreeing about who sells what products. Instead they choose to stab each other in the back. How cooperative is that?
I see no reason to display and sell flowers at Rudy’s Meat Market. Shame on you fellows.
Judy McConnell
Clarkston
Clarkston Community School District would like to thank T&C Federal Credit Union for supporting district children in need through the Stuff A Bus program.
This wonderful program not only provided supplies for our schools, but is also provided 30 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to the Mentor Plus kids in Clarkston.
Unloading the stuffed buses provides a valuable experience for school staff and volunteers. Our District has gained a sense of how this wonderful program works and has seen first-hand how much the Oakland County community cares for children in need.
Thank you for providing your support to children in the Clarkston Community Schools.
Clarkston Community School District
Communications and Marketing Department
I read with sadness the article in your September 24 issue, “Allen Road puppy shot.” Poor Lucy is an innocent animal and, in a perfect world, the person who shot her would be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Was Lucy at home inside her fenced yard when this happened? If not, Lucy’s owners are also responsible for this tragedy.
According to the Independence Township Animal Ordinance, Section 5-5: It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog to allow or permit such a dog to run at large. At large shall mean any animal that is off the property of its owner and not under the physical control of a competent person. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
The owners of the dog are ultimately responsible for her health and well-being. If they jeopardize her safety by allowing her to run “at large,” knowing there are crazy people in the world who are not “dog-friendly,” then they are partly to blame.
Please understand that I am not supporting the sick person who shot Lucy, by any means. I am advocating responsible dog ownership. It is the primary responsibility of the owner to protect the dog. She can’t do it herself.
Mary Ann Saranen
Clarkston
I am writing in response to the letters concerning the sale of flowers at Rudy’s Market.
I am unsure of the reason why Mrs. Wilson feels threatened by Rudy’s selling flowers. She has a beautiful, well established, up-scale flower business. Anyone who knows Clarkston, knows The Parsonage.
On the other hand, anyone who knows Clarkston, knows Rudy’s. Their selection of wine, meat and produce is fabulous. I think the vibrant color that is added to our main street by the sale of these flowers is a plus.
The beauty of living in America is that we have the freedom of choice – let the customers decide what and where we buy our goods. I can walk into any store downtown and pick up a greeting card. I never feel limited, which is awesome.
I applaud all the retail stores in Clarkston for keeping up with the times, and providing us with the diversity of a big city in a small town atmosphere.
Sarah Didion
A loyal Parsonage and Rudy’s Customer
Every nonprofit project and organization in our community is dependent on the energy, generosity, and commitment of volunteers to be successful. Without such resources, many important things would not get done.
Some volunteers go the extra step by serving in leadership positions, which requires an even greater involvement by them. They are especially important and precious.
The North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy is a more than 30 year old community organization, fortified by dedicated volunteers, which has helped preserve over 1,000 acres of land. This land helps the community strive to retain its special character.
Many NOHLC volunteers have worked hard, and continue to work hard, to protect that natural habitat. Two NOHLC stalwarts, who have served longer than most, are about to retire from their leadership positions: President Bob Inskeep and Vice President Fred Roeser.
Bob and Fred should be recognized for their years of excellent service. They are the kind of neighbors who enable our community to accomplish so much.
NOHLC has been fortunate to have the unselfish and dependable leadership of Bob
Inskeep and Fred Roeser. Let us salute them and thank them.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
With regard to the letter from the owner of the Parsonage: Maybe downtown Clarkston could use a dose of healthy competition.
Since when can only one business sell a specific item exclusively? Rudy’s has gone to great lengths to improve their store. Their inviting and unique storefront is welcoming to those visiting from out of town and to those of us who live here.
In my opinion, this kind of competition and improvement can only help all of the business owners. It’s a great start to revitalize our downtown
Thanks,Rudy’s!
Jane O’Rourke
Clarkston
Thanks for helping make the SCAMP/L.E. Wint Golf Outing a “Hole in One!”
Everyone enjoyed a wonderful day; the weather was perfect for a day of golf and a few of the SCAMPers got to meet the wonderful people who make their summer dream a reality.
Your prize donation of gift certificates was greatly appreciated. We raised more than $23,000 for the SCAMP program and the L.E. Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park.
SCAMP, a summer day camp for special needs youth and young adults allowed 362 SCAMPers the chance to enjoy five weeks of sun and fun this summer. One part of the summer fun is a chance to visit the L.E. Wint Nature Center. Opportunities like this don’t come easy for the families of the SCAMPers and we are so privileged to be able to provide this enriching experience.
Without the generosity of people like you the special needs youth of North Oakland County and Southern Genesee County would not be able to benefit from the SCAMP program. On behalf of the North Oakland SCAMP Funding Corporation and Oakland County Parks and Recreation, we would like to thank you for your contribution.
Donna Clancy
Mark Verlinden
Scott Vanderveen
SCAMP
This letter is in regards to your reporter Don Schelske’s substantive error in his on the scene coverage of our Independence Township Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, Sept. 25 and my position and subsequent vote.
He reported my concerns regarding an off-site septic easement and other issues but totally reversed my voted position on a motion (Caruso) and support (Kessler) to not set a date for a future public hearing before the Planning Commission deliberating as the township “wetland board” but to refer the matter back to the Building and Planning Department to be dealt with administratively. I disagreed.
Regardless, after the meeting, I explained to the concerned neighbors and representatives of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy; it is early in the process at the township level. The developer and property owner could not attend that P.C. meeting and represent their wetland fill request. Had the commission set a future public hearing date they would have been invited to attend.
The Oakland County sanitary permit which is another step facing the potential developer of the property has been rescinded pending legal review.
The neighbors will have every opportunity to file an appeal to be heard at the Township Board level and I believe have already followed my suggestion to do so.
Our Township Wetland ordinance has jurisdiction on this site and whether the permit request is before the Administration or the “wetland board” it is under those controls.
Daniel Travis
Township Trustee and Township Board Liaison to the Planning Commission
We at Oakland Woods Baptist Church would like to thank you for your contribution to the Family Fun Festival event, which was held on Sept. 13.
With your support the event was a huge success. We had beautiful weather and about 500 parents and children visited from the community.
Again, we deeply appreciate your contribution and look forward to working with you again.
Celeste Mayes
Event Coordinator
First of all, our sympathies and prayers to the Waller family, especially Lucy. Thank God no one else was hurt. Do not know all the facts, but just how do you justify shooting a family pet? Makes absolutely no sense at all. Firearms being discharged in a populated area is obviously very dangerous but it is not why I am writing this letter.
I have been holding back writing about the subject of family and pet safety for some years. We have lived in this wonderful community for more than 10 years. This message is to all the folks out there who truly value and love their four-legged family members. That’s right, they are more than just “pets,” and let’s try not to refer to them as “animals.” Most dogs and cats are more humane than their supposed owners.
Now to the real reason for this note. We are responsible for the care and safety of our pets. I am sure it makes us all sick every time we see a “Lost and Found” poster on a tree. There is a story behind every one of these posters. The agony, waiting, wondering and most of all, “Is the pet suffering? Sometimes accidents do happen and pets get loose, hopefully they are properly tagged and can be returned to their families.
Unfortunately, many are not. Most of these incidents could be avoided if people just used some common sense such as keeping your pets leashed or behind safe barriers. I am sure there are laws to address legal shootings but there are also laws/rules that we as responsible owners must follow as guidelines to protect our loved ones.
There are many of us who do not appreciate having your pets run loose causing disturbances; someone could get hurt. Why is it, just because we have all this open land, people think it is OK to let their pets run loose? You would not do this in the city. I believe there are leash laws and other ordinances that address these issues.
We have had several incidents with unleashed “pets” and I do emphasize the word pets. These were licensed pets. My wife, two dogs and myself were attacked by two very large dogs. The breed is not important; what is important here is the owner did not have the dogs tied up! Almost killed one of our dogs. We have also been “charged” by unleashed dogs while the owner just stands there and tries to call them back! By the way, our dogs were leashed and under control.
Unfortunately, we now view every dog as a possible threat. Ever have 50-150 pounds of uncontrolled rage going for your pet or your throat?
Don’t get me wrong. I do not defend people who terrorize, shoot or abuse defenseless, docile type creatures or our pets. These “animals,” masquerading as humans, need to be identified, charged and prosecuted to the full extent of the law and then some. But this is not enough. We must do everything possible to ensure the safety of our pets and neighbors.
In closing I would like to say thanks to all who abide by the local ordinances, common sense and just good old-fashioned common courtesy. Your neighbors appreciate it and most of all our “four-legged friends.” Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the “three-legged ones,” too. God love ‘em all! Let’s keep everyone safe and enjoy the beautiful fall season.
Mark Stesney
Lisa Valentine wrote the article on “Officials plan to fight M-24 property swap.” I would like to know what our elected officials in Orion Township are trying to accomplish.
They regularly fight every business that attempts to locate in Orion Township. They keep trying to tell us it will add further traffic burden to our already crowded roads.
Look at how they helped us in the Baldwin, Joslyn and Brown Road corridor. Auburn Hills receives all the tax base and we suffer with the traffic.
Do they think that just adding subdivisions will regulate the additional traffic? Mike Weger has been a business owner within Orion Township for the past 25 years and has served our area well.
I believe it’s time to place some of the tax burden on additional business and help out our local residents. Maybe it’s time for a change as THEY ARE ELECTED OFFICIALS.
Art Schrah
Do I have this right? If the Weger and DNR land swap goes through, some 90 acres of unused land worth three or 4 million dollars will go back on the township’s tax roles and you want to fight this in court.
Please, start running our township like it was a business.
You still control the zoning, so please take this gift and use the additional tax dollars to do some good like fix some of the terrible roads in our township.
Larry Elzerman
The natatorium (swimming pool) is a big success with LOHS students. However, I feel betrayed by the board of education about the use of this facility. I want to see more time and more schedule consistency for community access.
Back when we were voting for the new high school, the pool (which was listed as separate millage) was rejected by the community.
I did some research then and found that for the past 25 years, township residents refused to pay for a pool they couldn’t enjoy. So I approached the board with this information and with hundreds of signatures on a petition that supported a “community” pool built on high school property.
It would be designed and operated so that the residents (and other paying customers) had access similar to community centers in other towns.
This is why the pool has a separate shallow section that is kept at a higher temperature so that the very young and the very old would be more comfortable in the water.
This plan was broadcast to the community and it approved the seven million dollar pool (natatorium) by a two-to-one margin in a special election less than a year after the high school was approved.
Since the pool opened, the hours for community access have dwindled and the schedule has long been inconsistent and unreliable (meaning the pool was closed when it was posted as open).
This has created a demand for other pools to be built in and around Lake Orion as part of fitness centers that require membership fees. Many of the disgruntled citizens that I contacted share this opinion and they are enrolling at these other facilities that better meet their customer’s needs.
In contrast, the Brandon Aquatic Center is open to residents and staffed from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. Residents can use the pool even during the school day and the pool is open all summer. They even have a punch card system that charges residents $1.69 per swim.
Consider all of the segments of the community that are served by Brandon’s schedule: stay-at-home moms with/without preschoolers, retirees, people that want to exercise and start work by 7:30 a.m., second shift assembly plant workers, etc.
How long does the leadership in this community think that it can get away with this kind of neglect to those who paid for the pool? (Think outside the school!).
Don’t ponder too long because there is always another millage vote on the horizon. Then you will find out how many citizens trust what you are trying to sell.
Mark Modlin
We here at the Orion Senior Center will miss Debra Caverly. Many of us feel she was the LIFE of the center.
If we had known she was hired in by a grant and that the grant needed to be renewed, we would have done all in our power to get it renewed.
We want to thank Debra for all her efforts on our part. We love her.
Grace Spry
The year 2004 will be greeting us in just 2 1/2 months. It should be an interesting year, especially in Orion Township.
I just wonder if enough citizens, like more than 10 percent, are going to get out and vote?
Maybe it’s just the idea that no one gives a “rats pittoo” who gets in public office these days unless it’s some movie star, wrestler or sports figure!
Arnold is now governor of California, just like his buddy and former wrestler Jesse “The Body” Ventura, who was governor of Minnesota.
And in case you forgot, Arnold and Jesse starred in the movie Predator back in 1988. Arnold was the headliner and Jesse was the co-star.
This is what seems to attract the attention of Americans these days — fantasy. The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Terminator, these seem to be a good background to hold public office. Become a celebrity first, like an actor or athlete, then get on Jay Leno, David Letterman and announce you’re running for governor, senator, etc.
And the majority of the general public will elect you. After all, they elected Ronald Regan for two terms. “The Gipper,” “Bongo” and “Death Valley Days,” those seem to be good qualifications to lead the United States. Voters thought so in 1980 and 1984.
Now let’s look at Orion Township. We have Deena Centafontes from TV 2 residing here. Maybe Deena would like to run for township supervisor in 2004.
I bet Deena could have that office just for the asking. Not only is she a news celebrity, but she has a good political background from being involved in the news media. Deena has charisma and showmanship and knows how to work with the public.
Are there any other celebrities living in Orion who want to take a stab at it? It can’t get any worse than it is now; it can only get better — “Deena for supervisor!”
James Delavan
There is a request to rezone a small portion of Dixie Highway from residential to commercial (case #PC2003-029) before the Building Board of Independence Township. This piece of land is located between M-15 and White Lake Road. The request was tabled at the last meeting for an approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation to create another entrance off Dixie Highway.
Century 21 Town and Country and a potential buyer went before the board totally unprepared. They were requesting the rezoning and approval of an entrance off of Pinehurst. The street in question was actually Lakewood on which I reside.
They were informed that both streets were private and owned by the Dollar Lake Subdivision. Five plats were to be rezoned and sold to the buyer for a 4,000 square foot office building with a parking lot. One of the plats (29) is actually owned by the North Oakland Headwaters Conservancy which was not known at the time either.
As many who live in the area know, the traffic on Dixie Highway is already a major problem. There have been many accidents already occurring on this portion of Dixie Highway and just within the last month there was a loss of life.
The other side of the issue is the residents in Dollar Lake subdivision who will have to suffer a loss of property value and quality of living. We will experience more trash blowing in, more run off into Middle Lake which controls the level of six more lakes, and a greater difficulty in accessing Dixie Highway. The left lane in the area is already improperly used because both Northcrest and Dollar Lake subdivision have to enter Dixie at this location.
I am asking Independence Township to consider the losses of their older resident over the gain of their potential new ones.
Alvena Vincent
Clarkston
After reading the latest article “Legal fight against school board continues” in the Oct. 15, 2003 volume regarding Tony Miller, a discrepancy of statements jumped out at me.
Secretary Stephen Hyer is quoted as saying, “As board members, we operate as one team. We don’t keep things from each other, we keep each other abreast of what’s going on. In this situation, we’re in the dark. We’re learning things from the newspapers and from our attorneys. We want you (Tony) to be a full member of this board, and we expect you to meet those obligations and communicate with the rest of this board.”
Um, wasn’t Tony asked to leave a board meeting on August 22nd, just a couple of months ago? The Aug. 27, 2003 volume of The Clarkston News reported that Tony wasn’t allowed to attend a special board meeting. What kind of communication is expected to be obtained when a member of the board isn’t even allowed to attend? Wasn’t Tony trying to meet his obligations? And, I’ve been to some board meetings and have seen the way the board acts as a team. I guess every team has a bully who picks on the nice guy.
By the way, a discrepancy of statements is also termed as a contradiction. Don’t confuse this with the word lie, which means an untruth, misrepresentation, to deceive or make false statements.
Tammy Layton
St. Daniel’s Catholic Community supports the community garden established in Clarkston by Clarkston District Court Judges Michael Batchik and Dana Fortinberry.
This is in response to the article entitled “Neighbors want to squash new garden,” in the Oct. 1. edition of The Clarkston News.
We understand in the article that Fortinberry said the garden, in its prospective stages was discussed at least two open meetings, which were also taped and rerun on local cable, as well as covered in community newspapers.
Fortinberry stated there are two supervisors from W.A.M., plus two assistants, to look over the approximately 35-40 offenders when the program is in use. They are well-monitored, Fortinberry said, noting the workers have a strict schedule to follow and must ask permission to use the port-a-john. Resident Smith stated there’s no security, no cops, no nothing. Does Smith want those cops with guns on these offenders? Do you call this better security?
Some of us heard of the garden project on the McCord Farm in August in the Detroit Free Press. Consequently, we found interesting Jennifer Nemer’s article in The Clarkston News on Oct. 1, about the garden being worked by non-violent offenders, in preference to serving time in jail at the expense of the taxpayers.
Our compliments to both Batchik and Fortinberry for a great plan which will allow offenders to pay their debt to society, while at the same time supplying the food bank with more than 3,000 pounds of produce. And an added plus is the tremendous savings in jail costs.
Will a young man be better able to learn how to be a good citizen by planting and nurturing seeds, watching the miracle of growth that happens, or will he become better by sitting in a jail cell building up more and more anger within?
The judges have assured us that their men will be well supervised, so let’s give them a chance and welcome them in the area. Visit the farm, not with a critical eye, but just to show an interest in what is being done. Who knows, you might change a young man’s whole life by letting him see you care.
People would be amazed at how many offenders are doing community service – at the township library, in parks and so forth. Let alone vegetable gardening.
Christian Service Commission
St. Daniel Catholic Community
On behalf of our physicians, nursing and administrative staff, thank you for bringing to light the work of our practice at Clarkston Medical Group.
Our practice has been fortunate to serve the needs of Clarkston for more than 40 years, due in large part to the efforts of those dedicated healthcare professionals. Our mission will indeed remain “to receive patients and focus on the delivery of the highest quality medical care” for the residents of Clarkston and the community at large.
Your article helped bring those efforts to light and has boosted morale in our practice. Your efforts and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated.
James O’Neill, MD
Clarkston
As a taxpayer, I become more and more indignant with each development in the Tony Miller saga. This man’s number one priority is clearly Tony Miller, not the job he was elected to do: School Board Trustee.
This is not a person who is operating, or appears to have any intention of operating, with the interest of children first. The cash he’s spending on this ill advised temper tantrum isn’t just a waste of money – it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Enough is enough. Any elected official who violates the public trust to this degree, demonstrates such a continuous lack of judgment and wastes tax dollars in a narcissistic campaign for personal gain deserves to be recalled.
Penny Shanks
Indendence Township
One morning, I awoke to find that my day was not going to be the norm because of a medical problem. I asked my wife to call 911 and get some help and that started the events rolling.
The call was made, and it seemed that in no time the Independence Township Fire Departments Paramedic Unit was at the door. Chris Norgerg, Dan White and Keith Bailey arrived very fast and assessed my situation. They treated me with the utmost professionalism and respect and transported me to a hospital all within forty minutes of the call. There, they turned me over to the hospital staff and made sure that they were informed of my condition and what they had done to treat me.
With the fire department evolving, to add Advance Life Support, to their services that they provide in the last year, we are all fortunate that from the time of an emergency call and the time it takes to get a patient to the hospital has improved dramatically.
A medical emergency could happen to any of us, at any time. For all of us that live in Independence Township, we should feel very fortunate that should a normal day, suddenly turn tragic that we have a dedicated, professional, efficient and caring Fire Department that will be at our door in only minutes day or night to help us in our time of need. For these men and women are truly the professionals that we all can count on being there in our time of need.
John Nicholson
I’d like to know why Tony Miller is getting such a bad rap?
First of all, I know the man and I know how much coaching means to him. Secondly, because coaching means so much to him, if he were really told it would be a conflict on interest to coach and be on the board, I know he would not have run for the board. What does that little statement tell all the people who are tired of hearing about this case?
For everyone who thinks Tony is squandering the schools’ money, let us look at some of the unnecessary expenses Clarkston Schools has squandered money on before Tony came into the picture.
Years ago tracking devices were put on all the photo copiers in the district to curb paper costs. A code was to be entered by a teacher’s grade level to copy anything, but after that grade exceeded the allotted amount of copies, different codes were just put in and used instead. Aren’t the principals supposed to authorize copies? Why were teachers allowed to copy two sentences onto a standard 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper for 30 students every week when they should’ve just written them on their brand new white boards?
Why do we have children in our district who don’t have school books? Students have to get into groups and share their textbooks with each other and if they want to take their book home, they need to get permission from the teacher.
Why are we spending $10,000 per school on new sprinkler systems? So the grass will grow more so you can spend more money on fuel to fill the lawn mowers to cut it? Yep, I think it’s better that we have great grass and look like wonderful schools instead of having books for every student and being a wonderful schools.
Tony has brought up a good point at one of the board meetings asking why we have the third highest paid superintendent and the third lowest paid teachers. Why? Why are there thousand dollar bonuses going to the top while the employees who see and work with our “future” get cuts?
Tony and his attorney are not the reason the schools are losing money. Tony is the reason our eyes are being opened up to all that is wrong with the board and the bigwigs in our school system. Pay attention and read between the lines.
Scott Andrew
Clarkston
Is it just me or does the figure of $18,000 seem a bit high for the services performed by George Butler in the case between Superintendent Al Roberts and board trustee Tony Miller?
The figure sent up a red flag for me especially since the figure does not even include the court appearance. What are the school attorney firm Dickinson & Wright charging the taxpayers of Clarkston for the other cases with the custodian and the bus driver who are suing the schools?
Is the figure of $18,000 that the board is saying is for the Miller case really all for Miller, or is it a combined amount for all of the cases? And if so, maybe we as taxpayers should be asking why we are paying this firm such enormous fees that do not even include the court appearance?
Therefore, since the school board felt the need to make public what is being spent on the Miller case, I as a taxpayer would request to have the board give a detailed outline of what is being spend with all of the cases.
Tom Miller
Clarkston
In reference to the letter sent in by Penny Shanks last week, I as a taxpayer and a 20 years citizen of Clarkston am utterly appalled.
Shanks claims to be indignant with the whole situation. However, I think her true problem is she is unaware of the whole situation. To my knowledge, she does not currently attend the board meetings therefore is learning about the situation through Clarkston’s well-known gossip mill.
It is true that Tony Miller’s main love is being a coach. And being a coach for Clarkston for the past 10 years is what drove him to run for the school board. Contrary to what some people may believe, Miller’s main goal for being on the school board is to try to make a positive difference within our community.
And frankly to Shanks and anyone else in our community who believes Miller is not out for the kids, rather for himself, they obviously do not know him. Those people need to ask themselves what Miller is truly gaining from this situation. Nothing.
He was not permitted to coach this season; in return he has to be a part of a board that is cold and calculating. At a recent board meeting, Miller was publicly asked to keep the board informed of all his legal matters. Are they joking? They actually expect Miller to keep them informed when they have closed session meetings and private pow-wows without him. Come on, do they really believe he is that naive?
Brenda Davis
Clarkston
I wish to thank the person who went out of their way to take my dog “Jake” to the Springfield Veterinary Clinic last week.
I received a call at work that Jake was there and safe, and I could come and get him whenever I could get there. He had “escaped” from our yard, unknown to myself, and headed into town, towards busy M-15. My thanks go also to the wonderful staff at Springfield Veterinary Clinic – this wasn’t the first time they’ve helped return Jake to us.
There is truly a “community” spirit in Clarkston. I’ve lived here for almost 30 years, and enjoyed many of the people and businesses in town. I love stopping in at and shopping at Tierra’s. I love the small businesses and smiling faces that greet you. Rudy’s displays this summer were so colorful… and the concerts in the park that I attended were such lively fun.
Finally, I love walking Jake through the village – and he loves it, too. Thanks friends of Clarkston
Christine Moore
Clarkston
Celebrating Thanksgiving in a car, what kind of a holiday is that? That is only one of the hardships people in Oxford/Orion are enduring.
This year many of the needy families with children have had gas and electric shut-offs, prescriptions they couldn’t pay for and food shortages.
You, the people of our communities have helped these needy with your monetary and food donations through the year, but like many nonprofit organizations, we have used up most of your generous donations and must again ask for help to assure everyone in our area will have a happy Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas.
If you would do that turkey trot down the grocery aisles once again, we could use canned fruits, vegetables, pumpkin, cranberries, evaporated milk, gravies, cream of mushroom soup, pie crust mix, cornbread and muffin mix, Jello, pudding, cake mix and other goodies — please, no perishables.
We need donations of frozen turkeys. As of now we are also looking for a charitable retailer who might help store frozen turkeys and also a couple of hundred cartons of milk for FISH.
Turkey certificates are very much appreciated and we will be happy to take them anytime.
Volunteers are also needed Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. for heavy lifting and sorting; Nov. 23, 6 p.m.; Nov. 24, 9 a.m. and Nov. 25, 9 a.m.
Please come and help at Immanuel Congregational Church, 1 Hovey Street in Oxford. Children who help must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. We discourage them on the first night because of the heavy loads and we want to be sure of their safety.
For monetary donations, mail to FISH, PO Box 732, Lake Orion, MI 48361. For other inquiries call 248-693-6823.
FISH wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving; God Bless You and may you always have the privilege of being able to afford to give to others.
Remember this year, don’t be a turkey, give one.
Oxford/Orion FISH
Last week, Orion Township elected officials (all Republicans) voted unanimously to approve the expenditure of township funds for the county commissioner special election held last June 17. There was no debate.
Former township trustee Eric Wilson, with unanimous support from Orion’s elected officials, went on to win the special election. At the time of his election, he stated publicly he would work to have the county pay the election costs.
What happened that the township now has to bear the costs of this election? Wilson is not as effective as he thought he would be as one of the majority 19 Republican county commissioners. And we the taxpayers are paying for this.
Those tax dollars in Orion Township should have gone for basic services, roads, health department issues, etc. that all residents use, not for two county elections in almost as many months.
Now the county commissioners are saying they will save the taxpayers money because they passed a resolution to limit the number of elections per year, but in fact, just earlier this year it didn’t matter in their exuberance to reward one of their own.
This has to be the “mother of all double standards and double talk.”
Esther Morgan,
10th District Delegate
I just heard information which is very disturbing regarding my son’s school. He attends Lake Orion High School.
The students are all talking….We need the truth Mr. Dunckley!
I heard from many students that a male teacher went on a field trip with students, drank liquor and the male teacher slept in the same tent with the female student.
The student got pregnant and the baby may be the teacher’s. Is it true the teacher has recently resigned? Is it true his wife turned him in and there was an argument in the halls and students heard?
Does this mean this teacher can get a job working in another district with children? What are we teaching our kids at the high school? What kind of message are we sending?
Why do I have to continually hear this sort of information through our children — Not our principal Mr. Dunckley. What is going on there!!!!
There is more disturbing news happening at our high school. My son told me kids are coming to school drunk or high. Kids say drugs are everywhere in our community and easily accessible at LOHS.
I called the high school to find out about a parent organization or to get some information. Mr. Dunckley was not in AGAIN!!! I called back and got disconnected.
I found out parents are meeting Nov. 4, 7 p.m. at Starbuck’s on Lapeer Road.
Parents, our children need your support. If you’re concerned about your child’s safety, please attend on Nov. 4 TO HEAR THE TRUTH AND GET ANSWERS.
CBT
Editor’s Note: According to school district officials the incident written about in this letter, which took place on a camping trip this summer, was thoroughly investigated. The teacher is no longer employed in the school district.
The incident involved students who had graduated from LOHS. All the parents whose students were on the trip were contacted.
According to LO Superintendent Dr. Craig Younkman, letters about the incident were not sent out district-wide because “we are sensitive to the kids involved.”
Although hesitant to say that the teacher involved wouldn’t get a job in another school district, LO Assistant Superintendent Chris Lehman, said “severance at this time of the year will follow anyone.”
Younkman believes there isn’t a significant increase in drug usage at the high school, but because there is now a larger student population, “the numbers will go up”
The meeting on Nov. 4 is a regularly scheduled meeting that Dr. Younkman hosts throughout the school year.
Recently one of our Independence Township board members announced he is a candidate to replace our current supervisor. It seemed odd to me because it is more than a year until the next election.
Although presidential campaigns have become long, drawn out and boring, must our local elections meet this same fate? I hope not.
Nowhere in this candidate’s announcement was there any reason given for him to start his campaign so soon. So why must we be bothered by this extended campaign? What is the urgency for the community?
Perhaps there is no good reason for the community. It may be that the candidate feels the only way he can be successful is to entice community leaders to support him long before they know who the other candidates might be or what the issues will be.
Whatever the reason, we should not encourage such self-interested behavior in our local politicians. Increasingly long campaigns do not mean better leadership. Rather, skewing the process may very well make things worse. So, I urge everyone to wait and see.
John L. Wilder
Independence Township
Your recent article on the Independence Parks and Recreation Department caused me to pause and reflect on the pride I felt while watching the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I and IV Regional Cross Country meet hosted by Clarkston High School Oct. 25 at Clintonwood Park.
My pride wasn’t just that of a parent proud of the accomplishments by this year’s CHS girls cross country team that dominated the Division I race, but in our community and those public servants that work endless hours taking care of our park and recreational facilities.
I am certain that it was not without some reservations that Independence Parks and Recreation Director Mike Turk, agreed to partner with the Clarkston Community School District in hosting this year’s regional meet. This year’s regional meet at Clintonwood was a first time event for the community.
To host the meet, Turk had to cancel all of the activities scheduled at the park. That action forced the different groups to make other arrangements that Saturday. Needless to say, everyone handled the rescheduling without incident and we’re extremely grateful to those groups for gracefully accommodating the change.
The benefit of hosting a regional championship meet provides more than a home course advantage. The success formula for the regional was community participation combined with the natural resources and beauty of Clintonwood Park providing us with an event to showcase Clarkston. The CHS campus, with more than 100 acres of land simply wasn’t large enough to host a major cross-country event like a regional competition. The CHS athletic department needed a partner like Parks and Recreation to host the event.
The 2003 CHS team is the first girls cross country regional championship for this community. Clarkston has never fielded a more amazing group of talented and accomplished young runners. Their success is built upon a training program that demands dedication, long workouts and a talented coaching staff. As a community we’re blessed to have one of the state’s more outstanding young coaches, Jamie LaBrosse, assisted by former CHS runner Marley Brown.
We are now also blessed to have one of the premier running courses in the state at Clintonwood. The bottom line is that you don’t have a winning team like we do in Clarkston without community support and teamwork.
On the day of the competition, the runners arrived trained and ready. More than 2,000 spectators showed up in the rain to cheer on the participants, and Parks and Rec delivered a beautiful first class course for a regional championship race.
The park staff led by Brian Doyle selflessly worked overtime in the cold, wet weather leading up to the event to make sure the course was suitable for a race. I personally watched as Doyle pushed the paint machine the entire 5K distance of the course to make sure runners had a line to follow so they wouldn’t take a wrong turn. More than 50 high school teams from across the state ran the course, and in talking to some of the runners the one thing I heard most of them say was, “wow, what a great course.”
As a parent of a cross-country runner, and citizen of Independence Township, I take great pride in saying I am from Clarkston. The spirit and determination demonstrated by both runners and park staff shows they deserve our continued support. It was great to witness so many individuals from across our community working together to make this event a success.
One last question, who do we see about getting one of those green road signs put up now that the girls have won state, announcing to everyone entering Clarkston that this is the home to the 2003 Girls Division I State Championship Cross Country team?
Barry Bomier
Independence Township
How disappointing to wake up this morning and find a political sign for the three incumbents running for City Council in our yard.
Nobody asked permission. Nobody stopped by to see if we would support them. Is this how they also run the city?
Dawn Frasa
Clarkston
Just a letter to the coward who spray painted the sign on my property.
I placed a sign near the road which read, “Concerned about the Land Trade on Indian Lake? Contact your State Reps at 517-373-2417 and/or 517-373-1798. Hardly controversial.
It’s unfortunate that someone with such a strong opinion on the subject of the land trade is too much of a coward to discuss his position with someone who might disagree with his point of view.
I researched this proposed “land trade,” which includes property located in Oakland, Addison, Orion Township,. I talked to three different representatives of the DNR and officials from the three townships involved.
And I concluded it wouldn’t be in the best interests of people living on the west side of Indian Lake to turn over access to this small, private lake to an uncontrolled number of boats, canoes, snowmobiles and 4-wheelers.
Apparently the coward who violated my private property rights by, not only trespassing on my property, but destroying my sign, disagrees.
But then that’s usually the attitude of people who don’t respect the private property rights on which our country was founded.
I just hope whoever spray painted my sign gets picked up by a school bus everyday, because these actions are obviously that of a child.
Peter Wandrie
This letter is in response to CBT, the parent who asked questions about the high school last week. Shame on you, CBT, for spreading what are obviously rumors in the newspaper.
You first remark slamming Mr. Dunckley was inaccurate. My children both went through the school system and he was always prompt and concerned in replying to any of my concerns.
As to “the students are all talking,” the key word here is students. Of course they spread rumors and talk; they are kids. It’s not appropriate for the parents to further spread misconceptions.
I can understand your concern to a certain extent, but your remark about drugs and drinking lead me to believe you aren’t in touch with any of the programs at the school.
If you attend conferences, you will always see a table (sometimes many) that are manned by groups of parents who aim to keep drugs and alcohol out of our schools.
I graduated 35 years ago and drugs and alcohol were a problem even then!!
The point here is to get more involved with your child at school. Sure, at this age they fight you on it, but you are, after all, the parent. Join an organization that sponsors speakers and encourages both students and parents to participate.
As for the teacher involved, he is not, nor was he at any time, a sexual predator. He was very simply being part of this girl’s support system during her pregnancy.
Granted, he made a huge error in judgement on the camping trip, which to my knowledge wasn’t a school-sponsored field trip. Your letter made it sound like she got pregnant on the trip, which is by no means true.
Don’t further blacken his reputation without the facts. He’s an excellent teacher and will be missed by students, and I’m guessing faculty alike.
I encourage you to pay more attention, go to all conferences and actually read all the mail that comes in from the school.
I also applaud the editor’s note as to how the school is handling this. I, for one, feel the board and administrators are doing a good job and agree that a district-wide letter was not appropriate.
SME
An organization of citizens and educators has been formed to continue investigating and reforming Oakland Schools, an intermediate district.
Calling itself CURE-OS (Citizens United to Reform the Oakland Intermediate School District, the group has been increasing in size since April.
It has noted the improper practices and tactics used by the Career Focused Education Section of the OIS (vocational ed). Some of these programs under director Mary Kay Auckee have been closed, suspended or labeled “sunset” with promises of “reopening as a world class program.”
Many observers feel pressure tactics, including abrupt suspension and contract buyouts, were used to remove competent staff, with Auckee’s knowledge.
Excepting the Special Education Section, work continues reviewing other departments as well where excessive staff, blatant waste and ineffectiveness is rampant.
In the expose last year, OIS Assistant Superintendent Dan Austin was not one of the courageous group of WHISTLEBLOWERS who uncovered the unethical practices, extravagant expenses and interactions of then OIS Superintendent Dr. James Redmond allowed, with the cooperation of some of his key staff.
The Oakland School Board amazingly appointed Austin to a five month term as interim superintendent after Redmond’s dismissal, followed this June by a 12 month extension!
CURE-OS has been supporting Austin’s ouster and is pleased with that action taken by the OIS board members, George Ehlert and Pam Godchaux. It looks forward to additional actions.
Austin has only reacted to the press, windowdressing, but has not instituted staff changes or corrected anything substantial to stop the further misuse of taxpayer dollars intended for educating our children.
OIS had 245 employees in 1995 which rose to 619 as of March 8, 2003. Deducting 201 employees when OIS took over the four vocational ed campuses from local districts nets 418, 173 additional staff people over eight years!
Those wishing to join CURE-OS may call 248-373-5062.
Burke Cueny,
CURE-OS Chairman
As a volunteer for a charitable organization that accepts material donations from the community, may I share some insights?
We are very grateful for and depend on your generosity. But please keep these thoughts in mind when you donate:
1) Are the items clean (free from stains and mold) and in usable condition?
2) If the items need to be assembled, will the necessary parts and instructions be included?
3) Would you want your child, grandchild or neighbor to wear or use the item?
I, too, feel Tony Miller is getting a bad rap.
Anyone who knows Tony is aware of his deep commitment to all of the kids in our district, not just the Clarkston High School football team. He is the most genuine man I have met and the Clarkston students are lucky to have such a supporter.
I have had two girls graduate from CHS, both played volleyball, and have witnessed conflict of interest, bias and lack of interest by the former coach. I have witnessed the inequalities between the boys sports and girls sports, sports in general and band, etc.
We desperately need a man of Tony Miller’s character on our board for the children’s sake. I believe Tony was never told he could not serve on the Board and coach… he would not have chosen the board.
I think the bottom line is Mr. Roberts and the rest of the board members are threatened by someone who keeps his games to the football field… someone whose total commitment is the students and not politics.
Go Tony! Don’t back down! The students need you on the board and, if not on the field, at the field. Stay loud!
Jody LaLonde
Mr. Miller:
1. If you don’t want to do the job, after running for the office, it’s simple: resign.
2. There are many coaching jobs available. If you are so eager to coach, look at some of the recreation programs.
3. Clearly you can’t see anything but the Clarkston High School football program. You are a prime example of why we have laws to guard against conflict of interest.
4. You were elected to the board to represent all of the community. So far you have wasted close to $20,000 of taxpayer money on your interest.
5. Why do you see yourself as more important than the law, the court and the children of Clarkston Community Schools?
6. I hate to see the people have to go to the expense of a recall to get rid of the problems you are perpetuating. But on the other hand, this has to be stopped before your self interest costs us any more.
7. Resign or do the job you told the voters you could and would do.
Phyllis Braun
Clarkston
The November 4 elections have come and gone and the three incumbents have retained their seats on city council.
But the fact of the matter is Steve Wylie received nearly 50 percent of the vote. During the campaign the incumbents stated there was overwhelming support to keep the city police department. The election results don’t show that.
What they did show was there is quite an interest in this community to replace the city police with Oakland County and that a lot of residents feel there is a lot of waste in the police department.
As an example, why does a city with a population of under 1000 need two motorcycles when communities like Auburn Hills and White Lake Township with populations in excess of 20,000 have 0. This election should be a wake-up call to the council and the police department. The eyes of Clarkston are on you and gross waste will not be tolerated.
Charles Inabnit
Clarkston
(Editor’s note: As a point of clarification, the Clarkston Police Department has three motorcycles but they are paid for by the individual officers and do not cost the taxpayers.)
Just finished reading the Oct. 29 version of The Lake Orion Review and I’m frankly baffled.
On page 3 we read about the assistant principal at Lake Orion High School who has been on the job for only three years. She has been named the “Assistant Principal of the Year for the State of Michigan.”
Sounds great I guess, but the article didn’t really show anything “earth shattering” that Manzo actually did to distinguish herself from the many hundreds of other hard working assistant principals in this state.
Looks like they had a nice time at the Crystal Mountain Resort in Traverse City, 250 miles north of Lake Orion, along with several Lake Orion School Board members and administrators…all paid for by the Lake Orion taxpayers of course.
I thought they were crying about a lack of money, for next year, just a week ago?
Then on page 7 a “Letter to the Editor” asked about a teacher at the high school who was reportedly messing around with a student while on a field trip.
The letter included “more disturbing news” about students drunk or high on drugs in the high school everyday.
As per the letter, the principal, Mr. Dunckley, is out more than he is in his office. Was he at Crystal Mountain playing a little golf during school time? Hey why not, we pay for it!
Maybe this is why his assistant received such an award? She is doing his job as well as hers?
And at the end of the same letter, because of the investigation done by the Orion Review, LO School Superintendent Dr. Younkman, actually admitted a male teacher was involved with a student, but is now gone. It really happened!
Teachers improperly involved with students…and drugs in the halls of the school, all while the school’s staff is on a paid vacation at Crystal Mountain Resort celebrating ridiculous awards. They should be ashamed!
Anthony Salazar
LOHS’s administration is making me sick. The way they have handled the resignation of a former teacher is extremely disappointing.
Rumors are being circulated, as they always seem to do, and the school is not only not trying to correct the lies, but misleading the whole school and town!
It is blasphemy for anyone to think that a graduate and friend of mine slept with a teacher and was in turn impregnated. Not only is this nothing further from the truth it is outrageous!
The truth is Lake Orion has lost one of its greatest assets and teachers and has been a bad rep for absolutely no good reason.
It’s truly sad that people will believe any rumor that is tossed around and even more disappointing that LOHS has encouraged such rumors by not addressing them.
Lake Orion’s administration has made several mistakes when it has come to situations over the years, but none compares to the lack of professionalism taken in this matter.
Please, for the sake of the student involved, let the rumors end. The teacher involved was a great teacher who deserves nothing but the best.
Please, take some time to find out the truth before tossing around such severe accusations. And to LOHS: It’s truly a disappointment how this situation was handled, but more so, how the administration has let people to assume the worst — please take some responsibility.!
Jeff Nichols,
LOHS 2003 Grad
Another well-intentioned project has gone awry.
Judge Michael Batchik and Judge Dana Fortinberry thought it would be a good idea to have an inmate garden camp in Independence Township at Pine Knob and Sticknery Roads. The intent was to have non-violent and first-time offenders work the garden instead of a jail sentence. The county would save the $83 per day it would cost to jail these offenders and the food grown in the garden would go to feed the poor and elderly.
Boy, doesn’t this sound like a good idea? Then what went wrong? Let’s break it down and see why the people in the area were so angry that they came to the township meeting in full force to protest this project.
First, the plan was presented and approved at one township meeting and without any input from the people it would affect. Secondly, no plan was submitted outlining how the garden would be run, how it would be controlled and how long the project would last. Thirdly, no one seems to know who is responsible for any problems that may arise. And finally, no trial period was defined to see if this plan was workable or should be disbanded.
I sat through the 2 1/2 hours of debate at the township meeting and came out with the sense that there is a total lack of communication between the judges, the township board and the people in the community. All the officials at the meeting stated their intention was not to hurt anybody, but to promote a worthy project that we should all embrace for the good of the community.
Maybe that’s how it looks through their eyes, but if you were living next door to this work garden perhaps you’d have another point of view. What are these people expected to give up for the good of the community? Well, for one thing, the freedom to walk past the area because of the fear of being accosted by an inmate. This actually happened to one young lady in the area who was approached by an inmate while she was jogging. When the problem was reported, no one admitted responsibility for the inmates not being adequately supervised and no one apologized. During the time inmates were working, there were only a master gardener and a few supervisors present. At times there were 60 people working and only a handful of supervisors.
Maybe this type of program works well in other communities, but the location chosen in Independence Township is not ideal. This work garden is in the middle of a residential area surrounded by woods. It is less than a mile from Bailey Lake Elementary School. It is so concealed in the woods that workers have had to knock on neighbors’ doors asking for directions.
How about putting the project in Orion Park? It runs along Clarkston Road from Baldwin to Joslyn Road. There is a corner at Clarkston Road and Joslyn Road that is fenced in and has a large piece of land perfect for a garden. It is in the open near two main roads and could be easily located by those assigned to work there. Because it is fenced, it would be much easier to keep track of those who were supposed to be supervised.
There is only one problem with this site. Maybe Orion Township doesn’t want an inmate work garden in their township. I can’t see why not since it is such a good idea according to the judges and the township board, and everyone should embrace this idea for the good of the community.
No one likes to admit they made a bad decision because it makes them look incompetent when making future decisions. But in this case, I think the township board and Judge Batchik and Judge Fortinberry need to rethink the location of this work garden and admit that it would be better to relocate it to a less residential area.
It is a worthy project and a good idea, but not for this area.
Vincent D. Rizzo
Clarkston
Thank you to City Councilman Dan Columbo for personally coming to our home after hearing about the misplaced political sign.
It is encouraging to see such an effort and a reminder about how fortunate we all are to live in a city with the values of a village.
Dawn Frasa
I just listened to another news story about the “cost of incarcerating prisoners” and a possible early release program for nonviolent criminals.
I believe we still are not addressing the root cause of this problem. We need to provide a better environment for our children to develop whether it’s the school system or their neighborhoods. Why are we spending so much money on inmates and not schoolmates?
I am not sure what we spend per day for each inmate but in some cases I have to believe it is more then we spend on our kids in school. Someone needs to reevaluate the cost per inmate. Let’s cut costs there if necessary, not in our schools.
Do we really need all these “grand administrative” buildings? Do we need an administrative building in every district? What about the school boards? Do we really need all these layers of management, etc.? Another sore spot is the continual abuse of our school funds, our tax dollars, by some of our administrators.
There are a lot of dedicated teachers and other folks out there committed to the kids. Let’s channel the support to where it does the most good, in the school itself, the teachers and students. It’s a shame we can’t put more effort into our school systems and support them. Better pay, school supplies, etc. Let’s better support our schools.
As for the prison issues… Let’s take the televisions out of the cells and put them in the classrooms. Let’s take the weight rooms out of the prisons and put them in our school gyms. Let’s take the computers out of the prison libraries and put those in our school libraries and classrooms. While were at it, let the prisoners work/pay for their own uniforms. Kids in school have to buy their uniforms. Don’t get me wrong, prisoners have rights too but they gave up the majority of those rights when they broke the law.
The bottom line is it is time to reevaluate our priorities. It’s plain common sense. We need to focus on preparing young folks for the future. Prisons focus on “rehabilitation.” Schools need to focus on the “ability” part and make sure all these kids are respectful, educated and ready to contribute to society. Maybe we would not need all these prisons if we started at the “root” and made sure it was strong enough to support the life it nourishes.
Mark Stesney
Dear Editor,
So excited to read about the new goals for the Clarkston City Council for 2016 (“City sets goals for the new year,” Ja. 6). Applause.
I was especially excited about the comment that they wanted to increase citizen involvement and utilize the knowledge of locals.
I have some suggestions I believe will help make this goal a success.
First, it’s important to treat the residents with respect, even if you don’t like their perspective or it shines a light on some shortcoming.
Next, it’s important not to name call residents, or try to create a public mockery out of them when they offer valid information or advise.
Third, when a resident of the village or the township brings valid and well documented complaints, it is vital to set aside time and actually hear them out, and see what they have to say and why. Trying to demean them publically at a meeting if they don’t posses a particular title or position because you don’t like the information they are providing is not conducive to the goal of inclusion.
Actually recognize the concerns of the citizens and take them under advisement. And recognize the validity of their concerns.
Actually include and value citizen input.
In addition to the training requirement for council members, I recommend getting the DPW staff trained and certified as industrial storm water operators and advanced sediment and erosion control. This will save money in the long run as rather than paying the county to be the Part 91 agency, the DPW staff will be qualified to do informed inspections and work in house, which is actually the intent of the federally mandated stormwater program. It will also be beneficial for the staff to be able to obtain a new skill set.
And relative to the walkway to the south Depot Park bridge, well, learn from your mistakes. It does not meet ADA guidelines, and the base is constructed of a highly erodable and eroding material that appears to be non compactable.
The composition is concrete scraps, pH of 9.5. The smaller (and LARGER) particulate will interact with the runoff and create high pH runoff which has potential to negatively impact the stream. The small particulate are vulnerable to transport which is already happening. You will need to be vigilant in maintaining the protections and repairs to the base so you don’t have an eventual collapse.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank and commend the Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies who intervened on my behalf on Dec. 9, 2015, after receiving a call from a Good Samaritan.
I was treated with respect and dignity after experiencing a severe allergic reaction. They looked after my welfare and transported me promptly to McLaren Hospital for medical attention.
It is an honor to have these brave and professional men and women serving our community.
Respectfully,
Kenneth Rittenhouse
Independence Township
Mr. Rittenhouse said he suffered an allergic reaction to something he ate, fell in a parking lot, and a stranger called 911.
“Then they stopped me from getting into my truck and driving away,” he said. ‘I have no idea who it was. I was really out of it. Thank God they stopped to take care of me.”
Dear Editor,
Most agree that the holiday season is to be a time of joy and celebration, a time to enjoy family and friends, and an opportunity to recognize all that is good in our lives. Charitable giving is at its highest and corporate America will see its biggest profits of the year.
Yet as we embrace the season, it is important to keep in mind that the realities of January are not far behind, when a middle class already strapped with debt and flat and declining incomes will return to their jobs with little hope for greater prosperity in the New Year.
We should feel good about our charitable giving and contributions, but the reality is that the gap between nation’s wealthiest citizens and our middle class will continue to widen unless we take stronger action to ensure fairness. Our state and national legislators have done little this past year to do anything other than maneuver to guarantee their own power base. When you see the national presidential candidates on stage are you anything but entertained and embarrassed? Inspired and confident? Not likely.
This year we saw no meaningful tax relief for the middle class, but corporations and the wealthy were gifted with billions in more tax credits and other write-offs. Fuel and other consumption taxes for the masses increased, but the wealthy are on course to pay their lower real tax rates in history.
Meanwhile, legislators have acted to increase the national debt by billions more, all while doing nothing to strengthen social security or create anything but more low paying and part-time jobs. Nothing. But legislators, particularly at the state level, were quick to take steps to ensure they can operate with even greater secrecy and less accountability as they serve their wealthy friends and selves. And of course, their charity is always tax deductible on their tax returns.
This year, when your legislators issue their lists of legislative “accomplishments,” look critically to see what items they tout really had any impact on the lives of the middle class. There will be a glaring absence of any significant tax reform or other action to ensure the security of the middle class and greater economic opportunity, and no action to secure the border or facilitate immigration reform. Instead, the middle class has been played for fools, asked again to pay more for less.
In 2016, each time you make a charitable contribution, vow to take action to ensure that more opportunity and less charity will be required to sustain the nation’s middle class and seniors. The truly charitable act would be to facilitate leadership change in Lansing and Washington.
Mike Fetzer
Independence Township
Friends of Clarkston call for candidate support
Dear Editor,
The City of the Village of Clarkston is an exceptional place to live, raise children and build a thriving business. Whether you live in a contemporary or historic neighborhood, or own and operate a Main Street business, you were drawn to our city because of its uniqueness and quality of life.
A group of city residents have come together to found the ‘Friends of the City of The Village of Clarkston? because we feel it is important to be proactive in helping to protect our community as a whole, to preserve our historical heritage, and nurture a culture of balanced growth that benefits us all.
Our Mission Statement:
The Friends of the City of the Village of Clarkston (CVC) is dedicated to supporting a healthy community that balances the ideals of historic residential properties, newer (contemporary) neighborhoods and a Commercial (Retail) District for present and future generations.
Vision Statement:
The Friends of CVC is an advocacy group dedicated to assisting our mayor and city council in promoting a vital village commercial district while preserving our Main Street residential neighborhoods through education, problem solving and fostering consensus among the stakeholders.
Objectives:
1. Encourage city officials to carefully research and strongly challenge all action that would turn Clarkston residential properties into business entities both on Main Street and in neighborhoods.
2. Encourage city officials to make decisions based on date collected through stakeholder input, study and analysis of the best practices in city planning and historic preservation.
3. Support current city officials in developing solutions for addressing stalemate problems regarding parking, signage and zoning in the city.
4. Recruit, support and elect candidates for City of the Village of Clarkston Council who are dedicated to ensuring balanced growth that embodies stakeholder values.
If you agree with our Mission, Vision and Objectives, please join us in our efforts to support and elect the following candidates to City Council, Eric Haven (incumbent), Jason M. Kneisc, David Marsh (incumbent), Alfred A. Avery (incumbent).
Please watch the Clarkston News for more information from our group.
Friends of CVC
Dear Editor,
There is great debate about which metaphor “the glass is half empty” or “the glass is half full” to use when describing locations, settings and events. For example, today the focus is on New Orleans and the Katrina hurricane of 10 years ago. Regionally, the focus has been on Detroit. While the comparisons of those cities to Clarkston is inappropriate, the metaphor debate is appropriate.
Unquestionable, there has been a revitalization of Clarkston’s downtown and Depot Park, but those are only two of the things which define the character of this city; other, equally – perhaps more – important are the majestic Main Street, the beautiful waterways, the unique and vibrant neighborhoods, public safety, and the beauty and walkability of the city.
Unfortunately, there is some disconnect between the current leadership and staff of the city and many residents/taxpayers. This reflects the apparent sense of isolation by some of those who pay for the operation of the city from the rationale behind decisions being made by those who manage that money. There doesn’t seem to be clear and open explanations provided concerning such criteria and “cost vs. benefit,” “want vs. need,” and “a variety of options” in respect to how the money is spent.
Ultimately, the management of the city and its finances depend on whom the residents/taxpayers elect to the City Council. With an election quickly approaching, it is important to know the “platforms” of the six candidates running for the council and, then, to vote.
The League of Women Voters – Oakland Area chapter is presenting a candidate forum at the Clarkston Independence District Library on Sept. 17. Everyone is invited to attend, although the forum will be recorded by Independence Television for later broadcast on the community channels of local cable stations and on the ITV website.
The LWV-OA is managing this event as part of their historic and continuing effort to provide public service as a non-partisan, non-profit organization. While several publicly uncommitted local volunteers will assist with the event, it will be completely managed by the league.
Dr. Thomas K. Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Lions Club is very pleased tothank the Clarkston community for its support of our food booth at the Concert in the Park event on Friday, July 10.
This is a fund raising event for us and was assisted by local sponsors including Neiman’s Family Market, Kroger, Culligan Water Systems, Sam’s Club, Ace Hardware on Dixie, Burger King, Pete’s Coney, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, City of the Village of Clarkston, and Independence Township.
Our booth had a complete “sell out,” which will assist the Lions to continue to serve our local community, as we use 100 percent of donations and funds raised toward program service, no funds to administrative expenses.
The club provides sight, hearing, and diabetes awareness programs, and also supports local community needs such as our assistance for the surveillance system in Depot Park.
Our local free Project Kidsight program offers monthly sight screening for young children at the Clarkston Independence District Library and various events. We screen over 500 children each year and have found about 20 percent of those screened have a potential eye problem.
Our camera and computer system has enabled our club to lead all Lions Clubs in the entire state of Michigan in Kidsight screening.
We thank the Clarkston community for its continued support.
Sincerely,
Brace Case
Clarkston Area Lions Club
Dear Jim Sherman Sr.,
Thanks for the blurb about Brace Beemer (“Forever grateful to the Lone Ranger,” July 22).
Brace Beemer was a relative of mine. I never met him that I know of. I was very young when he died, but my Dad, Ted Martin, had great stories about him.
My grandmother on my Dad’s side was Frances Beemer Martin. I don’t know the exact connection, but my Dad said he was a cousin or uncle or something, so I am always interested when I hear about the radio Lone Ranger!
We still have many Beemer relatives here in Michigan! Thanks for the story!
Linda Martin-Seng
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Once again our community came together to celebrate the Clarkson High School graduating seniors with our annual Senior Picnic and the Grad Night Party.
The chilly weather for the picnic, free to all graduates, didn’t bother the hundreds of students who attended. And the Grad Night Party kept them entertained until the early morning hours after commencement ended.
These events give our kids the opportunity to say goodbye to classmates and friends in a fun, safe environment and, in doing so, create a positive impact throughout our community.
These two long-standing traditions would not be possible without the continued support of local businesses, civic organizations, and parent volunteers.
Please help express your appreciation by patronizing the businesses noted in our thank-you ad. To all of the parent volunteers, Clarkston Community Schools staff, and the fabulous CHS custodial staff who worked to make it fun: thank you, thank, you, thank you! I value the time and talents you dedicated to our kids.
With sincere gratitude,
Betty Reilly, chairperson
CHS Senior Celebrations 2015
Dear Editor,
Congratulations to the cast and crew of CHS’s 2015 Musical Bye Bye Birdie on four exceptional performances! In as much as we ‘Clarkstonites? revel in our sports related successes and state championships, I think the CHS Drama Club has rightly earned a spotlight for the week!
First, Mr. Jeff Tice. Bye Bye Birdie marks his 19th fabulous musical encounter at CHS. His endless patience, commitment, and dedication to these productions is commendable.
His faith in the cast and crew is unshakable. He is amazing! Ms. Amy Seaman and Mrs. Sussette Hart ? from the first day of auditions they are there with endless support to Jeff, the cast, and the crew. They give so much of themselves. They are an inspiration.
Vocal Director Michael Peterson, Orchestra Director Mr. Michael Lewis, and Choreography Director Kristen Rasegan, they undeniably train and challenge these young adults to the very highest of standards. The cast and crew of Bye Bye Birdie: they should be so proud! Their talents run so deep. CHS is proud to say that our musical productions are run by students, 100 percent students! Over 120 students!!!
The cast, crew, set and costume creators, lighting, sound booth, and the very phenomenal orchestra are all exclusively our very own CHS students! The commitment they give of themselves to reach the level of professionalism that is evident in every single performance is just plain awesome!
The cast and crew are there, starting in mid November, every day after school for 3-4 hours, and on non-school days and some weekends, they can be found on set, on stage, in the lighting and sound booth, in the set construction room, and in the band rooms for 2, 3, 4, or 6 hours.
This amounts to an average of 70-80 rehearsal days and between about 225-250 hours of rehearsal time. Impressive.
Finally, the leads of the musical, Luke Hodgson and Sarah Fluegel (‘Albert and Rosie?). Congratulations to them on a huge success! Acting, singing, and dancing in their performances, they thoroughly humored and entertained the audience. They were endearing.
Also to Micah Blanks and Alyssa Harbaugh (‘Conrad Birdie and Kim McAfee?), Hannah Cartier (‘Conrad’s mom?), Ryleigh Kuhn and Andrew Biggs (‘Kim’s parents).
CHS Drama Club, CONGRATULATIONS! Can’t wait till next year!!!
A proud parent
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
This is in regards to the new McLaren hospital. I am left to wonder why Supervisor Pat Kittle won’t take multiple ‘no’s? for an answer.
I, for one, am a long time resident of Clarkston and I do not want a hospital in my community! Why do the residents not get a vote on such a huge community changing plan? For those of you who haven’t been around a hospital, I would like you to think about a few things.
While this plan may bring in a long term tax base, we would be selling our soul to big business!
One of the great things about Clarkston is its small town feel. That would disappear. McLaren would most likely pay to widen Sashabaw and other roads.
However, traffic would increase tenfold! There are three shift changes of staff every 24 hours. That entails housekeepers, nurses, doctors, cafeteria workers, maintenance, pharmacy and on and on. Not to mention patients and visitors. Then, there are ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks.
If you want to see our future, take a trip down to Royal Oak and watch the traffic around Beaumont. I, for one, say enough is enough! No means no!
P. Becker
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day are traditionally a time for family gatherings and home cooked meals surrounded by those we love. Some of our senior neighbors may not be able to get out to be with their families.
We are very fortunate in Clarkston to have some wonderful restaurants that make sure that a holiday meal is provided for our homebound seniors. For Thanksgiving this year, the Deer Lake Athletic Club generously gave a wonderful Thanksgiving meal of turkey with all of the trimmings, complete with pumpkin pie!
On Christmas Day, the meal was provided Deanna McMahon and her staff at Autumn Ridge of Clarkson who shared their Christmas Day feast. Special thanks to volunteer Jack Harrington for delivering all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals on Wheels.
The Union Woodshop provided their famous pulled-pork with all of the side packaged and ready for delivery on New Year’s Day. Thanks to Bruce Trollman for assisting me in delivering all of those meals.
Our community is so blessed to have those businesses listed provide these services.
On behalf of the Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center we thank all of them for their support and making the holiday season extra special for our homebound seniors.
Sincerely,
Mary Przybycien
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the Clarkston community and those people who gave so generously this past weekend.
The success of the ‘Shoes for Kids? is predicated on so many factors including the weather but more directly related to the caring and concern of the Clarkston residents.
A special recognition to following groups, organizations and businesses for their exemplary support and dedication during this year’s Clarkston Rotary Goodfellow newspaper sales which leads up to next week’s ‘Shoes for Kids? program.
‘Shoes for Kids? has been the Clarkston Rotary’s signature community project for the past 36 years. It takes the collaborative efforts of not only club members but the many friends of Rotary from the community to bring each year’s project to fruition.
The Clarkston Rotary would like to recognize and thank those individuals, groups, friends of Rotary and family members who spent countless hours this past Friday and Saturday dodging traffic in order to collect the money necessary to provide shoes and boots to 407 Clarkston children this coming Saturday;
The Clarkston News and Sherman Publications for continuing to publish the Rotary Goodfellow newspaper each year;
Don Rush, assistant publisher, and Rotarian Mary Sloan for their efforts in compiling and editing this year’s paper;
Boy Scout Troop 199 and their troop leader for organizing troop members in collecting donations at three different locations. They exemplify everything a community looks for from its future leaders. The troop has provided continuous support to this community service project for the past 16 years;
Cub Scout Pack #499 in their second year of selling newspapers at Neiman’s Family Market. The enthusiasm and efforts of the scouts didn’t go unnoticed;
Oakland Woods Baptist Church for opening their doors for use of their church annually for the upcoming shoe distribution. Their church members support the endeavors in so many ways;
The Clarkston Area Lions who work each year on our endeavor while allowing the Clarkston Rotary to reciprocate during their White Cane collection;
The Clarkston Optimists who are involved in so many children related programs;
Neiman’s Family Market for permitting the Cub Scouts to learn community service by selling newspapers at their Clarkston store;
Tim Horton’s on Maybee Road and Neiman’s Family Market on Dixie Highway for their support;
To the many volunteers who gave of their time, money and efforts to again make this year’s event a complete success; and
Finally to the Clarkston community.
Collectively we can make a difference in a child’s life.Thankyou, from the Clarkston Rotary Club.
Joel DeLong,
“Shoes for Kids” Program Chair
Dear Editor,
I was watching our Board of Trustees in their monthly meeting on Independence Township public access TV.
Treasurer Paul Brown was explaining how, over several years, our township has been paying thousands of dollars of sales taxes on utility bills government entities are exempt from.
Our treasurer went on to thank one of the trustees.
‘We have an unexpected (revenue) surprise coming thanks to Trustee Jose Aliaga,” Brown said. “Jose was very insistent upon us looking into our utility bills ? he was very persistent, and wouldn’t let it go.?
I would like to thank Mr. Aliaga too. The treasurer went on to report that our township could reapply, retroactively, for tax-exempt certificates from the utility companies. This means we can be refunded 3+ years worth of accidental taxes paid, totaling $8,000-$15,000. That’s a major savings of our community’s money and big deal! Thank you Mr. Aliaga for your diligence!
Sincerely,
Bob Hallett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
This is regarding the Jim’s Jottings column ‘Atheists got no songs (except the blues),? Nov. 12.
As I understand our Constitution, we have a secular nation, in which case President Barack Obama respects our constitution.
Do you deplore the fact over 50,000 Muslims were in D.C. on National Day of Prayer? Do not your Christian values respect the faith of others, including atheists? Compassion is more virtuous than an opinionated professed Christian.
I have no problem with your belief but I do with your bias. Church attendance is not a pass to heaven if you don’t walk the walk. The handicapped and elderly can read their Bible or Koran at home. It is not for you to criticize.
Dave Bond
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
My family is a Clarkston family through and through. My husband and I, as well as our three children, are Clarkston graduates. I volunteer weekly in a second grade classroom, have been involved in service learning in the district and we continue to support Clarkston athletics in a variety of ways.
We have watched our district grow in stature and quality over the years and believe it is one of the finest school districts in Michigan.
So it greatly alarmed me to read in last week’s Clarkston News that our board leadership has alienated so many people important to Clarkston schools, including teachers, parents and outside experts hired to advise the district (“Concerns ‘because we have kids,?” Sept. 24).
This does not reflect our community’s values or the positive reputation our school district deserves. Clearly, new leadership on the school board is needed to rebuild trust and put the focus back on what’s best for children.
Kelli Horst has expressed her commitment to our school district as a parent leader and advocate for public education. With sons in the middle school and junior high and several years of volunteer leadership through PTA, Kelli has first-hand knowledge of the needs in our schools and is uniquely qualified to represent Clarkston parents on the school board.
She celebrates and appreciates what’s right in our schools ? and that’s a lot ? but also wants to fix what’s wrong. I support Kelli Horst for school board this November, and I encourage anyone who loves and takes pride in our school district to do the same.
Renee Weaver-Wright
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
In regards to the letter “Reader support for President Obama,” Sept. 3 edition, Sean Smith, Tyrone S. Woods, and Glen Doherty were murdered in Benghazi trying to protect and save the life of our Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.
They served honorably to protect Bob McGowan’s right to make a vile, disgraceful comment. I am quite sure their parents and families would be appalled to know they were called “pimples.”
Kathy Colosimo
Independence Township
Reader agrees with sign opinion
Dear Editor,
In the Letter to the Editor “Free speech trumps sign rules, reader says” (July 30 edition), Mike Fetzer is right!
My sign is my speech, if you don’t like it, don’t look.
If you agree, vote with me. Political entities are self aggrandizing power hungry animals gobbling up freedom faster than it is produced ? as most production is regulated by government.
More government, less freedom. That is truth. Say it is not and you are stupid or a liar.
Davy Crockett was right.
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The article on local regulations on political signs was interesting but, in my view, fell short to the extent it failed to emphasize that while local government may be able to restrict political sign postings on public right-of-ways, it has been found that the First Amendment right to free speech allows for the posting of political yard signs on private property without regard to attempted local regulation (“Political signs,” July 9).
We all want to be sensitive to neighborhood aesthetic considerations, but the obligation to ensure First Amendment rights trumps this.
Yard signs may be the only practicable way for many residents to confront the expensive TV and other political ads we already are subjected to, months and more than a year before election time, showing how a Rick Snyder family friend, not surprisingly, got richer with Snyder’s help in marketing flatbread, and how we who pay annual real estate and other taxes should feel shame when wealthy family businesses and dynasties “unfairly” have to pay personal property taxes.
When many incumbents are supported by the wealthy constituents who have financially benefitted from the incumbents’ time in office, a yard sign is one of few options available to the middle class.
Mike Fetzer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you regarding Jose Aliaga, candidate for State Representative. I have known Jose for some years now. Aside from considering him a good friend I also believe with all my heart he is the best fit candidate to serve us as our State Representative. His passion, zeal if you will, to serve people is what first drew me to him. His love for people focused towards ‘we the peoples? best interests is exactly the kind of person we want representing us here in District 43. Jose is the only Republican candidate to obtain a signature petition to be on the ballot and this immense undertaking goes to shows his ardent desire to serve the people. Jose has a track record of success too.
While serving as Trustee for Independence Township, Jose voted to cut taxes and the PEG fee associated with the costs of cable television; a proposal that passed, keeping more money in our pockets. In his capacity he also voted to bring 120 manufacturing jobs to Independence Township. Jose has plans to bring 4,000 jobs to Independence Township once he is elected State Representative. The list goes on.
I could speak endlessly of why Jose Aliaga is the right man for the job of State Representative for District 43. He is a man after God’s own heart, a real Republican to the core. He is Pro-Life and supports the 2nd Amendment. I admire his steadfast work ethic. Jose, along with his wife Kelly, has worked tirelessly during his campaign, visiting many neighborhoods two and three in an effort to personally introduce himself to people. Friends and neighbors that have had the pleasure of meeting Jose, Republicans and Democrats alike, absolutely love him and tell me what a relief it is to have a selfless candidate to vote for.
Jose is someone the people can count on, someone I know will not let us down. His only motive is to serve the people. From my lips to God’s ears, may the best man win, may Jose Aliaga be the next State Representative for District 43.
Best regards,
A. Charles Edwards
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Our Statewide Primary Election is coming soon on Aug. 5. We are supporting a great candidate for the 43rd District State Representative, Jose Aliaga.
Jose has local experience serving as an Independence Township Trustee. He is also a member of the Safety Path Committee for the township. He previously acted as a liaison to the Cable Public Television of Independence Township.
During that period of time, the Cable Commission transferred the cable casting to the Clarkston High School. This saves us, the taxpayers, $50,000 annually and gives many high school students the experience and opportunity of working in the studio. Jose is one candidate who has actually voted to reduce costs to residents by reducing cable franchise fees and by being diligent in the budgeting process.
You can see, Jose, has been busy ‘paying his dues? locally to us, Therein building the experience and knowledge of our community to take to Lansing where he will know the community needs.
We are impressed by the integrity Jose has demonstrated with his salary as trustee. When he has been unable to attend a board meeting, he has donated his salary to the Independence Township Senior Center. We know of no other trustee, either past or present, who has done this.
Personally, Jose is the epitome of the American dream. He came to the United States fourteen years ago from Peru. At that time he did not speak English and did not know anyone. Now he is a U.S. citizen, a University of Michigan graduate in political science, a teacher in a private school, an elected public official, an activist in the Republican party, and a conservative candidate for State Representative.
On Aug. 5, remember the locally experienced, knowledgeable candidate who takes the ‘high road? with your tax money.
Vote Jose Aliaga for State Representative, 43rd District.
Joan and Delbert McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Don Rush,
Last week, I sent out the final donation check from the Hoops for the Troops game ‘after having one check ready to send we received more donations.
Clarkston Community Schools and the Girls Basketball sent almost $5,000 to Luke’s Wings in honor of Jenna Beno. That $5,000 can help 10 families unite with their soldier. I was in awe of this total and now I have a goal to beat next year!
Thank you for everything you did to help me get this event off and running. I learned what to do and what not do to. I am already working on next year’s event and how to beat that goal! Thanks for everything,
Megan Goldberg
Clarkston Girls Basketball
I understand that the fire department is seeking a new millage to maintain and improve the services for Oxford Township. I understand the need for the millage, but I also see a dire need for better roads throughout Oxford Township.
If I was in an emergency vehicle and being rushed to the nearest hospital, I would hate to speed down some of these roads for fear of falling off the gurney.
I would rather see a small millage for the improvements of all roads in Oxford Township.
These roads are travelled by residents, used by neighboring residents who drive these roads to get from point A to B, emergency vehicles, sanitation vehicles, moving vans, school buses, postal and delivery carriers, etc.
If a millage was passed that would repair and improve our road systems, then all residents of Oxford Township would have an equal shared investment in the roads and the financial burden for improving them wouldn’t fall on the homeowner who pay special assessments based on how much road frontage they own. We all live in this community and I feel the democratic way would be for all of us to take a vested interest in the improvements of our streets and roads.
Barbara Rice
Oxford
Dear Editor,
In regards to “City manager breaks contact with News,” Feb. 19, Clarkston City Manager Eberhardt’s decision against communicating with the Clarkston News or using it as a vehicle to monitor constituent concerns is indicative of an imperial yet juvenile form of leadership which plagues the state right from the governor’s office, through the Republican-dominated legislature, and often right down to local government.
There is no transparency, and often a paternalistic view of constituents. The officially preferred modes of communication include self-serving releases via web or email, or council or other official meetings where the forum and agenda are controlled by the politicos.
While it may be helpful for politicians for constituents to limit their participation via attendance at council meetings, limiting input via this forum is impractical and ineffective.
Time, place and available meeting space often are not convenient or adequate for all who may have interest.
Note that the history of the nation is marked by a deep respect for freedom of speech and freedom of the press. News media, including local newspapers, have been key to informing the public about the efficiency of government, and allow for the most widespread dissemination of information to the community and the facilitation of public debate.
News media have played an important role in uncovering corruption and waste in government. Good government is only possible with the aid of a free press.
A government official who is unwilling to communicate with community media or monitor it for community concerns and opinions is simply unfit for public service.
If Eberhardt’s is not up to the job or feels too much heat in the kitchen, she should do the honorable thing and resign her post.
Michael Fetzer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
When will you stop? Seriously, haven’t we heard enough from Mr. Johnston?
For years all he has offered is criticism of everyone and everything without a single REASONABLE solution.
It has to be clear by now that he is not as smart as he thinks he is. You must be able to realize that Mr. Johnston only deals in ‘Cory Facts? which frequently have little or no basis in reality.
While on city council, Mr. Johnston frequently made statements as if they were factual only to be found to be boldly inaccurate.
If he is so smart, why doesn’t he do something rather than just complain. It makes me think that those who can, do and those who can’t, complain. Enough already. Let good people do good things.
Please shut this water torture off. We have had enough. Stop giving him a platform.
As for all of those that serve our communities in a manner of trying to do something good, I say thank you very much for your service.
I am sorry that a few people choose to get in the way and make it so hard to get anything accomplished.
Steve Arkwright
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
In regards to “Writing tells the story, expert says,” Jan. 8, I found this interesting and quite relevant.
I currently teach English at the community college level. Last week, I returned short essays to a group of freshman and they could not read the comments that I wrote on the essays, telling me “I can’t read cursive.”
I was a little taken back, sine I had made an effort to write as neatly as possible; however, the students had never been exposed to longhand in their previous educational environments. The things we do not teach, and, oh, the things we should.
Melissa St. Pierre
Lapeer
Submitted through Clarkstonnews.com
Dear Editor,
In regards to “Writing tells the story, expert says,” Jan. 8, how true, “Handwriting is brain writing.”
How sad, “They will figure it out in about 20 years after research shows what types of deficits people have developed without using handwriting.”
And then, I often wonder about graphology. It seems to rely principally on the current handwriting methods taught in most schools, and perhaps on lack of instruction as to how to write.
I have successfully taught handwriting with the italic mode for many years. Included in that, instruction is slant, which depends on posture and paper placement; pressure, which relates to a good, relaxed pen hold, and crossbars on the ‘t? ? for legibility, italic instruction usually controls the crossbar by connecting to many letters, rather than joining from the baseline to a following letter and then going back to cross ‘t.?
Margins are another issue. Both left and right margins should be adequate and not excessive. Needed: Help for teachers who are seldom prepared to teach handwriting.
Nan Jay Barchowsky
Baltimore, Maryland,
via Clarkstonnews.com
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to extend special recognition to following groups, organizations and businesses for their exemplary support and dedication during this year’s Goodfellow newspaper sales and the subsequent ‘Shoes for Kids.”
‘Shoes for Kids? has been the Clarkston Rotary’s signature community project for the past thirty-five years. It takes the collaborative efforts of not only club members but the community to bring each year’s project to fruition.
The Clarkston Rotary would like to recognize the following:
The Clarkston News and Sherman Publications for printing the Goodfellow newspaper each year.
Don Rush, assistant publisher, and Rotarian Mary Sloan for their efforts in compiling and editing this year’s paper.
The Clarkston Community Women’s Club for their annual gift of time and financial support in providing for many Clarkston Community school children.
Boy Scout Troop #199 for organizing troop members in collecting donations at three different locations. The troop has provided continuous support to this service project for the past fifteen years.
Cub Scout Pack #499 for their first year of selling newspapers at Neiman’s Family Market. The enthusiasm and efforts of the scouts didn’t go unnoticed.
Oakland Woods Baptist Church for opening their doors for use of their church annually for the shoe distribution. Their church members support the endeavors in so many ways.
Neiman’s Family Market for permitting cub scouts to learn community service by selling newspapers at their new Clarkston store. This is the first time in seven years that the Clarkston Rotary has been allowed to use a local grocery store for a community service project. Remember that Neiman’s is family owned, committed to supporting the community and doesn’t have the big corporate, big box mentality.
Tim Horton’s on Maybee Road, Hungary Howie’s on Sashabaw Road, Blazing Bagels in Waterfall Plaza, and Hamlin Pub on Sashabaw Road for their support and helping to provide for the many volunteers.
Finally, to the many volunteers who gave willingly of their time, money and efforts to again make this year’s event a complete success.
Joel DeLong, club president
Clarkston Rotary Club
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to give the staff and members of the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union a huge thank you as they continue their tradition of providing Christmas for CAYA children.
One of the most rewarding presents this year was a TV that a little boy received. The family TV had been stolen in June and they couldn’t afford to replace it.
Tears were also brought to a mom’s eye as she picked up her three children gifts knowing this would probably be the last one in their home.
She had just received word that day her house was being repossessed by the bank. She was so thankful for the turkey, food and gifts.
Thank you Clarkston Brandon Credit Union members for caring about CAYA children.
Joyce Bleim
CAYA Homework Club Co-leader
Dear Editor,
On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, members and friends of the Clarkston Rotary were on Clarkston street corners selling the club’s Goodfellow edition to raise funds for the children of Clarkston. One hundred percent of the donations were spent to provide more than 350 Clarkston area school children with new winter boots and shoes, hats, mittens, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Clarkston Rotarians, friends of Rotary, Clarkston Area Lions Club, the Clarkston Optimists, members of Oakland Woods Baptist Church, Cub Scout Pack #499, as well as Boy Scout Troop #199 all volunteered their time and energy. Over 2,000 volunteer hours are needed to complete both programs.
The Clarkston Lighthouse staff and Clarkston Community School social workers have worked to determine and sign up children on a need basis.
Mr. Alan’s Sportswear of Redford and their operations manager help to insure that each child’s receives new shoes and boots.
A special thank you to the local dentist offices for donating toothbrushes and toothpaste, and The Clarkston News for publication of the Goodfellow paper.
Clarkston schools and local churches support the program by collecting new hat and glove donations. Oakland Woods Baptist Church provides support and use of their church on the day of the distribution. The Clarkston Lions provided Project Kidsight, a free eye examination to all of the families. The Clarkston Area Optimist Club has joined with their Opti-Socks program.
The ‘Shoes for Kids? program is truly a collaborative community effort. Thank you for your continued support over the past thirty-five years. The children of Clarkston are a little warmer and safer again this year.
Joel DeLong and the
Clarkston Rotary Club
Sherman’s no sexist; that announcer’s ‘terrible?
This is a reply to Erin Morehouse’s letter regarding women football announcers that was published in the Nov. 27 Leader.
I love football, especially the Oxford Wildcats.
I have been watching football every Saturday and Sunday for more years than I care to count.
I know the female announcer that Jim Sherman, Sr. was referring to in his column. She is on ESPN.
As a play-by-play announcer, she is terrible! I’m not sure she knows a lot about football. She has called many plays wrong.
I have had to shut the sound off sometimes or change the channel because I can’t stand to listen to her. Many, many people that I’ve talked to agree.
There are many women working at football games, interviewing players and coaches. They are very good.
But I agree with Jim Sherman ? this one is terrible.
Also, Jim Sherman is not one to belittle women. He has always had great respect for women in the professional and business world. He’s always encouraged women to excel.
Helen L. Smith
Oxford
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the staff and directors of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, I would like to thank all those who attended and supported this year’s Wild Night Out fundraising event.
It was wonderful to see so many people, old friends and new, come out to support protection of the natural spaces that make northwest Oakland County such a special place to live.
With thanks and gratitude,
Chris Benedict
President, NOHLC
Dear Editor,
We had a very successful Bucks for Buses has Gone Bocce III Fundraiser on Sept. 25 at Palazzo di Bocce in Orion. This event by the Friends of the Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center raised money for our transportation program that takes seniors and disabled adults in Clarkston, Independence and Springfield Township to and from doctor’s appointments, work, grocery stores and other places they need to go.
Our wonderful sponsors made this event extra special: Platinum Level Sponsor: Clarkston Medical Group and Waterfall Jewelers, Gold Level Sponsors: McLaren Health Care, Silver Sponsors: Lourdes, Pallotta Heating and Cooling LLC and Smith Disposal, Bronze Level Sponsors: All Saints Cemetery & The Preserve, Coats Funeral Home, Home Instead Senior Care, Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Michigan Institute of Urology, Oxford Bank, State Representative Gail Haines, Susan’s Hallmark of Holly and Vein Solutions/MI Vascular Center. Without the generosity of our sponsors we would not be able to offer our clients the level of service that we currently do.
Without the hard work of our committee members Dr. Tim O’Neill-Honory Chair, Collen Burke, Amanda Fogleman, Mary Melega, Brenda Marino, Mary Lou Schell, Lois Seddon and Nancy Wasilk, we would not have been able to have such a successful evening. We also appreciate all of the support the Clarkston Medical Group has given us for this event including our evening entertainer Dr. Michael Baker.
Special thanks to our Friends group members Carolyn Morrison-President, Lee Kuczmanski-Secretary/Treasurer, Pat Edwards, Joe Figa, Connie Hutchison, Don Kayko, John Lowell, Donna Miller, Jean Pachuta, Mary Lou Schell, Lois Seddon, Tom Stone and Mel Vaara for all of the fundraising they do for our Senior Center. They have been a loyal and dedicated group.
We had a fun filled night with fabulous food, music and bocce ball. Thanks to all of you who attended and supported this very special fundraiser for our transportation fundraiser.
Sincerely,
Barbara Rollin, director
Senior Adult Activity Center
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank all who made the Labor Day Picnic in Depot Park a great success.
Friends of the Library and the library staff gave away free popcorn, Rudy’s Market free hot dogs, etc. Jeannie and Don Frayer supplied $25 worth of pennies for the Penny Scramble.
Judith Hoddinott did free silhouettes, Independence Township Fire Department brought a great fire engine out.
Doc Dewey brought his incredible calliope and played and played. The historical society supplied the candy prizes and the great array of clothing for the suitcase relay.
We had great volunteers for the penny scramble, three legged race, sack race, suitcase relay, and the tug of war.
Eric Haven, Richard Bisio, Mike Sabol, Tom Ryan, and Steve Hargis furnished the Cook’s Ice Cream treats.
Many hands made a fantastic event.
Our deer appreciation to all that helped to make the picnic so much fun.
Mark your calendar for next year!
Thanks abound,
Jim and Gini Schultz
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
On Aug. 16th, Clarkston High School Football sponsored the 16th annual Rush for Food to benefit the Lighthouse Clarkston food pantry.
The football players collected 6,397 pounds of food that was sorted, boxed and stacked ready to be distributed to low income families in the upcoming months.
JV and Varsity players drove through area neighborhoods collecting bags of food while the freshman players sorted and boxed the food. All of this hard work was accomplished in just three hours!
Each year our office relies on this food drive to restock the pantry shelves that have been depleted during the lean summer months.
We send a sincere thank you to the players, parents, coaches and the community for another successful Rush for Food!
Connie Stapleton
Manager, Lighthouse Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I just learned of this wonderful fundraiser that Claire Kirchner and her friends held for Lighthouse Clarkston last weekend (“Rock group helps Lighthouse,” Aug. 7).
What a unique idea and what a huge success it was! And kudos to the Clarkston community for supporting these young people in their quest to help struggling families in our community. I am so proud to be a part of a community that comes together to support one another as Clarkston does each day of the year.
Thank you to Claire and her friends for working to make this event happen and thank you to the sponsors for their support. A special thank you goes to the parents of these young ladies. You should be very proud of their kindness and generosity towards others.
Connie Stapleton, manager
Clarkston Lighthouse
Dear Editor,
We moved to Independence over 30 years ago and thought we were coming to a quite and serene area with lots of natural features and friendly folks.
It now appears that our township is working hard to bring growth and new businesses into our community and expand the tax base (“Sashabaw Road improvements lead to…,” July 24).
I, for one, think we need to revisit this planning and set some other priorities such as: preserve our natural areas, avoid the introduction of large businesses and industry and stay small and friendly. I’d like hear from others who feel the same way.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As a transplanted New Yorker it’s taken me nearly 15 years to fully adjust to this close-knit world known as Clarkston. In New York, there were millions of people, but you really didn’t know anyone.
Not so in Clarkston. Here, you know people’you know their children’you know their dogs ‘you just know.
A routine trip to Kroger on a mid-summer Saturday is the only classroom you need.
‘Hi, sir, we’re with the Clarkston football team,? the handsome young man says, just as I get to the entrance to the store.
‘Would you support the team by buying this discount book? It’s a great deal.?
Why not, I think. It’s the least I can do, plus I know these guys are pretty good.
‘Sure,? I say as I reach for my wallet. ‘You guys gonna be good again this year??
‘Thanks,? the young man says as he takes my money and hands me my discount book. ‘The Wolves will rule this season.?
The Wolves? That’s right, the Clarkston Wolves’that’s the team name.
‘Can you answer a question for me,? I ask, as the young man high-fives his friend, apparently in celebration of his sales success.
‘Why do you call yourselves the Wolves? Have you ever seen a wolf in Clarkston??
‘Well, no,? the young man says, looking puzzled at first. ‘At least we’re not called the dragons.?
The dragons, I think. Who’d be dumb enough to call themselves that?
‘Well, I guess so,? I say to the young man, masking my utter confusion. ‘It just seems there are more coyotes in Clarkston than wolves. How does the Clarkston Coyotes sound??
The young man’s expression turns to calm focus, like you’d expect to see on the face of a hostage negotiator.
‘That might be a good idea. You should bring it up with the athletic director,? the young man says, nodding me a subtle thank you before joining his friends, who are laughing at something nearby.
Well, at least I have this discount book.
I continue to think about the young man as I shop. As I leave Kroger I look for him again. Then I’m approached by another young man.
‘Sir, would you like to buy some raffles to support the hockey team?? he asks, with a huge, toothy smile unexpected from a hockey player.
‘Hockey? What hockey team,? I ask.
‘The Clarkston hockey team,? the young man says.
Clarkston hockey team? I didn’t even know Clarkston had a hockey team.
‘You guys are a big secret,? I say. ‘Where do you play?
‘Bloomfield Hills.?
Bloomfield Hills? No wonder no one has heard of these guys.
‘Are you also the wolves?? I ask, thinking for a second that this might be another good opportunity to ask my coyote question.
‘Yes, we are’the Clarkston Wolves.?
The young man and I complete our friendly transaction for a book of raffles. Odd, I think, that first prize are four baseball tickets.
‘Have a great season.?
‘Thanks.?
I walk to my car, my mind racing through the events of the last 30 minutes or so.
I met two very upstanding young men, it didn’t matter that they were terribly misled about the composition of the wildlife in the community.
I purchased an entire book of valuable discounts from local stores supporting the efforts of the community’s youth. I purchased five chances to win Detroit Tiger tickets. And I discovered a great secret’that Clarkston has a hockey team, and they play in Bloomfield Hills.
‘What a great place,? I say out loud, thinking I might just call the athletic director and give him a brief lesson on the realities of the local wildlife.
I look into my wallet, thinking I might stop someplace for lunch. It’s empty. I look back at the hockey player and think for a moment to ask him to lend me a few bucks.
‘A day in Clarkston,? I think out loud, getting into my car, smiling and driving home.
Michael Palese
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Fourth of July Parade Committee would like to say thank to the many groups and individuals who made this year’s parade a community event to remember. Estimates have placed 20,000 people attending the parade on Wednesday.
Our thanks to Chief Steve Ronk and the Independence Township Fire Department for using their ladder truck to hang the large flag on Main St.
Special thanks to our parade sponsor Bowman Chevrolet. Community businesses helping make this a special event for the residents were Clarkston Auto Body, Smith’s Disposal, DTE Energy Theatre, Graph Mark Services, R & M Motors, Dollar Tree, Pontiac Sound and Music, and Clarkston State Bank.
Individuals and organizations that gave of their time were the Army Recruiting station, Curt Catallo and Anne Stevens, Jim Tedder, Dale Ryan, Oakland County Sheriff’s Clarkston Substation, Boy Scout Troop 189, St. Daniel’s Catholic Church, Clarkston Community Bank, Clarkston Chamber of Commerce, Independence Township and the Parks and Recreation Department, Mt. Zion Church, Clarkston Area Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Clarkston Area Optimist Club, and the City of the Village of Clarkston.
Thank you to all our entries and parade watchers! See you next year.
Clarkston Fourth of July
Parade Committee
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Cooperative Preschool held a silent auction on May 4 at the Clarkston Flower Shoppe & Birdfeeder during the Quatro de Mayo event.
We were overwhelmed with the support from 49 local businesses and artisans, who donated more than $6,500 worth of products and services to our event.
Our Silent Auction was held to raise money for the Clarkston Cooperative Preschool – the only preschool in the Village of Clarkston – which has been nurturing happy souls since 1969.
We could not continue to flourish without the support of this wonderful community, and we are grateful beyond measure to all those who donated, bid, and browsed. And we need to send a special thank you to Steve at the Clarkston Flower Shoppe and Birdfeeder who not only developed the Quatro De Mayo event but who graciously provided us with a stunning venue for our auction. With all of your generosity, our event was a huge success! Thank you, thank you, thank you Clarkston businesses and patrons!
Rachel Sytsma Reed, board member, Clarkston Cooperative Preschool
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Cable Public Access channel is about to be given to the high school by the township board at the contrivance of the new supervisor.
After much hard work, the cable committee has succeeded in hiring a capable new coordinator/program director, replacing equipment with state of the art, and connecting to AT&T U-verse where you can watch board meetings
But just as public access TV is ready to take off again, producing community service and quirky local programming, where anyone can have their own TV show, the board wants the children to have the equipment, to move everything out of the studio building on Maybee Road into the high school against the unanimous opinion of all five cable committee members.
Ten years ago, the school took the education channel and hasn’t produced one acceptable broadcast of a school board meeting. And now this great insatiable sucking maw is going to receive the government and community access channels as well.
I am broken hearted. The people paying cable bills should have something to say about this. It reminds me of the way we got a new township hall. The board doesn’t seem to care what tax payers or cable bill payers think of their plan. People need to call the supervisor and come to the board meetings before it is too late.
Sincerely,
Nancy Stephenson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Upon reading the headline ‘Peddling deputy? in the June 19 Clarkston News, I was shocked.
So I got my dictionary out and checked the definition of the word ‘peddling.? One is ‘small, trifling, piddling.? I do not feel that the job the officer will be doing to be small, trifling, or piddling.
I think a better spelling choice would have been ‘pedaling,? alternate spelling, ‘pedalling.? Dictionary definition, ‘of or pertaining to a pedal, perhaps a bicycle, to move or operate by moving pedals.?
Maybe I’m just too picky to have noticed this. No offense to the author because without looking it up I would have thought peddling was to sell stuff.
Carol Ridgeway
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I feel as though I wake up every morning and read about the doom and gloom of public education, kids, and schools.
Whether it’s an article about funding issues, union busting, school shootings, annoyed parents, angry teachers, standardized tests, or drop out rates, there is always something negative about schools.
These articles often make the schools, teachers, students, and community look and sound awful. As a teacher, I often shake my head in disgust because these articles are either 100% true or 100% false.
Somehow, through all of the doom and gloom mentioned on the news and in newspapers, I feel like this year was my best year of teaching. It wasn’t because of state legislation, new technology, new curriculum, or some great reform, it was because I had an awesome group of kids.
Sadly, we rarely read or hear about the wonderful things these kids do in our schools, so I thought I would try to write a positive, refreshing, feel good letter about schools and students!
The kids at Clarkston Junior High have exceeded all my expectations this year. In addition to succeeding in the classroom, they have excelled in athletics, in the arts, on the stage, and in the community.
They have gone out of their way to help and care for fellow classmates, local community members, complete strangers, veterans, and the families of those who have lost loved ones.
Their compassion, excitement to learn, laughter, and energy has helped me become a better person and teacher. Their desire to come to school early, or stay after school late to review for tests and to work on projects, has motivated me to become a more active, creative teacher.
I can’t thank these kids enough for all they have done for me as a teacher and learner. Clarkston is lucky to have a great group of kids here and I hope the community gets a chance to read and hear about all the wonderful things they do! Hopefully in the near future we get annoyed waking up every morning reading about the great things kids, teachers, schools, families, and the community are doing. Keep it up kids and have a great summer!
Thomas McGlinnen
Clarkston Junior High School
Dear Editor,
The letter “Fired up on FOIA” showed up in my inbox as a Google Alert. FOIA reform, particularly in Michigan, is an interest of mine. One area that concerns me is government transparency. Maybe it’s just me, but is there a pattern to the Michigan Legislature’s on again, off again proposals to amend the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
The circle starts with a representative reintroducing a bill that died in the previous session. Newspapers note the occasion with optimism. Somebody suggests bringing the so-called stakeholders together to hash out differences.
Invariably, opponents of the legislation such as the Michigan Municipal League (MML) and other lobbying organizations point out the unbearable burden FOIA has imposed on them, compounded by shrinking budgets. Their political allies in the legislature squirm and commiserate.
Eventually, roundtable discussions become less frequent, and news coverage dwindles. In the committees, a thousand other legislative concerns cry for attention. The bloom is off the rose. FOIA amendments slumber. In a couple of years, the session ends, and the bills expire.
I suspect that it’s not cost and inconvenience that raises the ire of some public officials so much as the fear that open access to government records will reveal foolishness, incompetence, wastefulness and crime.
Perhaps an air of superiority and a sense of entitlement on the part of some public “servants” add to their aggravation.
In any event, it’s long past time to trash Michigan’s old FOIA model and bring open access into the 21st century.
Jim Lang
Royal Oak
Dear Editor,
We wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Clarkston community for their support of the Sixth Annual Angels? Place Race. We are so blessed to be a part of such a great community.
The whole community helped make this year’s race the most successful race yet. We had over 400 runners/walkers/volunteers and also exceeded last year’s fundraising amount. We are grateful for all the people and businesses in our community that made the race such a success and to bring the awareness of developmental disabilities to so many.
Also, we would like to thank all the volunteers, especially the Angels? Place Race Planning Committee, who worked so hard the last eitht months planning for such a successful event ? Doug Brown, Anne Clifton, Sarah Nussbaumer, Charlie Caine, Deanna Donahoo, Michelle Peterson, Rick Clark, Jim Lenhardt, Steve Savoie, Dave Cushing, Maggie and Paul Maxwell, and Andrea Yedlin.
Our success would not be possible without all of you! We are looking forward to next year’s race. Thanks so much,
Maggie and Paul Maxwell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank The Clarkston News for their continued support of the Relay for Life of Clarkston.
As a result of the support (advertising and event coverage), this year we have raised $80,141.36 towards finding a cure.
If you or anyone you love has ever heard the words ‘you have cancer,? you understand the passion behind this mission!
Because of our amazing community and organizations like The Clarkston News, we are one step closer.
On a side note, having a subscription to The Clarkston News is a great way to stay close to our community and to support a local business! Please encourage your family and friends to get one!
Teresa Wynn, event chair
2013 Relay for Life of Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am very disappointed that you printed the “Reader Concerned About Local Education” letter to the editor in your paper.
What I am disappointed in is that you would print a letter that has a lot of assumptions based entirely on unchecked opinions without doing any fact checking yourself.
If you or Mr. Palese would have done any due diligence you would have found out that the seventh grade teacher that Mr. Palese calls out actually did and had taught more than one lesson in that school year ? source: Clarkston teacher.
If you or Mr. Palese would have done your due diligence you would know that “flipping” a classroom is a researched strategy used by many Clarkston/Michigan/U.S. teachers ? source: The Flipped Classroom by Aaron Sams among countless others.
I am disappointed that my local paper would stoop this low; where does chalk on a sweater equal good teaching? Source ? could not find one that correlated the two variables. I will defend Mr. Palese’s right to speak, even if I disagree ? source: First Amendment. I will defend your right to print articles that I don’t agree with ? source: First Amendment, but I will not defend anyone’s right to libelous accusations.
I’ll start defending those rights as soon as I finish my donuts and coffee.
Brooke Davis
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Often letters are complaints. This is one of praise.
Having waited for four months for another very good excavating company to commit to replacing my septic field, I called several local builders for recommendations.
Beardslee Sand and Gravel was the company recommended more than others. Dick Moscovic, builder, told me owner Steve Sawyer would do a good job for me at a fair price. And that he did.
Word was prompt, on schedule and Sawyer used skill and intellect to dispose of the excess in a depression in my woods. One of my biggest concerns was changing the rolling topography of the land, i.e. water drainage, forming unusual ridges.
He returned to add topsoil and seed. It’s perfect! Steve also assured me that he was picky about screened topsoil. Too often because topsoil is scarce, a combination of peat, sand and soil masquerade as topsoil, but do not contain enough nutrients to grow grass.
I have a large lawn and Beardslee will be my go-to for topsoil, gravel or whatever. But I won’t need a new septic field for another 40 years.
Joan Harbaugh
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Lighthouse food pantry has been very lean the last several weeks with food donations barely getting to the shelves before being packed for a hungry family.
This has now changed since the more than an estimated twenty thousand pounds of food came to our building on Saturday May 11. The annual ‘Stamp out Hunger? post office food drive was a tremendous success this year.
Our food shelves and storage areas are full once again thanks to the efforts of the Independence Township United States Postal Service employees, the generous community members and the many volunteers that came to box the donated food on Saturday.
Once again the caring spirit of our community was evident and strong. I am proud to not only be associated with Lighthouse of Oakland County, Clarkston but also the amazing community in which I live. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event so successful.
Connie Stapleton
Lighthouse Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I remember my high school geometry teacher. He was a friendly little man who’d walk through problem after problem after problem on a blackboard. His instruction was so intense on most days that he’d have to pat the chalk out of his cloths at the end of class.
Teachers today no longer use chalk. The trouble is a number of them also no longer teach.
This issue is most problematic in math subjects where, ironically, repetition and hands on instruction are needed most.
Over the years, my son has related more stories than I can count of math teachers giving out self or group explorations with no related instruction. He once told me the story of his algebra teacher in seventh grade who only taught one lesson the entire school year ? when she was being observed by teachers from the high school. The best (or worst) story occurred this year when on more than one occasion his pre-calculus teacher couldn’t actually solve a problem she was demonstrating to the class.
Is technology making this better? The newest tech savvy teaching trend is this little creature called flipping the lesson, which is a nice idea except everyone does it differently and, in practice, is code for forgetting the lesson.
My educational background is a post graduate degree in mass media, and I have a bachelor’s degree in English and in communications. I’m not a math guy. But the conversation I’ve wanted to have with nearly all of my son’s math teachers at Clarkston Community Schools is to ask them to tell me why I couldn’t teach their classes.
Michael Palese
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the Clarkston community for the generousity shown during this years annual letter carrier food drive. While we are still addiing up the totals, I can say for certain it was a huge success. We should have no problem filling the shelves at Lighthouse North.
I am, however, greatly disappointed in The Clarkston News for their lack of participation relating to the announcement of the drive. With proper timing, the News was given two articles concerning the drive to pull a statement from and place a helpful and informative article.
Instead, such an important event concerning the entire community was granted two sentences next to the obituaries located towards the end of the paper. Many letter carriers were both angry and upset at the lack of consideration given to such a worthy cause.
I can only hope that next year The Clarkston News will find it in their heart to provide us with an article equal to the magnitude of the food drive.
If you happened to miss the food drive, you can still drop off non-perishables at both the Clarkston Post Office and/or Lighthouse North, located on Sashabaw Road.
Thank you residents,
Shellie Kent
City Carrier, Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Driving home late April from a trip south, I was delighted to see a traditional and much anticipated sign of spring. I was elated to see,the “Cranberry Goose” had once again come with her mate to make her nest and lay her eggs on the muskrat mound on Cranberry Lake as she and her mate had attempted to do for over 10 years or so.
The next 10 days or so she was as faithful as “Horton Hatches the Egg,” sitting,thru snow, hail, and freezing temps with her mate for life taking over at times. But soon there was a noticeable emptiness of nest eggs and goose.
I was told a “goose relocation truck” had shown up. How humane was the relocation? And what about the life long mate?
Ask the people along Cranberry Lake Road who without thought evict wildlife that came for years before their home was built,who have major lawn companies spray along the lake shore, possibly ignoring what is allowed to be sprayed so close to lakes.
Sure, geese are messy and pollute the lawns, but are these residents also violating DNR rules and polluting the lake, which is getting over growth from the fertilizers and weed killers?
You moved to be by nature so why are you destroying it and the wildlife we keep pushing out? So sad, how we selfishly instigate our will against nature and/or the environment.
Pam
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) sincerely appreciates the work of the Clarkston News and Clarkston Retailers in raising funds for area non-profit organizations, including the CCPA, and thanks all those that attended Quattro de Mayo on Saturday, May 4.
With the support and assistance of the Clarkston area, the CCPA will continue to provide a venue for the fine and performing arts with our founding members, the Clarkston Conservatory of Music and the Clarkston Village Players. We look forward to providing events similar to what we have done in the past such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performance in cooperation with Clarkston Schools, the Red Sea Pedestrians and Glenn Poorman at Depot Theater, and our Music on the Move series that featured Lorelei and the upcoming performance by Grace Adele & The Grand Band through the generous sponsorship of KH Home.
With the continuing support of the community, we are confident that our ultimate goal of a performing arts center in downtown Clarkston can be achieved.
Thank you Clarkston,
The Clarkston Center
for the Performing Arts
Dear Editor,
Heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers and participants who contribute to the continuing success of the Chuck Keegan ‘Race for the Kids.? The fifth annual race was held on Saturday, May 4; proceeds from the race fund a scholarship program for Clarkston students.
Special thanks to our sponsors: A+ Teachers Store, ATS Project Success, Clarkston Auto Body, Fitness Quest, Gotts Auto Service, Graphmark Services, Health Quest, The Learning Experience of Clarkston, Planned Financial Services, Plaza Beauty Supply, Rogers Chiropractic Center, Runnin? Gear, Salon Williams, Simply Natural Health Foods, Sports Creations, Waterfall Jewelers, and Waterford Hill Florist and Greenhouse.
Amy Ankrom, Ray Cooper, Denise Hill, Claudia Keglovitz, April Kosin, John Merz, Susan Powers, Michele Przybylski, Debbie Sabo, Alex Sennabaum, Janet Thomas, and Sue Wilson were instrumental in planning and staffing this event.
Kathy Noble and other members of Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, as well as several Clarkston Junior High students, also volunteered their time.
Lastly, thanks to the Keegan family for continuing to support this event. Chuck was an incredible force in this community; his passion for his profession and genuine concern for his students never wavered. He left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Mike Greve, chairman
Chuck Keegan ‘Race for the Kids?
Dear Editor,
In regards to The Clarkston News story, “Raises for city workers” on May 1, there was no special committee and the charter requires committees to be approved by the council, which there is no record of happening. This is the same thing that happened with the city manager selection committee, approved after the fact, months after they had started meeting, and only after a resident pointed out the charter violation.
The proposal for raises was hidden from the council and public, with the council meeting agenda saying only, ‘Employee Wage Survey? and no information provided for the meeting. I requested it and nothing was provided until after raises had been approved by the council without any notice, committee recommendation, or the public’s knowledge.
‘No one had had a raise in eight years? is inaccurate if not outright wrong. The clerk and treasurer are both new positions and had been hired in at a new rate. Therefore, they had not received a raise in a little over one year. The city manager’s duties were significantly decreased from what they once were by having three people do the work that had been done by one person.
The police department was eliminated, which had to significantly reduce the work load of the office staff. They have new furniture, new heating and cooling in the office, new computers and new software to make their jobs easier and more comfortable. If you are a DPW employee, you work with little supervision and the DPW director has the only private office in the city government. I did not hear of anyone threatening to leave because of the pay, so I have to believe the working conditions and pay were not that terrible. I know I didn’t get a raise this year even as my taxes and other expenses increase.
The reason there is a budget reserve is the city charges the maximum tax rate legally possible and more than 60% higher than the surrounding township even though the government provided services are almost exactly the same, most services are provided by Independence Township, and the city does not pay for some, such as senior services and parks and recreation.
It is easy to build up reserves when you charge more and provide less. If the reserves are truly that much greater than recommended, how about lowering our taxes?
The final sentence of this article shows the real problem with revenues increasing by only 3% while expenditures increased by 13.1%.
Other than the City of the Village of Clarkston, who can increase their spending by 13% with only a 3% raise? I brought this to the council’s attention many years ago and was ignored. I have no doubt the city will continue to ignore it.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Clarkston United Methodist Church was attended by over 100 volunteers and guests, April 26.
Thanks to staff and volunteers for all of the hard work they put into this event: Mary Przybycien and volunteers Shirley Bryan, Diane Brozovich, Ron Frank, Bev Kertesz, Beverly Krol, Rosie Landry, Mary Melega, Mary Jo Reid, Pam Spenser, Sue Wagner and others who helped prepare food and decorate for this event.
Also thanks to all of our staff members for working together with our volunteers to make our center a successful place. Our over 150 volunteers make it possible for us provide higher levels of programs and services to the community. We appreciate their hard work and everything they do for us.
We are especially grateful this year for Clarkston United Methodist Church and Pastor Rev. Shane Moore and his staff members Mary Hubbell, Colleen Godfrey and Anita Dempster for working with us and allowing us to have our luncheon in their hall. They have been very gracious to us and supportive of our center and programs.
Without the following businesses and sponsors we would not have such a successful event. Thanks to sponsors Coats Funeral Home-Silver Level; Home Instead Senior Care-Silver Level; Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Inc.-Bronze Level; and Susan’s Hallmark-Gifts for the volunteers.
Several local restaurants donated food for our luncheon. Our volunteers were very grateful for such a wonderful menu. It was a real treat to try out the different dishes that they provided. Thank you to businesses for your generous donations of food for this event, Brioni Caf? & Deli, Clarkston Union & Woodshop, Gregg’s Gourmet Caf?, Pete’s Oven Bakery, Pizzeria dolce, Royal Diner and the Sportsmen Great Northern Grill.
It was a great event thanks to everyone listed above for their donations and hard work.
Barbara Rollin
Senior center coordinator
Dear Editor,
The letter ‘City manager search,? April 24, is an example of uninformed criticism of Clarkston’s city government, apparently motivated by hostility and dislike of anyone who holds political office and a cynical assumption these folks do whatever they want regardless of the law.
Close review of the language of the city charter, quoted in the letter, shows the city council did nothing wrong, let alone ‘illegal.?
First, the charter prohibits elected officers from holding an appointed city office. That didn’t happen here. Carol Eberhardt resigned her council seat before becoming city manager.
Second, it prohibits a former elected officer from holding a compensated city office for one year after that officer’s term. That did happen here. But there is an exception to this rule.
The exception can be ‘authorized by ? five members of the council.? Before deciding on appointing a city manager, the council voted to authorize this exception. Thus Ms. Eberhardt’s appointment was authorized by the city charter.
The premise of the criticism is that you can’t change a law after the fact and authorize something that was a violation when it happened. But that’s not what happened here.
The charter allows the council to invoke an exception to the general rule. The council invoked the exception before it decided who would be appointed city manager.
The claim ‘the council broke the law the moment they publicly announced they were considering [Eberhardt] for the job? is wrong. The charter doesn’t prohibit considering a council member for appointment. So considering someone for whom a future waiver might be needed is not ‘illegal.? And ultimately the council can waive the prohibitions by a supermajority vote, which it did.
To characterize the city manager selection process as ‘shenanigans? belittles those who worked in good faith on this important appointment. The council considered 12 applicants, interviewed five, and heard presentations from the final two.
Most of the process, unfortunately not all of it, was done publicly. Anyone could have looked at the applications and had their voice heard at various public meetings. I did that.
For example, I suggested, and the council agreed, adding a candidate to the interview schedule. I’m no apologist for all that our council does and I’ve been critical of many things, both while on the council and off. But criticisms should be based in fact. The facts don’t support the criticism here.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thank you to Leo’s Coney Island for hosting a fundraiser for us Wednesday night and the Clarkston community for coming out to support us!
We were able to raise over $1,000, putting us one step closer to our goal for Ryan’s Memorial Playground.
Be sure to save the date for May 4 for the ‘Race for Ryan 5K Run & Walk? and May 11 for Kids Day in the Park, both upcoming fundraisers.
Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Friends of Ryan Kennedy
Dear Editor,
Even though I’m not a Clarkston City of theVillage of resident, I’ve been watching the shenanigans of the Clarkston City Council regarding their choice of a city manager anyway.
I would have to conclude changing the law to make the Carol Eberhardt appointment “legal” ignores the fact that the Clarkston City Council broke the law the moment they publicly announced they were considering her for the job. If the city council had been following the law, Ms. Eberhardt never would have been on the list of candidates. Going back and changing a law they have already violated doesn’t change the fact that the council broke the law the moment they considered her for the job.
Section 4.18, “except where authorized by law or five members of the Council, elected officers shall not hold any appointed city office or city employment during the term for which they were elected, and former elected officers shall not hold any compensated appointed city office or city employment until one year after the expiration of their term in office.”
Repealing a law they have already broken gives the public an acknowledgement that the city council knows it has broken a law. This is akin to someone speeding on a road posted 25, they get a ticket only to see the speed limit changed to 45 shortly thereafter. In the eyes of the law, is that person still guilty regardless of the change that was made afterward? You bet!
The board appointment of Carol Eberhardt was, and still is, illegal.
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’m glad to see Henry Woloson’s letter re McLaren Hospital. I see no need to have another hospital with so many very good ones a few minutes away. I also feel that our township has no business interfering with the decision by the state that we don’t need those beds here.
Who is to profit by this big development in our semi- rural community which I, for one, would like to see stay that way.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In response to “Budget tightrope,” April 10, instead of increasing class size, reducing instructional staff and quality of education, why not consolidate under three or four county school districts like the majority of other states?
There are 28 school districts in Oakland County, which means 28 school boards, superintendents, deputy superintendents, athletic directors, school bus garages, administration offices and the list goes on. Let’s not forget about negotiating contracts with multiple teacher unions. Create four districts such as Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast districts serving those schools.
The state of Michigan has over 860 school districts (of overhead) with a total state population of 9.8 million residents. A state such as Florida has only 67 school districts with a total state population of 19.3 million. Just a thought!
James Phillips
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Many business people are used to the ‘Cost ? Benefit? model, which makes sense where the issue is purely dollars and cents.
But we are talking about a community, with people of many age groups, varying incomes, varying resources, of various needs; most of whom pay taxes.
So such a model when applied to a community involves people and their needs, not just money. Most communities understand this, but there are differences of opinion as to what services are ‘essential? to meet these needs.Most people agree that such services are police and fire protection, provision of good roads are essential, but not everyone agrees that libraries and senior services are essential.
What must be recognized is libraries and senior services are essential, particularly given the changes occurring in communities such as Independence Township.
According to SEMCOG and other sources, in just a couple of years the number of seniors in this township will exceed the number of children enrolled in schools ? in fact they constitute the fastest growing segment of our community where other parts of the population growth is leveling off and the growth of all other age groups is declining.
Incomes are declining significantly.There are notions that Libraries are antiquated and unnecessary; yes, they are antiquated, but are very necessary ? they simply need better facilities, equipment and services.
More people are using libraries for job searches, reading material, as quiet spaces, and for research of various kinds.
One reason libraries are considered unnecessary is because more printed resources are being digitized ? that is, available by electronic means. But many of these resources are too costly for individuals to access.
Many of these resources require ownership of appropriate electronic equipment, such as computers, iPhones, or iPads which require a degree of technical knowledge and finances; the older you are, the less likely you are to have that knowledge ? and, then, it changes rapidly ? and the better devices cost more money, or costly apps or software.
These devices are socially isolating ? you don’t have the benefit of face-to-face conversation, especially for Seniors who do not want to be isolated. All of this is particularly challenging to seniors.
The evidence is clear: facilities and services provided by a library and senior center are essential, and are a clear benefit for our taxpayers ? the cost is worth it. They have gone underfunded for too long, and certainly don’t need to be downsized; they need to be brought into the 21st Century!
Dr. Thomas K. Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Regarding the recent Clarkston city manager selection, Section 4.18 of the Clarkston City Charter states ‘Elected officers shall not hold any appointed city office or city employment during the term for which they were elected.?
This type of charter language solely exists within the city charter to prevent an egregious elected official from cherry picking compensated appointed positions, such as the position of city manager in this case.
Instead of hiring the Michigan Municipal League to conduct an executive search, Clarkston council spent our finite tax dollars on an attorney to explain a way around section 4.18 of the city charter. Looking at all the events surrounding the selection process of the city manager, it is obvious the Clarkston City Council never had any intention of hiring anyone but Councilwoman Carol Eberhardt and stacked the deck to assure her appointment.
It is transparent Councilwoman Eberhardt’s competitor for the city manager’s position was an unknowing participant in a cleverly orchestrated dog and pony show to validate the council’s choice for city manager.
Councilwoman Eberhardt’s acceptance of the position displays her selfish sense of entitlement, her lack of regard for the citizens of Clarkston, and her lack of jurisprudence involving city governance. Councilwoman’s acceptance of being appointed to the city manager contrary to Section 4.18 of the City Charter will ensure the status quo of mediocrity within her tenure as the city manager.
By the Clarkston City Council’s act of waiving section 4.18 of the city charter, it is inherently obvious the council is not there to serve the citizens of Clarkston, but is there to serve one another with our tax dollars.
Hillary Scott
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I work outside all over Clarkston every week of the year. It is impossible for me not to notice how people drive. Every driver I see does the same things.
You drive up to 50 miles an hour on streets like Holcomb. On Bluegrass, you drive so fast your children are thrown to the side of your SUVs by the g-forces you’re creating when you take the curves.
You pass obstructions such as garbage trucks on residential streets, again over the speed limit, only to come within a hair’s breadth of oncoming traffic. Since you’ve forgotten the law, I’ll remind you. You’re required to wait until there is no oncoming traffic and then you are allowed to pass safely.
Then there’s my favorite. At intersections with stop signs, you don’t even stop, much less look to see if it’s safe to proceed. Or, you slow down and pretend to look, all the while eying your latest text. Why can’t you stop? Do you really think you’re saving time? You use more time doing your silly slow down, if you even do slow down.
Every time you parents and grandparents break simple laws like these, you’re teaching your kids it’s ok to break the law. You claim to ‘heart? your children or your silly bumper stickers. You can’t even say you love them. You have to use some idiotic slogan. You know why? It is because you don’t love them.
If you did, you wouldn’t endanger their lives and everyone else’s on the road. If you did, you would teach them respect for the law. Why do you think all these tragedies like Columbine and Sandy Hook happen? Our children and taught, from their parents, that it’s ok to break the law.
You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Do you really think the nanoseconds you’re saving trying to get to your next unimportant errand are really worth your life or the lives of the children you claim to ‘heart? so much?
Brian P. DeLiso
Waterford
Dear Editor,
We live in the Clarkston/Orion area and yesterday (March 25) at 7 a.m., a cat was spotted in a tree across the street from our sub.
The tree was about 50-60 feet high. Many residents from our subdivision, Montclair at Oakhurst, called various agencies, animal control, fire department, and sheriff, without any help.
Three different neighbors put out food to entice the cat down. However, that did not help. We had about 10 residents at one time calling for it to come down and then two neighbors even tried to cut down a very slim tree to lean against the tree the cat was in.
That didn’t work out either.
After an entire day, and night upon us, everyone went home praying the cat would come down on it’s own.
We woke to the cat still in the tree! It was freezing and now had been over 24 hours.
It was about 8:30 a.m. when I heard a truck. It was Davey Tree Service setting up the cherry picker to rescue the cat!
Kenneth and Josh saved the cat! They were such nice young men. Later in the day, we found out a neighbor had called the tree service and explained the situation. They came out to rescue the cat at no charge!
Thank you Davey Tree Service and to our sweet neighbor, Sophia, for calling. The cat is still afraid and in my garage. It has food and water and is free to go home but won’t leave from under my stairs. I’m sure he just has to regain some confidence.
We would love to see this story go public. We are a small but very tight group who appreciates the help from Davey Tree Service!
Erin Kelch
Independence Township
Checking in, April 1, Erin said the cat was doing fine. “We’ve seen him around. I think he has a home but I couldn’t say for sure. He is definitely an outdoor cat,” she added.
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Clarkston Area Optimists, we would like to thank everyone involved in our Murder Takes a Cruise Fundraiser event on Saturday, March 9.
With the generous contributions from numerous local businesses we were able to raise over $5,000! These funds will help support the youth programs we operate in the Clarkston area throughout the year.
For more information on the Clarkston Area Optimists please visit our website at www. clarkstonoptimists.org. We welcome you to come to our Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., meetings at the Clarkston United Methodist Church on Waldon Road when school is in session.
Betty Reilly and Luc Poirier
Clarkston Area Optimist Club
Dear Editor,
In response to “Commissioner sees water risk in oil, gas drills,” March 6, I find it incredible Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, a public servant, would say these things in the newspaper without having proof to back any of the items up.
Let’s start with his example in Pennsylvania, where one well blew out, there was no long-term damage from this accident. By Commissioner Nash’s stance, since we can’t do anything to stop any kind of accident from happening, let’s not do anything.
This argument makes no sense at all.
Virginia Shannon’s statement stated, ‘There is no way to make any drilling or extraction risk-free.?
This is another bit of nonsense. There’s no way to do anything in life risk-free. Risk takers are what built this country along with cheap, abundant energy.
Ms. Shannon also stated ‘gas drilling in other states contaminated drinking water sources, made nearby residence sick, and turned forest acres into industrial zones.” This is simply not true.
And I won’t even start to argue with her about this ridiculous global warming pollution. If you follow the money on that one, you’ll find out what it’s all about.
I am the president of Waterford Hill Manor Homeowners Association and Jordan Development contacted us a little over a year ago. At that time, the board and I did our due diligence and have researched drilling in Michigan, which has some of the most stringent drilling laws in the United States.
We spoke to various attorneys and landowners who have signed leases with Jordan Development and found them to be an upstanding company.
Mr. Nash’s statement ‘major banks will not put a mortgage on places that have a fracking lease? has nothing to do with the topic at hand as they are not fracking.
I have found no credible proof that this statement is true.
Fracking has been around for over 60 years and no one, not the Michigan DEQ or federal EPA or any other credible environmental agency, has found this method to be harmful to the environment.
Cliff Marquette
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am in sixth grade in middle school. Some people in my school talk about drinking coffee and energy drinks. I think kids our age should not drink things like that. It will only cause problems for everyone.
After some research, I found out there can be many problems for kids who drink coffee. The caffeine in coffee can cause problems in getting enough sleep at night. Then they end up feeling tired and not doing well in school the next day. Sometimes they even fall asleep during class. This causes distractions for other students, and makes it harder for the class to complete all of our lessons.
There are other side effects from drinking coffee. The website aupair.org had a very informative article about it. They said caffeine consumption can cause high blood pressure, heart burn, stomach problems and headaches.
Also kids tend to like coffee with sweeteners. That means they are adding things like sugar and whipped cream. Those things can cause problems in addition to the ones caffeine causes, such as obesity and diabetes. If kids become hyperactive, they cause problems for other students. They make it hard for the rest of us to stay focused on our work.
Finally, every parent knows how kids can be. If you let them have a sip of coffee, the next thing you know they’ll be negotiating coffee breaks every 15 minutes each time they do their chores! They will just drink more and more and spiral out of control.
In all, I think it is a bad thing for kids younger than 13 to start drinking coffee. That is also true about other energy drinks. They might think it makes them look cool, but there are too many problems to be worth the trouble that it can cause for them and for other people.
My solution is for parents and schools to keep drinks with caffeine away from students and off of school grounds. Student council could make posters showing the bad effects of these drinks, and maybe if some kids started to understand, then it could become the popular choice and everybody wins.
Thank you.
Aiden Miller
Sixth grader at
Sashabaw Middle School
Dear Editor,
In response to “A call to respect neighbors when open burning,” Feb. 27, Tammie Heazlit should do herself and her neighbors a favor and report the neighbor who is burning from “7 a.m. till after dark, up to 16 hours straight.” Your neighbor is clearly violating township burn policies.
FYI, March 8 thru Nov. 1, summer hours, are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 12 hours. Winter hours, Nov. 2 thru March 7, are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 hours. Burning is allowed only on designated days.
As for the 400-foot policy, I can foresee big problems enforcing a policy taking away one’s burning privileges based solely upon who lives next door.
I’ve followed the open burning policy for 28 years. I certainly would respect a neighbor’s illness and coordinate my burning accordingly.
I think the 400-foot rule is a bad policy that pits neighbor against neighbor and won’t accomplish a thing. We both know that it’s foolish to believe that a 400-foot rule is going to stop the wind from carrying smoke to someone’s house.
The proper solution should have been a designated ONE Saturday per month, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. open burn policy, with strict fines for violating this policy.
This type of policy would be easy to enforce and respects the wishes of both non-burners and burners. Both parties should be making concessions, not just the burners. The new board needs to re-examine this policy and make it fair for all, or it will never hear the end of it!
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We wanted to give the following special recognition for supporting us in our inaugural Friends of Ryan Kennedy fund raiser this past weekend: A Space 2 Dream, Ryan’s friends and family, Buck Shots Bar and Grill, Turtle Toys of Clarkston, The Clarkston News, the Graphic Wizard, Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors, Clarkston Schools staff, Matt Walls and The Locals.
We also wanted to thank all of the volunteers and all of the guests who donated to our cause. We had over 90 businesses donate items (a list can be found on our website at sites.google.com/a/clarkston.k12.mi.us/fork) and services and were able to raise over $15,000.
It truly was amazing to see all the support for Ryan and the playground project. It was better than we could have expected and a tremendous kick off to our fundraising efforts!
Save the date for May 4 for a 5K Run and May 11 for Kids Day in the Park, both upcoming fundraisers. Please “like” us on facebook or follow us @FriendsofRK on twitter for up to the minute information.
Sincerely,
Friends of Ryan Kennedy
Dear Editor,
I’d like to respond to the concerns about the burn policy (“Residents hot over burn bans,” Feb. 13). I am affected by it as one of the individuals with a health concern is a neighbor. Personally, all they would have to do is ask me not to burn and I wouldn’t. But there is another neighbor who likes to burn from 7 a.m. till after dark, up to 16 hours straight at times, and its suffocating. Fortunately, that property is included in the 400 foot “ban” area, which will benefit everyone’s health.
If I have a fire, I’d like to hold in a burn pit. I will discuss/coordinate it with my neighbor to make sure there is no negative effect. Having one inconsiderate neighbor, I can understand the other’s dilemma. I think its a sad commentary on society that some folks are more concerned with themselves than they are about being a good neighbor.
Having said that, I’ve lived in communities where there was a complete ban on backyard fires and leaf burning. I wish that was the case here. It’s much healthier when you don’t have to hold your breath or gag while out walking.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In the article “Resident wants to ban wolf hunting,” Feb. 13, Mr. Ed Golder of the Department of Natural Resources said, ‘managing wildlife through a ballot referendum we don’t think is a good idea.?
If the use of politics to manage wildlife is a bad idea, then why accommodate a bill passed by a special interest group to allow trophy hunting? The bill was passed Dec. 28, 2012. This was four weeks before the Grey Wolf was removed from the Endangered Species List.
The Grey Wolf has been protected in our state for 50 years and there are only 687 of them. Allowing wolf hunting again will risk sending the species back to the brink of extinction where they were 50 years ago. The DNR does have a current wolf management system that deals with wolves that are attacking livestock or pets and this system does work.
It is important to note there has not been a recorded attack by a wolf on a human in the state of Michigan. Wolves are afraid of humans. This is why we will not see them in large numbers again.
In the article, Mr. Golder also said ?’we’re moving in a very deliberate and thoughtful fashion.? This does allow the use of steel-jaw traps (painful, inhumane leg hold traps) and such hunting methods as baiting wolves with piles of meat and shooting them point-blank, chasing them down with packs of dogs, and aerial gunning where the wolves are shot from helicopters.
Visit www.keepwolvesprotected.com for a list of local ‘Howl-Ins? where volunteers will have petitions available or call 517-993-5201. Thank you.
Eileen Drenikowski,
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In response to the column “Beware unintended consequences,” Feb. 13, which asks ‘because we want to save our native plants, should we spray phragmites with chemicals that will run onto the soil and into our groundwater,? we urge citizens and governments of Oakland County to preserve our wetlands and natural areas by controlling invasive plants.
Pulling and cutting, adjustments in water levels, controlled burns, and other non-chemical techniques are everyone’s first choice to remove invasive plants. Once phragmites (tall reed) have become established, as is the case along White Lake Road in Clarkston, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDEQ and MDNR), and The Nature Conservancy all recommend the judicious use of herbicides. Phragmites has roots that grow 10 feet below ground. Pulling is impossible and actually stimulates more rapid growth, and mowing and burning do not eliminate phragmites. For these reasons, herbicide will be needed to control the phragmites infestation along White Lake Road in Clarkston.
Herbicides to control phragmites are used in very small quantities; measured in teaspoons or cups for a patch of phragmites. The phragmites along White Lake Road in Clarkston are being mowed and burned as part of an integrated pest management program to minimize the quantity of herbicide needed, following the best management approaches actively being used by the Indian Springs Metro Park, Independence Oaks County Park, MDEQ, MDNR, and The Nature Conservancy. Small quantities of herbicide will be hand swiped or hand sprayed onto individual phragmites stalks, to minimize contact with native plants and ensure that herbicide will not run onto the soil or into the surface water or ground water. The herbicide will be applied once a year and control is usually achieved within three years, so herbicide is used for a very short time.
If left untreated, the phragmites along White Lake Road will create a monoculture in the wetland, crowding out the cattails and other native plants that our wildlife need for food and shelter. Rachael Carson said using herbicide to control invasive plants is like using chemotherapy to control cancer. Minimal amounts of herbicide along White Lake Road will remove the cancer of phragmites and restore the wetlands to a healthy ecosystem. More information is available on the OTIS website at www.OaklandPhragmitesTask Force.com or at phragmites.org. Thank you.
Emily Duthinh , Linda Walsh Lapinski
Co-chairs, Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Plants Task Force
Dear Editor,
There was a rumor going around Clarkston I was leaving the area. Well, that rumor has come true. My wife and I have decided to move up north to our lakefront home in St. Helen, approximately 150 miles north of Clarkston. We have had this home for more than 30 years and only used it during the summer and holidays. This decision did not come lightly and it took some time to realize, with the economy the way it has been the last few years, we thought this was the time to make this move. Paying taxes on both properties and the cost of driving to and from St. Helen made the decision for us.
Since moving to Clarkston in 2005, I have made a lot of friends and enjoyed their friendship. My commitment to Clarkston started one day in my new condo when I read an article about Clarkston Area Youth Assistance and the rest is history. Since that eventful day, I have been associated with Oakland County Youth Assistance, Clarkston Rotary, Clarkston Optimist, Clarkston Farmers Market, of which I was one of the original organizers, Independence Township Planning Commission, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce. I also ran for a seat on the Clarkston Board of Education and Independence Township Board of Trustees.
It has been a pleasure meeting so many wonderful residents of Clarkston, especially at the Farmers Market. I will be making trips into Clarkston since my daughter and her family live in Clarkston. If you happen to visit St. Helen, please stop in and say hello. So for now I bid you all goodbye and thanks for the memories.
Joe Wauldron
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
How fortunate you are to be having a Neiman’s Family Market coming to your city.
After retiring from Clarkston Community Schools, my husband and I returned to our hometown.
We now live near Alpena, Mich. We do not have a Kroger or Meijer’s store up here in God’s Country.
We do, however, have a Neiman’s Family Market. What a great store! They have so much to offer! I know you’ll enjoy your shopping experience when you enter their family owned store. Enjoy!
Donna Dick
Hillman
Dear Editor,
The quotes from the city manager, ‘It’s just a matter of paperwork? and ‘Oftentimes it’s a matter of making an incorrect journal entry? sound like there are errors being made by the city staff and yet city employees just received substantial unbudgeted raises at the recommendation of the city manager (“Auditors call for more oversight,” Feb. 6).
We all know the city manager is by law responsible for the budget and control of expenditures and that the City Council, on behalf of the people they represent, is supposed to make sure the city manager is doing his job correctly. It appears none of this is being done.
I know from the public record the problem of spending first and budgeting later is not one of paperwork but is instead intentional, planned, and with the approval of our elected council representatives.
The city auditor and several past council members have raised this issue, but the city ignores them, law and charter.
City Charter Section 7.13 requires that the audit be presented to the Council and made public. If not for a story in The Clarkston News, there would be no public notice from the city that this audit exists and we would not know what it says. It is again not on the agenda for the next City Council meeting.
My understanding is the auditors found approximately $20,000 of unaccounted funds. Doesn’t the City Council want to know how this money was lost? I know I do. Section 7.7 of the City Charter requires that no money be drawn from the treasury and no obligation for expenditures be incurred ‘except pursuant to the budget appropriations.?
But as the article points out, the city regularly spends first and considers budget appropriations later. Read the official City Council meeting minutes and you will find numerous instances where expenses are authorized with no mention of the cost or where the money will come from.
Bills are then approved without question even when the expenses were never authorized. Only then will the budget be amended, maybe, with the last two amendments containing errors and misleading information. The council approved both of them with few questions and no changes.
The city budget is supposed to let people know how their money will be spent. That is why a public hearing is mandatory when establishing the budget. A public hearing is also required prior to establishing the annual tax rate but the city doesn’t bother with that and just sets it at the maximum possible.
Unfortunately there are far more problems than this but they probably all stem from a city manager and council that have little respect for law, City Charter, the people they serve, and our money that is entrusted to them.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston City Councilman, 2005-2009
Dear Editor,
Thanks are due to the Clarkston News for shedding light on the City of Clarkston’s lack of adherence to state law in its budgeting and spending of the taxpayers? money (‘Auditors call for more oversight,? Feb. 6).
The auditors? statement that the city spent unappropriated funds in the last fiscal year is not the first observation of this practice. You can review the city’s previous audits on the state treasury’s web site. Going back to at least 2003, the earliest that is electronically available, the auditors included the same observation’the city improperly spent unappropriated funds. And the overspending ranges up to more than $180,000 in one year.
It is disheartening to read the city manager’s only comment as explaining this as just ‘an incorrect journal entry.?
A journal entry moves funds from one account to another. It doesn’t increase overall spending. The latest budget amendment was more than a journal entry. It both increased spending and created an operating deficit by putting into the budget funds that had already been spent.
The sad fact is neither the city manager nor the council believes following state budgeting law is important. Their approach to budgeting is to impose the highest possible tax rate, spend the money on whatever comes by during the year, and then amend the budget to catch up with spending.
The resolution to spend $1,200 on removing phragmites on the council’s February 11 agenda is another example. Although probably a necessary and worthy project, the council will apparently approve this spending without any budget amendment appropriating the money.
What’s wrong with this? The fact that it violates state law is perhaps the least concern. Spending money without first budgeting it fails to look at individual spending items within the context of overall spending. It fails to impose a discipline on spending that looks to reduce it where possible.
It fails to look for opportunities to reduce the burden on the city’s taxpayers. It is not a responsible stewardship of the taxpayers? money. We deserve better from our elected representatives.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Special thank you’s go out to Deer Lake Athletic Club, Autumn Ridge Assisted Living, and the Woodshop for making holiday meals for our homebound Meals on Wheels clients.
Deer Lake Athletic Club made Turkey and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving while Autumn Ridge made a wonderful Christmas dinner.
The Woodshop rounded out the holiday season on New Years Day with their much raved about pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw and potato salad.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who participated in providing the holiday meals on wheels including Jack Harrington our volunteer driver who delivers them all.
Appreciatively,
Mary Przybycien,
staff at Independence Township Senior Adult
Activity Center
Dear Editor,
The Strolling Retro Cocktail Party hosted by 16 of the downtown merchants last Saturday was really what everyone needed to forget their mid-winter blahs. Nice to be able to wander into stores you might not seek out on a regular basis. Even better was being to talk with the owners and seeing their stores busy.
From the theme to the retro drinks and people dancing to the retro music in the background, there seemed to be something for everyone who attended. When was the last time someone ordered a Tom Collins or even a Grasshopper when they went out? There were more than enough appetizers and desserts to satisfy without ever wanting dinner and there was the infamous candy bar at Real Estate One, with retro type candies.
The Clarkston Rotary would like to thank those merchants for hosting the evening’s event and the donation jars benefiting Blessings in a Backpack and the Clarkston Rotary’s “Illuminate Clarkston’s Downtown for the Holidays” project.
My wife and I look forward to returning to many of these stores and merchants in the coming months.
Clarkston Retailers, thank you for making a mid-winter Saturday night a little warmer and providing a gathering place for friends and neighbors.
Joel and Mindy DeLong
Clarkston Rotarians
Dear Editor,
If you are going to drive a motor vehicle in Michigan and most states, you must qualify the motor vehicle and qualify the driver before the driver can take on the open roads.
To qualify the motor vehicle, there are hundreds of requirements. One must look to emission standards, seat belts and air bags, crash safety standards, miles per gallon, and all kinds of lighting requirements. The list goes on, gets longer and changes every year. Some foreign cars do not meet our safety standard and are not imported for that reason.
Now to the driver, we have age requirements, vision and road tests. We have background checks. We have periodic tests to make sure the driver knows the rules of the road and meets the standards.
I do not know why we cannot apply the same thinking to gun ownership, that is, qualify the gun and gun owner. Gun advocates constantly shout any limitations on gun rights would be a taking away of their constitutional rights.
The Constitution is not frozen in time. I cannot think of a more fluid constitutional provision than the interstate commerce provision. This provision is constantly being updated to stay with the demands of interstate commerce. The dinosaur became extinct because it did not change; change is the only constant. We must change the gun laws to meet the new demands of our 21st century and the demands of our gun technology. The 1930 definition of ‘car? is very different from the 2013 definition.
Gerald McNally
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The scathing front page expose? that appeared in last weeks? edition could help publicize Independence Television.
Though in operation for nearly two decades, Clarkston’s little cable cast facility had fallen on hard times.
Originally a creature of a monopoly franchise agreement that was grudgingly supported by various cable companies serving Independence, the studio has produced hundreds of board meetings. Information on Parks and Recreation, activity schedules, senior news, parades, music shows, interviews with local authors, candidates, news makers from local elected polls, Sheriff Bouchard and Congressman Mike Rogers all have been a part of Public Access programming.
After establishment of a Citizens? Public Access Committee of which yours truly is a member, the reawakening of the studio began. We have a new program director and the committee, in concert with the Independence Township Board are working to reinvigorate service to this community.
Members of our committee have visited many of the surrounding access facilities and interviewed their personnel.
Gathering ideas from all, along with suggestions from residents, has been useful in reestablishing a viable asset that benefits users and viewers.
Without the assistance of an esteemed Hollywood producer who has no committee or board overseeing his work in a private sector environment, our progress may seem slow. But the goal is creating a resource for citizens to observe their government in action and provide an artistic outlet for local amateur producers. We can all congratulate The Clarkston News on the success of their television efforts.
But let me remind the editor that early in his career at the helm of this paper (in 2006), when television was not twinkling in the eye of print media, he was introduced to the community on our Public Access channel. Let’s encourage those of artistic bent with broadcast enthusiasm to contact Independence Television and sign up for classes available now at 248-673-9581.
Help rebuild our community television studio.
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Our neighborhood in Independence township was approached by a West Bay Exploration oil company representative the same day that we received oil lease paperwork in the mail. Our property is located in the area that they want to extract oil from in Independence Township. We were surprised to see a West Bay Exploration representative at our door before we had a chance to even read the agreement.
The representative was a notary and was requesting that we sign the paperwork while he was there. Red flags immediately went up. We declined to sign the lease because we hadn’t had a chance to read the agreement, nor research this topic. After doing a few minutes of research, we’re glad we didn’t sign the lease.
We discovered that West Bay Exploration has offered Independence township 1/6 in royalties for the rights to gas/oil under township property (Bay Court). While West Bay’s offer to private property owners in the same area is 1/8 in royalties for the rights to the very same oil field (“Black gold in Bay Court,” Dec. 26).
The public has been told that a select few private properties in the township will be hosting the diagonally drilled well heads, none of which are on township property.
Yet the township is being offered a much better deal on the same oil than private property owners (“Resident enthusiastic about oil gas potential,” Jan. 2). Independence Township residents who have received these oil leases need to research the difference in royalties you are being offered before signing these leases.
The oil in the ground under your property should not be worth less than the oil in the same oil field that is under township property.
We recommend that oil leases not be signed until you are offered the same 1/6 share that is being offered to the township. If you agree, send West Bay a letter in the prepaid envelope they provided with your lease agreement demanding an equal share price for the same oil.
The knowledge that the value of the oil under your property is not being treated equally and once this oil is taken it can never be replaced should be reason enough to refuse to sign these oil lease offers.
Michael and Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It was the day you always fear, the day you get a call from your child’s school saying, ‘there has been an accident and EMS is here with your Jacob. I don’t have any other details.?
We want to give a shout out regarding the outstanding support and care provided from those who responded to our son, Jacob, during and following his multiple seizures at Clarkston High School last month.
His first seizure was while swimming with his autism class. The lifeguards spotted him floating face down.
The lifeguards, faculty and staff present in the high school pool area immediately pulled him from the pool, provided CPR and contacted our local Independence Township EMS, which helped prevent a very tragic outcome for Jacob.
The trauma doctor at Royal Oak Beaumont told us a couple times that had it not been for their swift and excellent response, we could be looking at a very different outcome for Jacob.
We are thankful for the support from the Clarkston High School faculty, staff and students.
They went above and beyond including a visit to the Peds ICU from the special education director Kathy Christopher and Jacob’s autism teacher, Elanor Hallman. We will forever be thankful for all you did on that December day for Jacob and our family!
Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support during this most difficult time. An event like this makes us even more thankful for the community we live in. We have received unending support from the school, our church, and many friends.
Jon and Becky Richey
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you to the many people who helped with our Fifth Annual Holiday Memorial Candle Lighting Service on Dec. 11.
Special thanks to Clarkston Community Church for opening the doors to their beautiful church and many gracious members from the church who assisted behind the scenes. Grief psychologist Dr. John Canine shared valuable insights to help cope with the Holidays and our bereavement counselor Linda Whiting lead a touching memorial candle lighting ceremony.
Sincere gratitude to talented local performers: soloist Matthew Duncan and pianist Rick Haines, who blessed all in attendance with their talent.
Sincerely,
Jenni Simsack, Funeral Director
Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home
Dear Editor,
The city council had a somewhat lengthy discussion on this even though the agenda only said “Explanation of possible action of grant? (‘City considers road, sidewalk additions,? Dec. 26).
The proposal by the city manager, apparently with the support of the city engineer, is to seek a grant to put a longer right hand turn lane on west bound Clarkston Road at Main Street. Surprisingly, the alternate was to pursue a grant for a new lawn tractor because the old one may need new tires. The recording of the meeting is on the city web site for those who might be interested.
The problem I see at this intersection, in addition to there not currently being room to do what they are proposing, is that all this traffic will go north on Main Street and out of the Village of Clarkston.
So how would this work make the Village a better place to be? There is nothing in the article about pedestrian safety being mentioned even though this is a very dangerous intersection and a pedestrian was hit in the crosswalk last year.
At the previous City Council meeting, there was a lengthy discussion of Main Street and parking issues even though neither of them were on the agenda. There is no known plan for any of this, no funding in place, and it seems no organized discussion.
In my opinion, the only way to truly enjoy the Village of Clarkston is by walking, perhaps on a bicycle, but not by driving in a car. The city council discussions seem to be about parking and roads, not people, safety or how to make the Village of Clarkston a better place to be instead of simply an easier place to drive through.
Maybe those issues will be discussed at a future meeting, and if we are lucky, they will be on the agenda so everyone will know about it. Maybe the Planning Commission will take it up, invite the public to participate, and make a recommendation as planning seems to be completely lacking in the council’s present discussions.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to thank the many volunteers who committed time and energy for this year’s Goodfellow newspaper sales and subsequent Shoes for Kids. Over 100 people wandered our streets in early December.
The newspaper donations collected during the two days on the streets, as well as a generous donation from the Clarkston Women’s Club, this being the fourth annual pledge, goes a long way to fulfilling needs of the 425 Clarkston school children signed up for this year’s Shoes for Kids program.
The Clarkston Lions Club Project KidsSight program took eye photos of 119 people, primarily between six months old and age five.
The Clarkston Optimist Club is now in their second year of their “Opti-Socks” distribution.
Many of the local dentists donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to be given to the children attending this past Saturday. Oakland Woods Baptist Church opened the doors and hearts of their church again this year in providing a venue that allows us to offer so many different components to the program in one building.
And The Clarkston News, as always for printing our paper!
We appreciate the community support shown each year in bringing this sizable project to fruition. Collectively we helped make a small difference in a child’s life.
Clarkston Rotary Club and
Joel DeLong, Shoe for Kids Chair
Dear Editor,
After the Newtown suicide massacre and tragic loss of innocent children, medical governing authorities must reform how traditional medicine assesses and treats children with ADD behavioral conditions as well as mental illness.
For over two decades, children and young adults battling behavioral conditions have not received comprehensive bio-assessments for causation of symptoms. Medical governing authorities have allowed the American Psychiatric Association to treat children before ruling out nutritional, physiological and environmental risk factors prior to premature drug therapy.
Safer prescribing protocols in children must become the new mandate. The FDA placed all ADD stimulant and psychiatric medications on their Med Guide Alert warning list, due to the increased potential to cause harm, especially in the child population.
Although ADD stimulant drug therapy is effective in children, the long term side effects have been described and warned by the FDA. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in the United States college student population.
We should realize that suicide as well as violent suicide massacre has causation and is preventable through reformation in the clinical assessment process for children expressing behavioral symptoms.
The national movement for change and action is already in motion as discussed in the book Over Medicating Our Youth.
Many prestigious universities including Johns Hopkins School of Medicine instruct their medical students, systematic and comprehensive bio-assessments to rule out causation of symptoms prior to drug therapy. The Action Plan for Childhood Behavioral Conditions is also discussed in the book to help parents help their children determine causation of behavioral symptoms.
Join the Coalition Against Overmedicating Our Youth (CAOOY) and help give children a voice to determine causation of symptoms.
To receive a free monthly newsletter, visit www.CAOOY.org or email Executive Director Michael D. Bailey at Michael.Bailey@CAOOY.org
Frank J. Granett, pharmacist, Clarkston CVS
Dear Editor,
Clarkston Area Lions recently conducted two Project Kidsight screenings, our regularly scheduled second Saturday of the month at the Independence Township Library and the annual Rotary Shoes for Kids program.
We have had a very successful year at the library, with 66 children screened. We want to thank the Independence Township Library for so graciously providing the space for our monthly screenings and promoting the events; in particular we would like to recognize the library Director Julie Meredith. We are sending out the 2013 schedule information as we continue with our second Saturday screenings every month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The shoe distribution is our biggest event of the year with 116 screenings completed last Saturday. These included 51 preschoolers, 60 children ages 6 to 17 and 5 adults.
The screenings were offered to people who had never had their eyes checked. Of the total screened there were only 15 referrals, or 13 percent of the total which was lower than the average 20 percent so we were very happy about that.
Our thanks go to the Clarkston Rotary, as well as the Oakland Wood Baptist Church, for having us at their annual Shoes for Kids distribution which helps over 400 children in our community receive high quality shoes, boots, hats, scarves and mittens. In particular we want to recognize the tremendous efforts of Joel Delong. We are also proud of our working relationship with the Rotary wherein they help us with White Cane Sales and we help them with the Goodfellow Paper sales that occur every December the weekend before the Shoe Distributions.
We also want to thank the following volunteers for their help with the screenings, Mike Dengate, Marsha Mercier, Mike Mercier, Viola Morris, Bob Murdock, Liz Rheaume of Ortonville Lions, Kellie Shelton, Larry Truba, Dan Wung, and Rob Whitcomb.
Ron and Chris Savage
Project Kidsight Coordinators
Clarkston Area Lions Club
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Lions want to thank everyone for supporting Project Kidsight, their free vision screening program for preschool children ages 6 months to 5 years.
Photos are taken of the child’s eyes to check for potential vision problems. Results are immediate and a report is provided at the screening.
We have had a very successful year with over 250 screenings performed so far, with one of our biggest of the year with the Clarkston Rotary at their annual Shoes for Kids distribution.
We are pleased to announce that we are continuing the regular monthly screenings in 2013. They are the second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Independence Township Library, 6495 Clarkston Road.
If you would like more information about the Clarkston Area Lions or Project Kidsight, please call 248-625-2212.
Chris Savage, coordinator
Project Kidsight, Clarkston Area Lions
Dear Editor,
Thanks to our community, Bucks for Buses has Gone Bocce II was a huge success on Sept. 27 at Palazzo di Bocce in Orion.
This event was held by the Friends of the Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center to raise money for our transportation program that takes seniors and disabled adults in Clarkston, Independence and Springfield Township to and from doctor appointments, work, grocery stores and other places.
The following Platinum Level Sponsors made this event extra special Clarkston Medical Group, Gold Level Sponsors: McLaren Health Care and Waterfall Jewelers, Silver Sponsors: Clarkston Specialty Healthcare Center, Lourdes Campus, Michigan Kidney Consultants, Pallotta Heating and Cooling LLC and Smith Disposal.
Without our generous sponsors? support we would not be able to offer our clients the level of service that we currently offer them.
We had a fun filled night with fabulous food, music by Dr. Baker and bocce ball. Thanks to all of you who attended and supported this event.
Barbara Rollin, director
Independence Township Senior Center
Dear Editor,
It was a festive, fun Holiday Lights Parade Saturday night, but I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw a float with the elephant of the Republican Party placed in the middle ? after a year of being surrounded by posters, argumentative commercials on TV and radio, to see that ‘politics? placed itself in a holiday parade.
Perhaps what would have been more appropriate would have been a float wishing Jewish families and friends a Happy Hanukkah, since it began the night of the parade.
Nancy S. Brown
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston News is a good paper for Clarkston and vicinity. We love to read it. Kids love their pictures in it, service club members too. You don’t shy away from controversy but you don’t fan it.
Thanks.
Bill McGuire
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Kudos to the new Township Board. These folks came out of the chute smokn?. They are smart, professional, involved and display a great sense of humor. Independence Twp. is in good hands.
Dave Belch
Lake Orion
Dear Editor,
I have to disagree with the Powells on their assessment of the outcome of a vote (“Voters set up for another tax hike for library,” Nov. 28).
The diplomatic process allows for a reexamination why a ballot measure failed or succeeded following an election. It was the wording of the Green Space initiative that got it defeated in 2008. And feedback on the library proposal indicates that wording may be behind the defeat of that effort.
Given that the vote was so incredibly close, I don’t think you can fairly assess that the “no” was all that resounding of a forever and ever amen.
Whether its the district library, funding for a senior center, a green space initiative or other proposal, I think the signal is to examine the chosen wording and evaluate it prior to any campaign. If a ‘no? vote is overwhelming, then it might be worth retiring a concept as soundly defeated. When the vote is close, it’s reasonable and necessary to evaluate the language used to understand what the citizenry is communicating.
This is the democratic process and how we work towards compromise.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
For many, the political bombardment from campaigning candidates is finally over and would have been a welcome reprieve had it come sooner than Nov. 6.
Nobody really knows just hard it is to run for office unless they have personally run a political campaign themselves. Time, energy, money and dedicated volunteers are essential for winning victory.
It takes a strong individual to sustain the attacks from the opposing side and possible heartbreak of defeat. Inside every candidate is a driving force to succeed and persevere to the final end. In doing so, the reward will be to promote their ideas and to serve the people who elected them into office.
Entrusting elected candidates to fulfill the voice of the voters is not always the case. Some candidates forget their spoken promises and proceed with their own agenda. They are transformed into politicians who have stereotyped the whole governing body as a group of dirty deed doers. This is a shame.
Actually, there truly are people who run for office in hopes of making the world we live in a better place, myself included. I am Neil Billington the challenging candidate who ran against the incumbent for state representative of District 43.
I will continue my political journey down the road less traveled and prove that dedication, hard work and perseverance does pay off in the end. I believe with all my heart, I do have what it takes to make Michigan a better place to live.
To all who gave me your vote ? thank you very much. My sincerest gratitude also goes out to all who supported me in my efforts to run for state representative of District 43 in 2012
Neil Billington
Waterford
Dear Editor,
We extend warm holiday wishes and heartfelt thank yous to this wonderful community. The support you showed us on Small Business Saturday was just amazing.
Before the doors officially opened and long after they closed, local residents kept our stores over-flowing with customers! It was refreshing to see all your faces and comforting to know you were shopping in town instead of ‘the mall.? Support of our local businesses is vital to our community. Did you know that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays local!?
We are hosting Santa and two of his sleigh team, Donner and Blitzen (real live reindeer) on Dec. 16 from noon to 4. Our Family Fun Day is in support of Toys for Tots. In the spirit of Christmas, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to fill Santa’s sleigh. Your donation will help those in need. And, while you are here, please get your picture taken with Santa (FREE). Watch for our holiday specials in next week’s Clarkston News & Penny Stretcher!
Thank you and Merry Christmas
Pat Stroud
Steve Stroud
Shari Stroud-Schulz
owners of The Bird Feeder, Clarkston Flower Shoppe and Bonnie & Clyde.
Dear Editor,
This is an amazing and generous community that we live in!
The Field House Auction on Oct. 13 was a great success due to all of you who contributed, volunteered and donated to our event. Please accept our sincere thanks! Our hats off to you! Thank you for your support of the Clarkston Wolves!
Clarkston Athletic Boosters
CHS Field House Committee
Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to Jim Altene’s recent letter on leaf burning (‘Reader urges vote on leaf burning ban,? Nov. 7). First, I think he is confusing the City of Clarkston with Independence Township ‘both have their own burn ordinances. Independence Township has been working on a modification to their burn ordinance for more than a year.
At every township meeting on the burn ordinance, the majority of citizens present were against changing it. If you can get the township to let us vote on it, I think you would be very surprised at the results. The part of Independence Township I live in is still very rural. My neighbors and I still like to have summer bonfires, etc. The current policy although not perfect, is a compromise that fits most people.
The township checked with several of the area garbage disposal companies. The companies stated at the meetings that they are very near their capacity to pick-up and compose leaves. If there was an increase in leaf disposal caused by the elimination of burning, they would not only have to place a limit on the number of bags allowed, but also start charging for their removal.
Unlike Warren, or Troy, many of us that live in Independence have lots of trees on our lots. They produce lots of leaves, too many to compost all of them. When we start having to pay to remove our leaves, a lot of property owners will face the choice of removing trees.
The amount of oxygen my trees produce more than offsets the amount of pollution I may cause by burning the leaves once a year. If you think the cost of removal of 100 or more bags would be a small amount, you can pay my bill for the removal. Have you ever lived downwind from a compost pile that was not properly maintained? Besides the smell they can be a big eyesore and attract a lot of unwanted pest animals.
If you burn leaves when they are dry and in small quantities, they will produce very little smoke. The current burn ordinance allows the fire department to put out the fires when inconsiderate neighbors burn wet leaves that cause lots of smoke. You cannot make laws that will enforce common sense or make someone a good neighbor.
John Keusch
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Independence District Library Board thanks city and township residents who supported a community library dedicated to providing services’to both book and internet users in the 21st Century.
The ballot initiative was defeated by 30 votes out of 18,906 votes cast on Nov. 6.
The Library Board realizes many voters were not aware of the millage proposal to bring our library closer in funding to surrounding communities. Nor were they aware of the loss of funding to our library since 2000.
The Independence Township Library was a department of Independence Township supported by the Township and a supplemental millage. The state law governing this arrangement (PA 269) was repealed in 1976; the supplemental millage rate has remained at its current rate ever since. In 2000, the Township Board began to reduce the amount of yearly funding to its Library Department and in 2004 all township general fund support ceased. In addition, yearly administrative fees from the Library’s supplemental millage to the township were gradually increased from $3,750 to $55,200.
In 2006, the township hired a new library director, Julie Meredith, a former township resident. In the past six years, she always submitted a balanced budget, using every penny at the library’s disposal efficiently and creatively. Cuts made to services and staffing are available on the library’s website, www.indelib.org, and in print from the Library.
In 2012, the Township Board, realizing the depth of the funding losses to its Library Department, rescinded the $55,200 in administrative fees and added $80,000 to the Library Department for one year. The township board also contracted for two deferred maintenance projects on the 20-year-old library building.
The Township Board and Superintendent Bart Clark worked with the City of the Village of Clarkston to reestablish the library as the Clarkston Independence District Library with an appointed, non-compensated Library Board representing both communities. The State Library approved this reestablishment on August 1, 2012.
The last step in reestablishment is an approved millage by the voters. The Library will continue to operate on its .691 millage and the approximately $25,000 raised yearly by the Friends of the Library to supplement library services to the community through 2014, although continued cuts will be necessary.
We urge residents of Clarkston and Independence Township to attend Library Board meetings and the Library itself during the next months to make an informed decision in August 2014 as to funding or closing our library.
Marilyn Pomeroy, Library Board president
Clarkston Independence District Library
Dear Editor,
I spent time reading the new policy around burning in Clarkston and thought it was a joke until I read on. In order for me to breathe fresh air, I have to submit a doctor’s note to the fire department in order to keep from leaves burning near me.
I feel this is old world thinking, only thinking of ourselves and not thinking of the great good of mankind. What the effects are that leaf burning has on the environment, the future of the world, and it’s people.
Sometime ago we realized that second hand smoke from smokers is far more deadly and finally created laws to ban smoking in most public places. Did you know that according to the EPA, Leaf burning generates dangerously large quantities of carbon monoxide, particulates, and at least seven proven carcinogens directly related to cancer? A lot worse than second hand smoke.
The health care costs that associate are going up every year is another reason reducing pollution is so important today. We all have to do our part to save the planet and our neighbor. It’s not someone else’s responsibility it’s all of us.
Wake up Clarkston. Many states have banned state wide burning. Many counties in Michigan Banned Burning. So what if it costs us more as individuals, a small amount extra each year to get rid of the waste?
Personally I don’t know what trash company you’re with, but most of the trash companies in our area remove leaves at no additional fee. You just have to bag them up or even use them for compost. So why has this never been on the ballot in the last 10 years for us to vote on?
I know why, because it would be banned. Yet once again the township wants to do something for the few and not the many. I say, let’s quit clowning around and put this up for a public vote.
If the township won’t do it, then I think the people need to force the issue to bring it to a vote. Then once the votes have been counted, we can all accept the results.
I am putting up a special email address for all of Clarkston to send me what your thoughts are. Are you for, or against leaf burning? But before you do, please go to this website by the EPA, www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/burn/leafburn2.html.
If there is enough interest, and the city is not willing to get it on the ballot, then I will take the next step and help get the required signatures to get it on the ballot. We all have a responsibility to each other, the community, the world to consider the environment, and our health to do the right thing. My email address is breathwellclarkston@comcast.net
Jim Altene
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Please suggest to Mr. Chip Travis that the sealed room in his basement just may be a cistern (?’Scary house? isn’t so scary, downtown man says,? Oct. 24).
I grew up on Mechanic Street in Oxford where many of the old homes had cisterns in the basements. They were dangerous to inquisitive children as well as being scary.
His friendly visitor sounds as if she enjoys his company. Years ago, my grandparents owned the ‘Stagecoach Grocery? on Dixie Highway in Springfield Township. Their visitors weren’t as pleasant!
Claudia Gooden
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
I live on Main Street in Clarkston Village. Today I came home to find that my “Obama” sign was stolen from my front yard.
It was damaged on three other occasions when I found it smashed, ripped out of the ground and kicked ? the foot print was still visable. What kind of town is this where its citizenship feels empowered to literally stomp on the freedom of speech?
My sign did not display any disrespectful language. It had the names of our elected president and vice president on it.
I have lived in the heart of KKK territory in Indiana and even there this type of behavior is not tolerated.
I am shocked, sickened and angry. Mostly though, I am very disappointed.
Mary Beth Kellum
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Seems like Independence Township is on a roll with alleged wetlands violations.
I too have received a notice of violation in spite of being told verbally to go ahead with cleaning out our backyard pond with the intention of replanting and leveling the ground. Where can I find the petition to sign?!
Ginger Hoffman-Dean
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
A few years ago there was a popular experiment in which they put a frog into a pot of boiling water and the frog immediately jumped out. Next, they placed a frog in a pot of cool water and the frog just swam around. Then they gradually brought the pot up to a boil. The frog just kept swimming in the heating water until it cooked to death.
When it comes to political campaign financing, we are like the frog in the heating up pot. Over the years we have seen a gradual heating up or increase of campaign financing. The last great increase was the ‘Citizens United? Supreme Court decision. I understand this decision allows for unlimited unidentified donations to the so-called super PACs. I understand these unidentified funds could be from other states or even other countries.
Preston Brooks, an independent candidate for the Eighth Congressional District, promises to turn down the heat. He limits donations to $100 and only from local individuals. In addition to turning down the heat under the boiling pot, Preston is highly qualified. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former captain of a nuclear destroyer. He is currently a professor at Oakland University.
As scripture states, ‘You cannot serve two masters? and another saying reminds us ‘whoever pays the piper picks the tune.? Under the current system, our government is for sale to the highest bidder. Let’s change this by voting for Preston Brooks.
Gerald E. McNally
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am very concerned about the direction of the Clarkston Schools. The board president seems to be very focused on doing a board self-evaluation. I’m not sure any more time needs to be spent on that. Just go look at the Michigan School Data website (www.mischooldata.org) and you will have your answer.
Many of our ratings, according to the state, are slipping. Our percentage of high school students proficient on the Michigan Merit Exam and the ACT College Readiness tests have decreased. Clarkston High School did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and received a grade of a C from the Department of Education. Two elementary schools and SMS are now designated as Focus Schools, which is a negative designation, and another elementary school also did not make AYP.
Our overall Math and Reading Proficiency for grades 3-8 has also decreased. With those results, we don’t need to spend any more time evaluating the board. It is clear you are not doing your job which is to ensure student achievement is increasing. We see the MEAP scores once a year and we want to pat ourselves on the back and think we are doing great.
One data point does not make a straight line. Other than the MEAP scores, do we really see any data? Are we really evaluating our programs to see how well they are working? When was the last time we heard any kind of student achievement discussion. Instead, we regularly hear about spending money on new programs like Middle College, Spanish, etc.
How about spending money on something we know increases student achievement like lower class sizes? We are continuing to add new programs that cost money which adds to our deficit then we increase class sizes and make cuts to student services. This cycle doesn’t make any sense and is obviously not good for our kids.
There are three board members who seem to be concerned about this direction and there are four board members who seem to be happy with the status quo. I for one am not happy with the status quo. Every conversation should be about increasing student achievement and living within the school district budget. For that reason, I’m voting for Sue Boatman, Joan Patterson and Betty Reilly for Clarkston School Board on Nov. 6, and I hope you will too.
Pamela Koczak
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
A huge thank you to all involved in Taste of Clarkston this year!
We estimate about 17,000 visited Taste of Clarkston enjoying a gorgeous fall day, great food, music and entertainment in the Historic Village.
This event happens only because of the hard work, commitment and collaborative spirit between the host partners, sponsors, exhibitors, restaurants, volunteers, entertainers, sheriff’s department, fire department and health department.
Many Taste visitors may not realize that the host partners (Clarkston Area Chamber, Independence Township Parks, Recreation and Seniors, and the City of the Village of Clarkston) begin work on Taste back in February and March. We’ve learned a lot after 15 years of hosting this event, but we continue to strive to improve. This year, we believe we successfully moved the bar up another notch.
There are literally hundreds of thank you’s that should be made, but I’d like to highlight some of the incredible stars of this event.
Clarkston Union once again rocked the Taste of Clarkston as the People’s Choice, selling so much Mac & Cheese that nearly 20% of the entire Taste of Clarkston ticket sales came from their booths!
Genisys Credit Union and LaFontaine Automotive Group sponsored our entertainment and from WCSX to the Church Street Stage, flash mobs and belly dancers’we had lots of entertainment for many ages and interests.
The Learning Experience and Al Deeby Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram sponsored the KidZones and from Radio Disney 910 Road Crew to the inflatable wonderland in Depot Park kids were in heaven!
Among the hundreds of volunteers pitching in at Taste there were some outstanding behind the scenes stars that you should know about.
Clarkston Community Church saved the day when we had last minute shortages for volunteers. They provided additional support for barricades and over 50 fresh volunteers to help with tear down.
When the weather report predicted sunny and low 60’s, we knew the crowd was going to be big and keeping the tables clear and trash under control is key. Clarkston High School Octagon Club pitched in, with nearly 30 volunteers to help bus tables and bag trash.
U.S. Army also provided essential support, manning our barricades for the majority of the day.
There are so many people and organizations who came together to make this an outstanding event and we can’t forget to thank our media support Radio Disney 910, WCSX, Hometown Values Magazine, The Hungry Dudes, Oakland Press and The Clarkston News.
Without all of these essential partners, we could not deliver what we heard was, ‘a fantastic event! What Arts Beats and Eats wants to be.?
Sincerely,
Penny Shanks
Executive Director
Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce
Dear Editor,
Our Fall Fundraiser was a huge success! Besides having a great time, we raised a total of $4,498.
We will split these funds equally with the Auxiliary and the SAL and they will be used to support our Veteran related projects. I want to thank everyone that came out and supported this event and especially those that spent their day making it all happen.
Thanks to Wayne Fisher, Jerry Grzywinski, Uni Marbutt, Kit Marbutt, Duane McCutcheon, Al and Annie Germic, Cliff and Dolores Smart, Ashley McCluskey, Tom and Marlene Romzek, Norma Ortman and Jerry Waite. We couldn’t have done it without your help.
Don Carter was the top raffle ticket salesman with over $500 in ticket sales. Thanks Don! Also I want to thank our sponsors Tim and Cathy from Humana and Greg and his crew from the Davisburg Citizens Bank, Lowe Home Improvements, The Clarkston News and Wint and Son Funeral Home as well as all of the entertainers that donated their time, Steve Orasco, Tim and Cindy Holloway, Jerry Conley, Elvis Kelly and Rick Smith. It’s such a great feeling when we can all work together for such a good cause.
Thanks to all of you for your help!
Keith Marbutt
Commander, American Legion Post 63
Thank you, community, for another successful book sale. ‘In these trying times it is rewarding to see so many used books recycled and reread. ‘We had thousands of books and after the book sale Grace Center of Hope picked up our leftovers. ‘Each book sale the books are all new donations. ‘Donations are accepted all year.
Proceeds from our sales come back to your library in many ways such as supporting the ‘Battle of the Books? and many other programs offered at the library.
We would like to thank the library staff for their full cooperation; ‘all of the many volunteer workers; ‘Krogers on Baldwin Road for the generous donation of bags for our Saturday Bag Sale; our generous book donators, and you our customers.
Our next book sale is January 22-26, 2013. ‘If you would like to volunteer to work the book sale please call248-693-3000 ext 350 and leave your name and number. ‘See you in January! ‘Meanwhile visit our Friends Bently Used Book Store in our library.
Marie LaLone English
Book Sale Coordinator
Friends of the Orion Public Library
I support Angela Nasso for Lake Orion School Board because she is nonpartisan, open-minded, and understands the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and educating our children for the challenges of tomorrow.
As the parent of four children, Angela has hands-on experience with Lake Orion schools, from classroom activities and parent-teacher conferences to curriculum, sporting events, and more. As a LOCS Board of Education trustee, Angela will do her own homework, taking into account all perspectives and weighing information carefully before voting in a responsible manner.
Angela is running for all the right reasons, and I hope others will join me in voting for her on November 6.
Amy Keyzer
Lake Orion Resident
Dear Editor,
At the Clarkston School Board meeting on June 25, the board approved the 2012-2013 budget by a 4-3 vote. The budget that was approved by four board members authorizes the administration to spend $3.2 million more from the general fund than it will take in.
At the time this budget was approved, it extended a track record of six out of the last seven years in which the district spent more than it has taken in by the following amounts: 2007, $4 million; 2008, not available; 2009, $3.8 million; 2010, $7.2 million; 2011, $135,000; 2012, projected $2.7 million; 2013, projected $3.2 million. The track record of deficit spending may be even longer; data for years prior to 2007 was not immediately available.
That’s a total deficit of $21 million over six years. While it is well-known revenues have been falling, the board had seven years or more to reduce expenses to match declining revenues; however, they failed, a majority of four members choosing instead to draw down the general fund reserve.
For the long-term financial health of the district, the board has the responsibility to produce and live within a budget in which spending is less than, or at worst equal to, income just as every household does. And the answer is not to go back to the community with requests to incur additional debt and raise taxes.
Three board members understand that; the other four do not.
However, because those four board members constitute a majority and have shown a lack of interest in, or a lack of skill regarding, being fiscally responsible, it is the community’s duty to elect people to the board who do understand the need to more properly manage the district’s resources to benefit students, parents, teachers, the community and to ensure the long term financial viability of the district. Regrettably, fiscal responsibility is only one aspect of the poor leadership exhibited by these same four board members.
In November you will be asked to elect four school board members. Two of those four board seats are currently occupied by the individuals who continue to manage ineffectually.
While one of those, Mr. Barry Bomier, has wisely chosen not to run for re-election, this is an opportunity for voters to excuse the other, Ms. Cheryl McGinnis, from a responsibility that appears to be either beyond her ability or beyond her level of caring and to elect people who understand the need for effective school district stewardship and open communication with the community to whom they are responsible.
Two other incumbents are also running for re-election ? Susan Boatman and Joan Patterson. These two fit the profile of effective leadership and open communication. The same can be said for one new candidate ? Betty Reilly.
If you review events of recent years, I believe you will decide to re-elect Ms. Boatman and Ms. Patterson, and to elect Ms. Reilly, because they represent the district’s best prospects for a successful future.
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Though I don’t wish to be dragged into a newspaper letter writing ‘war,? I must correct several inaccuracies in the response letters to my father’s (Dr. James O’Neill) appeal to have the CON laws revisited.
The first was the statement that my father, I, or any of our partners could financially benefit from McLaren building a hospital. This would be a violation of Stark (anti-kickback) laws.
Neither McLaren nor my group would ever try to circumvent a serious federal law. Suggesting otherwise is to slander our organizations.
If anything, our group is risking increased competition from both McLaren and the inevitable new physicians that will move into the area once the hospital is completed.
We have supported this project because we know these services are long overdue in our community. Anyone who knows my father even casually is aware he would do anything to benefit his patients, something this project will certainly accomplish.
With regard to the tax exempt status of this project, I would like to point out our urgent care is not tax exempt and we do not receive any subsidies.
In fact, the Clarkston Medical Building and each of the practices located within it are all privately owned and thus NOT tax exempt. The building itself is the largest single source of property taxes in Independence Township and the combined practices in our building are the largest private employer in our township.
Additionally, our group welcomes treating people who do not have insurance and have developed a number of creative ways to make healthcare affordable for them
Our group shares my father’s opinion: CON laws need to be revised, considering large population shifts have left communities like our own without inpatient hospital services.
It is a pleasure to live and practice here and we are very thankful for your support. My group is looking forward to having a state of the art community hospital that Clarkston can call its own.
Dr. Timothy O’Neill
President, Clarkston Medical Group
Dear Editor,
I am a 40-some resident and supporter of our great community of the City of the Village of Clarkston and the Township of Independence, and this sounds as if we have reached a fine cooperative goal of setting our place of residence far along the road towards the re-establishment of our gem of a library into a District Library.
Through the long and persistent efforts of dozens of citizens, we have a dedicated library board composed of city and township residents diligently working to meet your needs. The board is composed of city and township residents. They operate in open meetings as an independent entity responsible to you.
Our library serves all ages and all needs. If they don’t have it, they can find what it is you want.
To do this, we need to pass the millage on Nov. 6. All current millages and contracts will go away. Thus, this is a ‘replacement? millage and you will have back lost services, services for businesses, and as is often said, ‘much more.? Vote ‘yes? for your library’s and your community’s future. I will.
Ann Rose
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Jeremy Mitchell is committed to good ecological stewardship and the long-term healthy viability of our township; he recognizes ecological considerations must go hand-in-hand with economic planning if we are to grow and progress as we wish, while also ensuring a safe environment for subsequent generations.
Aggressive economic planning without securing and sustaining a healthy ecology will lead us to an environment none of us will be proud of. Several major river systems originate in and around Independence Township – these critical resources must be protected.
The prospect, indeed certainty, of the “search and pollute” activity called hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas and the consequential risks associated with the extraction and distrubution of these fossil fuels from the land’s relatively fragile substrate have to be very carefully considered.
Remember too, that our responsibility for clean water extends far beyond the borders of our township.
With all these challenges, I believe that Jeremy Mitchell has the passion, knowledge, drive, energy, and a balanced plan, to effectively protect our township’s ecology.
Chris Reading,
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would have to respectfully disagree with Dr. James O’Neill’s recent letter to the editor saying that this state’s Certificate of Need law should be relegated to the “ash heap of history” (‘O’Neill favors dismantling CON process for hospital,? Sept. 12).
The Certificate of Need law has served the people of this state just as it was intended. If not for the Certificate of Need law, hospitals would outnumber CVS and Rite Aid stores.
The certificate of need process is not a relic of days past, it is still protecting taxpayers as it was designed. Dr. O’Neill knows that by law all hospitals with ER’s have to accept patients whether the patient has the means to pay or not. In exchange for those losses, ER’s and Urgent Care Centers are given tax exempt status. Relegating the CON to the “ash heap of history” would open the door to loses in property tax revenue in communities through out the state.
I suggest that if Dr. O’Neill wishes that the certificate of need requirement be relegated to the ash heap, that at that time all ER’s and urgent care centers lose their tax exempt status. Sending our state representatives to Lansing to try to bypass the CON requirement for this proposed hospital is not in the best interests our community, it is self serving and in the best interests of the few.
If McLaren can’t prove to the state that there is a need, then there isn’t a need! Keep the CON, it’s doing exactly what it was intended to do, protect the taxpayer!
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
With all due respect, I have one question for Dr. James O’Neill (‘O’Neill favors dismantling CON process for hospital,? Sept. 12). It is my understanding that you will personally benefit from the addition of a McLaren Hospital here in Independence?
The regional hospital bed Certificate of Need is a process in place for a very well defined reason. I’ve lived in other cities where individuals have pushed for a new hospital to be developed against the will of the CON determination, only to see it shut its doors rather quickly in complete and utter failure. This takes a toll on many levels as you might imagine.
We have a fabulous emergency center at the POH facility at Water Tower Plaza. The staff there is highly knowledgeable and professional, the wait is minimal, they have all the necessary facilities. And they will treat your regardless of your insurance status.
Your McLaren facility on Sashabaw, on the other hand, turned me personally away, when I had an acute injury, a possible detachment of my hamstring. I literally could not walk and I was turned away because at the time I did not have insurance. Not only was I in excruciating pain, I was, shall we be polite, ticked, ever so slightly.
Considering the traffic congestion already present on Sashabaw and Waldon, the issues that would result from sharing an entry/egress onto I-75 from Sashabaw with DTE, the impact the hospital you want on our infrastructure, water, sewer, stormwater, the increase in biological, radiological and other wastes streams within our community, and the fact that we need other jobs than simply medical ? remember, there is a dramatic nursing shortage.
Maybe your opinion is at least as biased as mine, and maybe, we should let the board that considers need determine who gets the certificate.
I don’t consider it an intrusion into my privacy. But I do consider the fact that I would have to listen to all the extra sirens on an otherwise clear and present night an intrusion. Perspectives are such interesting things, aren’t they?
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I had the pleasure of meeting Jeremy Mitchell one year ago, and l believe he would be a valuable asset to the Independence Township Board of Trustees. I am extremely impressed with his thoughtfulness and dedication to our community and its governance. Jeremy regularly attends all the Township Board meetings, and is an active member of the Clarkston Historical Society and the Clinton River watershed council.
Jeremy will work to boost our local economy through historical tourism, improve our lakes and groundwater by helping to develop rain gardens though out our township, and establish an internship program to prepare future leaders in our community. His website, jeremy4trustee.com, contains additional details regarding his plans to make Independence Township an even better place to live!
I hope you will join me on Nov. 6 in voting for Jeremy for Independence Trustee!
Shelley L. Hirth
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As a lifelong resident of Independence Township I have been witness to the good, the bad and the ugly of our local politics. I have often thought we need new voices and ideas to move our township forward successfully and that is why I am pleased to support Jeremy Mitchell for Independence Township trustee. His ideas and plans for our community are exciting and interesting ? see Jeremy4trustee.com.
His committment and enthusiasm are like a breath of fresh air – the fresh air our local government desperately needs. I urge everyone to join me in voting for Jeremy Mitchell for Independence Township trustee.
Diana English
Independence Township
Ahoy Mateys!
For those of you looking for a way to emerge from the doldrums of realizing that summer is almost over, let me suggest that you circle Wednesday, September 19 on your calendar. No, it isn’t the first day of Fall which by the way is September 22. ‘And of course the colorful changing of leaves, cider, and caramel covered apples in the Fall are certainly high points but I think there is something more important occurring, at least in my warped mind ? it is International Talk Like A Pirate Day!? Now what could be more exciting than that!
For you landlubbers who have been unaware of this Holiday, this year will be the 10th anniversary of Pirate Day.? It is now considered an international event and if ‘you search the ‘Talk Like A Pirate Day? website, you will quickly discover that pirate wannabes are celebrating this day in as faraway places as Rome, Auckland New Zealand, Tokyo and of course numerous locations in the United States.? Many of these towns are featuring costume contests and pirate sailings.?
Now before we get sidetracked concluding that pirates are evil, ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day? is dedicated to the friendlypirates found in most children’s movies.? Film flicks such as ‘Muppet Treasure Island?, or ‘Scooby-Doo In Pirates Ahoy?, or any of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean? adventures present the friendly side of these sea goers. ?’So having said that let’s return to what makes this day so special.
First of all it gives us pirate wannabes an opportunity to inject some swagger in our conversations.? Who can resist greeting friends either on the phone or in person with words such as ‘ahoy? ? ‘avast? ? or ‘arrr?.’So for all you swashbucklers out there, this is a time to maybe don an eye patch and assume a new identity for just a day.? What could be more fun! As an added bonus, the ‘Talk Like A Pirate Day? website also features Pirate Pick-Up Lines, pirate advice from Cap’n Slappy and of course an opportunity to subscribe to the Poopdeck newsletter. ‘And what with all the confusion we are undergoing in a troubled world, isn’t a little silliness most welcome. ‘I sure think so!
So now I’m off for a swig of grog along with a pirate’s favorite cookie ? Chips Ahoy – ‘while I prepare to scrape the barnacles off the rudder of my skiff.? And just for the record, I am almost 98% chum free.? So shiver me timbers!? ARRR!
Bill Kalmar
Orion Township Resident
Dear Lake Orion,
Well, here we are again. September is here, and that means for the youth of the area that school is also upon us. Pencils and books, calculators and rulers, teachers and buses.
For the seniors among us, it means college applications, plans for the future, one last chance at everything in high school. It means your last round of classes, your last batch of high school grades, and your last chance to be considered a teenager before you are considered an adult.
For those who are entering kindergarten, the world is fresh and young. Getting to try new things, meet other kids, learn things they never knew about before. Middle school students are provided chances to do things that they could not take advantage of in elementary school. Incoming freshmen are afforded opportunities to ogle at the behemoth that is Lake Orion High School. For all parties, school can be both enticing and a bit frightening. As a senior, the new school year can be frightening for me too.
Then, I start thinking of the good things that are waiting. This year is my last chance to go to homecoming with a few good friends, my last chance to contemplate prom, my last year of spectacular AP English assignments, my last year of watching the sculpture garden flourish. By this time next year, I will be away at college. I will have said my goodbyes to my tae kwon do friends, to Goldie, the lovely little horse I’ve watched mature for the past five years, and to my classmates, at least for a little while.
Not all of the youth of Lake Orion are seniors, and they have at least as many changes waiting in the new year as I do, whether it is preparing to go away to college or packing supplies for the first day of kindergarten.
Change is coming, as the saying goes. Senior year is a year of endings and a year of beginnings, some happy and some somber. So, seniors, and everyone else who is bracing themselves to go back to school, make the most of the year. Go to the football game you never went to before. Dress up for the sake of saying you did. Speak up about something you are passionate about in class for the sole purpose of your own satisfaction. Set out to make a difference in the community in little ways, or big ways if you have the force of will.
In the end, you never really know what the next year will hold. So take advantage of this one and make it unbelievable. Whether you’re a senior, a freshman, a seventh grader or about to start elementary school, change is coming, so take it by the horns and own it.
Olivia Shumaker
Review Staff Writer
Dear Editor,
This Certificate Of Need process for McLaren Hospital is a perfect example of why the government intrusion into medicine or almost anything sacred or personal in the private sector is a disaster. The last two hospitals in Oakland County were ‘lame duck? decisions by the legislature.
I was chief of staff at the old Pontiac General Hospital when we were going to rebuild it.
I advised the City Commissioners that we had three excellent hospitals in Pontiac and there were none between Flint and Pontiac. I was advised by the City Commissioners that they had lost the courthouse and the airport and didn’t want to lose the hospital.
I said you could still own it in Clarkston, Waterford, or even West Bloomfield and it would bring the communities together.
You know the rest of the story, it eventually closed. The CON process should be relegated to the ash heap of history.
In Arizona many years ago, they had several hospitals vying for CONs and they got rid of the process.
The result was that the hospitals worked together and reduced the number of new hospitals to a very few and only when they were needed. We have been privileged to care for our patients in our home and the Care Center for over 50 years.
We want to continue our urgent care for another 50 years and we need and deserve a hospital next door.
With the cost of transportation, traffic jams and long wait times in the ER, it is time for us to have our own hospital here in Clarkston.
Sincerely,
James A. O’Neill, MD
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
If you have visited the Clarkston Farmers Market when we were located at Depot Park in previous year, we were closed because of Art in the Park. This year, we will be open, Saturday, Sept. 15, because we are now in our new location at Renaissance High School on Waldon Road from 8 a.m.-1 pm.
This past Saturday, we had the Gratitude Steel Band with us until 10 a.m.
We have asked and they have accepted our invitation to return this Saturday, Sept. 15, to entertain the market visitors.
They will be there from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. So come to the market and enjoy great entertainment and visit with our vendors.
Joe Wauldron
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank you and The Clarkston News for the generous donation to our American Legion Post 377.
We are in a continuous mode of raising funds to support our post and the many veterans in need. Without the support from our functions and donations, we cannot serve our veterans and community.
On behalf of the brave men and women who keep us free, the veterans at Post 377 and our members would like to again say thank you.
Robert E. Jones
Chairman, Trustee Board,
American Legion Post 377
Dear Editor,
This Labor Day holiday, please remember to give thanks to the labor unions and American workers who fought to create better working conditions for everyone.
Labor unions were critical in the fights to end child labor, establish the eight hour work day, create a minimum wage, workplace health and safety, health insurance, sick leave, vacation pay, unemployment insurance, and even civil rights legislation.
Labor unions are under attack in Michigan and across the country, fueled by rich special interests like the Koch brothers and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, that spend millions of dollars on anti-worker lobbying.
This is not about union workers making too much money — American corporations are making record high profits!
This is about corporate power over workers.
Please help fight back by voting for, and encouraging other people to vote for, the ‘Protect Our Jobs? initiative in the November election which will make collective bargaining a constitutionally protected right in Michigan. Help empower workers!
Claire Cooper
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Community Historical Society would like to thank all those who made our first Historic Downtown Ghost Walk such a huge success.
Record crowds made this a sold out event and we certainly could not have done it without the participation of several individuals.
First, we would like to thank property owners Chip Travis and Elizabeth Wareck, Curt Catallo and Ann Stevenson, Joe and Melissa Luginski, Carol and Larry Eberhardt, and the Masons of Cedar Lodge #60.
We are also grateful to the wonderful storytellers who made our ghosts ‘come alive? that night.
They were Heather Romanowski, Tom Braun, Sara Wunsche, Lois Sprengnether-Keel, Tom Keel, Kay Robertson, Kim Huttenlocher and Diane Clark.
Finally, we want to extend our appreciation to all of our energetic tour guides, members of G.H.O.S.M. and R.I.P., and the ladies of Eastern Star Chapter #294 who provided the refreshments.
Proceeds from the ghost walk will benefit the Clarkston Community Historical Society in their mission to preserve our past for future generations.
Thank you again, who could have guessed that the ghosts of Clarkston would be such a popular crowd!
Toni Smith
Ghost Walk Chairperson
Dear Editor,
Although most of the Clarkston Football Team will never know the feeling of going hungry, they hit the neighborhoods on Aug. 17 as if their next meal depended upon it.
The boys collected, delivered and sorted almost 6,500 pounds of food that was so very sorely needed at the Clarkston office of Lighthouse of Oakland County.
Our pantry shelves have been very empty the past month and are now once again filled with non-perishable foods. The Lighthouse Clarkston staff thanks all of the players, coaches, parents and donors for making this needed food drive a huge success.
We also thank the parents who took the monetary donations to purchase food at our local Kroger stores to round out our pantry needs.
The generosity of our community continues to shine on our agency when we need it the most!
Connie Stapleton
Lighthouse Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thank you, to everyone from the bottom of my heart for supporting me in the primary election.
It was a great journey these past seven months, getting to know everyone when I came knocking on your door, you listened to my focus to restore Independence Twp. and I listened to your concerns. Those I spoke with, talked about how we need to change old ideas and failed policy with township leadership and how this should be a place we will all be proud to live.
It is with deep gratitude for those of you with civic values, who have confirmed my conviction to support you as a Trustee of our township, when I am elected November 6TH through your support.
This is the most important election for our township, talk to your friends, pass the word to your neighbors, we need to restore Independence Twp. and I am asking for your vote in November.
Respectfully,
Jose F. Aliaga
Independence Township trustee candidate
Dear Editor,
I am a teacher at Pine Knob Elementary and a resident of Hidden Lakes Apartments, both located on Sashabaw Road.? More importantly, I am a parent to three young elementary students.? I work diligently every day to give my children strong morals, beliefs and ethics so that may grow up to be law-abiding citizens of society.? My complaint is as a parent and as a resident of an apartment complex.??
For the record-I never let my children just roam the complex. ‘When they are outside, I am outside with them. ‘I do this to keep them safe because it is my responsibility. ‘I have watched people drive over the complex speed limit as they pass by. ‘I have seen people talking on their cell phones while driving in the complex, so I know some people do not pay attention to my children. And that’s fine, because my children are my responsibility.
However, on numerous occasions recently, I have watched non-residents come park in our complex and then walk through the gate over to the sports fields behind PKE.’Having addressed my concerns already with the apartment managers, I still believe my concern needs to be shared with more members of the Clarkston area community. I suspect some people in the community will get defensive about this concern and frankly, I don’t care. There are reasons for rules and laws and no one is exempt from them just because of convenience. ‘I never let my children just roam the complex. When they are outside, I am outside with them. ?
I understand how the parking areas near PKE can be congested when there are special activities, because I work there!’And I understand how frustrating it can be to park some distance away from where one wants to be-because I work there! However, Hidden Lakes Apartments is private property.? Unless one is a resident in our complex (or visiting a resident), there is absolutely no reason to park in our complex.
I live near the main entrance of Hidden Lakes and my apartment backs up to the fenced in area at PKE.’There is a gate that the school keeps unlocked during non-traditional school hours to allow people to use the sports fields and/or playground area.’It is definitely a convenience for Hidden Lakes residents who are parents of children who attend PKE!?
Parents, please set an example for your children.’If you need to get behind PKE for Chiefs Football, Cheerleading or whatever activity that may be taking place, be a responsible citizen and park where you are supposed to.? If you are one parking in Hidden Lakes complex because of convenience, please stop!? I’m not the only parent of young children here.? The extra traffic in our complex is not needed.? More importantly, do the right thing.? Make the right choice and help keep our children safe.
Linda VandeVoort
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston High School Football Rush for Food committee would like to thank all who helped make our 15th Annual community service project a huge success!
On Friday, Aug. 17 , 170 members of the Varsity, JV, and Freshman teams came together to collect non-perishable food items to help stock the pantry at Lighthouse Emergency Services in Clarkston.
Due to the success of publicizing the event in The Clarkston News, the teams collected a record breaking 6,478 pounds of food and paper/personal products plus $500 in donations!
This is a new record for the event beating last year’s record of 4,900 pounds. The players really stepped up this year and many in the community brought donations from their neighborhoods that were not included in the routes.
Special thanks goes to the Clarkston Athletic Boosters for contributing beverages for the pre-Rush dinner, Sashabaw Road Kroger for donating supplies, and Renee Weaver-Wright for gift card donations.
Also, to the Clarkston Chiefs for collecting toiletry items and to the many other parents and coaches who pitched in and volunteered at the event and provided additional donations!
The committee would also like to thank the CHS football coaches for their support, LuAnn Stohrer ? CHS Athletic Secretary for her assistance, the CHS custodial staff, the football players who gave their time to assist those in need, and most of all the homeowners who generously donated to make this event such a success.
Thank you to Kathy Azzopardi, Donna Barta, Penny Canada, Kim Chadwell, Diane Massur, Sandy Savoie (chair), and Kim Scarlett for their time and commitment in organizing another successful year. Rush for Food once again proved what a wonderful community Clarkston is to live in!
Ellen Wright, publicity
CHS Football ‘Rush for Food?
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston High School Blue and Gold Club would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors and participants in the first annual Ryan Kennedy 5k fun run for brain cancer research.
This event was successful because of the hard work and dedication of the citizens of this wonderful and caring community.
We would also like to extent a special thank you to the family of Ryan Kennedy, Tim Horton’s (The Mantha family) for donating the bagels and to Tenuta’s for donating the water, the CHS LEAD program, and the CHS girls cross country team.
We look forward to growing and improving this event and to continue to raise awareness for the need for brain cancer research. If you have suggestions for how to improve this event, or want information on future events you can follow Blue and Gold on Twitter @chsblueandgold”
Clarkston High School
Blue and Gold Club
Dear Editor,
The Fourth of July Parade Committee would like to thank the following organizations and businesses for their help with the 2012 Fourth of July Parade.
Our thanks to DTE Music Theatre, Bowman Chevrolet, Clarkston State Bank, Smith’s Disposal, City of the Village of Clarkston and the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce for their help with the event.
The Clarkston Area Optimist Club, the Clarkston Lions Club, Mt. Zion Church and the Knights of Columbus combined efforts to plan and facilitate the parade for the second year in a row. Over 100 entries marched in the 2012 parade with approximately 10,000 spectators.
A big thank you to the community of Clarkston and the above businesses and organizations for sharing their talents and time to make the Fourth of July memorable for our community.
Fourth of July Parade Committee
Independence Township
Re: “Activists want to save Bay Court Park,” July 4, I spoke w the USGS and the MDEQ about this. There are two possible beds that this could be in regard to, the most shallow of which is 14000 + feet deep, the other 2000+.
Not that this matters. What does matter is that all they’ve done at this point is purchase the mineral rights.
There is very little known about the productivity of either of the beds in consideration and much exploration would need to be done to even determine if there is economic feasibility to pursue this.
My point is, that I am very pro environment. Fracking is a very emotional issue in Michigan right now. It is not the biggest environmental issue facing the state however by far. And in this case, it is really a non issue. To say fracking in BayCourt park is years off if ever is understating it.
To protect the environment, we as citizens, and politicians as well, need to investigate what the risks are and go with priorities. Its nice that there is concern, but, the focus for this should be on the investigative process. Banning fracking won’t impede the investigation ? hint hint.
I don’t want to dissuade those interested in environmental issues from becoming active, quite the contrary; your energy is needed.
However, there are issues and activities and movements locally that are much more imminent. Stormwater and invasive species are the two most pressing I know of where individuals would be able to make a big difference.
They can install native plant gardens, participate in a watershed activity, or create a monarch waystation, for instance. These can all have immediate positive affects.
Again, don’t want to deter anyone from being green, but I do want to inject a dose of reality into the equation.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Don Rush,
Where do I begin? I am truly grateful for all your help in promoting the Backyard Jam, my business, and the dunk tank! I can always count on you and it never goes unappreciated. This community is lucky to have you!
Shari Schulz, owner, Bonnie & Clyde, Clarkston Flower Shoppe, Bird Feeder
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Our experience with the Oakland County Road Commission regarding activating the crosswalk on Sashabaw Road at Bowpointe has been a lesson in futility.
The latest response to the publicity of this dangerous situation has resulted in our tax dollars being wasted on a RCOC crew spending hours doing a complete black bagging of a cross walk that once was a perfectly functioning crosswalk. Curiously this was done the day after this made the TV news!
It’s amazing that taxpayers started with a functioning crosswalk, went to a shut off crosswalk, then to a “we need permission to activate this crosswalk,” and now after two years of talk and promises, we’ve ended up with a black bagged crosswalk in the area that taxpayers spent millions of dollars to improve. Embarrassing to say the least!
The millions of dollars we spent on the “Sashabaw corridor improvement” isn’t at all what taxpayers envisioned when this supposed “pedestrian friendly” corridor was proposed. The results are disappointing.
Our only regret is that we didn’t ask the Oakland County Road Commission to do exactly the opposite of what we intended. If we had, the crosswalk would probably be functioning today!
Lori and Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
A special thank you to everyone who supported my campaign for Independence Township supervisor. Over the past several months, I have had the pleasure of meeting some really great people ? folks who are genuinely concerned about their community and who want to see Independence become the pride of Oakland County.
After speaking with hundreds of folks over the past few months and meeting hundreds more at the polls, I am more convinced than ever that the residents of Independence want a Township Government that:
? Keeps residents informed of community activities
? Looks for ways to deliver critical services at lower costs
? Seeks resident input before policy and spending decisions are made
? Brings a common sense approach to Township management.
As a business executive and homeowner association president, I have managed this way for 35 years. As your township supervisor, I do not plan on changing a successful formula.
Thank you again for your support.
Pat Kittle
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Farm and Garden Club thanks the wonderful gardeners of our community, Karen Wiltfang, Liz and Mike Doyle, Russ and Paula Jones, Candace and Dick Payne, Lynette and Joe Fioroni, and Pat and Nathan Chase for opening their gardens for the 2012 Garden Walk.
The 400 people who visited the beautiful and inviting gardens were welcomed by the homeowners wth hospitality and information. There was non-stop talk about gardening and ‘how did you do that??
In thanking the gardeners, we must remember the 100 degree weather they labored in prior to the walk and persevered. The thought and imagination that viewers saw in the gardens was a work of art. Also thanks to the volunteer musicians and artists who join us each year.
This year, our community garden of interest was the Senior Center Gardens, which is unique with a sensory garden, vegetable gardens, and a memorial garden, all done by volunteers. The garden is worth a visit and is open free for viewing during the week.
Also helping us with program costs were the local businesses who purchased ads in the Garden Walk booklet. Six local restaurants offered special lunch prices for Garden Walkers adding to the day.
With community support, the Garden Club is able to provide three $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors in our community, educational opportunities for Clarkston students and teachers on the environment, Main Street planters, Independence Township library gardens and other projects.
Joette Kunse and Gail Reading
CoChairs, 2012 Clarkston Garden Walk
Dear Editor,
I am positive that Clarkston and the experience of living in what is now the City of the Village of Clarkston would not be lessened and could be greatly improved if the Village of Clarkston were to rejoin Independence Township and no longer be a city, if the city government was shaken off.
Our friends and neighbors will still be our friends and neighbors. Main Street will still be Main Street. Our taxes would be lower and we would regain the right to vote on the services we receive such as police, fire, and emergency.
No government is perfect, but the township has far better training, is available full time, has far better resources than the city can offer, and already provides or aids publicly and privately in almost every event and service the city has to offer.
There are no public schools within the city, no medical facilities, no libraries, no police stations, no fire stations, no museums, no art galleries, no post office. It is a great area with good people, but why is it a city with higher taxes if it can provide so little?
Unfortunately my efforts to have a public vote on this have been hampered by work, family and other personal and public commitments. The filing date for a petition to be able to vote on whether we should remain a city is Aug. 14 and I have not been able to spend the time required to obtain all the signatures required, even from those who said they would sign.
I have had some great conversations with many people for and against this proposal, and enjoyed hearing many opinions of life in the City of the Village of. It is therefore with deep regret that I admit I will not have the time to continue this effort. Regardless of the outcome, I think the public discussion would have been healthy for everyone.
My sincere apologies to everyone who signed or wanted to sign. For those who are in favor of lowering our taxes and regaining the right to vote on and control such basic government services as police, fire, library, sewer and water, I can only offer my apologies as it appears we will continue to pay high taxes, have almost no control of local issues, or what happens in our city.
It is an election year and discussion of these issues is what elections are all about.
If anyone is interested and wants to discuss the issue of what we receive for the local taxes we pay, and what the city government does for us, call me at 248-625-9530, email OneClarkston@yahoo.com, or go the Village of Clarkston facebook page and make a comment.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I support Neil Wallace for Independence Township Supervisor. He has the experience and leadership ability to do an outstanding job.
Neil has served on the Township Board for eight years, without missing a meeting, served on the Planning Commission for six years (chairman for five), and served the Township in many other volunteer capacities. Conversely, none of Neil’s opponents have any experience whatsoever with Township Government.
Some have questioned Neil’s ability to work with the Board members to reach consensus and suggest that Neil was somehow at fault for the contentious Township Board meetings of the past. The facts demonstrate quite the opposite. Neil has consistently demonstrated an ability to work with Board members to reach consensus. Examples of Neil’s leadership include: 1) a unanimous vote to defeat the supervisor’s proposal for raises for township elected officers; 2) consensus for a new budget process that reviews each department monthly and projects three years into the future; 3) consensus for the appointment of an Operations Review Task Force made up of citizens who reviewed all Township operations and made recommendations for more efficient procedures; 4) a unanimous vote to give township-based businesses a leg up in bidding to provide township services and goods; 5) altering the retiree health care for the full-time elected officials so that the qualification requires 16 years of service rather than 8 years of service, with the only negative votes being the Board members who would be adversely affected and; 6) a unanimous vote on a proposal to put special Board meetings on cable.
When the current supervisor suggested cutting the Sheriff’s staffing for the Township by 20%, Neil did an analysis of the available monies and the scheduling of officers to show that we could readily make a reduction of just 10%. The resulting vote was unanimous. There are many other examples of Neil’s leadership and ability to work with his fellow Board members in a constructive fashion for the good of the Township.
Since Neil began chairing meetings this year in the multi-month absence of the current Supervisor, the meetings have run in an efficient, professional manner, without the bickering and arguing of the past.
Independence Township needs a supervisor with the experience and ability to get things done. Because Neil is the only candidate that fits that bill, I encourage Independence residents to vote for Neil Wallace on August 7.
Henry Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It has been said that money can buy elections. I hope that won’t be
the case in November.
Please join me in vowing to carefully research the issues and
candidates (using unbiased news sources and avoiding propaganda) and
to make compassionate and informed decisions when voting. Vote to
make America a country all 313 million of us can be proud of; where
everyone is equal; where we stand up against greed, hate, bigotry,
sexism and ignorance; where everyone is treated with the respect they
deserve; where patriots actually pay their taxes and don’t ship jobs
overseas; and where we export humanitarian aid instead of perpetual
war. We need more informed and honest public servants making our
communities and America better for everyone, rich and poor alike.
Please vote in the Aug. 7 primary. And please vote for real
democracy.
Claire Cooper
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thanks to everyone for making our Veterans Celebration during the Festival of Fun on July 4th a success. Our very generous sponsors this year made our event extra special.
Our Platinum Level Sponsor was the Friends of the Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center, Gold Level Sponsor was Committee to Elect Pat Kittle, Silver Sponsor was Friends to Elect Terry Fortuna, and our Bronze Level Sponsors were Elect Jose Aliaga, Rick Anderson and Wint & Son Funeral Home.
Our Platinum Level sponsor made it possible for us to provide lunch coupons to all of our veterans and families who attended the event. Our sponsorships also made it possible for us to book the Fifth Michigan Regiment Band (Civil War Reenactment Band) this year. They put on a very informative show with music and historical information about how bands such as theirs were used during the Civil War. Despite the hot temperatures they did an excellent job performing.
Our Veterans Planning Committee did a great job putting our second celebration together. A special thanks to Bart Clark our Master of Ceremony, John Cesarz, Gordy Cloutier, Phil Custodio, Amy Laboissonniere and John Thomas for planning this event. Our volunteers for the day from our Friends group were Carolyn Morrison and Kerri Perna. We also had wonderful baked goods to share with our veterans thanks to Lynn Brockman, Ruth Emerick, Carroll Harris, Lois Johnson, Larry Larsen, Helen Marsh, Sharon Nijhoff, Jean Perzyk, Duane Proctor, Donna Schneider, Joanne Townsend and Gerry Townsend.
Our special guests during the Veterans Ceremony did a great job on stage including Leslie Graham who sang the National Anthem, Mark Petterson who lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and the American Legion Chief Pontiac Post 377 Honor Guard for doing the Gun Salute.
We really appreciated having Rick Anderson from the Great Lakes National Cemetery and Terry Schelswell who brought out his restored military vehicles. Last but not least thanks to all of the veterans who participated in the Military Museum and the Veterans Celebration on the 4th of July. It was a pleasure to honor our veterans for all they have done for our country.
Sincerely,
Barbara Rollin
Independence Township Senior Center
Dear Editor,
On July 13, we visited the Concert in the Park. The local talent was T.J. Craven, a 16-year-old entertainer.
He was so talented and everyone in the audience was amazed by his dancing, singing and interacting with the crowd. We hope he will be back next year. It’s nice to see a young man who is so talented. T.J. will go far.
Mary Jean and Graham Baker
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Dedication, commitment and integrity are among the many qualities that David Lohmeier has brought to the position of Independence Township trustee.
Serving the past four years, David spent countless personal hours making sense of the annual budgets that were delayed by the previous supervisor.
His analytical insight helped to keep the process on track and resulted in better decisions by the board in bringing balanced budgets and financial integrity back into local government.
He weighed in heavily when needed on misuse or abuse, such as the township hall telecommunications contract that was ultimately deemed illegal.
Well prepared for each board meeting, David continues to exhibit the type of professional leadership that Independence Township needs and will need during the course of the next four years.
It is imperative that the voters elect dedicated, trustworthy people to Independence Township government. That is why David Lohmeier is going to get our votes for trustee on Aug. 7.
Joel and Mindy DeLong
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Last February, when I took over as Program Manager of Independence Television (then known as the Clarkston Public Access Center), it was made clear to me that connecting our signals to AT&T U-verse was a top priority. At the time I had no idea how complicated that would be.
AT&T is fairly specific about what equipment is to be used in connecting with their system.
Since some of the gear isn’t normally part of a television studio, we had to do an upgrade of our existing system. This quickly became a fairly large project for the studio which has been time-consuming and often frustrating.
I’ve received calls from many of our residents who want access to our service, and I wish I had been able to tell them something better than, ‘Please, be patient.?
We are now in the final steps of getting connected to our AT&T U-verse residents. Equipment has been ordered, and we will soon have the high-speed internet lines that are required to send the signal to AT&T. I hope to have both our Community and Government Channels on the system by the end of August.
In addition, this upgrade to our equipment will allow us to expand our services to the internet. Sometime this fall our channels will begin streaming on-line, giving every resident of Independence Township access to government meetings and community television programs.
We’ll even make the meetings available on-demand so that you can watch them on your schedule instead of ours.
I greatly appreciate the patience and support of everyone in our community as we work to make our service more accessible. Please don’t hesitate to call or stop by our studio if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Joe Barnhart, program manager
Independence Television
Dear Editor,
Neil Wallace is a man of integrity, purpose and vision. He has not missed a meeting in the last four years as a trustee.
Neil does his homework and always comes prepared to every meeting to focus on the challenges and needs of the township.
During the last four years he has promoted citizen participation by increasing transparency by pushing for even the township special meetings to be broadcast on cable and persuading the Township Board that both the treasurer’s investment reports and the budget should be posted on the township’s website.
I would also like to point out some of his other accomplishments by starting with his proposal and subsequent adoption by the board to change the budget process to be more efficient and effective.
There is now an in-depth analysis of the budget on a monthly basis with special meetings to look at it department by department.
Neil also champions citizen involvement in their local government.
He created an Operations Review Task Force which examined each department of the township and made recommendations to the board for streamlining operations and saving money.
He led the initiative and persuaded the board to pass a change to the elected official’s retiree health care, which benefited the supervisor, clerk and treasurer’s positions.
Previously, with just eight years of service the township taxpayers would have to pay for these officials to have life-time health care.
Now the threshold is 16 years.
I believe that with his proven leadership, Independence Township can only move forward in the next four years. Vote for Neil Wallace for supervisor.
Lois Seddon
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I have known Neil Wallace on a personal and professional basis for nearly thirty years. During that time, I have always found Neil to be a person of the utmost integrity.
Neil has worked tirelessly on our behalf for many years as a township trustee and as a member of the Planning Commission, while at the same time maintaining a successful law practice. Neil’s devotion to our community and knowledge of the issues that pertain to our local government are without parallel and I am confident that if elected to the position of supervisor he will continue to serve the township with distinction.
Brad Stout
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am supporting Neil Wallace for supervisor. Neil has demonstrated his ability to lead our community during the recent challenging economic years.
He has worked with the board and the department heads to improve the budget process. He has said many times Fire and Police protection for the residents of our community are the top items on his agenda. In 2010 he presented to the supervisor and the board an analysis of the budget items for the Oakland County deputies. Rather than a cutback of 20 percent, which was presented by the supervisor, the board approved a cutback of 10 percent based on Neil’s proposal. This is the kind of dedication, knowledge and initiative that we need in our supervisor.
Neil has attended all of the scheduled meetings in the last four years. He comes to the meetings prepared to address the agenda items. His work ethic is motivated by his desire to do the best for the citizens of our community.
Neil has the vision to promote growth in our community, in accordance with the Master Plan, that will provide revenue for services to the residents of Independence Township.
Vote for Neil Wallace for Supervisor on Aug. 7.
Carolyn Morrison
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am voting for Neil Wallace for Independence Township Supervisor. I will also be voting to re-elect Dave Lohmeier, trustee.
I recently heard another candidate for supervisor say Township Board meetings are too long. I watch the meetings and have participated in many. Prior to their announcing to run for supervisor, I had not seen any of the other supervisor candidates participating as concerned citizens. Where were they? I know that Neil has been to all of the meetings and Dave has missed very few. Neil and Dave are always well prepared for discussing the items on the agenda. This leads to informed discussions.
What would other candidates change in order to shorten meetings? Limit citizen participation? Decide issues behind closed doors before the meetings? Let unelected staff decide important issues just so the meetings are shorter?
I expect an open, robust debate in which the public and board members try to persuade one another to make good decisions and do what is best for our community.
For me it is interesting and important to understand how and why my elected representatives are making their decisions and not just what they decide. It would be wrong to have the meetings artificially cut short, just so they are short.
Since the beginning of the year, Neil Wallace has been running the meetings smoothly as chairman. For the last couple of months, with the two most disruptive board members missing, the meetings run even more smoothly. It also helps that the board trusts Bart Clark and that, as superintendent, he is doing such a fine job.
On Aug. 7 we all need to take the time to elect Neil Wallace for supervisor and re-elect David Lohmeier as trustee.
Rick Gutowski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On Aug. 7, I will be voting for Neil Wallace for Independence Township supervisor.
Of the candidates for supervisor, he alone has the skills, experience and determination to lead our township government. I know from watching virtually every township board meeting over the last four years his skill sets and dedication to our community is abundantly clear.
In an effort to be objective I have researched the information made available by the other candidates which only makes it all the more apparent we need Neil Wallace for our township supervisor.
It is obvious to me that there is no other candidate that understands the issues we face and is willing to talk about them in depth. Just look at www.rtownshipmatters.com as I have.
The residents of Independence Township will be the recipient of the sacrifices Neil Wallace makes for their benefit. Let me explain. Mr. Wallace is a prominent attorney who practices law in the township. I am convinced he could spend his time making much more money in his practice rather than giving so much time to our community. I for one am very thankful for his dedicated service.
On Aug. 7, join me in voting for Neil Wallace for township supervisor. We need his leadership.
Craig Strickland
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am pleased to support Todd Waring for supervisor. He is a hard working, self-made business man. He is well spoken and comes precisely to the point.
He won’t need 4-5 hours to conduct the Township business each meeting.. The days of meetings every week will be over. There will be no more letting the public sit until 11:30 p.m. to speak to the board. Todd now has people in whom he trusts to manage his business while he oversees it. Todd doesn’t feel he has to micro-manage every employee and watch their every step.
Mr. Waring has many good ideas for the future of Independence Township. He has stated that he is in favor of bringing business to the township within the Master Plan. Planned development won’t grind to a stop, or take months to bring about, eventually driving away viable businesses.
Since he has had to sell all his life to have business, he knows how, and plans to, ‘sell? Independence Township to corporations which will hire our residents, buy our homes, support our schools and increase the tax base. This will be good for all of us! I have lived in Independence Township for over 40 years.
I just can’t see the same sad situation continue that we now have on the Township Board.
It is imperative that we see a change. Aug. 7 vote Todd Waring for Independence Township supervisor.
Delbert McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Since being appointed as township superintendent in November 2011, I have had the pleasure of working closely with township Clerk Barbara Pallotta. I have come to know Mrs. Pallotta as a dedicated, hard-working official. She puts in long hours in the fulfillment of her duties as clerk. Often, she is the first one to work in the morning and the last one to leave at night. Her personal involvement in all aspects of the clerk responsibilities is evident.
Mrs. Pallotta has had a great deal of experience in the duties of township clerk. She served as deputy clerk for the City of Troy for 10 years and has been the Independence Township clerk since February of 2011. An experienced parliamentarian, Mrs. Pallotta ensures that the Township Board meetings follow proper procedures. Recently, Mrs. Pallotta initiated a re-alignment of the township voting precincts to make it unnecessary to utilize schools as voting places in elections. This enhanced the safety of our children by avoiding giving large crowds of people access to our schools on election days.
Mrs. Pallotta enjoys her role as township clerk. I believe she is the best candidate for the position. I endorse her candidacy for township clerk in 2012.
Bart L. Clark, superintendent
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Neil Wallace’s opponents, unable to attack his qualifications and experience for the supervisor’s position, have resorted to a campaign of misinformation and deceit. One opponent and his campaign manager, Rudy Lozano, lashed out in these pages, as harsh and inaccurate as a TASER in the wrong hands (‘Supervisor race,? May 23).
As a member of the Independence Township Board, Neil Wallace had a responsibility to all of us to try and find the missing tractor then-Supervisor David Wagner had removed. Neil asking knowledgeable Township employees to drive by in an effort to identify it in a place it was reported to be is not directing that it be removed.Importantly, the County Sheriff found no evidence that the tractor had been removed from that private property.
Possibly this was twisted into a political attack because that opponent does not have the true community involvement and experience we have all seen from Neil Wallace for so many years. Those are available on Neil’s website: www.itswallace.com.
It would be sad and a disservice to the voters to see more of these attacks.
Perhaps they are inevitable when this opponent commented that Mark Petterson did not play a role in embarrassing political squabbling. This suggests both that he does not pay attention to Township Board meetings and he doesn’t understand he is engaging in the same sort of crass squabbling Mr. Petterson has done for all of us to see.
The truth is we need the experience, integrity, vision and steady leadership of Neil Wallace as township supervisor.
Gregory K. Need
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Regarding the low level of the Mill Pond; this has been an ongoing problem the past few years. During that time, I have heard a number of reasons for this occurring, some of which include the following:
It was being lowered for chemical treatment; so homeowners could clean up the shore; Mill Pond waters were being diverted to flush out the Depot Park stream; owners of the Clarkston Mils were deliberately lowering the ponds in an effort to try and force homeowners to assume liability for the hydro; and the latest, it is a result of pond-front homeowners irrigating their lawns.
It would certainly be nice to know the real cause, and possible solution to this problem. The Mill Pond is a gem in the City of Clarkston, and should be protected.
Russ Rana
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I find it very interesting that Mr. Neil Wallace is “pleased with the increased citizen participation in the government brought on by the Citizens Public TV Access Committee” and “the committee has ‘invigorated the cable service'” (“Trustee Wallace runs for top seat,” June 6).
Township subscribers to AT&T U-verse do not have access to the Independence Township cable channel even though they have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars through franchise and PEG fees.
I first brought this to SupervisorDavid Wagner’s attention in May 2008 and was told that AT&T U-verse access would be operational by June 2008.
In July 2009, I notified the entire Township Board, including Mr. Wallace, that after repeated assurances that the “fix” is almost completed, collecting money for services NOT provided was not very ethical. To date, we AT&T users still do not have access. I can only assume our participation is not wanted.
Larry J. Miller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Our community is very fortunate to have Mr. Neil Wallace running for Independence Township Supervisor. In the role as township clerk, it was my privilege to serve you for many years. In that time I worked closely with many elected officials and community leaders and found Neil to be among the best. I have known Neil for over twenty years and can attest to his strong work ethic, high standards and long standing commitment to our town and its government.
At this pivotal point, with all local governments being under economic stress, it is important to have a supervisor who has the background and experience to lead us forward. I urge everyone to vote for Neil Wallace for township supervisor – for Independence – for us.
Shelagh Vanderveen
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would urge Independence township residents to join me in voting for Neil Wallace August 7. He is the most qualified. His service on numerous boards has been exemplary. Neil has been an active participant in cleaning up the murky musty mess that has been been the Supervisors’ office. His interest in good governance is well known to all. Neil is experienced, time tested and well suited to the task. Vote Neil Wallace for Independence Supervisor.
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On Aug. 7, the voters of Independence Township will decide whether to renew the millage for fire and advanced life support services so that these vital services can continue.
Fire Chief Steve Ronk and his staff have done a terrific job of managing the fire department and doing a critical analysis of our community’s needs to assure we can continue to provide the high level of service our community deserves.
As your elected representatives, we have aggressively cut costs over the last several years in the face of falling revenues and continuously reviewed the fire department’s ongoing needs for essential operations and equipment. Recently we have hosted several public meetings to consider the impact of a variety of millage options.
Consequently we will also be requesting that voters support a relatively small increase to the fire millage in addition to renewal. We believe this modest increase is critical to continue fire department operations at a level sufficient to support our community.
We urge the voters of Independence Township to support both the renewed millage at 3.1688 and the increase millage of .59 mills on Aug. 7.
Signed
Trustee Larry Rosso
Clerk Barbara Pallotta
Treasurer Curt Carson
Trustee Mark Petterson
Trustee Dave Lohmeier
Trustee Neil E. Wallace
Independence Township Board
Dear Editor,
I have lived in Independence Township for 33 years, had the privilege to serve of the Planning Commission for 16 years and have known Neil Wallace for the past 27 years.
During that time I had the opportunity to work with him when we both served on the Independence Planning Commission. This was an important time period for Independence Township as the vision 20/20 Master Plan we presently follow was developed and implemented.
This was accomplished by a process that took the planning commission numerous months of lengthy reviews, discussions and public input.
During that period and beyond, Neil’s insight and approach to resolving the many issues that the master plan presented was very evident and significantly made a difference in the final outcome of this plan.
Over the years his knowledge, experience as a trustee and deep commitment to the township continues to benefit our community. This coupled with his legal abilities, communication skills and innate sense for fiscal responsibility makes him the best choice for supervisor. I will be voting for him, and I am confident he will carry out his duties in an exemplary manner.
Joe Figa
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Although we initially met due to a misunderstanding over the voter identification laws, Clerk Barb Pallotta and I have since become strong allies. It was Barb’s diligence and integrity in quickly addressing our disagreement that inspired me to serve under her as an Independence Township Election Inspector. I have since worked with Barb on the Absent Voter Counting Board and as a poll worker, witnessing her dynamic leadership and consistent attention to detail first hand.
Barb’s behind-the-scenes contributions to this community are enumerable, but I believe that her added value as a public servant in Independence Township shines brightest in the role of election instructor. She literally trains each individual poll worker on complex changes in election technology and law, and despite varying skill levels amongst poll workers, she does so with the patience of an experienced teacher. This supportive hands-on strategy has built a foundation for a knowledgeable team of election inspectors who are committed to ensuring that our local elections are accessible, fair, and accurate.
It is because of her dedication to this community that I will be casting my vote for Clerk Barb Pallotta on Tuesday, Aug. 7.
Jeremy Mitchell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Taxpayers of Springfield Township have a chance to elect a new supervisor of this township on Aug. 7.
Until yesterday, the best kept secret was Ginny Fischbach is running for township supervisor on the Republican ticket. I believe all of you want a responsible leader. If you want your taxes to continue to rise, elected the same guy.
If you absolutely need a relief from these high property taxes, then vote for Ginny Fischbach. We do not need another $6 million building to house these politicians.
Wanda Rothermel
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Barb Pallotta, our current township clerk, is running for election this August. I strongly encourage the voters to keep her in office.
If you were to take a stack of governmental or political magazines and cut and paste the ideal candidate, you would end up with Barb Pallotta. Barb Pallotta is very knowledgeable about her work as township clerk. She is very professional and conscientious.
We are lucky to have her. Only the best is good enough.
Gerald E. McNally
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Most of us have been made aware by published news reports of the acrimony that has existed among the members of our Independence Township board.
This, in part, was a contributing factor that prompted our previous township clerk to resign before the end of her term.
One of our citizens was so disgusted by what he had observed that he wrote a letter published in The Clarkston News suggesting we not re-elect any of them.
When Curt Carson asked me if I would serve on his re-election committee, I had some serious doubts as to whether or not I could support him.
So, over lunch, I figuratively took him to the woodshed over an incident that had left a very bad taste in my mouth.
While the embarrassment to those involved could not be undone, he appraised me of certain behind the scene actions of other board members that created a public misconception of what he appeared to have done.
Among the elected members of the township board, the supervisor, clerk and treasurer each hold designated responsibilities for the day to day operation of the township. The township trustees make up the balance of the board. Ideally, those responsible for the day to day operation of the township ought to have certain skill sets.
The Treasurer’s Department consists of two employees, so Curt is not a figurehead, but a hands on manager. His day begins at 7 a.m. and seldom ends before 6 p.m. His department is responsible for the calculation and collection of property taxes for disbursement to the Clarkston school district, Oakland County, Huron Valley Metro Parks, Oakland Community College, the Detroit Zoo and bond payments.
He gives personal oversight over the investment of $14 million in long term investments through Munder Capital and $13 million in short term investments through various banks of his choosing.
How has Independence Township benefited from Curt’s stewardship, as treasurer, for the last three and a half years?
He traveled to Lansing and persuaded State Treasurer, Andy Dillon, to rescind the treasury’s requirement that the Township Hall be refinanced; effectively saving the township approximately $75,000 in financing costs, keeping over a million dollars of interest expense in the community, and allowing Water and Sewer funds to enjoy a continuing 5 percent return.
Carson worked with distressed developers and taxpayers and was able to capture 100 percent of delinquent taxes, special assessments and safety path contributions totaling $948,000 and without litigation.
He persuaded Standard & Poors to increase the township credit rating from AA to AA+; effectively reducing the Township’s cost to borrow money.
On balance, I believe that Curt has done an exemplary job and has earned another four years. Please join me by enabling this to happen.
Philip O. Dutton
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
You know how you want to write a letter to the editor almost weekly, then chuckle’shake your head, and quickly dismiss it?
Well, when I found out that my friend, Paul Brown, was running for township treasurer, I immediately knew that this letter to the editor was going to make it to print!
When Paul and I were at Clarkston High School, he decided to try out for the basketball team as a senior, having not played the game since the 8th grade.
Conditioning preceded tryouts. The last task in conditioning was a 3 mile run, which Paul easily won. After finishing the run, Paul ran an extra lap as fast as he could to the clapping and encouragement of the rest of the team and earned instant respect from everyone as a kid who took his goal very seriously.
Through perseverance, dedication, and incredible hard work, Paul made that team. It wasn’t a simple feat as this team went 26-1 and made it to the state semifinals.
During that year, Dean Smith, the legendary coach for University of North Carolina came to one of our practices to recruit Tim McCormick.
After practice, Paul went for a run only to hear beep, beep, beep from a car coming down the road. Paul looked over and saw Coach Smith waving at him. Days later Paul received a letter from him praising him for his hard work and dedication.
Paul took a circuitous route to becoming a chief financial officer of a medical supply company.
He managed Wendy’s restaurants, had an odd jobs business, and even gutted my first house in Clarkston and rebuilt it, when no one else wanted to touch it.
You see, Paul is an eternal optimist. He is brilliant, humble, and an incredible problem solver. I won’t mention my record against him in Words With Friends.
He is kind and always obeys the golden rule’do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
Paul’s honesty and integrity are unmatched. He is extremely caring, and is always looking out for the best interest of his family and friends, especially when he knows his expertise will be helpful.
He has an incredible work ethic, and gets a kick out of finding an answer. Best of all, Paul is always in a good mood, wears a smile on his face, and has a sense of humor second to none.
I haven’t mentioned that Paul Brown is a Certified Public Accountant; reason enough to vote for him, because he is simply the most trustworthy person I know.
Paul will make an outstanding township treasurer and I urge you all to join me in voting for him.
Dr. Larry Baylis
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Beyond the dollar controversy surrounding the recently defeated – for now – school bond issue there is a lurking philosophy that I find more distressing then the request for a tax hike.
When I moved here in 1994 my children were out of K through 12 and, fortunately, beyond the clutches of teachers who wanted to make them “citizens of the world.”
The Bloomfield Hills schools they attended provided a good education and taught them the value of international awareness.
But, at that time any way, they also wanted their pupils to understand the inestimable value of being Americans.
I must confess that because my children did not attend Clarkston schools I was not paying the attention that the system deserved.
It has my attention now, and I would like to know if the residents of Independence Township are listening to the current school superintendent.
His stated long term goal is that the children “learn to adapt to a diverse and dynamic global society.”
Is one world government next on the curriculum?
JoAnn Sellers
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I too noticed the water level in the Mill Pond, but see it as part of a larger issue (“Low water level in Mill Pond,” June 6).
Although I haven’t physically measured the local water bodies, I have collected anecdotal evidence through photography, the majority of which has been in the headwaters of the Clinton at Independence Oaks.
Since my return to Michigan in 2004, the hydrologic nature of the water here has changed. On top of the Mill Pond,Vernal pools at the park were bone dry when previous years, they were overflowing with water and life. It could be partly cyclic, or it could be part of something more dramatic. Without widespread data, any “conclusion” would be rough at best.
However, there are certain principals that play out rather straightforward. Infiltrated water moves laterally and feeds the surface water level of our rivers lakes and streams. The DNR keeps many water levels artificially high through a series of dams and weirs, masking any developing impacts. Any masking occurring can only be successful for so long before impact appears.
Watersheds with an excess of 10 % impervious cover will show signs of urbanization and those signs are overtly apparent in the channels and lakes within the boundaries of our township.
This is especially noticeable if actually being observed more than casually. I would be happy to take anyone with interest to locations where I have observed the various phenomenon that I refer to.
The City of the Village of Clarkston, Independence Township and Clarkston Schools all have stormwater permits.
Permits in Michigan, historically, have been more prominently focused on good housekeeping practices and pollution prevention. That is a separate issue I won’t get into here.
The other portion of the stormwater permit that I’ve seen minimally addressed (not just here) is the actual management of “wet weather.”
EPA is pushing for “volume capture” as a means of addressing stormwater impacts, and is looking to regulate volume of discharge as a pollutant. This is the single most effective way to reverse negative impacts of urbanization on a watershed, outside of outright greenspace preservation (which is admittedly less expensive).
Volume capture means every new development must maintain 95-100% of wet weather runoff on property, either through infiltration practices (that can be combined with rain gardens) or rainwater catchment/harvesting practices. For greatest effectiveness, it also includes a requirement for retrofitting upgrades be applied to older detention basins as they exceed their planned life, which many in the area are or will soon meet.
These practices reduce pollution getting into the waterways, restore groundwater stores that maintain the surface elevation of lakes, ponds and rivers, reduce the erosion associated with the spikes in discharge associated with urbanization and are less expensive to build and maintain than traditional practices.
I’m pleased to tip my hat to two of the three Democratic Candidates for Township Board, JD Mitchell and Kevin Bushroe who are interested in and have some knowledge of/are learning about these practices.
It’s early in the game, there are months before we vote. But citizens should be aware decisions by the board do have direct and indirect cause and effect relationship with things like traffic flow and surface water expression. I hope understanding this correlation and seeing “impact” first hand on the Mill Pond (and elsewhere) will encourage you to support candidates who care.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
From my service with Neil Wallace on the Independence Township Board for eight years, I have witnessed firsthand his dedication, leadership and hard work.
From his varied and genuine community involvement as demonstrated by six years of service, five as chairperson, of the Independence Township Planning Commission; a consistent advocate of the fire and police operations; an underlying commitment in support of the library; and taking on the leadership of bringing our public access cable channel up to the technological standards our community deserves, I know Neil has always been motivated by the best interests of the Township and its residents.
Neil has taken head on, with the support of the Township Board, a critical review of the budgeting process to efficiently and effectively deliver services we expect in spite of the downturn in property tax revenues.
When Supervisor Dave Wagner became unable to participate in board meetings in early 2011 due to his medical disability, I agreed as senior board member to chair the Township Board meetings during the better part of 2011.
I indicated in December of last year that I would like someone else to chair the meetings for 2012. On Jan. 10, Trustee Mark Petterson nominated Neil Wallace to chair the Board meetings.
The board then proceeded to appoint Mr. Wallace to chair the meeting. Mr. Wallace was then appointed by the board to chair each subsequent meeting. Neil Wallace has presided over every meeting with a fair and balanced approach. He encourages open participation of board members and citizens in attendance addressing the board with their concerns.
This is not the time to elect a novice to the critical position of supervisor. We desperately need the experienced community dedication of Neil Wallace at this critical juncture of our township governance.
Although I am retiring from the Township Board after serving this community for 16 years, I have a strong interest in ensuring that the township will be in good hands in the future. Because Neil Wallace is the very best person to lead us, I urge everyone to vote for him on Aug. 7.
Larry Rosso, trustee
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As a Korean veteran, I am appalled at the attitude of the Kroger policy to discontinue allowing the American Legion to distribute Poppies for a donation (‘Poppy sales hit by sales rules,? June 6) . Consequently, I personally will not ever step into another Kroger store while this policy is in effect.
Clifford (Bill) Smart
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
It is clear that governmental action is required to address the diminishing quality of Mill Pond habitat, including the pond between Bluegrass Drive and Buttercup Lane and the Clinton River.
Water levels have been steadily declining, creating mosquito breeding areas and affecting wildlife habitat, as well as community aesthetics and property values.
We have a collective responsibility to protect this resource, but local government must show greater leadership and initiative to develop and implement a corrective plan.
I hope The Clarkston News will continue to follow up and report on efforts with specific detail. This current article (‘Low water level in Mill Pond,? June 6) is good news, but it would be nice to know what specific steps government is taking to research and address the problem quickly, before a marsh or desert replaces historic water/scenic resources.
Michael C. Fetzer
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
May was a busy and fun time at the senior center. On Saturday, May 19, we had a work day at the gardens. High school volunteers, grandparents and grandchildren, members of the garden committee, community volunteers and Clarkston, Boy Scout Troop 49, planted flowers, cleaned up the landscape beds, planted the containers with beautiful annuals and worked in the Memorial Garden, edging, planting shrubs and spreading mulch.
On Wednesday, May 23, the Andersonville Elementary kindergarten classes of Mrs. DiVito and Mrs. Pepera planted herb and vegetable plants they grew from seeds. Theses vegetables and herbs will be used by the kitchen staff for meals at the center. After the planting the students met with seniors to enjoy ice cream sundaes.
Please visit the senior center gardens. Working together is ‘beautiful.?
Thank you.
Senior Center Garden Committee
Dear Editor,
Neil Wallace’s letter “Fire millage,” May 23, provided an insightful synopsis of Independence Fire and the professional approach the department has made to providing fire and emergency services to area residents.
Since the expansion of emergency services in 2000, the department has been deferring equipment upgrades, cost cutting, reducing personnel, and deferring contractual wage increases while still providing the level of professional services that we have come to expect and appreciate.
During the upcoming August primary, the voters will be presented with two millage proposals.
The first proposal is the renewal of the existing 3.1688 mills for four years. The second part is a request for an additional .59 mills which will allow for the operation of a third ambulance, restoring three positions and capital replacements. It would add $59 per year on a $200,000 home or $5 per month.
What would each of us be willing to pay for the added protection of our homes and loved ones?
Neil Wallace has clearly demonstrated his belief in the Fire Department many times over. He actively worked on passage of the millage for fire and ambulance services in 2000. This same level of commitment carries over to all of the endeavors Mr. Wallace has been involved in during his life in Independence Township.
As part of the Citizens for Fire Safety ? Independence Township, I firmly believe that each dollar spent by the Fire Department is well spent and returned to the citizens many times over. In order to continue the high level of professional services provided, I am asking for your support in the upcoming August primary.
If you are interested in helping on the committee, passing out flyers, posting a yard sign, or making a donation, please contact me 248-625-9741 or joeldelong@aol.com.
Joel DeLong
Independence Twp. Fire Safety committee
Dear Editor,
The school millage failure is only the tip of our local educational iceberg. “Leaders” of Clarkston schools are forgetting American exceptionalism in favor of globaloney.
If Clarkston schools are not emphasizing the greatness of America, a change in vision isn’t warranted, it is imperative. In an attempt to globalize the youth of Independence Clarkston schools is asking for infants not yet potty trained to enter their propaganda factory.
Free food is sent home with children for weekend, and will be served all summer to one and all who come, as if our schools now produce loaves and fishes. Once upon a time our schools taught cognitive skills, reading, sums, syntax, and American history.
Now, ‘leaders’ of the district have shown centrifugal forces of global vision have broken their intellectual moorings. Harvard is coming to rescue the children.
Bosh and fiddlesticks.
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am frustrated and sad Dr. Rod Rock, with the help of the School Board President Cheryl McGinnis, has instituted ‘unlimited? Schools of Choice in four programs in the district, including Project Lead the Way, which allows for the acceptance of anyone of the appropriate age who applies from outside of the district. It was approved May 21.
There was no communication from Dr. Rock this year asking the public how they felt about making Lead the Way ‘unlimited? and the only place one could have seen any reference to it was in the May 21 board packet posted to the district website on May 18, before the Monday meeting. Dr. Rock was full of public communications when it came to try to get the $20 million bond passed, but not this.
Per District Policy, changes must be discussed by the School Board before voting on it. The May 21 meeting had the board discussing the change and voting on it. When advised by several board members of the violation, Cheryl McGinnis, with the power of the majority, overruled them, kept it as the scheduled vote, and Dr. Rock’s rubber stamp majority board members approved the change and the renewal.
Dr. Rock’s annual evaluation will be during a closed session on June 18, with the final written evaluation presented at the June 25 meeting. Please let Dr. Rock and the School Board know how you feel about unlimited Schools of Choice in the Lead the Way Program in Clarkston High School and how you feel about the board violating their own Board Bylaw by voting on the change without a prior board meeting discussion.
Let them know if you think it’s disturbing that the district chose to not engage the public on the School of Choice change, at www.clarkston.k12.mi.us.
Thank you.
Dawn Schaller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The residents of the Clarkston Mills Ponds would like to express their appreciation to the City of the Village of Clarkston DPW for removing our collected debris from the annual spring shoreline cleanup of the ponds.
Frank H. Schoebel
Chair, Clarkston Mills Ponds Association
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Lions wish to thank everyone for their support during our recent ‘White Cane Week?. Through your generosity, we collected over $9,400.
All (100%) of the funds collected will be used to support many sight and hearing projects, including Leader Dogs for the Blind, Michigan Eye Bank and Transplant Center, Lions Bear Lake Camp for Physically Challenged Youth, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Beaumont Silent Children Fund, and the District 11A2 Lions Hearing Program in Macomb and Oakland Counties, just to mention a few. Additionally, we support Clarkston Lighthouse, Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, Inc. (O.A.T.S), the Independence Township Library (resources for the sight impaired), and SCAMP. Money raised during White Cane Week also allows the Lions to provide eyeglass and hearing aid support to those in need, as well as free vision screening for pre-school children.
Whether from a car window or at the grocery, it is the generosity of donors that allows the Clarkston Area Lions to help serve others. You are truly helping the Lions make a difference in our community.
Visit www.lionsclubs.org and www.clarkstonlions.org.
Bob Murdock
President, Clarkston Area Lions
Dear Editor,
On a very rainy May 12, our community came together to donate an estimated ten tons of food to the local food pantry at Lighthouse of Oakland County, Clarkston office.
This food is expected to feed low income households in our area for the next three to four months.
Many thanks to the Independence Township post office employees who worked hard to promote and execute this very successful food drive to help our neighbors who struggle to put food on the table while also trying to keep the household bills paid.
The Clarkston Lighthouse staff also extends a huge thank you to the many volunteers who showed up at our building that wet Saturday afternoon to unload mail trucks, sort and box food, and stack the heavy boxes in our storage areas.
Our agency depends on community support and has yet to be disappointed in the response when the call goes out for help. And last but not least, thank you to all of the donors for this tremendous amount of food! The caring spirit in this community runs strong and continues to amaze. Thank you for helping.
Connie Stapleton
Lighthouse North manager
Dear Editor,
In response to the editorial “Work together now to fix schools,” May 16, I may want to talk to some of the School Board members about pending or possible school improvements, but they, by school board rules, are not allowed to talk to anybody.
Bill Gregory
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Neil Wallace should be our next Independence Township supervisor.
First, none of the candidates have demonstrated the long term, diverse and genuine involvement and selfless dedication to our community. None.
Second, I watch the board meetings regularly so I see no one comes as prepared as Neil. With his leadership, there has been much accomplished. He spells it all out at www.rTownshipMatters.com so we can all understand where he stands on all the issues we face.
Finally, we had a problem in our neighborhood that I brought to Neil’s attention. He jumped in and made something happen.
We cannot do better than Neil Wallace for Independence Township supervisor.
Dennis Ferguson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The school millage failure is only the tip of our local educational iceberg ‘Leaders’ of Clarkston schools are forgetting American exceptional-ism in favor of globaloney.
If Clarkston schools are not emphasizing the greatness of America, a change in vision isn’t warranted, it is imperative.
In an attempt to globalize the youth of Independence Clarkston schools is asking for infants not yet potty trained to enter their propaganda factory. Free food is sent home with children for weekend, and will be served all summer to one and all who come, as if our schools now produce loaves and fishes.
Once upon a time our schools taught cognitive skills, reading, sums, syntax, and American history. Now, ‘leaders’ of the district have shown centrifugal forces of global vision have broken their intellectual moorings. Harvard is coming to rescue the children.
Bosh and fiddlesticks…
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On May 5, Clarkston Junior High and the Clarkston Foundation co-sponsored the Fourth Annual Chuck Keegan Race for the Kids. This event was created to honor Chuck Keegan, a former Clarkston teacher and track coach who passed away shortly after his retirement. The passion Chuck had for his students when he began his career was still present when he taught his last class. He was an inspiration to both his students and his co-workers. The funds raised from this event provide scholarships for Clarkston students.
This event is more successful every year, thanks in large part to the support of local establishments. We would like to thank the following businesses for their continued support: A+ Teachers Store, Accuracy Temporary Services, Inc., Clarkston Autobody and Towing, FitnessQuest, Graphmark Services, HealthQuest, The Learning Experience, Planned Financial Services, Plaza Beauty Supply, R Dogs Party Rentals, Runnin? Gear, Salon Williams, Simply Natural Health Foods, Sports Creations, Waterfall Jewelers, and Waterford Hill Flowers.
Donations were provided by Best Impressions, Costco, Dunkin Donuts, Leo’s, Rio Wraps, Subway on Sashabaw Road, and Village Trophy Shop. We are also grateful to Amy Ankrom, Ray Cooper, Michelle Johnson, Claudia Keglovitz, April Kosin, Susan Powers, Michele Przybylski, Bill Rathburg, Debbie Sabo, Wayne Samuel, Alex Sennabaum, Debbie Shotwell, Janet Thomas, and Sue Wilson for their part in making this fundraiser a success.
Lastly, we would like to thank the Keegan family for their continued support of our efforts to honor Chuck and provide scholarships to our students.
Mike Greve, chairman
Chuck Keegan “Race for theKids “
Dear Editor,
Independence Township is considering allowing natural gas drilling in the township. I wanted to be sure you were fully aware of the process in extracting this resource.
The first step is drilling a vertical hole, or well head, which has to be permitted. The second step is to collect this gas, which will involve horizontal drilling coupled with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. This slick water horizontal fracturing procedure is known as “fracking”, which is very different from the gas drilling techniques historically used in Michigan. This does not have to be permitted or regulated.
Because Congress exempted this unconventional type of fracking from the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act in 2005 the gas drilling industry has not had to disclose what chemicals they are using or their effects on our environment. To frack, millions of gallons of “slick water,” which is made up of undisclosed toxic chemicals and water, have to be mixed , pumped, stored and disposed of. Most of this process is done above ground, while the actual fracking is done at the bottom of the well. If a well doesn’t respond this process might be repeated several times.
Because our local area and whole state is geologically more sensitive than most other states, I would not recommend allowing this unconventional fracking procedure to happen. Why would we allow this to happen when this is banned in Vermont, plus counties and cities in several states, with even more areas considering banning or putting a moratorium on this process. I would wait until we know how environmentally safe this type fracking is.
If you would like more information on this subject, visit dontfrackmichigan.com
Steve McPherson
White Lake Townsip
Dear Editor,
For those of us who are thinking Green for our community and environment , I would recommend a visit to the two rain gardens created in Clarkston.
The main one is found at Depot Park where many native Michigan plants have been established to control water run-off and improve the area.
These gardens are the work of a local group, The Wild Ones, who are working to expand the use and expansion of native plants.
I encourage folks to visit the rain garden and look into the Wild Ones? efforts to improve our green spaces.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
This is a very important election year ? not only at the national level but locally as well. I’m tired of the lack of transparency and shady township dealings of the past. It’s time for a breath of fresh air. It’s time for Neil Wallace for Independence Township supervisor!
If you’re like me, you are busy living your life. You expect your local government officials to ask probing questions in order to make prudent decisions before spending your hard-earned tax dollars.
At the Township Board meetings I’ve attended or watched on public access TV, I’ve noticed that Neil Wallace does just that. He asks the questions that I would ask and insists on facts before making a decision.
I consider these to be qualities of a good public steward. As an engineer, I appreciate someone who is data-driven with an inquisitive mind.
Neil is well respected and has been active in the community for many years. In my book, It’s Neil Wallace for Independence Township supervisor. I’m voting Wallace in the Aug. 7 primary.
Sharon Dudzinski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In the upcoming August 7, 2012 primary, Township voters will hopefully reject the apparent clone of finally departing, with full benefits, Supervisor David Wagner.
Candidate Todd Waring, with virtually no previous community involvement, boasts of endorsements by bombastic politician Mark Pettersen and the same developer interests who have consistently supported Dave Wagner. We do not need a four year extension of the failed Wagner administration.
Of particular interest is the endorsement of Todd Waring by wealthy non-resident developer Ed Adler who sold the overpriced Township Hall to this community without taxpayer approval. Does Mr. Adler have another mostly vacant building he is trying to unload on us and needs a new Mr. Inside?
For township supervisor, I will be voting for current Trustee Neil Wallace. Unlike others running for office, Neil has demonstrated his commitment to this community not only as a two-term township trustee but through his multi-year involvement in several local organizations which serve our citizens.
Neil Wallace’s unquestioned integrity, comprehensive preparation for meetings and consistent goal to do what is right for the community makes him by far the best candidate for township supervisor.
I urge citizens interested in having experienced, knowledgeable, dedicated people ready to start work on Day One of the new term to elect Neil Wallace as township supervisor.
Henry Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In ‘A Look Back,? April 11, you mentioned our daughter, Liisa Vaara celebrating her first birthday with friends and family.
Well, 50 years later the Vaaras, now a family of 17, celebrated her 51st birthday at her home in Royal Oak.
Liisa and her husband, Jeff Lewis, graduated from Michigan State University. Jeff is an engineer with Ford Motor Company and Lisa is a social worker at Woodward Hills Nursing Center.
Their daughter, Nickora, graduated from the University of Michigan last December. She was valedictorian of her Royal Oak High School class. Their son, MacKay, is a sophomore at Royal Oak High School.
Thank you for mentioning our precious daughter, Liisa.
Jo and Mel Vaara
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Neil Wallace has recently announced his intention to become Independence Township supervisor and we are extremely pleased. Neil is, in our opinion, that rare combination of experience, talent, vision and character ideally suited to fill that position.
Neil has been a part of this community for about 35 years. During that time, he has been politically active as a private citizen, as Township Planning Commission member, including chair, and, of course, more recently in his second term as township trustee.
During this time he has handled a variety of complex situations, which have called for complex solutions.
One of Neil’s core beliefs is that Independence should be developed as a quality residential community.
As such, he has vigorously supported the Township Master Plan. This plan helps assure development preserves the quality and character of Independence. While this may sound simple, it can in fact be complicated and in many cases unpopular with those who would reap large financial rewards by being allowed to circumvent its enforcement.
Another of Neil’s core beliefs is active citizen participation is critical to good government. While serving as township trustee, Neil has spearheaded numerous cost saving initiatives to reduce accumulated inefficiencies and waste. While doing so, Neil has encouraged citizen-led committees to recommend what might be done.
And thirdly, Neil believes in good communication. He believes a properly informed public will have a much greater ability and desire to become involved in the decision making processes of its elected leaders. Neil’s website at rTownshipmatters.com is a great place to view important details of his perspective on our township government.
And so if you think as we do that experience, talent and great set of core beliefs is important in your next Township Supervisor please join us Aug. 7 and vote for Neil Wallace.
Craig and Diana Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The 1958 hit song title ‘Try the Impossible? by Lee Andrews and the Hearts perfectly describes what I am trying to do in Independence Township.
I have never worn a Michigan State jersey to the Big House or a Michigan Jersey to the Breslin Center. But, I have decided to do something much, much worse. I am collecting petition signatures to appear on the ballot as a Democrat in Independence Township.
Now this isn’t a partisan letter to the editor and I’m not asking for your vote. I am however encouraging you to ‘Try the Impossible? in your own life. America, and quite possibly Clarkston, would not even exist if the founders decided not to chase their dreams because it would be difficult.
We all have something in our lives that we want to try but think we don’t have a snowball’s chance of accomplishing it. But I say go for it anyway! Take a chance! Goliath may win more often than David. But when David wins, the inspirational story seems to last for years and years!
So as Lee Andrews and the Hearts said, ‘Try the impossible? for in trying, all of our dreams might come true.?
Sincerely,
Jeremy Mitchell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I wholeheartedly support the Clarkston Retailers Group in their attempts to gain permission to use sidewalk signs and open signs as a tool to draw more customers. To my knowledge, Clarkston is the only jurisdiction in Oakland County that outlaws such signs. For example, Rochester and Birmingham allow sidewalk signs. The visual effect is pleasing and the downtown districts thrive.
As a resident of the village, I feel that a vibrant downtown district is the glue that holds our community together and enhances property values.
The City government needs to help businesses, not stand in their way. Clarkston has a history of uneven, and erratic, enforcement of its Ordinances. There is confusion over the proper roles of the City Council, Zoning Board (ZBA), Planning Commission, and Historical District Committee. As a result there continues to be contradictory rulings that apply to some, but not others.
The seasonal sidewalk displays at Rudy’s Market are pleasing, and add to the ambiance of the downtown Clarkston experience. However, a double standard allows these displays while not allowing sidewalk signs.
How can the City allow sidewalk displays, while telling others they cannot have sidewalk signs?
Steve Wylie
Clarkston
Local donations
and volunteers
Dear Editor,
On Friday, April 13, Independence Twp. Senior Adult Activity Center held its annual volunteer appreciation at Saint Daniels Catholic Church, where over 100 volunteers and guests attended.
Thanks to the following staff and volunteers for all of the hard work they put into this event: Mary Przybycien and volunteers Shirley Bryan, , Ron Frank, Sharon Hubbard, Beverly Krol, Karen Lafnear, Nick Mocerino, Kerri Perna, Mary Jo Reid, Pam Spenser, Margaret Sumner and others who helped prepare food and decorate for this event. Also thanks to staff members John Cezarz, Gordy Cloutier, Pat Drake, Jerry Ellis, Theresa Gordon, Amy Laboissonniere, Mary Melega, John Lowell, Tom Mitcham, Barbara Szematowicz and Gerry Townsend for working as a team for our volunteers. Our 150 volunteers make it possible for us provide a higher level of programs and services to the community. We appreciate everything you do for us.
Without the following businesses and sponsors we would not have such a successful event. Thanks to the following sponsors: Friends of Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center-Platinum Level; Home Instead Senior Care-Gold Level; Wint & Son Funeral Home, Inc.-Bronze Level; Kroger’s on Sashabaw-Flowers and corsages for volunteers; Susan’s Hallmark-Gifts for the volunteers.
This year several local restaurants donated food for our luncheon. Our volunteers are very grateful for such a wonderful menu. It was a real treat to try out the different dishes from our local restaurants. Thank you to the following businesses for donating food for this event: Brioni Caf? & Deli, Gregg’s Gourmet Caf?, Pizzeria dolce, Red Knapp’s Grill & Bar, Royal Diner and the Union Bar & Kitchen.
Last but not least we thank Saint Daniels Catholic Church and Father Christopher Moss for allowing us to have our luncheon in their hall. They have been very gracious to us.
Barbara Rollin, coordinator
Independence Township senior center
Patronage of the arts
Dear Editor,
Many, many thanks to all those who were able to attend the first musical performance sponsored by the Clarkston Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) in our Music on the Move series. The Red Sea Pedestrians and opening act Glenn Poorman gave phenomenal performances.
Special thanks has to be given to our sponsors; KH Homes who sponsor and fund our opening act, Bowman Chevrolet, Encompass Financial Partners, Clarkston State Bank, and Lavasco Fitness & Nutrition. It would also have not been possible without the generous support from Essence On Main, Rudy’s Market, Great Turtle Toys, Lisa’s Confection Connection, Ironton Cottage & Cabin Furniture, and the Clarkston News.
A personal thank you to Sue Owen and our partner the Clarkston Village Players for the use of their Depot Theater, and to Lydia and Robyn for creating a theme and the graphics to go with it. For those of you who were unable to attend, we will be scheduling future events in our Music on the Move series and along with all of you, will continue to support and promote the performing arts in the Clarkston area.
Cory Johnston and Development Committee of the CCPA
Dear Editor,
On May 8, the Clarkston School Board will ask voters to approve a $20 million bond issue. They propose to use 10.5 million of those dollars to upgrade technology.
While I believe that our children should be provided with every possible opportunity to prepare them for a successful future, I do not believe that this will be facilitated through this proposal.
There does not appear to be any clear cut plan regarding the purchases. When asked for specifics, it was explained that technology changes too fast to make a commitment now. Items like netbooks and iPads are being bandied about. We are being asked to provide a blank check; the expenditures will be decided later.
This brings a few questions to mind: Do we wish to purchase items which will be obsolete in 2-3 years while taxpayers take 17 years to repay the money borrowed for them? Who will be responsible for lost, stolen or broken articles? Will the taxpayers also need to provide replacements? What are additional costs to parents for insurance, screen protectors, cases, etc? Are the taxpayers aware of the schools intent to use $98,000 out of the general fund each year for maintenance? Equally important, has anyone researched or addressed the potential health issues that arise from constant exposure to the microwaves in wireless devices: neuro-degenerative diseases, DNA damage and cancer to name a few. Young bodies that are still developing would be especially susceptible. This research is in the developmental stage. Has the School Board researched these implications and are they willing to accept this responsibility?
Don’t be bullied into feeling that you are not fulfilling your responsibility as a parent by not blindly following the School Board’s recommendation for this Bond Issue. Demand to be fully informed as to their intentions in regards to this money. Insist that they be fully accountable for the amount of the request and the expenditures. We can ill afford to offer carte blanche to a group of people who do not feel that it is necessary to fully explain their intentions.
VOTE NO on this proposal and send them back to the drawing board!
Grace Haag
Independence Township
In response, Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock said Clarkston Schools are governed by OSHA and MIOSHA, and the technology meets safety standards set by the FCC, EPA, and CDC.
Dear Editor,
Did you attend the school district’s technology showcase? It was exciting to see how many different ways our teachers are using technology at various grade levels to engage students in learning. It’s not about putting a screen in front of kids. Our teachers are using technology to help all kids learn and collaborate and become better thinkers and problem-solvers. I walked out of that showcase convinced that ALL kids in the district need to have those same opportunities.
Our administrators have clearly spent a lot of time researching and thinking through the purpose, implementation and safety of technology as a key tool in engaging our kids in their education.
The technology showcase and the long-term technology plan that was shared with the board of education on April 9 proved to me this is the right strategy for our kids and their future. By voting yes on May 8, we will be making an investment that will prepare all of the kids within the district to compete and be productive, positive contributors in a global economy.
Kerry Carpentier
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
As a parent of two Clarkston graduates and a teacher in this fine district, I am saddened to read the personal attacks that have accompanied the letters regarding the bond issue.
This is about doing what is best for our students, and what is best is providing them with the tools they will need to be global learners and deep thinkers, a goal that should be shared by all parents, teachers, and administrators in our district.
I have seen first-hand the positive effects that have come from this incredible way of thinking and learning, as evidenced from the technology fair recently held at the Board Office.
Each student will have their learning needs better met as a result of the passage of this bond. It will allow teachers the tools to teach in ways we have only dreamed about! I encourage each voter to put aside personal views of administrators and do what is best for students: Vote YES on May 8th!
Kathy Noble, first grade teacher
Bailey Lake Elementary
Dear Editor,
Citizens of Independence Township, please make our voices heard on May 8, when it is time to have another stealth election to fleece our wallets.
It’s not stealth like the last time Oakland Intermediate Schools fleeced us but the School Board is by-passing the spirit of the new state law requiring school elections be held with other County, State and Federal elections. Think the School Board and Doc Rock have an agenda?
This bond will put our school district debt to over $200 million. Are they insane? And they’re crowing that are debt rating is rated moderate. Moderate by what standards? The federal government?
I urge all sensible voters to read between the lines on the onslaught of pro-bond propaganda that the tax, tax, and more tax crowd is sending home.
Let’s defeat this bond soundly. Then we can listen to the enlightened ones lecture us on the reasons it didn’t pass.
You can bet the first reason will be that they didn’t get the message out so we could understand. You see when we defeat a proposal, it’s not because we are tired of taxes, it’s because we aren’t educated enough to know what’s best.
Defeat the bond, then we go after the four career board members who voted for it.
After we run them out of town, tarred and feathered on a rail, we will then look for a replacement for good ole Mr. status quo, Doc Rock.
Brian Kitchin
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Imagine you’re a surfer, and you spot a hungry 12-foot tiger shark lurking below your board. Where would you prefer to be, frantically paddling behind the wave or riding the crest of the wave swiftly toward shore?
In the context of ‘livelihood?, the surfer’s plight is analogous to having, or lacking, internationally marketable work skills. When it comes to connecting with skills employers truly desire from employees, nothing is more universally sought than relevant technical competency.
The world has reaped untold productivity benefits ? getting more of everything and faster while expending less effort, energy, and cost ? because when evolving with technology. The very best, most successful companies and people are those that keep pace with powerful digital technology. They are the surfers riding the crest of the wave while others scramble frantically or become casualties of our fast- evolving economy.
The point is, the pace of technology is so fast and there is so much competition for jobs in the world, that the only way for our kids to be on the right track is to create an entry point for them to be onboard with technology so that they can ride the wave of knowledge that comes with it. We either help them to the crest of the wave or watch them suffer the inevitable.
The biggest, best employers are already abandoning email in lieu of virtual collaborative work environments, e.g., Lotus Connections, similar to Facebook. The reason: email is too linear and inefficient! Collaborative virtual work environments are like synaptic spider webs that connect people, subjects, and resources in more useful ways than ever imagined.
This means that employers, hospitals, insurance companies, engineering firms, etc., not only want technically proficient employees, but those who understand how to collaborate with others in this new virtual world. How prepared are our children to interact competently?
‘Cloud computing? has reduced the investment cost per pupil and the risk of hardware obsolescence by as much as 90 percent for casual users over the past four years alone. Unlike in the past, computing power is now largely ‘in the cloud? rather than performed by hardware on a desk. This allows each pupil to use a low cost device such as a basic iPad to access a universe of content and ever-evolving power in cyberspace.
Moreover, cloud computing offers a practical opportunity for users to learn how to interact in a collaborative virtual environment where they can share knowledge and work, e.g., Google+, in real time. For example, our 12 year-old daughter watches YouTube math tutorials to supplement her advanced math class lectures, and she studies with her friends collaboratively on Google+.
Help our next generation of young workers successfully ride the crest of the technology wave by voting ‘yes? for the technology and capital improvement bond on May 8.
We can now, more easily and with a more immediate return than ever, help Clarkston’s 8,100 students, including about 600 graduates per year, become more capable with relevant skills that employers want. And, for the first time in years, our graduates don’t need to leave the state to find good paying job opportunities.
Highly skilled, highly paid virtual collaborative workers that employers crave (engineers, attorneys, programmers, sales people, customer service, employment recruiters, consultants, accountants, etc.) can work virtually, own a home, and pay taxes right here in our own community.
Jay Smith
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
As a concerned parent of the Clarkston Community Schools, I have numerous questions that have yet to be answered by the district. After attending several board meetings, there is a lack of specificity regarding the actual implementation in this plan.
What will be the security level of these devices, and how will the children’s communications be monitored? With the number of cyber-bullying and sexting scandals on the rise, what systems will be put in place to prevent this? In the event of a tragedy, who would be liable?
Also who is liable for the device itself? Will there be replacement cost s or insurance costs involved? These questions have not even been addressed by the school board or administration.
With 19 percent of our student population on reduced or free lunch programs, district 2011 audit, and unemployment still in double digits, is it fair to ask the community for more tax dollars?
There has been much communication regarding children first. These same children will still be paying off this bond and others until 2029 to 2033. I do not believe it is in the best interest of this community to mortgage their future for technology that will be outdated in 11 years ? School Link winter spring page 3.
Truly, will that technology really last that long? I personally have yet to have a device last longer than five years. This is a good school district with very talented educators. While there needs to be some technology updates, $20 million is a very high price for this community to pay. I will vote ‘no,? May 8.
Bridget Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing to give my total support to the Clarkston Schools Technology and Capital Improvement Bond set for May 8!
The proposal will position the schools to expand learning opportunities for our students and create a global learning environment that will prepare them for the future.
Clarkston Schools has been a part of my life for the past 60 years, first as a student, Class of 64, then as an employee of the district for 30 years. Most recently I have served as a volunteer in the classrooms of my grandchildren. ?
A lot has changed over those 60 years, but one thing that has not is Clarkston Schools continues to provide a quality education to its students.
Clarkston Schools have always been a keen steward of the money it receives to educate the children. ‘In comparison with other schools in Oakland County, Clarkston ranks fourth from the bottom in the amount of money spent to educate each child. When you compare student performance on assessment tests, Clarkston ranks near the top of the county. ?
Clarkston Schools works hard to maintain the trust of the community to do the very best job possible in the education of Clarkston’s most valuable resource, the children!
From the one room school house, Bailey Lake, that my grandfather(Class of 13) and mother(Class of 35) attended. ‘To the post war baby boom rapid building of schools that my children(Class of 92 and 95) and I attended. To the current updated schools that my grandchildren (Class of 2019 and 2025) attend. ?
The Clarkston Community has always supported the children! In my belief system, “kids will always count in Clarkston!”
I am proud of my schools and the job it continues to do with the education of the students. My grandchildren and all the children in the community deserve the best Clarkston can offer.
I applaud the Clarkston Board of Education and Administration for hard work and leadership in putting this proposal ‘together and offering the community the opportunity to keep Clarkston Education moving forward to meet the needs of the 21st century. Please join me in continuing to put ‘Clarkston Kids First? and vote ‘yes? on May 8.
George S.White
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I hope all residents will vote “yes” on Tuesday, May 8.
My kids attend Springfield Plains Elementary school and Funshine. Without support for this proposal I am afraid my children will not have the same technology resources available to them as other children in neighboring districts.
The bond issue will provide much needed updates to many of our buildings! Also, our children are our future! Please support the bond and understand how important it is to vote.
Matthew Muzzy
Independance Township
Dear Editor,
Dr. Rock has been in Clarkston for only one and a half years and in that short time has helped grow a vision of what Clarkston Schools can and should be. His commitment to do right, not what is easy or popular, truly sets him apart. Creating a thinking culture is but one example.
Working to pass a bond to better educate our future workforce is another.
Recently a citizen hinted that the upcoming election is set in May to preclude the elderly from voting’absentee ballots are just as accessible in May as in August, November and February.
Interestingly, he seems to assume that those who don’t have children in the schools do not have a vested interest in the education of our youth.
I spend time every Sunday with elderly people and consistently I hear from them how important educational opportunity is for our children.
Why in May, he asked. Answer: so that the schools can collect money this summer to positively impact our students in 2012, rather than 2013.
Why buy iPads or other technology? Answer: this is how the business world is run’our students need to be able to enter that workforce competitively. Regarding schools living within their means, this bond money is by and far for capital expenses’not salaries, paper, and/or pencils. The cost of living has increased and income to schools has dramatically decreased; thus the gap between expenses and income is constantly increasing.
I am thankful the leader of Clarkston Schools has a clear vision of how to help today’s youth reach beyond their grasp, to become critical thinkers.
Kristy Spann
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I was very surprised to learn Clarkston Schools is going to ask for a $20 million bond. I thought the school must be in trouble to ask for that much. Then to find out there is no detailed plan for what they will purchase let alone how to use the $10 million of new technology. I want to know how these tools will be used to teach core subjects.
In the Jan. 9, 2012 Clarkston Community School board meeting at 1 hour and 3 minutes (www.ustream.tv/recorded/19670562) Dr. Rod Rock said, ‘I know as experienced business people if you invest $35,000 and receive a $20 million in return that is a very good investment.?
I guess with that mindset it is like money raining from the sky onto the schools. This is when I realized logic does not matter. They are in a position to make a bet and if they win that bet they can spend the bond money in any way they want because they did not make specific promises regarding mobile technology.
Bond council confirmed the administration can move money between items on the capital needs list. The only restriction is they can’t spend money on anything not on the list.
There are just too many questions, too much money at stake and no clear direction. I am voting to end this spiraling debt burden on taxpayers which includes parents like me with children in the school. I will vote no.
Alan Lowe
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Recently, I have been quoted in articles about Cory Johnston’s efforts to dissolve the City of the Village of Clarkston, so that it would become part of Independence Township.
Some of my statements, taken out of the context of longer discussions, were critical of the township’s government. Those were ill-conceived statements that I should not have made.
The essence of the debate about dissolution as I see it is whether it is more desirable for the residents of Clarkston to directly control decisions about local matters, particularly zoning and the historic district.
We can and should have that discussion without impugning the township board and government. When people speak of Clarkston, they include not just the half square mile of the city but the greater Clarkston area that includes the township. The township residents and businesses are an integral part of the community life of Clarkston. And so is the township government.
I respect a number of the members of the township board, Superintendent Bart Clark, and the township department heads that I have had interchange with. I applaud the board’s successful efforts, led by Neil Wallace, to bring township budgeting out in the open and to have a disciplined, measured process for dealing with the difficult decisions that must be made in a time of declining revenues.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston (City Council member)
Dear Editor,
In the upcoming Clarkston Schools Tax Increase Special Election, voters in the Clarkston School District should send a clear message to the Administration and their four supporters on the School Board. By voting NO on May 8, 2012 (or before via absentee ballot) voters will be demanding that Clarkston School District officials need to learn how to live within their means ? just like the taxpayers of this community.
I am tired of children being used as political pawns to get voters to pay higher taxes ‘for the kids? instead of properly spending the per student State allocation and the $138 million in outstanding debt that we already approved in this school district. The proposed $20 million of new debt, if approved, exceeds certain finance levels so that ‘non-qualified bonds? will have to be issued with taxpayers having to pay a higher interest rate since the bonds are viewed as more risky investments.
If education funds are so tight, why are we wasting $35,000 on a special election on May 8, 2012 when this upcoming vote on a proposed tax increase could have been added at no additional cost to the election scheduled for August 7, 2012?
Sadly, the answer speaks volumes about the win at any (taxpayer) cost attitude of School Superintendent Dr. Rock and his backup group of four Board members (The Rockettes?) who dance to every tune he requests.
The May Special Election is a blatant attempt to stack the vote in favor of adding $20 million of debt to the outstanding $138 million that is still owed. In May, schools are still in session and likely Yes For The Tax Increase Voters are more easily accessible than in August. Last week’s Clarkston News had an article conveniently listing several PTA meetings where voters were encouraged to come and hear one-sided presentations supporting the tax increase.
What kind of lessons in American government and good citizenship are we teaching ‘the kids? when special elections are purposely scheduled to reduce the likelihood of voting by senior citizens and residents without children attending Clarkston Schools? I do not need a soon to be outdated iPad to remember that a critical slogan of our American Revolution for Independence was: ‘No Taxation Without Representation.?
If the arguments are so compelling in favor of this tax increase for technology product purchases and for the multiple facility earmarks at every Clarkston School to secure yes votes, then why the need for a special election to help screen out potential no votes?
For the betterment of the entire community which includes not only ‘the kids? and their parents but also senior citizens and people without K-12 students, please vote NO in the upcoming, unneeded Special May Election.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Once again, I find myself wondering where the musings of Trustee Mark Petterson truly come from.
His anger over every issue he disagrees with is just childish. Treasurer Curt Carson often disagrees with the rest of the board. However, his opinion is always thoughtful and well voiced.
Mr. Peterson, if you want to continue to be the voice of our township, please spend some time educating yourself on the issues and also take a communication course. I am truly looking forward to the primary vote in August.
I hope to see the majority of this board re-elected, trustees Neil Wallace and David Lohmeier, Clerk Barbara Pellota, and Carson, and I wish Trustee Larry Rosso would come back. But since he wishes to retire, bless him and all his years of service to our community. Let’s see come gracious, intelligent hard working folks step up and give us a choice.
Susan Stillman
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’m afraid The Clarkston News has misidentified the main issue raised by George Butler’s presentation on appropriate and ethical conduct by school board members at the Feb. 13 board meeting (‘Gag Rule?? and ‘Phil in the Blank,? Feb. 22).
Citizens of Clarkston and our hometown paper should ask, why was it even necessary for Mr. Butler to address the board on ethical conduct?
If any of the hypothetical activity Mr. Butler described has occurred, then school board members have been subverting state law, the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and violating their own policies and procedures.
These laws and rules exist to protect the democratic process and ideals, including free speech, which are compromised when elected officials seek to influence decisions in secret or outside the parameters established by law.
This rogue activity doesn’t make someone a champion of the people, it makes that person an impediment to student achievement and unworthy of holding a position of trust in our community.
Kelli Horst
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
I would first like to remind everyone that when we replace negative thoughts with positive ones, we will start receiving positive results!
The cost of this bond is minimal and just imagine how it will help give our children the quality education that they deserve.
We have to remember that children are the future. U.S. schools are not where they need to be in comparison to many other countries. And Michigan schools are not where they should be in comparison to many other states!
Therefore, we need help! Dr. Rock and his team are trying to provide it. We need this bond passed ? our kids deserve it!
Regards,
Anna Muzzy
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As a longtime resident, I was shocked to find out that elected members of the Clarkston School Board have to take an oath to give up their first amendment rights to speak freely to those that have elected them. The notion that board members must make a disclaimer before speaking to the public, violates both the intent, and purpose of the first amendment of our Constitution. Thankfully five days into the gag order, school board Treasurer Steven Hyer has restored those rights back to all board members.
He and three students went to WJR radio studios, Feb. 18, for a interview that was not approved by the board. This, after being told five days earlier that board members who use their title without first disclaiming they are not speaking for the board is a “crystal, crystal, clear” violation of board bylaws, and is “totally inappropriate behavior” for a board member to engage in, but Mr. Hyer ignored that mandate and did so anyway.
Bylaw 0143.1 states: “The individual making the public statement shall not use his/her board title.” And “this bylaw shall apply to ALL statements and/or writings by individual Board members not explicitly sanctioned by a majority of its members.” There are no exceptions to the rule for opinions that agree with a board resolution. Again, that much is “crystal, crystal clear.”
Mr. Hyer has effectively set precedent for the rest of the board to follow. I encourage all Clarkston school district board members to follow Mr. Hyer’s example and speak out, meet and talk with students, go to the public and give your opinion. And go into the classrooms that Mr. Hyer “has seen excellent work being done in” and experience that same “excellent work” firsthand.
Mr. Hyer’s actions of late have shown the public that board members still have a God given right to speak freely, and that doing so IS the honorable thing to do.
However, I am dumbfounded as to why he would present a motion to reaffirm board bylaws and policies, passed 7-0, that he didn’t believe in, and never planned to abide by. Thanks to Mr. Hyer, the gag order has been lifted.
I would like to be the first to welcome the Clarkston school board back to America, the land of free and the home of the brave. Board members can now exercise their new found freedoms as diligently as Mr. Hyer has. It would be “bad boardsmanship” not to do so. Let freedom ring!
Michael L. Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Over the past two and a half years, I have been a proud parent of a Bailey Lake Elementary Bulldog. My son is a child who has special needs and the staff at Bailey Lake exceeds my expectations each and every day.
This year has been no exception. During the past week, my son underwent surgery, I think we are on number six, and the staff once again rose above expectations to care for him as his educational and physical needs grew. The Bailey Lake Staff provide a great educational environment where he feels safe, loved, and cared for each day. The out-pouring of prayers, positive thoughts, cards, and kinds words have been overwhelming.
I often wonder what my son’s life, and his parents life, would be like if we did not have great educators looking out for him and all our children each day as we send them off to school to have their educational, emotional, and physical needs met.
In this time when every aspect of the institution of public education has been invaded by political agendas and we quarrel over whether or not to pass a bond that would ensure an even greater education, for around $100 a year for most of us, for our children, the educators at Bailey Lake Elementary and the Clarkston Schools family as a whole, continue to put all that aside to do what they know is right, meet the needs of my child, and all our children.
So, by all means, the next time you run into a veteran, thank them and shake their hand for all they have done for us. You might also want to do the same for those whose take care of our most precious resources, our children.
Dennis Klenow
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
This year Clarkston SCAMP will host the 30th’Annual Home Tour on June 2-3.?
We are incredibly lucky this year to’include’the Renaissance High School/Community Education Building on’the tour. But we need your help!?
Built in?1930’for kindergarten-12th’grade and later becoming Clarkston Junior High, this building’touches’countless’people within our community.
To make this event extra special,’we’would like to showcase memorabilia from every year the school has been open. We are looking for pictures, yearbooks, trophies, and varsity sweaters and jackets. Call SCAMP at 248-623-8089 or email info@clarkstonscamp.com.
Memorabilia loaned to the Home Tour can be dropped off at the SCAMP office Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment before May 1. Include dates, names, locations and other pertinent information. We also’want’to find teachers, staff, and alumni to serve as volunteer’docents, Saturday, 4:30-7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 2:15-5:15 p.m. Email George White at’gswclarkston@gmail.com.
Finally, we’would love to know if you were a member of a band or other entertainment that wants to reunite’to entertain the crowds.
We hope this event draws Clarkston alumni of all ages.? Info can be found on the SCAMP website at ClarkstonSCAMP.com.
Thank you for your help,
Beth Huttenlocher’Kirchner
Renaissance/Community Ed Chair
Dear Editor,
I am glad to see Mayor Joe Luginski has finally taken the time to publically address the financial issues of being a city (“Officials still see need for cityhood,” Feb. 8).
I recommend your readers also read the Clarkston News archives from August and September 2010. Little has changed since then other than the financial status of the city getting worse. The city eliminated the police department back then. It is now two years later and it seems we have the same problems with little left to cut.
I can’t imagine why the mayor and Councilmember Richard Bisio would comments they are ‘not confident in the township’s abilities and sensitivity to the needs of Clarkston? when most of the city’s services, such as water, library, police and fire are provided and controlled exclusively by the township.
Many of the downtown Main Street events are put on by ‘Clarkston? organizations and businesses that are in the township, not in the city. Based on the actions of the city government over the last several years, I have far more confidence in the township than I do the city.
I see no reason to pay extra taxes to be a city when the city can do so little. We need protection from our city government, higher taxes, and the city’s inability to do any better.
My proposed ballot language is this:
“A petition to vacate the incorporation of the City of the Village of Clarkston, for it to again be part of the Charter Township of Independence and to require the preservation of the Historic District and Historic District Commission within the township” ? per the Home Rule City Act, Act 279 of 1909, MCL 117.14a, the Municipal Historical Commissions Act 213 of 1957, and the Local Historic Districts Act, Act 169 of 1970.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I found Michael Tynan’s comments on Township Board actions and the deputy supervisor very misleading and inaccurate (“A call for consequences in township actions,” Feb. 8).
Supervisor David Wagner did a stealth appointment of Mike Clark, telling no one prior to the board meeting while the board had already previously discussed a superintendent and had it on the agenda.
In addition, Mike Clark has been a disruptive persona for years and certainly it appears that Wagner appointed him to spite the board.
Tynan also infers that this board has purchased buildings, which I believe refers to the controversial purchase of Township Hall, which was done by Wagner and the previous board. I also take issue with the slur on Bart Clark who has been active in our township for years and was a very reasonable choice for temporary superintendent.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am pleased with Trustee Neil Wallace’s decision to run for supervisor (“Wallace sets sight on supervisor seat,” Feb. 8). I find his opinions to very knowledgeable and insightful.
Trustee Mark Petterson, on the other hand, hasn’t a simple clue as to what is the correct procedure about most anything I have watched at the meetings. He seems to think that his little temper tantrums and testosterone filled humphs are a sign of his being knowledgeable and they truly just come off as riduclous most of the time.
It seems he thinks he is the working mans champion, when in the light of day it truly comes off as him not doing his do diligence.
Thank you,
Susan Stillman
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Restricting the current burning privileges of the entire Independence Township community on account of the activism of one individual seems undemocratic.
If we didn’t subscribe to the Clarkston News we would not be aware of the possibility that burning was going to be severely curtailed.
Such a drastic action should not be taken without the involvement of the entire community through a public vote.
Independence Township encompasses a broad range of land usage over many square miles and further global restrictions would be burdensome with little or no corresponding benefit.
Providing alternative means for the removal of leaves and brush is not practical or economical for our community.
There are many great alternative places to live with more restrictive ordinances ? we have all chosen to live in this community with its balanced approach well suited to this area.
John and Ellie Williams
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It was just a few years ago that the board decided to move to a November election cycle to avoid the costs of a May election.?
May has traditionally been the month of choice for many school district elections because a low turnout typically ends in favorable election results for the district.’The cost to the school district for this special election is $35,000.? The cost to add this proposal to a November ballot is zero.
It is unfortunate that the same four members of the board continue to make poor decisions, but this one can be corrected by the voters on May 8.?
Voting ‘no? does not mean that our students won’t receive the technology upgrade they ought to have; it simply means that the administration and board members who approved this proposal will have to come back to the voters in November with a much more modest and reasoned proposal, one that does not include wasteful and unnecessary spending in a poor economic and financial environment, and that focuses more dollars on the classroom and the excellent education our students need and deserve.
And when you go to the polls in November, keep in mind that two of the four board members who voted for this proposal are up for reelection.?
With your vote you can let them know how you feel about their track record of poor stewardship.
‘Larry Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Independence Township Board of Trustees is updating the township’s open burning ordinance. As a longtime township resident, I’m very concerned about the health impact of open burning in our community. The smoke from the open burning of leaves, brush, and wood pollutes the air and can affect the health and comfort of everyone in range of the drifting smoke.
According to many health and governmental agencies, including the American Lung Association, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and Environmental Protection Agency, smoke from the open burning of wood and leaves contains tiny particles which carry harmful toxins, carcinogens, and gases that can scar the lungs, exacerbate existing health problems, and even lead to early death in some individuals.
Those most at risk are children and babies, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions such as cardiopulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.
Smoke can also be irritating to the eyes, noses, throats, and lungs of otherwise healthy people.
In addition to the numerous health risks, many residents simply wish to enjoy their own homes and yards without being annoyed by drifting smoke from their neighbors? open fires. Drifting smoke is particularly onerous in densely populated neighborhoods where homes are close together. Even with closed windows, smoke can seep in through tiny cracks and openings and circulate in a home for many hours (per MI DEQ).
Updating the open burning ordinance will be no easy task for the board, but I firmly believe the health and welfare of our community should be their main goal. To reduce harmful smoke emissions, I encourage the board to reduce open burning well below currently permitted levels (e.g., by prohibiting the burning of leaves entirely, allowing fewer burning dates and hours, and imposing strict limitations on all open burning including campfires in densely populated neighborhoods) and to increase penalties for illegal burning. It is also important to find practical alternatives to open burning as done in other communities our size.
Please voice your opinion too! Contact our township board members to let them know what you think ? e-mail addresses are available at www.twp.independence.mi.us. Please act quickly because the board is planning to make a decision on this matter very soon. Your input is vital’speak up now for clean air!
Andrea Hirsch
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In regards to the appointment of Michael Clark as deputy supervisor and hiring of Bart Clark as superintendent (“Competing Clarks,” Nov. 23 edition).
Since the appointment of Michael Clark was made as an emergency measure due to the prolonged illness of David Wagner, the creation, and subsequent stopgap hiring of Bart Clark was not an emergency.? So what’s the hurry?? They had been without a supervisor for 7-8 months. Wagner had just appointed a deputy supervisor in accordance with statute 41.61 and now out of the blue, Larry Rosso and company decided to’use?’Statute 42.10 to create a superintendent position. ‘This position is normally used to assist and/or relieve a township supervisor from some of day to day activities.? Statute 41.61, on the other hand, is to be used as a result of absence, sickness and/or death.
This actions appears to be a retaliatory and mutinous action by the township board to prevent an action that had already been taken by duly elected township Supervisor Wagner.? This rebellious action was led by the designated and duly elected President Pro Tem Rosso, trustee, and his accomplices, township Clerk Barbara Pollotta, Treasurer Curt Carson, and trustees David Lohmeier, Mark Petterson, and Neil Wallace.’It appears they disobeyed the decision of the legally elected supervisor and violated the trust of citizens,
I don’t condone any elected officials’ behavior, including Wagner. I don’t know Michael Clark and it really doesn’t matter how good or bad he is, he was legitimately appointed.? The current board and its most vocal members, Wallace and Lohmeier, apparently do not like him and were so desperate they hired a person they had not considered before, who just happened to be sitting in the audience.
These people cannot continue to conduct marathon meetings, purchase buildings, hire contractors, lose equipment, fight with their subordinates, hire personnel and make false claim of accomplishments and so on … without consequences.?
Accordingly, this situation needs to be investigated and if laws have been broken, these individual need to be prosecuted and/or removed from office. If you broke the law they should prosecute you.
What do you think?
Michael G. Tynan
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Everyone in the community should be bothered by Trevor Keiser’s opinion story and his Jan. 25, ‘Resident wants apology for tractor case? story.
When a citizen of Independence Township calls and points something out to an employee of the township, this is not how their call should have been handled.
I have called code enforcement numerous times about code violations. Each time I call, I’m told that the township must follow established legal procedures to address code violations.
Though I’ve called asking for something to be acted upon, how my call is acted upon on is entirely up to the township. I expect to hold no responsibility for the actions of the township because of my call. And I expect the township to keep my name confidential.
If I had called the department of public works and: ‘Asked them to have the park’s guys go by the address to see if the tractor in the yard could be the one that belonged to the township.? I wouldn’t expect my name to be released and then to get trashed in the local paper because a township employee didn’t follow the proper procedures!
Why would any resident want to report a concern, violation, etc. if they knew their name was not going to be held confidentially and they were going to be held responsible for everything the township did with their report?
I find it hard to believe that Neil Wallace based his call to the township on the color of the property owner’s skin, and not just color of the missing tractor. Your reporter should have dug a little deeper to see if racial accusations have been made by this person in the past.
How is this the caller’s fault, and why was that callers name released by the township? After reading both of these stories, it appears that Mr. Wallace is the one deserving of an apology!
Mike Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The riders, volunteers and horses of O.A.T.S. thank the Clarkston Retailers Group, their patrons and the people of the Clarkston area for so generously supporting O.A.T.S. during the Second Annual Retro Cocktail Party.
Clarkston Retailers Group has also become the adopted parents of Telly, one of our horses and also the great grandson of the famous Secretariat. The funds generated from the party will provide Telly with veterinary and ferrier services, hay and grain for one year.
We invite the members of the Clarkston Retailers Group and the community at large to visit us and see the benefits therapeutic horseback riding provides those with special needs ? check www.oatshrh.org for info.
Very truly yours,
Nancy Lee Heussner
O.A.T.S. founder and executive director
P.S. It was a pleasure meeting Don Rush the other evening.
Dear Editor,
I want to thank all of those who take the responsibility of clearing snow from the walkways outside their homes. I would also like to ask those who do not to please consider doing so.
I am always amazed at how clear the driveways always are, but how very few take the extra minutes or seconds, with a snowblower, and make the sidewalk clear for the many pedestrians who walk around this town, especially along Clarkston Road between Clarkston High School and Main Street.
Please people, for the common good, consider clearing your walk. Isn’t it your civic duty as a homeowner in the township?
Maureen Schabel
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
A few comments on your Jan. 11 article on Cory Johnston’s initiative to dissolve the City of Clarkston (‘New Year, New Effort to Dissolve Clarkston?).
It is a legitimate question to ask what the city’s taxpayers are getting for the extra tax burden. That is why I will sign Cory’s petition. This deserves a public airing and a vote by the city residents. My disposition now is to vote against dissolution in order to maintain the city’s local control over its historic district and zoning, but I will listen to the dissolutionists? arguments.
I have an alternative proposal that would preserve local control over some things but eliminate the duplicative layer of city government that Clarkston residents now pay more for: A negotiated consolidation’approved by the voters’in which the former Clarkston (or perhaps a part of it) is a separate district in the consolidated municipality with a limited governmental structure that would have authority over zoning and the historic district.
A small board, perhaps five persons, elected by district residents could exercise those powers. That district board could be funded by a small district millage. The remaining governmental functions would be handled in the larger, consolidated municipality and the former Clarkston residents would have the same voting rights as the other residents of the consolidated municipality.
This would eliminate most of the duplicative overhead that we now have in city government and consolidate most government functions into a larger municipality that has the staff and financial means to perform them more efficiently. It would be similar to the village structure that existed before Clarkston became a city, but without the more extensive governmental overhead that a village form of government would require. And it would preserve some measure of local control. Under present state law, this kind of a consolidation doesn’t seem to be possible. I’m working on getting legislation that would permit it.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thumbs up to Joan Patterson, Susan Boatman and Rosalie Lieblang for looking out for taxpayers by voting no on the May 8 special election.
Thumbs down to Barry Bomier, Elizabeth Egan, Steve Hyer, and Cheryl McGinnis, the four Clarkston school district board members who didn’t blink an eye when they voted to waste $35,000 on the May 8 special election that disenfranchises senior citizens and voters without kids in K-12. They’ve proven to us that they can’t be trusted with any more of our money.
Here are the bond facts they don’t want you to know:
? Clarkston School District is using your tax dollars to promote this tax increase proposal on its website and its email system.
? A recent email blast claimed the bond will result in a 1 mill tax increase. When in fact the increase is estimated to be 1 mill and can be adjusted higher according to tax revenue. Without your vote!
? Defaulting on this nonqualifying bond is not an option.
? To keep from defaulting, the board can raise the millage if tax revenue declines. Without your vote!
? School district is already collecting the maximum 7mills allowed by the state for bonds who’s repayment has been extended to 2033. 21 years!
? The school district has for the past few years had to borrow from the School Bond Loan Fund to make its current bond payments.
? Nonqualifying bonds have no state oversight.
? Without state oversight, this bond could be used for anything that qualifies as a capital expenditure.
? This bond will be assessed from 2012-2029 ? 17 years!
? Just two years ago, the school district spent over $400,000 to implement the computer-based Fast ForWord program. Even though we paid for it to be used by every child in the district, it is not being used differently than before they spent the $400,000.
? Superintendent Rock and his family won’t be affected by this $100+ “Its for the kids” tax hike, he doesn’t even live in our school district!
? You won’t ever know how much this bond will cost you or your family in the future because the mills on this bond can be adjusted. Without your vote!
Spending $35,000 for a special election on a bond that will put the community further in debt is a fiscally irresponsible thing to do. It’s time to set an example of what responsible people do when they’re in debt. Say NO to more debt, May 8. It’s the responsible thing to do!
Michael and Lori Powell
Independence Township
I feel compelled to respond to Mr. Woloson’s letter to the editor in the Jan. 11 edition (“Reader appreciates township victory”).
He says, ‘Treasurer Curt Carson opposed renegotiating the Triumph Telecom contract. . .? That is not accurate. In fact, I contacted and then met with the owner of Triumph Telecom. I said the board would most likely not agree to continue paying Triumph 50 percent of the savings we were enjoying and that something more equitable would have to be worked out. In our meeting, he agreed to offer concessions to appease the board. That evening at the Township Board meeting, he offered the board approximately $12,300, in addition to a $4,000 credit he provided the township on their last invoice.
This would reduce Triumph’s proceeds to about $82,000. The board rejected the offer.
What may have seemed like a simple money saving action in 2008, turned into something much more in 2010. In 2008, an Independence Township resident, who works for Triumph Telecom, came to promote his company’s ability to save the township money on its telephone bills. If agreed, Triumph would find the lowest cost carrier to provide phone service to the township. Triumph’s charge for this service would be 50 percent of the cost savings.
If the savings were small, it would hardly be worth their effort. If the savings were large it could be rather lucrative over the life of the contract. After reviewing the township’s phone bills, the company came back and showed the supervisor that the township could save approximately 66 percent or two thirds on its phone bill. That cost savings amounted to $5,460 a month, give or take. Under the agreement, Triumph Telecom would make approximately $2,730 a month for three years and the township would have a gross savings of about $196,700 for the same period. This all transpired during the last board term that ended at noon on November 20, 2008.
In simple terms, there happens to be law that when entering into a contract with a governmental municipality, the governing board must approve it to be binding. Whether the previous board knew about this contract or not or was leaving it up to the supervisor is not totally clear. In any case, there is no evidence that it came back to the board for approval.
When considering this issue, there were a number of other things to be concerned about, such as: the precedence that would be set; would this board and administration get stuck in a quagmire of endless reviews of previous board decisions that the current board did not like; the public image of the township reneging on a executed contract; the review of cost to benefit and what about the effects on the local businessman who believed he sold a service to the township in good faith. All of these things deal with time, money, resources, relationships and image.
The assertion that the township saved over $100,000 from winning its litigation over Triumph is also not accurate. Triumph was to receive an estimated $98,350, less the $4,000 credit they gave the township. In the end, the Township paid Triumph $12,600, plus through October 2010, the township has incurred legal expenses of over $43,000, with additional bills expected.
In the meantime the township has now experienced a gross savings of more than $196,700 on its telephone bills. Who should we thank for that?
Curt Carson
Independence Township Treasurer
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the recap of 2011 for Independence Township (“Township leadership crisis in 2011,” Jan. 4) and Trevor Keiser’s piece concerning the recent township government dispute which took sheriff’s deputies off their normal jobs (“Deputies called on deputy supervisor,” Jan. 4).
Both made me wonder if the supervisor is trying out out-do Kwamee in the civic contribution department. Is there another recall initiative underway? How embarassing for us as a community.
Mark Johnson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Even a disinterested observer following the machinations of the Clarkston City Council regarding the property at 90 N. Main knows that letter writer Cory Johnston hit the nail on the head with his comments in the Jan. 4 edition (“Reader sees example in city action”).
This ordinance is nothng more than special interest legislation and serves as a classic example of why government at all levels engenders heavy doses of cynicism from the public.
Richard A. Meyer
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Just curious, this man is still on the payroll, and will get lifetime benefits (“Township triumphs in court,” Jan. 3)? Is that correct?
How about deducting whatever taxpayer dollars were spent without board approval, and for legal fees from those lifetime benefits and salary? That sounds about right, eh?
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thanks for the informative article: ‘Township triumphs in court,? Dec. 28 edition.
At a time when some people are criticizing everyone on the Township Board just for being elected, it is refreshing to read that the April, 2010 efforts of Larry Rosso, David Lohmeier, Neil Wallace and (retired Clerk) Shelagh VanderVeen recently resulted in our township saving at least $100,000.
On Dec. 5, 2011, the Oakland County Circuit Court dismissed a lawsuit for $97,000 against the township filed by Triumph Telecom. A panel appointed by the court concluded that a contract signed by Supervisor Wagner without board approval was not valid.
Township taxpayers should be thankful the previously mentioned majority of the board in April, 2010, overruled both Treasurer Curt Carson and Supervisor Wagner, the signer of the invalid contract, who opposed renegotiating with Triumph Telecom and who wanted to continue to pay on the unapproved contract.
Since Trustee Mark Petterson was recently quoted in The Clarkston News as saying the township should always avoid lawsuits, we are fortunate that Ms. VanderVeen and trustees Rosso, Lohmeier and Wallace did not follow Mr. Petterson’s advice and voted against caving into Triumph Telecom’s demands and threats. The township avoided paying $100,000 plus because we eventually chose to fight the lawsuit.
With township elections coming in 2012, voters will hopefully recall which candidates have best protected the interests of the taxpayers.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
During the holiday season the following businesses prepared and donated a special meal for our homebound seniors who may not otherwise have had a home cooked meal on the holiday.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the following Clarkston businesses: Deer Lake Athletic Club for the traditional Thanksgiving Day Feast; Autumn Ridge Assisted Living for the wonderful Christmas Day meal; Mr. B’s Roadhouse for providing the New Year’s Day Celebration meal; and Jack Harrington who volunteered his time to deliver all of the holiday meals.
We are grateful to be part of such a caring community. Thanks for making our home-bound seniors holiday very special.
Independence Township
Senior Adult Activity Center
Dear Editor,
In the story “90 N. Main lake access approved,” Dec. 21, one of our honorable elected officials is quoted as saying it was “a good example of how government works.” Well perhaps, but certainly not an example of our government working well.
While the original ordinance amendment was supposed to address non-conforming uses of historical commercial property, it was really to address one particular property, the old township hall at 90 N. Main Street. The original ordinance amendment was paid for by the owners of the property, drafted by the city planner, and adopted by the City Council. It was then immediately amended by the city attorney and planner, recommended by the Planning Commission and rejected without discussion by the City Council in favor of yet another version. As soon as everyone found out there was a potential buyer, it wrongly turned into addressing the issues of that one person.
The building in question has now been sitting empty for about three years and the potential purchaser has decided not to purchase because of the restrictions placed on the property, or so it was stated at a public meeting. An ordinance has been created that will probably be challenged or amended as soon as there is another possible tenant and it will probably never be enforced regardless of what it says as few ordinances are ever enforced. The building continues to sit empty with an unknown future and use.
Most of us only know what happened from this Clarkston News story. As of Friday, Dec. 23, there were no City Council meeting minutes for this reported action. I asked for them and have not yet received a response.
This particular ordinance resolution was printed in the Dec. 22 Clarkston News and we have 20 days before it takes effect. In that time, we might all consider if this ordinance really works as it has only one actual restriction ? there can be only two watercraft anywhere on the entire property. It does, however, allow unlimited parking, paving, and people, including the property owner, all employees, and all friends and families, to use the property and water from sunup to sundown.
How does this in any way fulfill the opening purpose statement of the ordinance which starts with, ‘the water bodies situated in the city are small, with relatively low environmental and recreational carrying capacities, and may be adversely affected by the introduction of new and significant use.?
But this is the Village of Clarkston where we pay 64 percent more in local taxes than our neighbors so that laws can be regularly ignored, even those laws and resolutions created by our own elected officials. I’m sure this one will receive similar treatment.
We do indeed have yet another good example of how the government of the Village of Clarkston works.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We are writing this letter to express our gratitude to the North Sashabaw Elementary staff and school families.
Although NSE supports each and every one of their students, they have gone out of the way for Ryan Kennedy. Ryan is a fourth grader who has Ependymoma Brain Cancer and has battling it for the past five years. Recently our family had to switch hospitals to be able to get the best treatment option for Ryan. He currently is going to Childrens Memorial Hosptial in Chicago is a CERN hospital, Collaborative Ependymoma Research Network. Ryan was accepted into a clinical trial study through the hospital. It is wonderful Ryan was accepted into this trial and he is now part of a system that specializes in his type of cancer. This means Ryan and our family members have to travel to Chicago for treatments and medication.
In order to help the family pay for traveling expenses, the fourth grade teachers and families hosted a two-day bake sale at NSE, raising $1,000. We want to thank Alena Hall, Pam Boewe and Maureen Moss for going above and beyond for Ryan, not just in this situation but everyday they are with him. To all of the families and staff who baked or sent in money for baked goods, thank you!
Thank you to all of Ryan’s teachers and staff members who have made baskets for him when he is in the hospital, attended his birthday parties, visited him in the hospital or stopped by the house to show their love and support.
We also want to thank Principal Tara Ouellette for the phone calls about his progress, and doing what she can to make sure Ryan is comfortable throughout the day. Thank you to the team that set up an alternate place for Ryan to eat lunch and have recess, he truly enjoys this time.
We want to say how fortunate and blessed we feel to be a part of the extraordinary NSE school and family community. Thank you NSE for the generous monetary donation, but most of all thank you for the prayers and support you provide each and every day.
We wish you all a wonderful holiday season!
Rob and Kim Karp, Nathan, McKenzie and Ryan, Jill Santola and the rest of Ryan’s Family
P.S. The band, The Locals, is playing at Buck Shots on Jan. 28, a fund-raising event to help the family pay for Ryan’s travel expenses.
Dear Editor,
I always enjoy reading your articles. However, something you wrote in “Christmas thoughts” on Dec. 21 bothers me.
You wrote “the troops get out of Iraq for Christmas this year. Whether they won or not can be discussed later…” What! Whether they won or not?
Our military are winners not losers in Iraq, sir. They helped free over 60,000,000 Iraq citizens who now have free elections. They kicked Al Qaeda’s butts, the Taliban fled, Hussein is out, Iraq is now a democracy. And you question if they won?
As a veteran, and I am certain all veterans and current warriors, I am offended by you making that comment. Our warriors sacrificed to win over there, and win they did
Mr. Custodio, shame on you for questioning the result.
Bill Hampton
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to sincerely thank all of those who so generously donated during the club’s recent 61st annual ‘Goodfellow? newspaper sales. The generosity of the donors was encouragement for those collecting in the cold winter winds. Their contributions continue to provide support for the ‘Goodfellow? efforts and the Clarkston Rotary’s ‘Shoes for Kids? program.
One hundred percent of all donations collected were used to purchase new shoes and boots, hats, mittens and gloves for community children. On December 10th, the Clarkston Rotary hosted 406 Clarkston Community School children at the Oakland Woods Baptist Church.
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to express its gratitude and appreciation by acknowledging the following for the success of this year’s program:
A special thank you to The Clarkston News, Jim Sherman, and Don Rush and staff for preparation and publication of the Clarkston Rotary’s ‘Goodfellow? edition. The Clarkston News has provided and supported the special newspaper for more than 20 years.
To Oakland Woods Baptist Church, Pastor Bob Galey and its church members for hosting the annual ‘Shoes for Kids? distribution and extra volunteers needed for the projects.
Mr. Alan’s Shoes of Redford, Jason Riegle, Operations Manager, for making arrangements for many of the shoes and boots available for the distribution.
To the Clarkston Area Lions Club and the Clarkston Community Women’s Club for their continued support in raising additional funds.
To the Clarkston Optimists and their Clarkston school clubs for their Opti-Socks endeavor.
To the Clarkston Area Lions Club for providing a free KidSight Vision screening to 99 pre-school children.
To all of the local elementary schools and area churches who hosted hat, mittens and gloves collection Christmas trees.
To the groups who created and donated the many hats and scarves.
City of Clarkston DPW for providing a warm space for the Goodfellows headquarters.
Boy Scout Troop No. 199 and their leaders for their continued annual support and efforts in collecting donations.
To Rudy’s Quality Market and the Hamlin Pub for providing the fantastic soups and chili to warm the Goodfellow volunteers returning from the streets.
To Hungry Howie’s on Sashabaw Rd. for baking so many great pizzas for the ‘Shoes for Kids? volunteers.
To Tim Horton’s on Maybee Rd. for the fresh, hot coffee and delicious pastries.
To the many friends and family members of the Clarkston Rotary Club who so generously gave of their time and energy in selling newspapers, and the many volunteers who made this year’s projects possible.
Finally, thanks again to all who gave donations for the Shoes for Kids program and especially to those who gave so generously. The success of this program can only be measured by the support it receives from the Clarkston community.
Joel DeLong, program chair
Clarkston Rotary Club
Dear Editor,
Approximately 175 people attended the Fourth Annual Holiday Memorial Candle Lighting Service sponsored by the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. The event took place at Clarkston Community Church on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011.
Grief psychologist Dr. John Canine gave a brief informational lecture on coping through the Holidays. The service also included music by soloist Matthew Duncan and his accompanist Rick Haines.
The funeral home wishes to thank Clarkston Community Church for their assistance in making this event a success.
Information for upcoming grief and bereavement events can be found at www.winfuneralhome.com.
The Staff of Wint Funeral Home
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The analysis of the supposed costs to the township of doing the supervisor’s job misses the mark by asking the wrong question (?$135,000 to fill in for supervisor,? Dec. 14).
The implication is that the Township Board has done something wrong. The board faced a difficult situation in not having a supervisor who first was up to the job and then simply gone.
An HR director was needed because the current supervisor had cost the township hundreds of thousands of dollars for mishandling basic personnel functions. Similarly, a budget analyst was necessary to improve the prior process involving the finance director who had other duties and then because the current supervisor was gone. A superintendent was necessary because the current supervisor had been gone so long that just “getting by” in township operations was no longer acceptable.
As a board we had a responsibility to make certain basic government functions were being handled. Each of these personnel moves has proved by results to be the right decision and actually has saved us money and that trend will continue. Looking at the costs is too narrow and is not balanced by looking at the significant benefits to the community.
Could all these tasks be handled more efficiently with fewer personnel? Perhaps, but the current supervisor’s conduct and misfortune did not give the board the time to develop that solution. But now we have the time and are moving in the direction of handling these duties in an even more efficient manner.
As a community we have the opportunity for an experiment of sorts to see the important benefits of having professionals providing assistance to elected officials while all are responsive to the public we serve. It is my belief this will demonstrate another way township government can provide more value to the community.
Neil Wallace
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Community Schools bus drivers’ eighth annual Stuff-a-Bus for Lighthouse North was a huge success!
We received almost $500 in money and gift card donations and a very full bus stuffed with food, toys and clothing!
Thank you to: the community for all of your generosity, Blain Tweed and his Kroger staff at Sashabaw and Maybee, Dr. Rod Rock, Kevin Bickerstaff, Craig DeLlowe, Tom Harmon, Sandy from Signs by Tyke, Sherry Carpenter, David Anthony, Sabrina Layton, Frank Carone, Randy Hendrix, Tina & Jessica Fay, Theresa Kraft, Mike Morris, Carol Peck, Darlene Welch, Alan, Taylor & Alan Burnham, Judy Charboneau, Tim Fell, Todd Westlake, Colleen MacLeod, Pam Kaczor, Doug Miller, Denise Cox, Clarkston Elementary, Andersonville Elementary, a local church, and of course, The Clarkston News.
Even with the economic challenges, we received more donations this year than last year. Thank you!
Tammy Layton
Clarkston bus driver
Dear Editor,
On our way to church recently, I casually asked my 15 year old nephew how work went. His reply shocked and saddened me.
He was working outside selling Christmas trees at the gas station on M-15 just north of town. There he was, the dancing Santa, dressed to the nines in the traditional holiday costume; red pants, beard, fur trimmed coat and hat; dancing and waving to the cars and kids. I wasn’t outside for more than 5 minutes before the cold whipped through me, but there he was for hours. Doing an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.
As we continued driving in the car, he explained alot of the people were very nice. One man bought him a cup of hot chocolate, another a candy bar, others greeted him with a “Merry Christmas” or honked their horns and waved.
He said he did his best Santa voice when children came near, but confessed he still needed a bit of practice in that department. Not everyone, however, was kind. He said some made jests and yelled slurs out the window, which he’s not allowed to repeat. And one man decided to roll down his window and sling an almost full bottle of water at him. He tried to dodge the bottle, but it all happened so quickly, it hit him square in the face. He dropped to his knees for a couple of minutes to shake it off and the manager of the tree sales ran over to him to make sure he was alright. He is okay, but I want to say “shame on you” to whomever threw that bottle out the window. What is this world coming to? I would never dream someone could be so cold hearted and morally void and deliberately hurt Santa!
So I say publically to my precious nephew, may God bless you for working out in the freezing temperatures to help a Michigan business man keep his business thriving!
Merry Christmas!
Diane Sutherland
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It seems there are a lot of folks in our community that are frustrated with the manner in which our local leaders are proceeding and the lack of progress.
I’m wondering if we couldn’t organize a community meeting where we can discuss ways to address the blighted building issue?
Most of us are hopefully working and have our own responsibilities, so working full time on these issues would be biting off more than we can chew. But collectively….
I know I have what I believe are some great ideas of what to bring into the old farmer jacks building that i’ve gotten positive feedback on. The least original would be a Papa Joes or a whole foods, but I’d also like to see either a community adult oriented “playground” activity center.
Fitness in a fun sort of way that includes zip lines and climbing walls and those rope climbing structures, an indoor skate and bike park.
Or if that’s too extreme, what about a “Doggerville”, an indoor dog park activity center with a variety of dog oriented shops and services around the exterior.
The original aspect of the last two could bring commerce into the township. If not these, then something, anything, please.
There’s also the old abandoned movie theater that would be a great coffeehouse-eat-in-theater that plays classics or indies.
The point is, what is being done to address these issues? We, the public, deserve to know, and if no specific direction is being taken, then perhaps the citizens together can get this ball rolling. Who’s with me?
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Re: “City’s leaving 3 E. Church,” Dec. 7 edition, it is great that the city is at least considering this since 3 E. Church was originally a temporary solution to overcrowding at the Village Hall.
However, they did all of this, including hiring an architect, way back in 2000 and after all the work was done, decided to do nothing.
In the last 11 years they went to a full time police force and had three police cars. Now there is no local police department and the saga of the police cars is a story of its own.
DPW now has more than 4000 square feet of space plus additional storage, and is the only department in the city besides the administation.
The administration, including the village meeting hall, has less than 1,200 square feet and does not have a fully handicap accessible toilet room.
Depot Park, where the Village Hall and DPW garage is located, has nothing but portable toilets at the park entrance and then only during the summer.
Since history seems to be repeating itself, it will be interesting to see how it ends this time and if the city bothers to solicit ideas and opinions from the taxpayers who have been paying the rent on 3 E. Church for the last 12 years, or if they will address public requirements instead of just those from the DPW.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The recent guest viewpoint “Reader calls for clean slate on township board,” Nov. 30, and letter to the editor (“Another call for clean township sweep,” Dec. 7) attacked every single member of the current Independence Township Board. These comments were poorly directed.
Such broadsides ignore the hard work, responsiveness and integrity of several members of the Township Board.
These sort of superficial comments and calls to replace the entire board are simplistic and reckless.
This board has accomplished much over the last several years in these very difficult economic times and proves that some of them are serving us very well.
Folks who pay attention and are truly interested in better representative local government can readily see which board members add value and who among them are in it primarily for their own self-interest.
Sadly, the nature of those prior comments shows they are authored by individuals setting up to run for office without having made any positive, significant contributions to our community.
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Kudo’s to all of you with your letters and article, Nov. 30. You are all so absolutely correct, and accurate with your assessments of Independence Township.
Why doesn’t the building department and code enforcement do their jobs to eliminate the blight that is happening in our township?
The board should stop the “payoff” to Wagner. If Wagner were to “man up” he would do the honorable thing and resign. It’s obvious what his game plan was from day one.
Watching a board meeting is boring, and uninformative. Sounds as if there is no syllabus, and a total waste of time, energy, and tax payer dollars.
I agree, we need to call for a clean sweep of the board.
New blood will bring fresh ideas, and hopefully some productivity.
Bill Hampton
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The most recent few years have been, as you know, difficult ones for many school districts in Michigan including Clarkston Community Schools.
Revenue has continued to decline and, as a result, CCS has been required to significantly trim operating expenses, although those expenses could not be responsibly reduced quickly enough to match revenue reductions, resulting in the district having to continue to draw down its fund equity to below-recommended levels.
The district has also found itself in the position of borrowing from the state to meet repayment obligations of previously issued bonds.
Wages and benefits account for more than 85 percent of general fund expenditures. In fiscal 2012, the district will be required to borrow money to pay for its operating expenses. Technology resources are dated and, if planning for it hasn’t already begun, aging school buildings will require significant capital for repairs and modernization.
With home prices depressed and many people unemployed or underemployed, increasing taxes by floating a new bond issue would be difficult at best. The administrative staff is fully occupied with the day-to-day operation of the district in what can only be described as a challenging environment. Resources are stretched and there appear to be few solutions.
While these adverse conditions present a significant challenge to the board, there exists an opportunity for the board to rise to that challenge by utilizing untapped resources it has at its disposal: involve community members and take advantage of their knowledge and experience to seek innovative solutions.
That can be accomplished by forming an advisory committee comprised of district residents along with a member of the finance department staff and led by a member of the board.
The objective of this committee would be to create a financial plan that in the short term rebuilds fund equity while in the long term supports the efforts of the district to achieve its vision.
The committee would accomplish this by searching for revenue enhancement opportunities; exploring ways to further reduce expenses without negatively impacting the classroom; and identifying any leaks, areas where money may be being spent needlessly.
This would require the committee to become thoroughly familiar with the district’s policies and financials, conduct ongoing searches for additional revenue, review operations of CCS and other districts to determine best practices, then analyze that information and develop recommendations for its committee chair to bring to the full board.
While I am sure that district residents are fully engaged managing their own circumstances, I am equally positive that, given the importance of educating our students, some community members would be willing and able to volunteer time to assist the district.
There is a great deal of talent in the community waiting for its potential to be used. The board needs to take advantage of that talent and do so with a sense of urgency.
The district’s vision cannot be accomplished without a viable financial plan that maintains the district’s solvency and credit rating. Continuing to draw down the fund equity is neither a feasible nor a sustainable strategy.
There is a saying in business that a successful company wins in the turns. The Michigan economy has been, and continues to be, in a hairpin curve.
This is the board’s opportunity to use the resources at its disposal to successfully negotiate that curve and leave a legacy of financial well-being to the school district so that future boards can continue to achieve the district’s vision.
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’m on the fence regarding the burning issue, as I can relate to arguments on both sides of the debate. I believe it comes down to understanding that when we are part of a community, that means sometimes tolerating things we are not so thrilled about, and setting boundaries for ourselves that are considerate of others.
There was someone in my neighborhood recently that was burning carpet and padding along with tires, which brought everyone out on the streets along with the fire department. Another day, someone burned leaves 12 hours straight, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Even closing all the windows, I couldn’t escape burning eyes and hacking. It was a burn day and legal, unlike the carpet which was toxic. But being legal doesn’t mean it wasn’t inconsiderate or hazardous to everyone’s health, let alone another neighbor who happens to have a severe allergy.
It seems anymore that too many people are ego-centric and fail to think outside of themselves. There are endless stories on the news that involve a lack of personal boundaries. Burning leaves for 12 hours is just one incident on the spectrum.
I’ve spoken of the practice of Tonglen before and I believe that if everyone would adopt this as their own, we’d have a more civil society that was less about empty political rhetorical stance and more about compassion. Tonglen is about breathing in the suffering of others and feeling it for yourself, then exhaling in love and peace and wishes of healing. I know its been transformative for me, and for anyone I know who has adopted it.
So even in considering issues as seemingly simple as burning leaves, I hope we can create a community that enables the flexibility for us each to live in a manner that suits us, but with the caveat that we do not impact another negatively. With every right, there is also a balancing responsibility. Boundaries are healthy. Lets be a healthy community.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As a life-long resident of Clarkston, I must speak up with my disappointment with the lack of maintenance being done on foreclose commercial buildings in Clarkston.
Example, the old BP gas station on the corner of M-15 and Dixie Hwy. I must ask the question, am I the only person who sees this boarded up gas station, that the weeds have grown up all over the parking lot?
How about the abandoned Clarkston movie theater where the sign is broken, spray paint on the side of the building, weeds are grown up all over the building.
Come on, am I the only person who sees this eyesore of a problem in Clarkston? It is my opinion that our township building department folks have failed to do anything about this on-going problem. It’s not like they are spending a whole lot of time with new commercial buildings being built in Clarkston, or residential new homes.
So I must ask the question, what are they doing about this on-going growing issue that Clarkston is faced with?
Where’s the pride of Clarkston as it used to be when I was growing up? People wanted to move into the Clarkston community. In my opinion, there are no excuses for these buildings to look the way that they do right now.
In closing, just food for thought. If you were looking to move into the Clarkston area and you are driving around town with your family looking at homes and you saw these buildings that look like the way they do, would you buy a house in Clarkston? Or look elsewhere?
Again, where is the pride in our community?
David J. Wampfler
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In regards to your story, “Competing Clarks,” Nov. 23, we have to question Supervisor Wagner’s comment that the appointment of Bart Clark as superintendent is “pathetic” and “It has nothing to do with the good of the township.”
We would like Mr. Wagner to explain his rationale for appointing Mike Clark, and how doing so was “for the good of the township”?
Mr. Wagner surely must realize that appointing someone “who is willing to go in and check on stuff and keep him informed and let him know what’s going on in his absence” requires due diligence.
After all, he wouldn’t want to appoint somebody that was “pathetic” or “not for the good of the township” would he?
Unlike the board, Mr. Wagner made his decision behind closed doors and without public scrutiny. We think it’s time Mr. Wagner share with taxpayers all of the background information that led to his decision.
We find his actions cowardly, vindictive, and a total disregard for what is best for our township. The board should immediately rescind it’s offer of lifetime healthcare to Mr. Wagner and vote down lifetime healthcare to all present and future elected officials.
Mr. Wagner’s actions prove that offering retirement benefit packages to elected officials hasn’t attracted the “quality individuals” they were suppose to attract.
Sincerely,
Michael & Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I found the appointment of Mike Clark as deputy supervisor by our ailing and absent supervisor, Dave Wagner, a near criminal act.
If Dave wanted to find a way to ensure constant turmoil and frustration in our township government, he couldn’t have done a better job.
This bombshell was dropped at our township meeting with little warning.
Mr. Clark’s past performance in township meetings has been outrageous and demeaning to many of the Board members he assailed.
I hope, but doubt, that Mr Clark will make a sincere effort to work with the Board and community and not pursue his former abrasive and offensive ways.
Jim Reed
Indepedence Township
Dear Editor,
In response to Mr. Walker’s comments on the traffic speed in downtown Clarkston (“Slow down in downtown,” Oct. 26), this has been a topic of complaint and discussion for as long as I have lived here, which is over 30 years.
It has been an election issue, a planning issue, and a safety issue although little has been done. He should know that the speed limit on Main Street is set by MDOT, not the city and the city has been advised not to request a change as that would require a traffic study which would probably result in the speed limit being increased.
Yes, you read that correctly, the city has been told that it will probably go up, not down.
This was addressed by a group I was part of and organized by the City Planning Commission several years ago but the City Council decided to not act on any of our recommendations.
After a resident was hit by a car while crossing the street earlier this year, another committee was formed but I have not heard what they are doing or what they may recommend.
Meanwhile, many of us walk or bike in and around town, or perhaps some don’t because they fear for their safety. I recommend Mr. Walker call the city manager, mayor, any City Council member or any member of the Planning Commission and let them know his concerns.
Perhaps if enough people voice their opinions something will be done. There are ways to slow down traffic, discourage large trucks, and make it safer for those of us that want to walk into town.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I’m okay with just four days to burn, but I still think it would be better to be able to burn on all Saturdays or all Sundays and not have to worry about whether we are in the first week or third.
I probably only burn once a month anyway and that would give me more flexibility.
Dolores Smart
Clarkston
Much appreciation for help with…
MDA fund raiser
Dear Editor,
On Sunday, Oct. 2, city and rural letter carriers and their family members stood at the corners of Main and Washington streets collecting money for Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Because of the generosity of the community, we were able to raise nearly $1,000.
We would like to personally thank Fire Captain Bridgewater for donating safety vests and cones. His concern for our safety was refreshing.
We would also like to thank the Clarkston City Council for approval of our location.
It is because of such generosity we will be able to send a child to camp as well as help out with their needed physical aides.
Thank you to everyone who supported our cause.
Shellie Kent and Robyn Williams
MDA coordinators and city letter carriers
14 years of support
Dear Editor,
A special thank you to everyone at the Knights of Columbus Pope John XXIII Council 5436 of Clarkston, for believing in New Gateways, Inc., and supporting us for the past 14 years.
Your dedication to the program is greatly appreciated by the clients, staff, and parent group.
Lillian Machowski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It’s autumn and the leaves are falling again. Now and throughout the year, many local residents believe that burning leaves and yard waste such as branches and brush is a cheap and convenient way to clean up their lawns and properties. What they may not realize is that the drifting smoke from their fires might be making their neighbors sick!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and American Lung Association warn that smoke from burning leaves and wood contains small particles, carcinogens, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other harmful emissions which can worsen existing health problems, contribute to heart and lung disease, and even lead to heart attacks and strokes.
The small smoke particles lodge deep in the lungs and can cause asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and bronchitis. Those most at risk are young children, the elderly, those with heart and lung disease, and others with chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Even healthy people may experience eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation from smoke exposure. It’s not always safe to stay in the house and close the windows because smoke particles can seep in through tiny cracks and circulate in inside air for several hours.
In order to protect public health and safety, the State of Michigan prohibits the open burning of leaves in any municipality having a population of 7,500 or more unless specifically authorized by local ordinance.
The open burning of leaves and yard waste is permitted in Independence Township and is regulated by the township’s open burning ordinance. Residents must also obtain an annual burn permit from the fire department.
In an effort to meet the current needs of our residents, the township board is now in the process of reviewing the existing open burning ordinance to determine whether the rules need to be revised or strengthened. A public forum is scheduled at the Independence Township Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss this important issue.
If you are concerned about the potentially harmful health impact of open burning smoke on your family and the community, I urge you to attend the public forum and encourage our board members to strengthen the open burning rules to provide township residents with optimal protection against unhealthy smoke emissions. Speak up now for your right to clean, smoke-free air!
Andrea Hirsch
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In response to the guest viewpoint ‘Rep. calls for school accountability, performance,? June 15, I felt state Rep. Eileen Kowall took a shot at the salary of Clarkston’s superintendent.
She failed to mention Gov. Rick Snyder’s cabinet personnel make $270,000 a year. She attacked the teachers, saying ‘they had a 5.5 percent increase in the last three years.? It was closer to 1.5 percent. She went on to say teachers are reaping exorbitant benefits. What does that mean? Her salary is over $100,000. To my knowledge, a teacher after 20 years makes much less than $100,000.
Mrs. Kowall goes on to say legislators are doing away with their healthcare benefits. If you read the fine print, however, most of the cuts in health care are for incoming legislators, with those remaining still getting health care for themselves and their families. She has voted ‘yes? to all bills to cuts for public schools.
The one bill that bothers me the most is the cutting of welfare checks beginning Nov. 1. I know there has been abuse by some, but with these cutbacks, our children will be affected the most. Who is going to be responsible to see if these children have food, proper clothing, warm bed to sleep in? Will they be hungry when school starts? How will they celebrate birthdays or Christmas? The list goes on and on. Don’t we have a responsibility for these children?
Mel L. Vaara
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Independence Elementary would like to extend a special thank you to the Independence Township Fire Department!
Each October, they come to our kindergarten classrooms to teach our little ones about fire safety, when to call 911 and what to do in case of a fire. They even allow our children to walk through a fire engine and parametic truck! Our children enjoy this event tremendously and talk about it for weeks! Thank you for enriching our curriculum and supporting our community! We truly appreciate your time and effort!
The Kindergarten Students and Teachers of Independence Elementary
Dear Editor,
In response to Neil Wallace’s viewpoint ‘Input needed in supervisor situation,? Nov. 2, as tax payers and residents of Independence Township, we urge the Township Board to do whatever is necessary to remove Supervisor Dave Wagner from office.
As an elected public servant, it is quite apparent Mr. Wagner is only interested in serving himself and his own welfare at the expense of taxpayers.
Paul and Germaine Ilg
Independence Township
By Marion Ginopolis
LOCS Superintendent
Our youth today say that bullying is one of the biggest problems they face. School districts and communities across the state, including Lake Orion, are taking significant steps to address this situation. It is too bad the Michigan Senate is trying to derail our efforts.
The National Crime Prevention Council cites that 52 percent of students report seeing bullying at least once a week. Clearly, this negatively affects the victims and the bullies, as well as the kids who witness this behavior and the school environment as a whole.
The Lake Orion Community School District, with support from local businesses and residents, has launched the implementation of a district-wide bully-prevention program. It will create an environment in which bullying is never tolerated and all students feel safe and valued – where children are free to learn academically and to thrive emotionally.
However, just when we thought we were making significant strides to prevent, or at least reduce, bullying in our schools, our elected legislators in the Michigan Senate threw us a curve ball. Last Wednesday, the Senate passed (26-11) an anti-bullying bill, SB 137, which manages to protect school bullies instead of those they victimize. It accomplishes this by allowing students, teachers and other school employees to claim that ‘a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction? justifies harassment.
The original bill was edited to make bullying okay if done for religious reasons. In other words, as passed, bullying is allowed if a student, parent, teacher or school employee can come up with a moral or religious reason for doing it. The law basically says it is okay to bully or to ignore instances of bullying convictions, which is contrary to the rest of the bill. It flies in the face of what we have been telling students: step in and step up when they see this unacceptable behavior taking place in their school.
Quite frankly, I had to read the legislation numerous times because I could not believe what I read the first time. To think that our legislators would sanction any instance of bullying is beyond comprehension. What are they thinking?
The anti-bullying legislation now moves to the Michigan House of Representatives. I can only hope that we have sensible Representatives there who will protect our children from bullies by removing this most shameful language in the legislation.
Dear Editor,
Contrary to the statement of the politician quoted in “Local businessman joins effort for fair tax of online sales,” Oct. 19, the proposed legislation introduces a new tax for consumers, otherwise no legislation would be required.
We all want economic success for our community, but I’d like to see the tax return and payroll of the retail business owner who contends that 100K in sales translates into a newly created local job–even a single minimum wage job!
The reality is that most additional sales result in greater net profits for the business owner which are usually taxed at far lower income tax rates than the income taxes paid by middle class Americans.
Sadly, too many legislators oppose truly fair taxation where the nation’s wealthiest pay their fair share. High-income taxpayer loopholes go unaddressed while consumers are asked to pay more, again.
Internet retailers often facilitate greater market competitiveness and generate sales that many consumers otherwise might not make with the imposition of additional costs via tax. The increased competition afforded by Internet access finally frees consumers from limited choice and price monopolies sometimes associated with local retail outlets.
Internet companies also facilitate higher paying jobs for delivery and courier personnel who reside in our community. The business solution is for retailers to pursue more contemporary sales approaches, reaching new customers from outside the community via the Internet and offering more competitive choices, services and prices.
Michael Fetzer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Chris Walker’s letter about the speed limit on Main Street in downtown Clarkston (“Slow down in downtown,” Oct. 26) highlights what many others have said: People are driving too fast.
I would like to take him up on the suggestion to reduce the 30 mph limit. Unfortunately, that’s probably not going to happen. The city has had discussions with the Michigan Department of Transportation ? Main Street is a state road.
The city can ask to reduce the speed limit, but that requires a traffic study. State law then requires that the speed limit be set at the 85th percentile speed’the speed at or below which 85 percent of the traffic is moving. What this means is that the speeds that people are currently driving set the speed limit.
We also looked into using electronic ‘Your Speed Is? signs, which show the speed of approaching cars and give a flashing warning when the car exceeds the speed limit. That, too, would require a traffic study.
Given motorists’ speed, a traffic study may result in increasing rather than decreasing the posted speed limit. The city has repeatedly brought speed problems to the Oakland County Sheriff and asked for more intensive enforcement. However, they can’t be there all the time.
The mayor appointed a committee to look at street safety and speeds. I hope it can make recommendations such as adding bike lanes, striping the outside of the street to visually narrow the width of the street, and enhanced crosswalk markings. I hope these and other recommendations from the street committee can be implemented and will slow the traffic on Main Street.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Regarding my FOIA requests: some people said that they do not understand my intentions and I should deliver proof of findings.
Two years ago, January 2010, Clarkston school administration surprised many with an expected shortfall of $13 million dollars and that we needed to cut $10 million dollars in one year. I became very interested in how the school district spends its money.
What I have found through my FOIA documents include: incomplete and inaccurate Transparency Reports, mandated by the state; purchasing policy violations such as contracts broken up into smaller pieces so board approval would not be required, awarding contracts without obtaining three bids, use of district credit card by non-district employees; and questionable expenses.
I delivered a letter with back up documentation to Dr. Rod Rock and the school board treasurer on March 18, 2011. I still have not received a response besides acknowledgement of receipt.
In this day of reduced educational funding, increasing class sizes and cuts to direct student services like instructional aides and media specialists, I think we as a community need to understand how our tax and educational dollars are being spent, especially since Dr. Rock has plans to ask the Community for over $20 million more dollars through a bond and/or sinking fund.
For more specifics, please visit my blog at acrosstheboard-clarkston.blogspot.com
Dawn Schaller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The McLaren Health Care system extends a big heartfelt thank you to the Clarkston High School staff, students, football coaching staff and team for their hard work and commitment in making the 3rd Annual Football for a Cure fund raiser a success.
We would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the many ladies who helped sew the nameplates on the jerseys, to Waterfall Jewelers, Clarkston Hot Yoga, Krogers on Sashabaw, CHS cheerleading coaching staff and team, LuAnn Stohrer, Don Alexander, Melinda Beaudry, Dr. Stephen Franklin, volunteers and last but not least the community for all your work and dedication in supporting this program again in 2011. The $9363.86 raised will go towards the patient support program, for both The McLaren Breast Center and Great Lakes Cancer Institute. Our sincere thanks for making GLCI and the Breast Center part of your team!
Deanna Hart, patient navigator
Great Lakes Cancer Institute
Dear Editor,
Clarkston Public Access Center should be tasked with producing telecasts of Clarkston Public School board meetings.
The experienced facilitators at our township cable production studio could do this easily. The township board should support this action immediately.
Let’s put the “education” back in Public, Education and Government television that all residents be informed.
Rob Namowicz
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Is 30 MPH through downtown too fast? I think so.
It seems like where ever I go these days, the traffic in and around Clarkston is moving way too fast. Worst of all is right downtown between Waldon and Washington – right where people are walking. We have far too many semi trailers, haulers and utility vehicles that forget what a refined space that is and how easy it would be for someone (possibly a child) to walk out between the cars. Commercial vehicles aren’t alone; in general all traffic needs to slow down and keep downtown safe. Do we need to change the speed limit to 20 MPH through that stretch?
Chris Walker
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We would like to correct some of the misinformation in Supervisor Dave Wagner’s letter to the editor, Oct. 19. Even during his disability he’s shown taxpayers that what matters to him is not the truth, but what he can get the voters to believe.
The board did not hire a part time deputy supervisor to perform the supervisor’s duties in the event of his disability, as he claims. The part time deputy supervisor was hired to help Mr. Wagner with his budget.
Long before becoming “disabled” two people had to be hired at taxpayer expense because Mr. Wagner was failing to do his HR and his budget duties. Both duties are requirements of the position that he ran for, and when both proved to be beyond his capabilities, someone had to be hired to help him. Yet, he’s never taken a cut in pay or benefits.
Mr Wagner failed to make light of the fact that he was using the results of the August 2008 primary election when he claims he was re-elected by 60 percent of the vote. He went on to run unopposed in the November 2008 general election.
Truth be told, Mr. Wagner was re-elected by just 2,442 residents of this township. Those 2,442 votes were cast in the Aug. 5, 2008, primary election, not the general election. That’s less than 10 percent of the 26,000 registered voters in Independence Township. Of the 3,919 who made it to the 2008 primary election to vote, he beat his Republican opponent by just 483 votes!
Over 3,500 voters signed a petition for his recall. If we were to use the same deceptive use of primary votes, then we’d have to conclude that almost 90 percent, 3,500 of 3,919 voters, believe they made a mistake and want him recalled.
Mr. Wagner’s callous admission in the papers that he is “holding on” to his elected position at full pay so he and his family can collect lifetime healthcare from taxpayers after serving only seven years would be embarrassing for most to brag about, but not Mr. Wagner.
We think it’s time for the trustees to follow the state’s lead by eliminating lifetime healthcare for all future elected officials and their families. We can think of no better way to separate the career politicians from the true public servants then to eliminate healthcare when elected officials terms expire.
Michael & Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you to the community members, choir parents and families who came out to the fundraiser at Leo’s Coney Island to support Clarkston School’s choir program. A special thank you to Nash for the opportunity and to the staff at Leo’s for all their hard work.
Clarkston Choirs Booster Organization
Dear Editor,
In the letter “Parent upset by school phone call,” Oct. 12, the writer expressed shock at an impersonal ‘one-way blast phone call? from Superintendent Rock, thanking him for allowing teachers time for professional development.
I wonder why the offended party reacted by hypocritically firing off an impersonal ‘one-way blast Letter to the Editor? instead of contacting Dr. Rock. He is a reflective and approachable leader who would gladly welcome the inquiry.
I have taught in Clarkston for nine years, but I am the last man to unequivocally support the district. In this case, though, I find this format for professional development quite useful. I feel that it benefits students, I think that I can explain its advantages, and I believe that most teachers feel the same. I encourage curious parents to contact a few of their children’s teachers and find out exactly what we do on these days.
The letter in question asserted that ‘parents should be allowed to audit the’meetings.? The suggestion was offered in sarcasm, but I urge interested parents to work with the district to do exactly that. I am stingy with my taxes, and I often question how my money is spent by the Postal Service and MDOT. Given the value of our children, compared to a package or a road, one would be foolish NOT to know how their children’s teachers were using their tax-supported time.
I think that most parents who audited a professional development day would find it worth the time and money. If not, they should ask the Board and Dr. Rock to discontinue them. The letter bemoaned a lack of ‘debate? and ‘public input.? On the contrary, board meetings have this kind of ‘debate,? and the election of board members is the best kind of ‘public input.? I urge the writer ? and all citizens ? to participate in board meetings and elections. The people hold the power: that’s the beauty of America!
Chas Claus
CHS Graduate & Teacher
Dear Editor,
I have to respond to his ill-informed, insensitive, and inflammatory statement about using the new delayed start teacher development time to drink coffee (“Parent upset by school phone call,” Oct. 12).
Mr. Palese, if you HAD audited a teacher development meeting and been unsatisfied, then you would have had the right to make that statement. However, to do so without any knowledge about what happens during that time is insulting to the education experts that Clarkston employs.
Because your son is in public education, you may ‘audit? any time a teacher has in his/her classroom. I would argue that you would leave with a greater appreciation for the work we do every day in and out of the classroom. Those canvas ‘teacher bags? that we haul out to our cars nightly are filled with work for us to do at night and on weekends. The two hours granted to us a month through delayed starts don’t begin to allow us the time to address all of the needs of our varied students.
We spent the first of our delayed start days learning to re-teach those who aren’t grasping concepts, reinforce concepts for those who need it, and enrich the concepts for those who already ‘have it.?
This can only be accomplished by working with the other experts in our field and brainstorming and sharing ideas. Dr. Rock has also ensured we are totally accountable for this time by asking us to complete a lengthy survey about what we have discussed during this time.
Kathleen Ann Noble
Bailey Lake Elementary teacher
Dear Editor,
In response to Mr. Charles Kennedy’s statement “We have serious educational testing shortfalls relative to other countries; we have to compete” (“Reader irked by E-blasted opinion,” Oct. 5), I would invite Mr. Kennedy and others to research and consider the following:
How do you evaluate the quality of standardized testing? Who writes the tests and how are they graded? Do standardized tests measure creativity, innovation and ingenuity? Do you consider these characteristics to be an important factor of success? Do your “competing” countries education all children free and equally? Do your “competing” countries segregate students as early as 6th grade for vocational training?
Have you compared the test scores of the top 10 percent of students in your “competing” countries to the top 10 percent in the Unites States? Do you understand the enrollment procedures of charter schools? Did you know that most hand pick students from applications and family interviews?
When was the last time you were actually in a public school or talked to their students to hear about what programs, clubs and athletics are offered to foster their passions and interests? Have you considered the home life and the value put on education in your “competing” countries?
These questions are imperative to ask, research and answer before making such a bold statement that public schools are failing. And, please note, this was written on my personally funded home computer while I sipped coffee to wash down my donuts.
Amy Ankrom
Clarkston Junior High School
Dear Editor,
I moved to Clarkston in 2008. Before moving here, working in Virginia schools, I heard negative things about Michigan schools.
I no longer work in a school system but my children are both in Clarkston schools. To my surprise, I am amazed and cannot imagine a better school system on the planet!
I think Dr. Rock and his staff are doing an exceptional job in every way and I am ecstatic about the creative way he is bringing foreign language into elementary schools.
Regarding the unfavorable letters I have been reading in the Clarkston News, being negative is neither healthy nor helpful in any way. If you are interested in making changes, you may benefit from reading or watching ‘The Secret? because it helps people learn the importance of positive thinking and positive energy.
Anna Muzzy
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’m sure the fine citizens of Independence Township have heard and read all of the misinformation regarding my health put forth by some members of the Township Board. I feel a solemn duty to set the record straight regarding my dedication to the job to which I was re-elected in 2008 with nearly 60 percent of the vote.
Like many people my age, I have been afflicted with some serious health problems in the last year. I have undergone two neck operations, the second of which was not done properly. While in the hospital after that surgery, I contracted an infection that seriously compromised my immune system.
I have now sought and am receiving continuing care at the University of Michigan Medical Center in an effort to stabilize my immune system to a degree which will make it possible for me to undergo reconstructive surgery to repair the damage caused by complications from the second surgery.
You have my word that I look forward to being back to work at the township just as soon as my doctors clear me to do so. As does any business in the private sector, the township employed a deputy supervisor whose responsibility it was to perform my duties in the event of my disability. Unfortunately, the township board inexplicably de-funded the deputy supervisor position at its last meeting, presumably in an effort to make my medical absence seem more critical.
At the last board meeting it was alleged that I had cleaned out my office, which is just not true. I was in the office to retrieve some clothing and a few other personal items in case the board needed to use my office on an interim basis ? period. I give you, the citizens of our township, my word that I will be back to work just as soon as I am medically cleared to do so.
I do apologize to all Independence Township citizens for not getting this information to you earlier, but I have been in no medical condition to participate in the war of words in the media that has been waged by my political opponents.
It is my fervent hope that these people will get back to work on the township’s business so that the many gains we have made during my two terms in office will not go to waste.
I thank the citizens of Independence Township for your concern and support during my illness. I will be back at the helm of the township in short order.
David Wagner
Independence Township Supervisor
Dear Editor,
Trustee Mark Petterson commented that he didn’t think that $5 or $50 was going to break anyone (“No increase for safety path millage,” Sept. 28)
He is very detached from reality if he belies that. I could give him a list of at least 100-200 people who work their butts off and barely eke through from one paycheck to the next.
People are suffering. They aren’t splurging or racking up credit card bills that they can’t pay. They are doing without essentials and making difficult choices every day because, you guessed it, they don’t have an extra $5 or $50 dollars and if they did, it would be going into their gas tanks.
I think the bottom line is that there needs to be more compassion in our society and in our government and less hubris. I love the idea of a safety path, I voted for the millage. But now is not the time to raise taxes, and any path that is installed should be multiple user friendly, and, it should be aligned with commuter needs to provide a mechanism to travel about the community in methods other than cars.
I would like to encourage our “leaders” to expand their thinking; include consideration of the long term effects of the proposals they deal with on the traffic, on the environmental impact.
Take time to look at what is being done in the healthiest communities around our nation, not just in Michigan, and bring some of those tried and true solutions here.
Get involved in Green infrastructure programs, learn about “No Child Left Inside” and what decisions they might be able to make that can encourage healthier children that are more connected to nature. Each individual on the board was voted in to serve the public, not to provide a stepping stone for some political aspirations. And each individual on the board is responsible to every citizen, not just those with phat bank accounts.
Finally, I invite each member to look up one word: Tonglen. Look it up, try it out. And consider what it might be like to walk in someone elses shoes, someone with a smaller bank account. I am not ashamed of my tight finances. I value every choice I made that brought me to here. Despite that, I don’t have an extra $5-$50 to pay for a poorly planned safety path.
Thank you.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am very disturbed by facts presented by Ssuperintendent Dr. Rod Rock at the Sept. 26 Clarkston School Board meeting.
Clarkston resident Dawn Schaller submitted nine Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to Clarkston Community Schools since 2010. She received 4,760 pages of materials for six requests fulfilled to date at an estimated cost of more than $1,200 to the district. Although Mrs. Schaller has paid $886.08 of those costs, the district and the taxpayers eat the rest. I don’t like the taste of that.
Even more disturbing is the apparent partnership between Mrs. Schaller and Sherman Publications, owner of The Clarkston News. Editor Phil Custodio participated in Mrs. Schaller’s review of documents pertaining to her first FOIA request at the administration building.
Dr. Rock presented evidence Sherman Publications paid for one of Mrs. Schaller’s FOIA requests. I spoke with Dr. Tommy Thomason, a journalism professor at Texas Christian University and expert on community journalism. He has never heard of a community newspaper paying for a private citizen’s FOIA request. It seems hidden agendas also make strange bedfellows.
While Mrs. Schaller certainly has the right to examine public information, the length and breadth of this pursuit without any evidence of wrong-doing is simply a waste of the taxpayers? money and the school district’s time. She’s fishing, plain and simple, and the hometown newspaper has swallowed her story hook, line and sinker. The Clarkston News has frequently published Mrs. Schaller’s vague allegations and opinions opposing district actions without evidence to support her claims. A quick search of The Clarkston News website shows Mrs. Schaller has been quoted or used as a source 24 times in the past 18 months in stories and editorials relating to the school district.
Jim Sherman owes his readers and the citizens of Clarkston answers. Why are you paying for the FOIA requests of a private citizen and supporting her unsubstantiated allegations? Did you reimburse Mrs. Schaller or anyone else for her other FOIA requests, which were paid with cash and personal checks?
What is the relationship between Dawn Schaller and The Clarkston News? Will you be transparent with your practices, as you are demanding of the school district?
It’s time for Dawn Schaller and Sherman Publications to be up front about their motives and actions. If there are findings that support alleged misconduct or misappropriation of funds, then publish it.
If nothing concrete has come from 18 months, nine FOIA requests and nearly 5,000 pages of documents, then it’s time to stop chasing conspiracy theories and let our school administrators return to the business of educating our students.
Kelli Horst, president
Clarkston PTA Council
Dear Editor,
I sat silently at dinner last evening trying to revive my shocked senses after receiving a blast phone call from Clarkston’s Superintendent of Propaganda, Rod Rock, thanking me for giving Clarkston teachers the freedom to pursue professional development.
I will never understand this program and how or why taking instruction time from my son is in his best interests so our teachers can “use data to support thinking” or some such nonsense.
Technically, I didn’t give anyone permission to do anything. I didn’t vote on a proposal or engage in a debate or discussion. No, this decision was made with no public input, and I was thanked via use of the most impersonal political tactic imaginable.
A one-way, blast phone call. I have a suggestion. I think parents should be allowed to audit the teacher development meetings on late start days. Personally, I just have to experience what “using data to support thinking” looks like. Having studied many of the great propagandists of all time my gut feeling is the real activity is “drinking coffee to wash down donuts.”
Michael Palese
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I sat silently at dinner last evening trying to revive my shocked senses after receiving a blast phone call from Clarkston’s Superintendent of Propaganda, Rod Rock, thanking me for giving Clarkston teachers the freedom to pursue professional development.
I will never understand this program and how or why taking instruction time from my son is in his best interests so our teachers can “use data to support thinking” or some such nonsense.
Technically, I didn’t give anyone permission to do anything. I didn’t vote on a proposal or engage in a debate or discussion. No, this decision was made with no public input, and I was thanked via use of the most impersonal political tactic imaginable.
A one-way, blast phone call. I have a suggestion. I think parents should be allowed to audit the teacher development meetings on late start days. Personally, I just have to experience what “using data to support thinking” looks like. Having studied many of the great propagandists of all time my gut feeling is the real activity is “drinking coffee to wash down donuts.”
Michael Palese
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank the following for their help in making the recent veterans? benefits seminar a success:
American Legion Post #63, Clarkston for hosting the event; Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly and Oakland County Veterans Administration for providing speakers; Congressman Mike Rogers? office for presenting two American flags that were flown over the capital; and local businesses and media for assistance with announcing the event. Your help was truly appreciated.
Over 60 attendees learned about valuable benefits available for their service to our country. For those who were not able to attend and would like to receive material provided at the seminar, please contact Wint Funeral Home at 248-625-5231 or email wintfuneralhome@aol.com for a free informational packet.
The staff at Wint Funeral Home
After reading last week’s Orion Review, we certainly know what Mr. Kalmar’s agenda is – ‘not a senior center?.? To remind everyone, what a majority of voters said was NO to an increase in taxes to pay for a new, tri-community, jointly-owned senior center.
The funds to build the new Orion Center came from monies paid to Orion Township by Waste Management for having the landfill expanded (in 1991) and operated in our community, as well as monies from cable TV customers that had been earmarked for a new ONTV studio.? The Township’s general fund helps operate the current senior center, as well as CDBG grant dollars.? Modest membership fees (less than $.50 per week for residents and less than $1.00 per week for non-residents) will also help run the new Orion Center so that current ‘free? programming can continue at no additional cost to participants.
From the beginning, it was understood that the new facility would be a senior center community center.? It will house the Senior Center staff as well as the Parks & Recreation Department staff, who now both serve under one department head at the Township, a cost-saving measure of the current administration.? And it’s located in the center of the Township where every resident has equal access.? Yes, it might have been nice if the Township Board had held a special meeting or public hearing to get everyone’s input before they began the project, but what’s done is done.?
Seniors at the current senior center were invited to offer comments and suggestions, including regarding the modest membership fees?(by the way, there was a membership fee when the Township first took over complete control of the current facility in 2002) and they have been kept informed of the progress of the project.
The Senior Center Advisory Council has discussed and made recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding many items related to the building.
The plan is that the current senior center activities will continue at the Orion Center, including the branch public library during the day, Monday through Friday, and two evenings per week (Mondays and Thursdays) that it currently is open.? Senior use of the new facility may be expanded in the future depending on interest.? Other groups will be allowed use of the building when areas are not in use by the seniors.? The Senior Center Director has mentioned the possibility of inter-generational programming, as well.? And everyone knows that the community is always in need of meeting space for various groups.
Orion Center is being built for the community.? It’s my opinion that if the seniors use it, a major use of the facility will be for seniors.? And there are more members of the community joining the 55+ age group every day.?
So seniors, use it or lose it!
Jill D. Bastian
Dear Editor,
I recently received an email blast written by Dr. Rock, superintendent of schools, from Clarkstoncalendar.org.
It appears Dr. Rock is utilizing taxpayer funded equipment and time to advance his personal agenda relative to Charter schools. To utilize this taxpayer funded informational email tool to promote a one-sided agenda is not an open-minded approach to fixing our ailing school system.
Where is the voice for taxpayers that believe in school choice via a voucher system or charter school?
In my response to Dr. Rock I explained my position that choice promotes competition and that competition promotes excellence. Dr. Rock’s response: ‘I don’t believe that the competition model fits with schools.’
We have serious educational testing shortfalls relative to other countries; we have to compete.
Dr. Rock’s position to continue to protect a public school only option is no longer realistic. I would encourage Dr. Rock and all citizens to keep an open mind to other forms of education. After all, our goal is to enable our children to compete.
Charles Kennedy
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I was thoroughly disappointed when I recently received an email from Clarkston Schools Superintendent Rod Rock. The email, which decried Charter Schools in Michigan, was completely biased and intended for nothing more than dispensing Dr. Rock’s personal political views and to persuade recipients to the same.
What really irritated me, however, was the fact that the sender email address was clarkstoncalendar.org. This is the email address that is associated with what is supposed to be a non-profit, non-political organization that simply posts Clarkston-area calendar events online.
There is actually a link to clarkstoncalendar.org on Clarkston School’s home page. The link is labelled “Online Community Calendar.” I am on this distribution list because it was “sold” as the fan-out email list for Clarkston Schools. I, like many others, added my email address to the list in order to receive school cancellation notices during the winter months, NOT to receive emails containing one-sided political rhetoric.
The issue of Charter Schools has been, and will continue to be, debated in public forums across Michigan. Dr. Rock, however, seems to feel that he has the right to use his access to a non-political organization to present his opinion only. Is Dr. Rock going to offer the info@clarkstoncalendar.org email address to opposing viewpoints? Shouldn’t people with other viewpoints be able to respond to his email or present their side of the debate? In his email, Dr. Rock states that he respects “your opinions on this and all issues”, yet there is no way for one to reply with one’s opinion.
This is a complete abuse of influence and power by the Superintendent. Unless Dr. Rock wants to offer equal time to his detractors, he should use his clarkston.k12.mi.us email address to voice his personal political opinions.
I intended to copy Dr. Rock on this email. Unfortunately, after a relatively thorough search of Clarkston School’s website, it appears that his Clarkston Schools email address is conspicuously absent. All I was able to find was a link to sign up for Dr. Rock’s personal Twitters and a link to his personal blog, which, coincidentally, featured a link to an article about Charter Schools. I wonder how he receives all of those valuable opinions from Clarkston residents.
David Yarnall
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Bill Kalmar indicated in his Sept. 28, 2011 letter that he was ?’agitated, incensed and frustrated? when Township officials refer to the new Orion Center as a senior center. Maybe the citizens fighting for justice in the Eagle Valley Landfill fiasco should enlist him in their fight. If he can get this excited, he should be able to work up to an absolute frenzy on the landfill issue.
When Mr. Kalmar and I jousted on this issue on these pages, he responded to some observations and concerns I expressed by inferring I ?’lacked appropriate grey matter? and that responding to a ‘diatribe such as one Bill Thompson constructed? becomes a battle of wits and that I was unarmed ( a trite reference).
Let me again make a few observations to try to put some of Kalmar’s statements in proper context:
First, Orion Township has had a senior center for several years located in the Village. Operating costs are budgeted and paid for by the Township and include various fees paid by members. The current facility would have required extensive work over the next several years and did not have enough room or parking to accommodate the current membership.
Second, Kalmar refers to a defeated 2006 bond and millage that would have built a new senior center facility to be used by three communities, Orion, Oxford and Addison. This ill-advised proposal was for a $9.85 million dollar bond issue and an additional operating millage and was overwhelmingly defeated. Kalmar leaps to the conclusion that this means no new facility to house senior activities forever, no matter the condition of the current facility or what financing arrangements are cobbled together. He may not like the financing arrangements (I don’t either), but this will be a ‘Community Center? no matter how people refer to it.
Third, as a member of the Senior Center Advisory Committee, I have asked for a pro-forma operating budget for the new facility for over six months with no success. I have been involved in the launch of several new facilities during my working days and I cannot think of one that didn’t have an approved pro-forma operating budget prior to the investment. If we couldn’t show we could fill the facility and afford to operate it, we didn’t proceed. The Orion Center process seems backwards. While Kalmar thinks continued referral to the facility as a senior center means senior members should bear all the incremental costs, we don’t even know what the costs will be. However, transferring the operating budget for the current senior center facility and the addition of the new senior membership fee may cover all the operating costs.
Fourth, as a senior, I don’t care how people refer to the facility or what it is called. I am concerned that the new facility will continue to provide valuable services and activities to Orion seniors in a welcoming setting. That will be a challenge for the senior center staff in a mixed- use facility especially when most activities will require seniors to use stairs or an elevator.
Fifth, Kalmar notes that ‘All of us look forward to having a place in the community where residents can congregate?? It will cost to ‘congregate? at the Orion Center. In addition to the new fee for seniors, residents will have to ‘belong? to the center by paying an annual membership fee.
Bill Thompson
Dear Editor,
JoAnn Van Tassel, you are the BOSS, but the same O same O continues. You are allowing Home Business Occupation ordinance violations to continue, even though there are clear steps and rules to be carried out by the Township to correct the violations.? You know about all of this and yet the abuse is being allowed to continue ON PURPOSE.? For whatever reason, the Supervisor at the Orion Township offices does not appear to care, since it is not on your street or your neighborhood.?
It also behooves me that you would ask how some of the neighbors felt, as if it depended on how many neighbors com
plained about the Home Business Occupation ordinance violation.?? A planning commission member recently asked you about this issue again and you replied to him the man will have his commercial snow plowing equipment attachments (4-6 of them) on the trucks. What does that mean?? Does it mean they will be attached to the trucks for winter snow plowing and still be allowed to violate the HOME occupation ordinance?? Or does it mean the equipment will just be sitting on the truck/trucks (for a day/week)?? On Sept. 9, you and Tom Berger assured me the Township was not dragging its feet and to give you a week. This is Oct. 4, and yet only wood chips from possibly diseased ash borer trees, ladders and two 55-gallon drums of unknown chemicals have been taken off of the site.
The ordinance enforcer is supposed to issue reported ordinance violations requiring compliance within a specified time period. No display or storage of any outdoor goods/materials, supplies, or equipment used in the Home Occupation business on the premises at any time.? Not more than one (1) nonresident employee (in office is allowed to work at the residence and conditioned on the resident supplying the Township with the name and address of that employee; yet there have been about 12 non-resident employees without driver’s licenses on the premises coming and going.
‘No dump truck, stake truck, flatbed, tanker truck, welding truck, wrecker, septic tank pumper, semi-tractor, well-drilling rig, semi-trailer/double axel or any type of commercial construction equipment or materials (30 large highway dividers) are allowed on the premises. Plus, eight wheel barrows, 12-15 large pieces of construction equipment/vehicles in and out and stored. ??’So far, the term ‘we’re working with them? has been the most common answer to this issue, but is just a stall? This has been dragged along far too long; since May 2011. As of this printing this large landscaping business is operating way outside the parameters of Home Business Occupation ordinance. Too many untruthful statements have been made. When will the intent of article 78 ordinance be fully complied within our subdivision?
John W. Hart
Dear Editor,
As someone who has on occasion spoken at Independence Township meetings, I find nothing wrong with moving the public comment portion of the Township Board meetings to the back of the agenda (“Comentary moved to end,” Sept. 14).
If I felt I had something important to say, I would be willing to wait after other township business is conducted.
The Clarkston School Board and several neighboring municipalities have public comment at the end of their meetings. Why have the few people and newspaper writers who object to the Township’s policy not complained about the long-existing identical policy of the Clarkston School Board? Is the call for unlimited unrestricted free speech anytime anywhere regardless of how disruptive or malicious it is to be a political issue in 2012?
No less than the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that free speech can be reasonably restricted. As Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote in his opinion involving the 1919 case of Schenck v U.S.: ‘The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing panic.?
Moving the public comment portion of the township meeting to the end is a reasonable action by a majority of the board ? Barb Pallotta, Larry Rosso, Neil Wallace and David Lohmeier ? to make the meetings more productive and less confrontational. They should be commended for their actions.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Perhaps if there were places for kids to go and do something there would be less vandalism (“Vandals cause problems in downtown Depot Park,” Sept. 14).
It seems we have nothing but rules for what you can’t do. Don’t skateboard, don’t run, don’t ride your bike, don’t pick the flowers, don’t be in the park, etc.
How about giving everyone some reasons to be outside instead of more complaints and rules that only further limit anyone from doing anything. At the moment there seems to be no plan other than fix it again and complain.
Perhaps someone will write about all the light pole bases, curbs, sprinklers, mail box posts and other items that have been damaged “accidentally” by the city.
It is not called vandalism but we all have to pay for it again and again, but no one complains.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thanks to our community, Bucks for Buses has Gone Bocce was a huge success on Sept. 22 at Palazzo di Bocce in Orion. This event was held by the Friends of the Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center to raise money for our transportation program for seniors and disabled adults.
Our very generous sponsors made this event extra special. Our Gold Level Sponsors were Clarkston Medical Group, McLaren Health Care and St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. Silver Sponsors were Oakland Eye Care and Smith Disposal.
Our Bronze Level Sponsors were Canterbury on the Lake, Clarkston Specialty, Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home and Lourdes Senior Community. Without them we will not be able to offer our clients the level of service that we currently offer them.
We were thrilled this year to have a Detroit Pistons suite donated for our silent auction. We appreciate their very generous donation which added even more excitement to our event. Local business also donated prizes for this event.
We are grateful to the following businesses for their support.: American Fitness, Birdfeeder, Brioni Caf??, Camp Bow Wow, Clarkston Medical Group Employees, Clarkston State Bank, Drayton Caf??, Family Video, Frank and Me, Hair by Jodie, KH Home, Mr. B’s Roadhouse, Nails by Marci, Over Tyme Grill & Tap Room, Red Knapps American Grill, Representative Eileen Kowall, Sportsmens Great Northern Grill, Town Center Auto Wash, Tenuta’s, Village Fashion Boutique and Waterfall Jewelers.
Without the hard work of the committee members Dr. Tim O’Neill-Honory Chair, Lois Seddon-Co Chair, Collen Burke, Joette Kunse, Jamiee Olsen, Mary Melega, Brenda Marino, Joanne Ries and Nancy Wasilk we would not been able to have such a successful event.
Special thanks to our friends group members Lois Seddon-President, Carolyn Morrison-Vice President, Lee Kuczmanski-Secretary/Treasurer, Bill Jawlik, Joette Kunse, John Lowell, Bob Gray, Don Kayko, Alex Pirie, Larry Rosso, Mary Lou Schell, Mel Vaara and Sue Wagner for all of the fundraising they do for our Senior Center. They have been a loyal and dedicated group.
We had a fun filled night with fabulous food, music by Dr. Baker and bocce ball. Thanks to all of you who attended and supported this event.
Barbara Rollin
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Each time I read an article about the proposed Orion Center I become agitated, incensed and frustrated!? There are some in the Township who insist on referring to the building on Joslyn Road as the Senior Center.? The community voted down a senior center several years ago in overwhelming numbers but there are still some who have concluded that the majority-vote was meaningless and thus we have articles such as the one that appeared today in a supplement of The Oakland Press, which focused mainly on a senior center. (New $3M senior center for Orion Twp.)?
Lisa Sokol is quoted as saying that ‘the center will also be available to the community and the dining room can be rented out for wedding receptions, baby showers, etc.?? It should have read ‘the Orion Center is available for wedding receptions,’baby showers, etc. and there will be a section set aside for seniors?.?
The article mentioned that additional financing other than what was committed by the Eagle Valley landfill will come from the Township.? There was no mention of how maintenance, landscaping and other expenses will be paid for.? The community once again, with its unanimous vote to not build a senior center, wants no part of paying for this project!? Continuing to refer to the building as the Senior Center in my mind means that all incremental expenses should be shouldered by seniors who enroll in the center. ‘If you want to call it the Senior Center then have seniors provide the sole support!
In a recent issue of The Lake Orion Review (Orion Center Offers Plenty For Seniors, Community), Township Supervisor JoAnn Van Tassel said what most of us have been concluding for quite some time:? ‘some residents may feel the Orion Center is just for seniors, with an emphasis on programming to meet their needs, but this will change.? Over time, I think, you’ll find plenty of things for everyone?.? Duh ? sounds like a senior center to me with the rest of the community accommodated some time down the road!? What does ‘over time? mean? ?’This is not what the community voted for!
Votes have consequences and yet somehow those involved in the Orion Center project tend to ignore the wish of the community and are moving forward to christen the building as a senior center.? As you know, I spearheaded a movement to vote down the senior center and if I have to revisit that initiative I will willingly do so again!
All of us look forward to having a place in the community where residents can congregate but the constant discussion of this being solely for seniors does a disservice to all who voted down the ballot proposal to construct such a structure.? The money from the Eagle Valley landfill was for all residents and not just seniors!? So, as we move forward, I think any press releases and interviews about the Orion Center should make that distinction.? How difficult can that be unless some of you have an alternate agenda!
Bill Kalmar
Dear Editor,
In regard to your article entitled, ‘School services under review? we would like to know if bus services will be improved if/when they are privatized.? We have used the Lake Orion Transportation Bus Service for our children for the past 10 years.? In general, we have had no problems and the personnel in the Transportation office have done a good job of answering our questions whenever they occur.? My concern is with the distance that children have to walk to their bus stops.? When Lake Orion made the decision to only pick up children from main roads, the walk to catch the bus increased greatly for some parents and children.? Homes that are deep within some subdivisions require the children to walk upwards of one half mile to their bus stop.? For elementary and middle school children (age 5 to 13), this seems like a long walk. ‘Of course, when the mornings are dark and if there is snow and rain, the difficulties increase. Most of our subdivisions do not have sidewalks, and the children have to walk in the street.
Because of longer walks to the bus stop, more and more parents skip the bus and drive their children to school.? This causes very long drop off and pick up lines, and very congested traffic, around our schools.? I know we are in a cost-cutting mode, but I think the safety issue is more important.? If possible, I would like to see the current policies reviewed. ‘Wherever possible, the walk for children to the bus should be minimized.? This will make our children safer on their way to the bus, and reduce the traffic and congestion around our schools.
JoAnne Flynn
Dear Editor,
Independence Township Trustees cooked up a nasty, distasteful recipe in their new rule to restrict citizen comment, limiting comment until the end of their already long and, sadly, dysfunctional meetings.
The board must be reminded that in the interest of taxpayer service, we, the people who elected you, must come first, and that it is discourteous, at the very least, to have the people who elected you have to wait for hours to have their say.
This is irresponsible and cowardly behavior on your part, and shows a total lack of consideration for those who elected you into office.
Township citizens as a whole should not have to have their comments stifled just because you are uncomfortable with the criticisms of a very vocal, but very entitled few.
As an elected official, criticism, no matter how sharp, comes with the territory. You should have expected this when you first took office.
My advice to all trustees, including Clerk Barbara Pallotta and Trustee Neil Wallace who supported this anti-free speech rule: If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!
Joseph Lawrence
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Garden volunteers, gardeners, seniors and the community are enjoying the Eagle Scout projects at the senior center in Clintonwood Park.
In 2009, Eagle Scout Gerry Murphy and Troop 186 from Lake Orion built four outdoor wooden benches. Two were placed at the senior building entrance and two were placed on the patio. The paver patio was the project of Eagle Scout Brandon Toth of Troop 199 from Clarkston. With the help of troop members and parents they built a beautiful patio. The landscape plants surrounding the patio were donated by Brandon as part of his project.
In 2010, Eagle Scout Brian Roy, Troop 199 from Clarkston, selected landscaping the front of the senior building as his project. Along with troop members, parents and friends, they re-landscaped the area planting flowers and shrubs, spreading mulch and placing solar lights around the sign. The park entrance also saw a new face-lift. Eagle Scout Nicholas Toth of Troop 199 from Clarkston, selected the park entrance as his project. He and members of his troop and their parents, cleaned up the area, planted shrubs and perennials and spread mulch. He came back each day for a couple of weeks to water the plants to ensure their survival.
When the garden committee volunteers mentioned they would like a garden shed, Chris Tunis, Eagle Scout, Troop 199 from Clarkston, volunteered to build the shed as his project. With the help of scout troop members and parents the shed was completed in the spring of 2011. The gardeners now have a place to store tools and supplies. In August of 2011, Eagle Scout, Kyle Jones of Troop 192 from Davisburg built three garden arbors as his project. With the help of troop members and parents the project was completed in a week-end. These new arbors will set the area for the Memory Garden. In time, landscaping will be done as funds are received from memorials.
The significant impact these young men have made in our community will be enjoyed for years to come.
Thank you Eagle Scouts, your families and your friends.
Independence Twp. Senior Center Garden Committee
Dear Editor,
From friends and family of Derenda Howard as she retires from her longstanding job with Oakland County Parks and Recreation, we thank Derenda for her development of programs for all ages, and for her encouragement to use the park programs in all seasons.
Martha Pasternak
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am part of a grassroots group, MI-CAPE (Michigan Citiziens Advocating for Public Education). ‘Please check us out on Facebook or Google us to learn more. We are based in Lake Orion, but are working with people from all over the state regarding Michigan Education legislation and issues.
We have been working tirelessly with our local legislators in Lansing as well as the Education committee legislators. ‘We are very opposed to the new legislation introduced at a Senate hearing on Sept. 7, regarding open enrollment / choice schools. ‘We are also concerned about the other components introduced in this education package … privatizing of teachers and elimination of the cap on charter schools. All of this legislation introduced is available to read on the MI-CAPE site. We are asking everyone to take a serious look at this new legislation and join us in taking action by writing and calling our legislators, Governor Rick Snyder,’Senator Jim Marleau’and Representative Brad Jacobsen,’as well as the legislators on the education committee, especially Senator PhilPavlov. Info for all committee members also is available. Just email me at Appledorn@msn.com and I will get you all of the Education Committee contact information.) ‘Mandating school districts to become a schools of choice is not the answer to fixing the failing schools. ‘If any district chooses to become a school district of choice, it should be because that district has decided it, not the state. Isn’t that why we have ELECTED School Boards of Education? MI -CAPE is continuing to meet with legislators in Lansing this month. In the meantime, we need your help – please let Lansing know your feelings on the proposed legislation.?
We also have uncovered the supposed ‘loophole? in Prop A that allowed the Governor to take the millions of dollars (I believe the number was $900 million) out of the State Aid fund and give it to higher education. ‘There is no loophole in Prop A itself. Our very own State of Michigan Constitution allows it. ‘In 1994 when Prop A was passed, no legislation was written to get the constitution changed to remove the ‘State Aid fund can be used for K – 12, higher education and retirement.? ‘An oversight? Really? Although no previous Governor had taken any State Aid funds based on this wording in our constitution, the fact is it is in there! (Granholm took a$100 million loan from the fund, but I am not sure if she paid it back.) ‘No caps, time lines or any limits are spelled out regarding the use of these funds. This must be changed. ‘The only way to change it is for the citizens of Michigan to vote this change in … the change that School Aid Funds can ONLY be used for K-12. We need the all citizens and organized groups to help get this on the 2012 ballot.
We need your help to spread the word. ‘Get the letters and phone calls made. ‘We need to deal with this loss of local control /schools of choice issue IMMEDIATELY.
Karen Appledorn
Dear Editor,
I am disappointed in the Clarkston School District’s decision to remove the school board meetings on Channel 22 on Comcast cable. It is now only on the districts’ website.
Unfortunately, when the Clarkston News contacted Dr. Rock to see what was happening when the board meetings were stopped on Comcast, the Clarkston News printed on Aug. 17 that Dr. Rock said, “The meetings are and will continue to be broadcast on cable,” said Dr. Rock, superintendent. “We are also planning to stream them on our website. We plan to have this as a secondary method for all to view the meetings.”
He explained only Independence Township residents have the option to watch it on Comcast cable right now. Expanding it to the internet allows more interested community members to watch.
Rock also said they ‘plan to add finance committee meetings, as well.”
But none of the board meetings have yet been returned to Comcast’s Channel 22. On top of that, I have heard from multiple people who were not only unable to download board meetings on their computers because the broadcast uses so much memory, but the attempt to view the board meetings also locked up their computers.
At the end of the school board meeting, Sept. 12, Dr. Rock announced he was going to put meetings back on Comcast.
I hope he does. I believe that if the district is serious about being “transparent” and allowing more residents to view the meetings, then they need to go back to broadcasting the board meetings on Comcast AND on the district website because not everyone has access to the internet or Comcast cable.
Dawn Schaller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
When it comes to finding folks to help with a project, helping hands scatter. It’s difficult when you are a single woman with little to no budget working two jobs seven days a week to get much accomplished, let alone when assistance is needed.
I am fortunate to be friends with another single woman, Marti Waltz, who ‘gets? the challenges of being single and not having the luxury of hiring help.
Marti had a deck on an empty lot out of town she was no longer using and asked if I wanted it. I was beyond thrilled! This was my chance at making my yard my own, having inherited my father’s house after taking care of him prior to his death. Fixing it up has been rather piecemeal to say the least. And making it ‘my own? has been slow in coming. So this was a really big deal to me.
But then karma woke up from her nap.
I live in a neighborhood where not only do I now own the house I grew up in, but several of my neighbors do also! We’ve known each other our entire lives, dirt under the nails and all.
So when I was in my yard heartbroken and crying because I was so disappointed this had fallen through for the third time simply because I couldn’t find enough people to help, Blair Whittenton from next door and his sons Zack and Daniel, along with Blair’s buddy Jeff Roland stepped up to the plate to offer help.
About the same time, I got a message from Cory Johnston that he and his wife Robin would be willing to help, A friend that lives up by where the deck was at, volunteered her fianc? Tory Hazel, to assist on that end, and a plan was launched.
I know it’s just a deck, but it represents so much more. It represents a sense of place when I have felt so out of place and not belonging living here. It represents the act of putting down roots when I had always thought my roots would be on the other side of the Mississippi. It represents a sense of community, and support, when so often I have felt alone. Its just a deck, but its something solid under my feet, when so often in the past few years here, there’s been nothing close to solid under my feet.
I was able to provide Rudy’s Pizza in thanks, which is excellent! But ‘thanks? just doesn’t really cover it. I am deeply touched by the time, sacrifice and energy that was given to me for this deck, and for the generosity that it represents.
It is not just a deck for my front yard. I will be reminded with every step I take upon it of the kindness and efforts of others. That, after all, is what makes a house a home, and builds a sense of community and belonging. Eternal thanks to Cory, Robin, Blair, Zack, Daniel, Jeff ,Troy.and Marti. Namaste, I bow in graciousness to each of you.
Tammie Heazlit
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The third-annual Dragon on the Lake festival was a memorable weekend for many’Lake Orion residents and visitors alike, with great weather, lots of exciting attractions and smiling, happy people everywhere! The Orion Art Center staff and board of directors worked diligently for many months to bring this unique event to our community.? Without their dedication and support, along with the support of our sponsors, the event would not be the summer delight that it has become.
The following people donated countless hours to bring Orion a quality event; Lisa Cummins planned food vendors, dragon pub logistics and the sponsor party. ‘Sue Turpen secured sponsorships, organized the water ski team, sponsor party and many other components of the event.? James Jenkins secured sponsorships, organized the kid zone, teen zone, entertainment, sound/stage logistics, among many other things. Rob Cavanagh was the Dragon Boat Race Captain and also the master builder of the historic grand fa’ade replica, ATV man and resident sign hanger, Peggy Boggs was the queen of the checks and balances and so much more. Donna Ferstle was in charge of the ‘Chalk Art Challenge?, Yolanda Garfield was a dragon boat racer and dragon painter extraordinaire and Don Walker was the master of the Baby Dragon Races on Paint Creek, among other things.? Along with over one hundred other volunteers,’we had a goal of bringing an exceptional event to Lake Orion and I am quite proud and grateful to each volunteer for their efforts.
As a non-profit organization, we welcome sponsorships, memberships and donations, but it is the sweat equity of our volunteer base that really makes things happen. Please consider becoming a member or sponsor for the upcoming year to strengthen the Orion Art Center and make next year’s event even better!? We welcome your comments and’ideas at www.orionartcenter.org Partial proceeds from the dragon boat races benefit the Great Lakes Cancer Institute, one of the event’s premiere sponsors.?
Reggie Harrison
Orion Art Center
THANK YOU to the Orion Art Center for organizing the Dragon on the Lake festival this past weekend. It was a wonderful community event, with perfect weather, and Orion Neighborhood Television (ONTV) was proud to be a sponsor! Thanks also to our volunteers, Zachary Fortin and Dave Kepsel for helping ONTV videotape the boat races, and to volunteer Sarah Paine for interviewing all the teams. If you missed the boat races, or just want to experience the excitement of the day again, watch ‘Dragon on the Lake 2011? on ONTV ? Comcast channel 10 ? ATT Uverse channel 99 ? AND on our website: www.orionONTV.org. This event just gets better each year, we’re looking forward to Dragon on the Lake next year!
Diane Griffiths
ONTV Director
‘The government of Michigan is shirking its responsibility to the people of Michigan with the package of education reform bills introduced Sept. 7, 2011. ?’Under the guise of ‘parental choice,? our legislature is sacrificing the state’s children at the altar of the free market, forcing the most vulnerable to compete on an unlevel playing field.? We are witnessing nothing less than the dismantling of public education, piece-by- piece.?
In low-performing districts, those parents with the transportation, money, time and ability can choose to send their child to a school outside of their communities. But what about the children who will be
left behind, whose parents may not have the means or may not care?? By its Darwinian actions, including lack of adequate funding for public schools, our legislature is dooming these children’and their schools’to failure, with little hope for the future.? Whatever happened to championing the common good? In case you need a refresher course, here’s the definition from a Michigan Department of Education resource, Helping Teachers Teach and Children Learn, under ‘Core Values of American Constitutional Democracy?:
‘Common good: public or common good requires that individual citizens have the commitment and motivation’that they accept their obligation’to promote the welfare of the community and to work together with other members for the greater benefit of all.
‘Prosperity will continue to elude Michigan until social and economic justice prevails for all of her people, not just the fortunate few.
Amy Marcaccio Keyzer
Dear Editor,
?’The coming elections for town council are crucial to the future of our community. ‘During this fiscally demanding time, it seems imperative that our town council must be made up of selfless citizens without personal agendas, and with only the best interests of the Village of Lake Orion in mind. ‘Therefore, out of all the candidates, I’d like to recommend a write in: ‘Ken Van Portfliet.
‘There is an old saying: ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person.? and that seems to be true for Ken. ‘He is a hard working, involved and dedicated participant in community affairs, a logical thinker who never fails to do his homework, level-headed during stressful times, balancing a full family life and public life with the varied needs of the community through his extensive experience in community service and active participation in the interests of this village. ‘Those of us who know him have been aware that he is never too busy to help when it’s appropriate. ‘And he makes it all look easy, because in addition to all of the above, he’s a social human being who thrives in the company of his fellow man.
‘So on election day, September 13, 2011, I’ll be writing in the name ‘Ken Van Portfliet?. ‘His placement on the Village Council will mean additional security for the quality of the village council. ?
?
Yolanda Garfield
Dear Editor,
This coming election day, I plan to vote for write-in candidate Ken Van Portfliet for a seat on the village council. I can think of no better candidate. I’ve known him for years to be an excellent human being, a fantastic mentor to the many children who require a male figure in their lives, a generous person who never fails to give of himself for the betterment of others.
Mr. Van Portfliet’s long experience with the Village of Lake Orion and the needs of the people here is coupled with his business acumen and community spirit. No one else could perform the duties required by such a position as well as he. We deserve no less than the very best. So please, come election day on September 13, take a moment to write Ken Van Portfliet onto the ballot.
Tammy McDuffie
Dear Editor,
At the August 29 Township Board meeting, residents filled the hall in protest of the April 18 board approval of a 53-acre, 25-foot elevation of the proposed 30-40 year expansion of the Eagle Valley Landfill. The residents provided enough new information for the board to risk going back to court and try to undo what they did back in April and reinstate the 1991 Consent Judgment. Yes, the township faces a difficult but not impossible hurtle with the court. We just hope Judge Grant will have all the information in front of her, all of it, when she makes her ruling.
This will not damage Waste Management’s current operations, as they still have nine more years of capacity available. There was never a need to rush this through with Eagle Valley’s current surplus of capacity and 28 years of solid waste disposal capacity in Oakland County. The township now has the time to update the 1997 environmental study, hold the proper public hearings, address all the residents? concerns and give the entire proposal the due diligence it required. This expansion has major environmental issues. The two major aquifers that supply the lakes and residents wells in the south end of the township flow to the north and northeast under the Eagle Valley Landfill. If they collapse or become contaminated, Orion Township will become a disaster area. The township cannot afford not to take these steps and it will be more expensive now, but there is a price for breaking the public trust. It’s just a shame that our new Deputy County Executive Mr. Gibb would lash out the way he did to a couple of the ladies that spoke at the township meeting.Eagle Valley is not the only landfill in the township. To the south there is the Fonze landfill from the 1930-50s where Culver’s sits, that would have required a major cleanup from the state if that industrial park was not built there to hold down the surfacing barrels. To the southeast was the Oakland County Road Commission landfill from the 1950-60s at Squirrel and Dutton. To the northeast was the Oakland County and Orion township landfill from the 1940s at Kern and Greenshield. To say, they purchased a home there or to think that this will not affect you because you are north of Clarkston Road, well think again! We feel that Orion Township has done its part for Oakland County and it’s time to save our community for our children and grandchildren so they can live, ‘were living is a vacation?.
Thank you again Treasurer Young, Supervisor Van Tassel, Clerk Shults, and Trustees Flood, Porter and Steimal.
Mary Ann Ryan
Sue Turpen
Joe Geraci
Dear Editor,
I was one of the 70-plus in attendance at the Orion Township Board meeting on Aug. 29, 2011. We were told in 1994 that ACT 451 was passed by the legislature, and would make the contract/operational agreement with Waste Management’s Eagle Valley landfill null and void. This to me is an absolute falsehood.
Please let me inform you what is stated in both the Michigan and United States Constitutions:
The Constitution of the United States, Article 1, Section 10, states ‘No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.? Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963, Article 1, Sec. 10, states ‘No bill of attainder, ex post facto law or law impairing the obligation of contract shall be enacted.?
This is why we need to always go to the Federal and State Constitutions before we are blind- sided with a load of horse-pucky!? The constitutions always supersede any and all laws, acts and authorities.
The township board members were told by the former Orion Township Supervisor Matt Gibb that under the advisement of their legal counsel there was no other recourse but to amend the 20-year-old consent agreement between Waste Management and Orion Township. The reasoning was due to the implementation of Act 451 in 1994 that allegedly voided the original 1991 contract and allowed Waste Management to expand its Eagle Valley landfill operations for another 30 years. This opinion totally runs counter to the Michigan Constitution’s safeguard of contracts. No public hearing was ever called – therefore the property owners greatly affected by the landfill decision have truly and cruelly been blindsided.
It is a shame that calling in new legal council will add an unexpected and hefty expenditure for the township. But, that expense would not have been necessary if the public – especially the property owners affected ? had been properly notified by having a public hearing.
Let us hope that the board’s decision can be truly tossed out and that we never see any elected board and its supervisor carryout a similar action again without full public participation through a public hearing. It is my opinion this was an absolute violation of public trust.
Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
The privilege of burning by permit has allowed us to keep the yard beautiful with less labor and less cost during these challenging economic times.
We have allowed lots of trees to grow in our yard and we border a wet land. In order to keep it looking tidy we do extensive trimming of trees, shrubs and bushes. We have also had a few trees downed by wind and lightning.
The cost of hiring outside help to do this work and haul it away is to say the least astronomical. About four or five years ago we discovered the burn by permit program and have used it with great success.
We keep the yard trimmed up continuously and then 2 or 3 times a year burn the pile on designated burn days.
Our sub is lots of just over an acre. If it is windy or neighbors are doing outdoor activities, I do not burn.
I have tried to be respectful of others and have had no complaints. We feel that the program is very well managed by the fire department and we would be disappointed if the program were discontinued or curtailed.
Thank you,
Jim and Jana Koch
Independence Township
Independence Township Open Burning Ad Hoc Study Group’s public forum is 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Independence Township Hall, 6483 Waldon Center Drive.
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston High School Football Rush for Food committee would like to thank all who helped make our 14th annual community service project a huge success.
On Friday, Aug. 19 , 180 members of the Varsity, JV, and Freshman teams came together to collect non-perishable food items to help stock the pantry at Lighthouse Emergency Services in Clarkston.
The high school teams were assisted in their efforts by the Clarkston Chiefs Youth Football Association who held a drive for personal hygiene items and paper goods.
The annual Rush for Food was started 14 years ago as a way to have the Clarkston players give back to the community that lends such great support to the teams during their season.
It is a wonderful experience for our young men to participate in, and it is great to see the players give up their Friday evenings after practicing all day in the heat, to canvas Clarkston neighborhoods asking for donations for those in need.
The teams collected and sorted 4,973 pounds of food and paper/personal products. This is a new record for the event beating last year’s record of 4,600 pounds.
I think the boys worked harder than ever this year because of the economic crisis our state is in. Most of the boys know of someone that has been touched by hard times this year, and their desire to help was greater than ever.
Special thanks go to the WrightActionPix and Sports Creations for funding the pre-event dinner for the players. Our thanks also go to the Clarkston Athletic Boosters, Clarkston Chiefs and Springfield Township and Sashabaw Road Kroger’s for donating supplies.
The committee would also like to thank the CHS football coaches for their support, LuAnn Stohrer ? CHS Athletic Secretary for her assistance, the CHS custodial staff, the football players who gave their time to assist those in need, and MOST OF ALL the homeowners who generously donated to make this event such a success.
Thank you to Jennifer Baenziger, Penny Canada, Kim Chadwell, Jill Goss, Suzanne Gozdor, Sandy Savoie (chair), and Kim Scarlett for their time and commitment in organizing another successful year.
Rush for Food once again proved what a wonderful community Clarkston is to live in!
Thank you,
Ellen Wright, Publicity
CHS Football ‘Rush for Food?
Dear Editor,
Regarding the comments in the Viewpoints section of the August 24, 2011 edition of The Lake Orion Review concerning the contract for marketing, consulting and fundraising services for Wildwood and the Orion Center, I offer the following:
The contract approved by a 6-1 affirmative vote was based on the proposal presented to the Township Board in writing and discussed at the August 4, 2011 Board meeting.
In addition, there was an extensive PowerPoint presentation made based on the items in the proposal with proposed operational details.
Following the presentation, the Board voted 5-0 in the affirmative to accept the proposal and to authorize the Supervisor to work with the Township attorney to develop a contract with a 90 day notification of termination by either party and return it to the Board for consideration at the regular Board meeting August 15, 2011.
At the Board meeting of August 15, 2011, I announced that the contract would be on the August 18, 2011 Board meeting agenda since the consultant had been out of state on business and was unavailable until then.
The contract that was considered on August 18 was essentially the same as the proposal accepted on August 4 except that the $1.00 per ticket fee was eliminated from the contract. In addition, there were additional protections in the contract for the Township.
Further, it is my practice to bring all items involving the construction or acquisition of goods and services to the Board for its concurrence in going out for bids on those items even when it was not required by the Purchasing and Bidding Policy adopted by the Township Board in 1994.
JoAnn Van Tassel
Orion Township Supervisor
Dear Editor,
‘On September 13, we who live in the Village of Lake Orion will be voting for members of the Village Council. I would like you to pay particular attention to candidate Ken Van Portfliet. He has been a member of the council for a number of years and has excellent vision for the present and future of our village. He is a write-in candidate on the ballot this time. He is an incumbent.? He has been part of the long-term planning with years of historical and immediately useful knowledge.
His long term residency in the village and his extensive track record of local community involvement speaks for itself. In an era where technology seems to have trumped kindness and goodwill, Ken is an ever smiling presence and helping hand. He and his wife Sara support many community events that I have attended. He has a very level head, is an excellent local business person, and is all around smart choice for our village.?
The act of physically writing a name on a ballot is in effect a silent written endorsement by the voter that says ‘I have taken the time to cast my favor to this person? whose name I hand- write on this document. This is the best-of-the-best use of the democratic system our country has used for 200-plus years. Peggy Barry Bartz
?
Dear Editor,
Everyone who is paying attention knows that the tractor gifted to Independence Township disappeared at the hand of the supervisor. This cannot and must not be overlooked.
Unfortunately, the obvious theft of the tractor by the township supervisor is not a sci-fi movie as The Clarkston News editor suggested (re: “Obsession,” Aug. 20’s Phil in the Blank column).
It is all too real.
The article is accurate to the point that it is not just about the tractor. It is about public officials being honest and worthy of the public’s trust, something the supervisor has violated.
The column relies on the newspaper’s inaccurate reporting that township employees went onto a resident’s property.
That is untrue and was printed by The Clarkston News without any confirmation of a mere allegation (“Tractor digs up trouble for resident,” Aug. 3). It is poor journalism that serves to mislead the public
There is no ‘shooting? at Supervisor Wagner. Only the obligation of the Township Board to get at the facts, as is their duty to their constituents.
They should not turn a blind eye to wrongdoing just because it may be uncomfortable. Trust in government is earned even at the local level.
Phil Custodio is not showing civic responsibility in calling for a stop to the investigation before the facts are all known. Calling for a stop assumes there has been no wrongdoing.
Yet what the entire community has witnessed is a course of wrongdoing by the supervisor over the last several years. That’s what has to stop.
What ‘force? is exerting such control on our community and why?
Craig Strickland
Independence Township
3-Day support
Dear Editor,
Team “Finish or Bust” would like to thank everyone who participated in the Susan G. Komen Golf for the Cure golf outing on June 25th, 2011 at Oxford Hills Golf Club benefiting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Tim Kalohn and the entire staff at Oxford Hills were tremendous to work with and the following hole sponsors and prize donors, also, helped to make this fundraiser a huge success.
Our hole sponsors included: Innovative Benefit Solutions, Strength Capital Partners, State Farm-Donna McCloskey, John W. Stevenson, DDS, Custom Bookkeeping, Inc., James D. Williams, DDS, Vaughn Chiropractic, 24th Street Sports Tavern and Buffalo Wild Wings ? Lake Orion.
Our prize donors included: Mesquite Creek, Hamlin Pub (Clarkston), Brioni Caf? and Deli, Tiffany at Pink the Salon, Hometown Pizza, Great Turtle Toys, Stir Crazy, Oxford Hills Golf Club, The Union Woodshop, Carl’s Golfland, Buffalo Wild Wings, Binson’s Home Healthcare, the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Red Wings.
Thank you, again, for your very kind and generous support.
Dawn Boisvert and Barb Wloch
Team ‘Finish or Bust?
Scoops for Heart help
Dear Editor,
One of the many wonderful things about our Clarkston Community is that so many residents, organizations and businesses are willing to partner’even in times of economic hardship’for the greater good.
The Children’s Heart Foundation was grateful to receive the support of Culver’s of Clarkston and Oakland County Parks & Recreation as sponsors of the second annual Scoop for Hearts, a fund raiser benefiting children born with congenital heart defects.
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, hundreds gathered at Culver’s where Oakland County Parks & Recreation provided giant inflatable to entertain families free of charge.
Through donations and Culver’s charitable gift of 10 percent of food sales, $1,000 was raised for the non-profit.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, partnering organizations, and to the many families who joined us in the spirit of giving.
Sincerely,
Sally Powers, president,
Children’s Heart Foundation –
Michigan Chapter in development
Dear Editor,
I am thrilled that we have two incredible gems taking shape for all to enjoy. The newly opened Wildwood Pavilion and soon to be opened Orion Center will no doubt provide many opportunities for enjoyment within our great community. I am concerned, however, with the lack of interest among more members in our community regarding how our tax dollars are spent. We need to let our local elected officials know we care and are watching them.?
Let me share some recent examples that are cause for concern. At a special meeting on Aug. 18, a no-bidpromotions contract was approved by a vote of 6-1 for the promotion of Wildwood and Orion Center. Orion Township received no other competitive bids for a contract worth a minimum of $52,500 (potentially much, much more), which included a retainer fee of $12,500 and a monthly fee of $2,500.
My beef is not with the gentleman who received the contract, good for him. I personally had several questions and hoped they’d be asked. Why not receive other bids? Is there someone in Orion Township who can promote our facilities, or a different way? Have we checked references / past clients? Has the promoter worked on similar projects and what were his results? Why are we paying a monthly fee and 15 percent of all donations acquired, and 10% cash value of all in-kind donations, and $1 per ticket? Unfortunately, those questions were not asked. Instead, at the Aug. 4 special meeting a motion was passed to send the contract to the attorney’and return it to the Board for consideration at the next regular Board meeting on Aug. 15.
So why then, was the matter not on the agenda for the regular meeting that day, but instead added last minute to the Thursday, Aug. 18special?(non-televised)’meeting? Something stinks. I spoke with two current board members who stated they received a copy of the contract the night of the meeting. How can you vote on a contract you haven’t even had a chance to study?
If you’ve been watching the meetings, it’s been stated multiple times over the past month that the board members are either not receiving the contracts to review, or receiving them the night they are expected to take action. How about reading the contract before voting on it? (What was Nancy Pelosi’s famous quote? Do we have to approve the contract, to see what is in the contract?) Also, I’m disappointed that on recent expenditures, board members have stated they are confused and don’t completely understand what we are purchasing, only to turn around and vote in favor of the expenditures. What’s the rush??
I’m concerned. Are you? Don’t take my word on it folks, see for yourself. Ask questions. When the answers don’t make sense, ask more questions. Remember, they represent us, they are spending our money. What do you want Orion to look like in five years? Who is with me? Will you get involved?’See you Monday nights. We need you!?
Chris Barnett
Dear editor,
I felt it important to express my support for the existing burn regulations.
I live on a half acre that contains over 50 trees. My neighbors also have many trees. The thought of bagging all those leaves, sticks etc. simply to go into the landfill does not make sense to me.
I don’t see that as an environmental solution. The limited burning regulations that we have in place have worked for decades.
While I feel badly for the person with the smoke allergy, I have to question why she chose Independence Township given the existing burn regulations.
I really do feel that many of today’s governmental bodies focus on accommodating the needs of a small minority while forgetting the best interests of the majority. Put to a vote, I feel confident the existing regulations would stay in place.
Dave Barran
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Over the years my neighborhood has witnessed several major incidents regarding burning leaves and other brush in Independence Township. We feel this is necessary to share this information to assist the township board in their decision making.
Some residents near us burn responsibly, observing the law and they do not burn when a heavy wind is coming towards the homes.
However there are the few that never observe the law and burn anything at anytime. Our neighborhood consists of mostly 1-2 acres near a heavy wooded area.
We have inhaled the burning of treated lumber and other toxic substances. We have witnessed burning leaves under a tree, unattended, when the wind was blowing and to top it off, this person was burning late at night.
One individual was burning and thought he extinguished the fire only to receive a call at midnight from the neighbors that the flame was still going. Several ongoing instances when people burn whenever they feel like it, probably without a permit.
Most of my neighbors are very conservative about “big brother” taking over our privileges, sometimes. However, we are not in favor of someone else’s smoke overwhelming our entire properties during most of the fall.
Even when you are confined in your home, the smoke can still penetrate through and yes, it has made us ill, especially small children.
Several of us have moved here from other states unaware of any burn issues so it is not fair to say people should not move here if they do not like the smell of burning leaves. This issue rides on more serious matters. Have we forgot about Grayling, Mich., that lost thousands of acres of forest and several homes due to someone burning?
Some of us suggest those with large acreage be allowed to burn (i.e. farmers). For most residents, leaves can be chopped up with the right kind of lawn mower blade. There are areas to drop off brush in Lake Orion and other communities.
We are tired of getting ill from the smoke on our properties and not being able to go outside when someone is burning nearby. Are we to assume that those who are burning will be responsible so that we have a neighborhood the next day?
We thank the Clarkston News and the new committee for their assistance in bringing this issue up for discussion and hopefully the health and safety issues can be resolved.
Barbara Hill
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Independence Township Parks and Recreation would like to thank the following organizations for donating to our 2011 Tons of Trucks Event. Without their support, this event would not be possible.
These 17 organizations and individuals were gracious enough to donate their time to bring out their cool trucks and unique vehicles.
They include: sponsors Smith’s Disposal, The Learning Experience, and Two Men And A Truck; Doran Excavating; Clarkston Community Schools; Clarkston Paper; Clarkston Union; Carnwath Excavating; EPC Events; Independence Township’s Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, Safety Path and Senior Center; Midwest Monster Trucks; North Oakland Transportation Authority; Oakland County Parks and Rec; Oakland County Sheriff’s Department; Planet Kids; Szott Auto; Szott Ford; and Van Horn Concrete.
Last but not least, a special thank you is extended to the Yesteryear Tractor Club for bringing out their antique tractors for a display and providing a wagon for hay rides!
Kelly Hyer, recreation supervisor
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Who are the REAL people responsible for the Streetscape debacle: construction laborers, architects, engineers, MDOT or Village management? With competent supervision how can bricks and curbs be laid and then torn up?
Has your damage claim been routed through a bureaucratic maze and down a blind alley, only to be ignored and denied, denied, denied? Have you been told that ‘THEY? are not negligent unless a runaway bulldozer crashed into your building?
Then our experience is similar.
Ron Sweet, Owner
51-59 S. Broadway and 20 Front St.
Dear Editor,
As you probably know, Waste Management (WM) sent out certified letters to all of the citizens who live around the landfill.
The letter included a proposal to compensate homeowners in the event they were unable to sell their home due to the Eagle Valley expansion. The compensation offer didn’t seem to be any great deal but I decided to sign it anyway. It wasn’t easy.
It required signatures from two witnesses and a notary. In addition to signing it, I also crossed out one sentence. That sentence basically said I had to be at WM’s beckon call for support.
To my surprise, WM rejected the contract due to the single sentence being crossed out. They claim this wording was agreed upon with Orion Township. It’s another clear sign that WM and anyone from Orion Township who approved the expansion is not concerned with the well being of the citizens of Orion Township. They are trying to coerce us into being pawns of WM.
I can’t wait until election.
Eric Stieber
Dear Editor,
Anyone who drives regularly on M-24 anywhere between the Lapeer county line and Auburn Hills has most certainly noticed workmen replacing all of the road signs during the past several weeks.
What is the reason for doing this?
I’ve noticed that some of the signs show certain types of wear such as slight fading or rusty or bent posts, but for the most part the signs that are being replaced seem to be in reasonably good condition. Is it that we’re trying to impress people who drive up and down M-24 with our beautiful road signs?
Do the people who drive up and down M-24 even care what our road signs look like? Is it our obligation as taxpayers to make sure that our road signs are state-of-the-art, visually-appealing masterpieces, or is it simply our obligation to provide the necessary signage to control traffic?
I’ve thought that maybe this is part of a regular maintenance program, to ensure that our signs stay in good condition, kind of like replacing a leaky faucet in your house. Makes sense, do a little preventive maintenance so that you don’t end up with more problems in the future. The only problem is that what’s happening with the signs is the equivalent of replacing every faucet in an entire neighborhood because one or two of them have a leak.
I know in my house, I replace items on an as-needed basis; I don’t replace every faucet in the house at the same time just because the kitchen faucet has a drip. Even if I got a nice discount for purchasing enough faucets to replace all of them, I would still rule out spending money to replace items that did not need replacing.
The bottom line is this: No matter what the reason, short of the current signs being made of toxic material that is leaching into the ground, there is absolutely no reasonable explanation for spending taxpayer money to replace signs that don’t need replacing.
Joe Robertson
Editor’s note, this letter was from our website, www.LakeOrionReview.com
Today The Lake Orion Review announces it has a new editor, Joe St. Henry. We are pleased to make this announcement, because for too many months, your newspaper of record has operated without an editor. This newspaper (the oldest business in our community) and you the reader, deserve much better.
That’s why we held out until St. Henry agreed to lead our staff. We are very confident he will lead The Review to good things. He will strive to keep The Review relevant.
St. Henry is not new to the community, nor to The Review. Most recently, he has covered school board meetings for us. More than a few years ago, he used to write sports for The Review — that was before he left his parents? home, before graduating from Lake Orion High School, before earning his degree in journalism from Central Michigan University; before spending 20 years in public relations, marrying a local girl, and raising their family in Orion Township.
We believe timing is critical and timing has brought this community a thoughtful man, who has insight into this community, a passion for this community and who we believe will become a leader for this community.
We hope readers will take the time to visit with St. Henry, send in letters to the editor and keep him in the loop. Welcome, Joe. — dpr
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank The Lake Orion Review and Don Rush for the wonderful article about my father, Leo Sabatini. It was so long ago that Dad owned the store, and was part of the Lake Orion Community that we wondered if people would remember. Our family was very touched by the great number of people who stopped by to pay their respects.
The article in the paper was such a surprise, and meant a great deal to our family, especially our mother, Rose. So, thank you Don Rush for sharing such wonderful memories with your readers, and our family. It was an unexpected tribute, but one that will be treasured by our family for years to come.
Gratefully,
Linda (Sabatini) Guldi and family
Dear Editor,
Regarding “Questions about pay-to-play fee,” July 6: as a former collegiate athlete and parent of two student athletes, I do believe requiring a pay-to-participate fee, which contributes to covering the cost of Clarkston Athletics, is unfortunate but reasonable.
Undoubtedly $325 will be a burden to some, but for varsity athletes in Clarkston sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball, it pales in comparison to the thousands spent on nearly requisite travel team and development programs.
Michigan public schools are not required to provide athletic programs outside of mandated physical education classes. With reduced local property tax receipts and per pupil funding cuts from the state, I believe it prudent to reduce or eliminate athletic expenditures rather than those affecting core, academic areas.
European and Asian countries with which we compete for jobs don’t offer athletics as part of their education systems at all; these cultures prioritize academics. I appreciate athletics for physical benefit, character development and entertainment, but I too, value education above all else.
Sincerely,
Cheryl McNeil
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
May I speak some well-documented truths on the July 20, 2011 article on the Eagle Valley ‘expansion.?
Clerk Shults refers to the motion of ‘May 18? which was April 18, when after the executive session, which was referred to as Host Fee Agreement, they ‘authorized the supervisor to work with ‘our? attorney to finalize the agreement.? A 4 ? 3 vote was to finalize the agreement, not approval of a landfill expansion. Then on May 4, they did the same thing; approved the finalization of the attorney opinion. No approval of a landfill expansion of 53 acres, 25 feet higher and 30 years longer. Just an approval of working for a finalization. No approval of a land fill expansion was done!
The then-supervisor and the attorney, told the Orion Township Board, so uniformed, that the Township would be sued, but I ask, for what??!! The County and State would never have approved an expansion, there was too much capacity left in Oakland County ? never would it have happened if the township would not have caved. Whatever Supervisor VanTassel refers to as happening in the early 2000’s has no effect on this.
Orion Township was protected, and in every single document by the 1991 host fee agreement. The attorney and then-supervisor carefully kept so much of this information from the uninformed board. The then-supervisor told the board repeatedly he had been working on this expansion for 15 months. Curious that a letter from Waste Management comes to the township attorney requesting an expansion (notice to the township attorney not the township) on July 15, 2010, requesting an expansion.
On April 18, the attorney and then-supervisor bring the issue to the board, with no prior authorization of a committee, no prior announcement of a request for an expansion ,no prior discussion of any kind on an expansion of the landfill ? but they had worked on it for 15 months.
July 15, 2010 to April 18, 2011 does not add up to 15 months. However, attorney bills paid Mr. Kelly (township attorney) indicate that from January 1, 2010, have been paid in the thousands and thousands of dollars on this issue. The uniformed board did not pick this up because they only ‘o.k.? bills ? they do not look at what is spent and on what and to whom. That alone is a frightening thing!
There has been NO vote thus far on an expansion of a landfill at Eagle Valley only an authorization for the attorney to finalize an agreement. The township board ? if they will absorb these facts, that many of us have worked on over three months ? will see that they MUST step up and rescind the court judgment and get on with the business of protecting the citizens of Orion Township ? as they were elected to do.
Sue Turpen
Dear Editor,
The Original Lake Orion Farmers? Market thanks Girl Scout Troop 13136, and the Lake Orion High School Pottery Department and their teacher Candy Garbacz for joining us at Howarth Church to share their wares and gifts to support students and special needs projects.
We are honored to host their talents and also the leadership program from LOHS. We offer booth space for these programs as well as volunteers for service hours. The Original Lake Orion Farmers? Market with certified market managers help assist in learning marketing skills and farm and growing expertise of the small business world.
See you at the market! Kathy and Michael Wieland, Market Managers
Dear Editor,
I wonder if you are ever given any thought to the people you hurt by naming names in news of many years ago — this is still a small town and everyone in any way connected to the stories have to live through it all over again!
I can see no good coming from hurting people — they very likely have never forgotten the incident and it seems heartless to bring it up again.
I know some very nice folks who were very hurt by your ‘Looking Back? column and I think it is a real lack of class on your part — I would hope we could expect better from you.
A Regular Reader
Dear Editor,
We should have senators in the state of Michigan put on a 10-month probation period and if the voters don’t like them, we should fire them!
Why wait four years. Think of the time and money that the state could save and the voters wouldn’t have to listen to all their lies!
Jerome P. King
Dear Editor
A proposed new bridge over the Detroit River, known as the New International Trade Crossing, is supported by Gov. Snyder; former governors Granholm, Engler, Blanchard, and Milliken; Oakland County executive L. Brooks Patterson; GM, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, and Toyota; Michigan’s farmers; the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News; the Canadian government; the U.S. government; on and on.
So why are some (mostly Republican) state legislators holding out on approving this?
It seems so obvious, so transparent. I wonder if rival Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Maroun is spreading more than misinformation, to have such opposition to the new public/private bridge.
He stands to lose his monopoly, and lots of money is at stake. He hasn’t exactly been a good corporate citizen. Maroun has owned the historic Michigan Central Depot for years, and he’s allowed it to deteriorate to the point that it’s become a worldwide symbol of Detroit’s ruin.
If only he had used his wealth to create a symbol of Detroit’s rebirth. He’s the antithesis of corporate citizens like Dan Gilbert and Mike Illitch, who have bought Detroit properties and restored them. It makes me nervous to know that one private citizen’and not a very trustworthy one’controls a major, crucial border crossing between the United States and Canada.
Approving the new bridge’which will not involve any Michigan tax dollars’will help improve Michigan’s economy right now (construction jobs), and position Michigan for future growth once it is open for business, allowing for freer flowing trade.
Amy Marcaccio Keyzer,
Orion Township resident
Dear Editor,
Regarding the article ‘Councilman questions city budget increases? (July 13 edition) about city council votes on June 27, the vote on the 2011-2012 budget was 5-2, with Councilman Inabnit joining me in voting against the general fund and major and local roads budgets.
It is prudent to accumulate funds for future capital expenditures so that the city does not need to borrow or dip into its fund balance to pay for them when a one-time large capital expenditure is necessary.
Thus I support the general concept of having a capital improvement fund.
My objection to the fund as proposed was that there are currently no legal restraints on what the money can be used for.
I proposed an ordinance to govern this fund, but it has not been acted on.
I also proposed a separate budget for the fund, showing a tranfer of $25,000 from the general fund to the captial improvement fund and authorized expenditures of zero, so future expenses would need to be specifically approved by the city council. That suggestion was not acted on as well.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to thank all those who participated in the 18th Annual Golf Outing at Fountains Golf and Banquet Center on June 17, 2011. The following Sponsors, Prize Contributors, and Volunteers helped to make this fundraiser a huge success. On behalf of the Clarkston area families we serve, we thank you!
Tournament sponsor John Bowman Chevrolet Inc.; Golf Cart Sponsor Clarkston Community Woman’s Club; Golf Outing Committee members Sam McVean and Joe Wauldron, Co-Chairmen, Anita Demster, Steve Demster, Marian Emery; Volunteers Marian Emery, Anita Demster, Sam McVean, Joe Wauldron, Jay Bleim, Dona Morden, Pat Glowzinski, Joyce;
Exclusive hole sponsors, Chase Plastic Services, Inc., Al Deeby Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Oxford Bank; Shared hole sponsors, Munder Capital Management, L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, Weingartz, Everything from Lawn to Snow, Dr. Scott VanderVeen, DDS; Doners and prize contributors Belle Tire, Curt Carson, Great Turtle Toys, Meijer, Fountains Golf and Banquet Center, Carl’s Golf land, Steve and Anita Demster, Caribou Coffee, Ironton Rustic Furniture, Ruth McVean, Weingartz, Cherry Hill North, Over Tyme Grill, Camp Bow Wow, Clarkston Auto Wash, Clarkston Union, Blazing Bagels, Maxx’s Place, The Pet Parlor, Randolph’s Hair Salon, Detroit Tigers, Brioni Caf? and Deli, Dr. Bruce Mercado DDS, and Dr. Robert Opie DDS.
Kathryn McVean
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance
Dear Editor,
The issue of public safety has prompted me to comment (‘Safety meeting on intersection after walker hit,? July 13).
I walk my dogs all over the place. For the most part, I find being a pedestrian in our township in most locations relatively safe, sans my own street, and I avoid the places that prove dicey.
I have never had an issue at the location where the individual was hit by a car, but I have witnessed some rather disrespectful drivers now and again, and would never choose to cross the street there. So the ideas presented by the walkable community experts to slow traffic through town are something I fully support.
Above that however, traffic incidents don’t arise simply from the exact location where an individual is hit. They originate in the culmination of decisions over the years.
There isn’t much that can be done to mitigate the number of bad decisions that have resulted in the sometimes ridiculous traffic for a community this size that I experience here. But there is opportunity to examine pending impacts that have not yet been created.
Beaumont at I-75 and M-15 was one of the worst possible locations for traffic through town.
Also, making a left Starbucks from Dixie ? it’s ridiculous that it can’t be connected to the parking lot to Kroger. It is extremely dangerous.
It is only a matter of time before the foolishness of pending bad decisions translates further into tragedy.
There is a direct connection between uninformed decision making and wastefulness in tax spending. That’s a given for most. But similarly, uninformed, poorly informed or biased decision making is likewise connected directly to tragedy.
Tammie Heazlit
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your story (“Recall in wrong place,? and your editorial “Keep school information flow open,” June 23). It has shown us that the change in leadership in the Clarkston Community Schools has brought us more of the same.
It’s been a month since we called CCS and left our names and phone numbers regarding our concerns of a double standard we saw the school district applying to a recall-Gov. -Snyder campaign that was illegally going to be held on school property.
Those who brought the website posting and illegality of the recall event to Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock’s attention days before the event occurred, still have not received return phone calls from anyone at the school district.
Contrary to Dr. Rock’s assertion, it took three and a half days longer for the school district to finally apply the “same standard” they swiftly demanded of other recall groups. Obviously the subject of the recall had something to do with the school districts double standard.
According to your story, Dr. Rock said he “had no advance knowledge of” the recall at Pine Knob Elementary school, but he goes on to say that he “directed his team to put a disclaimer on the school district’s website.”
Yet we saw the website disclaimer posted well before the first day of the planned recall at Pine Knob Elementary.
Posting a disclaimer well before the event occurred and then claiming that you had “no knowledge of” the event, is impossible!
The school district was fully aware that school property was going to be used for a recall campaign, well before it was scheduled, yet the school district chose to ignore the public’s warning.
Our recent experience has shown us that it’s asking too much to hear from “one voice” at the superintendent’s office, let alone two.
Has the superintendent’s office found a Supreme Court ruling that says they don’t have to speak to taxpayers now, too?
“One voice” doesn’t return calls made to the superintendent’s office. Do board members really want to put themselves in the position that may lead to “one voice” that may not be returning their calls too?
We think school board members need to rethink their “one voice” policy and question Dr. Rock’s “one voice” that used our school district website for his political purposes.
Michael and Lori Powell
Joel and Mindy DeLong
Mike and Dawn Schaller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Michigan Senate has no integrity. SB331 is proof.
The entire senate voted 38-0 to cancel the party store liquor tax, a $14 million loss.
Here is what makes this so offensive. After the budget is balanced, cuts made, taxes hiked, sacrifices made, it is time to pay off your pals. The liquor lobby gets a $14 million tax cut that is a gift from the general fund.
The Republican and Democrats came together to pay their campaign debts.
Pure Michigan. The party store tax should be set at two percent and help our failed education system, just like the lottery, a theme of ‘buy for our kids? would suit the senate.
Money for dropout prevention, 30,000 per year, and district consolidations of Michigan’s 750 districts.
Programs at the state board of education would be a better need than party store patrons. Fix this now.
John Lauve
Holly
July 4 Parade
Dear Editor,
The 2011 Fourth of July Parade was a tremendous success! All those who volunteered to put this together should be congratulated!
We, at the Knights of Columbus, had a fantastic experience helping with the ‘staging? of the floats and other entries. Everything ran “smooth as silk” thanks to Chief Steve Ronk and his Independence Township Fire crew.
We had 20-plus people who manned stations at St. Daniel’s parking lot where entries registered and lined up. The huge crowds along the parade route were enthusiastically appreciative of all those who volunteered.
The Clarkston Knights are known for their fundraising efforts. This past spring, our ‘Tootsie Roll? drive raised over $18,000 for organizations that work with the mentally and physically challenged members of our community. Some of these are Clarkston Scamp, Angel’s Place, New Horizon, ARC of Oakland, Kingsley Montgomery School, St. Vincent DePaul, Lighthouse North, New Gateway and Coffee House.
Last year’s Car Show and Sock Hop helped provide $20,000 for an Ultra Sound machine for the Pregnancy Health Center in Waterford. We are strong advocates for the unborn and their right to life.
Our thanks go to the residences of Clarkston and all the people of our community for their support of our efforts, without which none of this would be possible.
We want to thank the Clarkston Kroger Stores, CVS Drug store and Rite Aid for their generous contribution of bottled water.
Clarkston Knights of Columbus
Vet celebration
Dear Editor,
We had our first Veterans Celebration this year in Clintonwood Park during the July 4 festivities. Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers and our ‘Friends? group sponsor, we were able to honor our veterans. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the following individuals and groups: Planning and Organizing Committee Members Bart Clark, John Cesarz, Gordy Cloutier, Phil Custodio and Kelly Hyer; American Legion Hall Post 377 for providing their Honor Guard and 21 Gun Salute; those who made home made baked goods for the Meet and Greet, Sandy Bailey, Renne Bridgewater, Dee Campbell, Ellen Campbell, Betty Cosser, Shirley Hockey, Larry Larson, Sally Long, Ruth Merick, Jean Perzack, Duane Proctor, Donna Schneider, Pat Stitt, Joan Townsend and Gerry Townsend; those who displayed their military items; Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club and the Holly Cloudhoppers for displaying their model war planes; sponsor Friends of the Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center for providing lunch coupons for all of the Veterans; township officials who volunteered, Mark Petterson and Curt Carson.
I would also want to extend special thanks to Bart Clark who co-hosted this event with me. He did a wonderful job honoring our veterans.
Without all of the support of everyone listed above we would not have been able to hold such a successful event. I am grateful to everyone for their support.
Barbara Rollin, senior coordinator
Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center
Dear Editor,
The fireworks on Saturday, July 9 were totally worth waiting for. We had a great time! Thanks (again) to the Lake Orion Fireworks Association for putting on the show.
Jody, fireworks watcher
Dear Editor,
Thumbs up and thanks to Kroger Company for opening a gas station in Lake Orion. Finally we are getting some relief from the outrageous prices charged by the greedy gas service stations.
Respectfully, Bruce Jacobson
Last Wednesday, over 65 enthusiastic parents, community members, and a few students attended the first meeting of what is now dubbed Project 21 — year-long learning. The purpose of the meeting was to solicit participation in developing a plan to provide learning opportunities for our students to meet the challenges of the 21st century that are not restricted by time and location.
Like most districts in Michigan, Lake Orion students attend school between 176-181 days a year; 176 days in grades K-5, 180 days in grades 6-10 & 12 and 181 days in grade 11, averaging 179 days each year. Subtracting this average along with 104 weekend days from the 365-day calendar year leaves 82 days (56 of which are in the summer) when students are not in school – almost half of the time they are in school!
Project 21 is NOT about creating a year-round school schedule of the same number of days students are in school spaced throughout the year. Traditional year-round schedules like that of Lake Orion’s Carpenter Elementary School merely reorganize and balance the school year across twelve months to provide more continuous learning by breaking up the long summer vacation into shorter, more frequent vacations throughout the year.
Rather, Project 21 is about creating year-long learning opportunities focusing on 21st century skill development anytime/anywhere; learning that is unrestricted by a September-June calendar within the four walls of a school building.
There are two significant reasons for expanding learning opportunities for students to be successful in this rapidly changing world:
1. 3 Rs – Increased academic requirements as a result of the implementation of the common core curriculum (knowledge/skills students should have so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college/careers.)
2. 7 Cs – Need to develop broader competencies of essential 21st century skills
? Critical thinking & problem solving
? Creativity
? Communication
? Collaboration & leadership
? Cross cultural understanding
? Career learning and self reliance
? Computing and Information Commication Technology literacy (ITC)
3 R’s x 7 C’s = Project 21 ? year-long learning
The task force is now charged with developing a year-long learning plan focusing on 21st century skill developed. Subcommittees will be created to identify opportunities for students at each level (elementary, middle, and high school) indicating when and where these could occur.
A fourth subcommittee will look at ways to support these initiatives through community resource partnerships and creative financing possibilities. This committee will also examine ways to enhance revenue for the district; one of which might be extending participation in Project 21 learning opportunities to other district students on a fee-based schedule.
An ambitious but not set-in-stone time-line will have subcommittees working over the next several months with a recommendation to the LO Board of Education by the end of December 2011. Depending on work completion, implementation of Project 21 could occur as early as the fall of 2012.
Anyone interested in serving on one of the four subcommittees (elementary school, middle school, high school, and resources/revenue enhancement) is asked to complete an online survey indicating his/her preference of subcommittees.
The link is located on the Lake Orion Community Schools Website at www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
Dear Editor,
I am commenting on Clarkston Schools? decision to raise the pay to play amount for grades 9-12 (to $325 per student for high schoolers).
Although they say it is a one time fee, it does not seem fair to the students that only participate in one sport.
When I was in high school it was not unheard of for a student to participate in three sports, one during each season. Now it seems that every sport can be played year round.
This ‘one time fee? does not cover summer sports camps that are recommended by the team coaches and it does not cover the admission fees to the games and meets.
I would like to know why Clarkston’s pay to play is so high, especially when other schools in Oakland County, i.e. Oxford, do not institute this practice, yet have state champion teams.
The kids have enough issues to deal with while attending school?.having the cool clothes, shoes, bags, peer pressure etc. They are bullied for all kinds of reasons and most suffer from self esteem issues.
Now with the economic climate, these issues are compounded and some now have to worry about if there parents are employed. I understand that the schools are hurting for money, but the parents/households are also.
This increased fee is ridiculous and will hurt the community as a whole.
There will be less kids participating in sports, because of their inability to pay the fee and as a result these kids will then look for ‘less positive? things to keep them busy after school.
A concerned parent
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Dan Travis who ran for Independence Township Supervisor during the last election is today healthy. But imagine for a moment that he had been elected instead of the current supervisor.
Based on the plans Dan had announced, Independence Township would have a professional township superintendent running the day to day operations.?
So if Dan had now missed a few days or a few weeks, or like supervisor Wagner, a few months, the citizens of Independence Township would still have a full service general manager.??
It seems the township is getting by without Supervisor Wagner.?’But is merely’getting by acceptable?’Of course it isn’t. Just getting by is not what the taxpayers deserve in a Supervisor.’We will never know what we have missed in not having the lead manager not leading and not managing.
It is time for The Clarkston News to acknowledge it was wrong in 2008 to endorse Supervisor Wagner’s re-election. It is time for The Clarkston News to admit it was wrong in 2008 to say having a professional manager was unconstitutional.??
(Ed note: the endorsement was based on opposition to the professional-manager slate of candidates. Wagner was subject to a recall effort, which was unsuccessful, which a superintendent wouldn’t be. In any case, his status doesn’t retroactively affect something’s constitutionality.)
In Wagner’s absence, the Township Board and staff have so far plugged the gaps. But it is time for Independence Township to do something more.?
We have problems and opportunities and our community deserves more’attention and more leadership.?
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
To the Clarkston Board of Education, please reconsider your recent actions to limit the freedom of speech from the members of the school board to the public.
This action simply serves to impede the flow of information from the members of this elected body to the very people who elected them to serve us. We depend on our news sources to report the actions, opinions and statements of all those who serve.
We have elected seven individuals who are sworn to provide their best efforts to lead the schools. We should expect and depend that these seven people will have different perspectives, thoughts and opinions on various matters.
We should expect these seven people will not always agree, and that they are strong enough to have intelligent and vigorous debates in a public forum and then arrive at a decision.
I don’t want this activity to happen behind closed doors and then to be sanitized into a single voice so that it appears there is one thought from the entire body.
To pull the curtain closed only serves to heighten concerns that matters are being decided in ways that you want to hide from the public.
To try and appoint a single voice will serve to create an atmosphere of collusion. I don’t toss around our Constitution to United States of America lightly, but there is a reason the very first amendment protects the freedom of speech and the press.
The action taken by the school board is clearly limiting the intent and spirit of this constitutional amendment.
As residents, parents, tax payers and members of the community we deserve unfiltered and unfettered access to all the information – the good, the bad and the ugly. What we don’t want is well rehearsed, PR sound bites created for disingenuous public consumption.
Tim Smith
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the North Oakland Chapter of the Wild Ones and the Clarkston Retailer’s Group we would like to extend a very grateful thank you to two groups that stepped forward when we were told through the State of Michigan Licensing Bureau that our request to receive a license to hold a kayak raffle could not be granted in time for our River Day event.?
First the Rotary Club of Clarkston through Joel DeLong wasted no time in getting the proper paperwork to us that allowed us to move forward on this license.?
And secondly Sharon Haven, from Rep. Eileen Kowall’s office, worked diligently making calls almost daily in monitoring the process and ultimately did get the license approved.?
To see this kind of support is a great reminder of what a wonderful community we live in.? We look forward to hosting River Day again next year.
Colleen Schmidt,
Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter
Peg Roth, Clarkston Retailer’s Group
Dear Editor,
I want to thank you for your generous donation of your local paper to the Current Events Classes of Clarkston High School. We receive 40 copies a week to supplement our curriculum.
The students enjoy reading about local events and news. For many students, this is their first exposure to the local paper and I hope a positive one.
In these tough economic times, the Current Events teachers and the district appreciate all you do for us.
Thanks again,
Current Events teachers of CHS, Justin Pintar, Lynn Englehart, Brooke T. Davis
Dear Editor,
I want to thank you for your generous donation of your local paper to the Current Events Classes of Clarkston High School. We receive 40 copies a week to supplement our curriculum.
The students enjoy reading about local events and news. For many students, this is their first exposure to the local paper and I hope a positive one.
In these tough economic times, the Current Events teachers and the district appreciate all you do for us.
Thanks again,
Current Events teachers of CHS, Justin Pintar, Lynn Englehart, Brooke T. Davis
Dear editor,
As a Lake Orion resident and mom, I was appalled when I read about the Orion Township board’s decision to allow the Eagle Valley landfill 53-acre expansion.
Yes, I was appalled, and now I am saddened, and disheartened, and worried. You see, I love my house, and I love living in Lake Orion. My family loves it here, too. We moved here five years ago and planned to stay.
However, with 25 more feet of landfill and 30 more years of landfill operation, I don’t want to stay here anymore. My house is over two miles north of the landfill, but I don’t want to live in a town with a mountain of garbage that will continue growing for 30 more years.
What about our well water, our lakes, our air quality, and of course, our property values?
We have suffered enough, said the prior township supervisor when I called him a couple of years ago with my concerns about the existing landfill and the expansion proposal. After talking with him, I felt hopeful that all would be done to close the landfill and deny the expansion.
I was wrong.
And now I am very sad, because I am living in a town where the elected officials have made a decision that is, in my opinion, devastating for Lake Orion, and all of its residents.
This is our home!! We don’t want a landfill expansion! The landfill is already big enough! What can we do now? Move out?
A worried Lake Orion mom
Dear Editor,
The ending line of Don Rush’s June, 22, 2011 column was, ‘So, what was the point of this column?? What a pity that Don should feel compelled to print, once again, his disjointed ramblings.
His thinly veiled analogy of frogs getting killed on the safety path to cyclists on the road is a leap (no pun intended) of logic. Frogs are not governed by the law and do not have a sense or reasoning or logic. Humans, well, the majority (Don, the verdict is out on you), are governed by law and do have a sense of right and wrong. Cyclists are not throwing themselves on the path and purposefully jumping in harms way. They know the law. They are exercising (pun intended) their right to use the road.
Your columns, written under the cloak of the ‘right to free speech,? only serve to undermine the legally protected rights of citizens to cycle on the roads. Shame on you! What other legally protected rights would you like to take on? The right to vote? The right to freedom?
Oh, and if you haven’t noticed, the number of spandex-clad, road-hogging, talking-while-cycling (cause they are fit, and can do so) cyclists has steadily increased. Perhaps if you peddled a bike and actually had a little blood flowing to your cranial region (not going to surmise that their is any mass occupying that space), you could finally answer your own question from years gone by . . . ‘So, what was the point of this column??
Veronica J.
Dear Editor,
What a delightful article by your almost paid intern (You’ll never know unless you try, June 22, 2011)! Although it seems easy to write nice things about Diana, her wonderful business and fabulous attitude, it simply isn’t done enough in local news. Kudos to this young lady for such a positive, well written piece promoting one of Lake Orion’s best businesses. I hope Sherman Publications can do better than ‘almost? when she finishes her degree.
Janet Hartman
Editor’s Note: Janet we are very fortunate to have Katelyn. We have just one correction for you, she is not our Almost Paid Intern, she is our Nearly Unpaid Intern! Thanks for noticing, we are sure her academic adviser will get a copy of this letter!
Dear Editor,
As a columnist for several newspapers and magazines and an occasional contributor to The Lake Orion Review, periodically I receive feedback from readers who either extol my writings or who castigate me.
I always respond in kind even to those who hurl personal attacks. This latter group at times lacks the appropriate gray matter to deal in facts and thus reverts to name calling. Not sure what camp a recent letter writer to the Lake Orion Review falls into but categorizing my columns as ‘revealing, unsettling, and provoking? gives me some hint.
Trying to respond to a diatribe such as the one Bill Thompson constructed is usually fruitless. It becomes a battle of wits and in those battles I always try to avoid confrontations with unarmed people. My only intent was to solidify the name of the new building on Joslyn as the ‘Orion Center.?
How ‘crawling under sinks in public bathrooms to turn on hot water? and how defeating a school bond issue somehow signals a ‘community not wanting a school system? defies logic and any connection with the thrust of my column which was to let people understand that the Orion Center is for everyone and not just seniors.
Having said that I welcome the opportunity to have coffee with Thompson in the Orion Center upon its opening so we can get beyond his momentary confusion on the intent of my column. For his benefit, I will check in advance under the sinks to make sure the hot water is turned on!
Bill Kalmar
Dear Editor,
Thank you North Sashabaw Elementary (NSE) Teachers and Staff.
My first child has completed a milestone, saying goodbye to elementary school and preparing for middle school. I can remember being a nervous Kindergarten parent, new to the school environment and concerned about the quality of education my child would receive.
Now, here we are six years later and I never imagined how each teacher at North Sashabaw would touch my child’s life forever. He entered as a very shy, reserved student and is emerging as a confident, thoughtful, intelligent, caring young man.
How do you thank his teachers for loving him? How do you thank them for caring about not only his educational development, but his development as a person, his ability to solve ‘life? problems and his understanding of the world and his position in it? Each teacher at NSE was a champion for my child. Each staff member encouraged him and provided him with positive feedback.
I have tears in my eyes as I compose this letter, because the tools that enabled the teachers to go beyond their ‘duties? of a teacher are being taken away. Media Center Specialist, Media Center Aid, Kindergarten Aids, First Grade Aids, Second Grade Aids, Support Staff’all the people who make up the ‘village? of public education are being taken away or reduced. Class sizes are increasing as teachers are being reduced.
You might say that this is happening everywhere due to our poor economy. People are losing their jobs and taking on more responsibilities. It is time for education to take on the same cuts?’suck it up.? I say that children CAN’T be compared to ‘widgets.? Children are our future. The quality of their education must matter! Teachers need the tools that enable them to go above and beyond their ‘duties? because our children need it! We are not producing robots ? teachers are producing individual thinkers with many different needs.
My child is an average student who was encouraged to succeed beyond his expectations in elementary school. He entered as a shy, reserved child; developed a quiet confidence, and is emerging as leader. Thank you to each teacher, aid, custodian, social worker, speech therapist, administrator, art teacher, music instructor, physical education instructor, cafeteria worker, office staffer, parent volunteer and student at NSE for creating a ‘village? of love and support for my child and all the children of NSE.
Mindy Silvey
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In response to Mr. Kenneth Rittenhouse’s recent letter (“A call to reinstate director,” June 8), I would like to set the record straight.
A positive thing this board has accomplished since in office? Just to name a few, they eliminated the unnecessary car allowance stipend and changed the qualifications for elected officials that receive lifetime healthcare.
They changed the town hall loan from water and sewer users to the general fund, all to the benefit of taxpayers.
Previous trustees never built “an amazing township building” and they certainly weren’t managing our assets for our benefit. They were lied to, and because of that, they overpaid for an existing building, borrowed money from the water and sewer fund, against the recommendations of the consultants who’s report they were never given.
And when all was said and done, the refurbishing of the town hall that Mr. Belcher was responsible for went over budget.
The town hall had been voted down numerous times. Voters said they didn’t want it. Mr. Belcher’s “hard and tenacious work” was for something voters have said that they don’t want.
The primary concern of this board is to manage our assets. In suspending Mr. Belcher, and demanding OUR tax dollars back, the trustees have done exactly what we pay them to do, manage OUR assets.
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
A recent letter is so misleading about an action of the Independence Township Board that a response is required (‘Insulted by township,? June 1).
This spring, the township board adjusted the medical insurance benefits of its non-union employees to increase co-pays and contributions to premiums. This adopted the recommendation of a committee, which included representatives of this employee group and was generally consistent with adjustments made by union employees.
The benefits remain generous, better than many, many township taxpayers personally enjoy. The same changes were applied to retired employees, including retired elected officials.
Certainly a complaint about minor adjustments falls on deaf ears when so many hard-working tax-paying citizens of this community have lost their jobs or their medical benefits or had such benefits reduced ? usually more significantly. That they should have to potentially forego township services they pay for to make certain that retired elected officials have medical insurance benefits for life is, in a word, wrong-headed.
Before making these minor adjustments, the township board determined that it had the legal right to alter these benefits, and clearly there is no contract. In fact, the benefits could be discontinued completely. The benefits the township continues to provide are very, very fair to these former elected officials.
The governor is proposing new restrictions on what benefits a municipality can provide, so this action by the board is again consistent with current thinking to address the problems of government over spending.
These retirement medical benefits were not a commitment made by this board by rather the action of a prior board that included three officials voting for it who stood to personally benefit if they served the township just eight years.
Next, no one is obligated to undertake service to the community. And there is no evidence that these very generous benefits have enticed talented people to township service. Folks do, and should, choose community service for many other, better reasons.
The township board has worked very hard to maintain the services it exists to provide. I am proud of the township employees who have understood and accepted these changes and continue to provide those services, doing more with less. If these adjustments to the medical benefits were presented to this board again, I would not change my vote because it is warranted and fair.
In the face of service cutbacks, lay-offs and effective decreases in benefits for the rest of us, the former supervisor demands we still pay for the benefit he created, that we pay to maintain exactly same benefit levels just for him, even though those benefits are obsolete.
If community service was truly his motivations for being supervisor, we should all have expected him to accept this graciously.
Neil E. Wallace
Independence Township trustee
Back in the late 19th century, Boston city officials had the authority to ban books, movies, or plays that were deemed objectionable, and they often banned books that contained foul or sexual language. If one reviews some of the trash that today is masquerading as music, it’s too bad we can’t revisit that ban!
How many times have we heard a song nominated for an award that is being performed on TV when words have to be ‘bleeped?! I suspect some of us recall the 2005 Oscar For Best
Song from the movie Hustle & Flow’that being, ‘It’s Hard Out
Here For A Pimp.?
That song was certainly a far departure from previous Oscar
winners such as: ‘Evergreen? from A Star Is Born; ‘My Heart Will Go On? from Titanic; ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight? from The Lion King; ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin?? from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; and, of course, the classic, ‘Moon River? from Breakfast At Tiffany’s.
Having now ridiculed the junk that has infiltrated the music industry, I have to confess that I, too, many years ago, succumbed to the temptation to listen to a questionable song when, in fact, it had been banned. Let me explain.
Back in the ?50s, the Everly Broth ers recorded a #1 hit entitled, ‘Wake Up Little Susie.? Here are just a couple of verses that incensed parents:
‘Wake up, little Susie. We’ve both been sound asleep, wake up and weep The movie’s over, it’s four o’clock and we’re in trouble deep
Whatta we gonna tell your mama
Whatta we gonna tell your pa Whatta we gonna tell our friends when they say ‘ooh-la-la?
The movie wasn’t so hot, it didn’t have much of a plot. We fell asleep, our goose is cooked, our reputation is shot Wake up, little Susie?.
Now, as Paul Harvey would say, ‘Here is the rest of the story.? Seems back then, I was attending school in Chicago, and, in fact, I was studying for the priesthood. When the Everly Brothers song was released, Chicago Cardinal Stritch banned the song for all Catholics, stating that no one should listen to the song on the radio nor buy the record. (Which for you youngsters reading this column was a 45-rpm record with a large hole in the middle.)
Somehow one of my classmates had a copy of the song smuggled into the monastery. We then took turns sneaking nto the furnace room where we had installed a record player and listened to ‘Wake Up, Little Susie.? All was well until someone had a twinge of conscious and squealed to those in charge of the monastery. The fallout was such that you would have thought we had brought in contraband cigarettes or a sixpack of beer, both of which were obviously frowned upon. Oh, how times have changed! I’m sure parents today would welcome their offspring listening to ‘Wake Up Little Susie? as opposed to having their minds warped by listening to ‘It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp?!
As you can appreciate, our seminary world was closely guarded. No newspapers, radio, or TV. In fact, the only TV we could watch was the G.E. College Bowl, which was on every Sunday night. And, no, it wasn’t a football game’two teams consisting of four members each from competing colleges answered challenging questions to score points. The team with the most points received a trophy at the end of the program. I recall that the sponsor was ?20 Mule Team Borax,? a laundry detergent, and Ronald Reagan was the spokesperson.
And in so far as movies while in the seminary, we watched Arsenic and Old Lace every year and any movie with Humphrey Bogart, such as The Maltese Falcon and, of course, The African Queen, because one of the characters was a nun! So smuggling in a copy of ‘Wake Up Little Susie? was a major coup! By the way, Phil Everly just turned 72 on January 19 and his brother Don is 74’that sure makes me feel older than I really
am!
But let’s face it. The best song titles come from country music. Here are just a few that are parent-suitable and, frankly,
tunes that will bring a smile to your face: ‘How Come Your Dog
Don’t Bite Nobody But Me??; ‘I Bought The Shoes That Just
Walked Out On Me?; ‘I Guess I Had Your Leaving Coming?; ‘If
The Phone Doesn’t Ring It’s Me?; and my favorite from the
movie Smoky and the Bandit 2?’Let’s Do Something Cheap
and Superficial.? Wonder how Cardinal Stritch would feel about
that one!
Well, time for a nap with the strains of Sinatra playing in the
background. That’s as superficial as I get these days!
Dear Editor,
I am responding to the Eagle Valley expansion debate. As a local refuse hauler, the residents must understand a few key points that I’m sure they do not think about when it comes to trash. Eagle Valley needs to continue to be open for as long as they have room. Why? Residents are always complaining about the cost of trash pick-up. By making us, the trash haulers, go farther to get rid of it cost more money (fuel, hourly wages, and the abuse on the trucks, not to mention more truck traffic on the roads).
Residents need to understand landfills are a part of life! Most people, when they set their trash out, don’t know where it ends up other than a landfill. Eagle Valley is the home to most companyies for their competitive rates and good dumping areas.
I feel Waste Management does a very good job keeping the odor under control and with the methane burner they are installing will make a larger difference and maybe one day power some homes if that is the intended use.
Sorry for ranting just a sore subject because I don’t want to raise prices — I want to offer a great service at a great price.
Aaron Walter
Dear Editor,
Thank you Don Rush for your fine article and understanding of what happened on April 18 when the Township Board gave away Orion Township and its dignity by expanding the landfill.
I feel sad it was left to you to inform the citizens. The past supervisor could have but chose not to. Again, thanks for stepping up to the task.
I still wonder if everyone in Orion Township understands the impact — I mean the ones that say, ‘doesn’t mean much to me, I live North of Clarkston Road.??
It does affect all.
There are two big aquifers that run under that big, soon to be lots heavier and bigger, pile of trash . The lakes are all threatened with contamination if a leak occurs.
Think of what happens to our beautiful lakes, lakes that have defined us, then. Never heard of anyone being able to clean up that kind of mess.
Supervisor VanTassel, you have the tools now. You know where the County erred, you know and have spoken that the Township acted hastily and with incorrect information.
Time is so important! You were quoted as feeling your biggest accomplishment was thwarting a prison here in 1984 — but did you, we are now prisoners of a landfill.
Living a vacation here seems hypocritical. Living a healthy life here now is questionable and getting out of here for over 1,000 families may be the biggest challenge of all!
Sue Turpen
Revealing, unsettling and provoking all at the same time
Dear Editor,
I always read with interest the letters you choose to publish from Bill Kalmar. He sometimes offers viewpoints that can astonish (a few years back he wrote about crawling under sinks in public bathrooms to turn on hot water), confront, and provoke without coming across as a total curmudgeon. His short letter two weeks ago on the new Orion Center was revealing, unsettling and provoking all at the same time.
The new Orion Center is indeed a multiple use facility for the benefit of the township. Thoughtful seniors knew from its inception that it really wasn’t a replacement for the old drafty church in the village currently being used for their activities even though the now resigned township supervisor presented the project as a ‘new senior center? every time he addressed the membership.
While Kalmar is upset that the new facility is referred to as the ‘senior center?, the real concern is that seniors will eventually get pushed out of the new facility by, as Kalmar noted, ?’families, children, tourists, and those planning wedding anniversary, graduation and other activities? that also have the right to use the facility. Kalmar referenced the defeat of the 2006 bond/millage election for a tri-community senior center and implied that it was a referendum against the existence of a senior center.
I would imply it was a rejection of a $9.85 million bond issue which he opposed in letters to this paper at the time. Using his reasoning, the recent defeat of the school bond issue should be interpreted as the community not wanting a school system.
I hope the new facility works out as a mixed use building and I hope to be part of a group that will try to ensure that it is a hospitable environment for township seniors. My fear is that without a sense of a space for themselves, seniors, especially those who are disadvantaged, will long for the good old days in that drafty old church and begin drifting back into obscurity.
Bill Thompson
Dear Editor,
Once again the trustees of Independence Township Board are destroying the trust of the people they are supposed to represent. My understanding of a trustee is to gain the trust of the constituents they represent.
I would like to know one positive thing this board has accomplished since in office. At least the previous board had enough courage to poke their heads out their shells and build an amazing township building that positively represents our community.
If anyone on this board has a spine, a motion should be made to dedicate this building to David Belcher. It was because of his hard and tenacious work, cost control, and dedication, that we are able to have such a facility.
To accuse him of lying is thoughtless, cowardly, and plain back stabbing for political gain. My hope for him is that his position is immediately reinstated, back wages reimbursed, and forgiven of the $3,000 that this board has wasted many times over debating about. Please tell us how you are handling the building director’s responsibilities during his absence and at what cost are we taxpayers incurring?
As reported, the attorney general and county prosecutor investigated this, with no wrong doing found. You have opened the door for one heck of a lawsuit and the potential of losing one of your most dedicated employees. I personally know David Belcher. He is one of the few men amongst you with a hard-work ethic and integrity.
I was taught to be concerned about the welfare of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, employees, and property. What is the primary concern of this board?
Kenneth P. Rittenhouse, Jr.
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Once again the trustees of Independence Township Board are destroying the trust of the people they are supposed to represent. My understanding of a trustee is to gain the trust of the constituents they represent.
I would like to know one positive thing this board has accomplished since in office. At least the previous board had enough courage to poke their heads out their shells and build an amazing township building that positively represents our community.
If anyone on this board has a spine, a motion should be made to dedicate this building to David Belcher. It was because of his hard and tenacious work, cost control, and dedication, that we are able to have such a facility.
To accuse him of lying is thoughtless, cowardly, and plain back stabbing for political gain. My hope for him is that his position is immediately reinstated, back wages reimbursed, and forgiven of the $3,000 that this board has wasted many times over debating about. Please tell us how you are handling the building director’s responsibilities during his absence and at what cost are we taxpayers incurring?
As reported, the attorney general and county prosecutor investigated this, with no wrong doing found. You have opened the door for one heck of a lawsuit and the potential of losing one of your most dedicated employees. I personally know David Belcher. He is one of the few men amongst you with a hard-work ethic and integrity.
I was taught to be concerned about the welfare of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, employees, and property. What is the primary concern of this board?
Kenneth P. Rittenhouse, Jr.
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The third annual Chuck Keegan Race for the Kids was May 7. This event was co-sponsored by the Clarkston Foundation and staff of Clarkston Junior High. Chuck taught for Clarkston Community Schools for over 30 years. He was also the track coach for much of that time. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of countless students, teachers, and parents. This was evident in the outpouring of support from the community. Over 100 people participated in the event, and over $4,000 was raised, an increase in both participation and contributions over last year. These funds will be used to establish scholarships for Clarkston students.
We would like to thank the following businesses for their support: A+ Teachers? Store, Accounting Temporary Services, Inc., Capre Grill, Clarkston Autobody, Core Financial Graphmark Services, The Learning Experience, Leo’s Coney Island, Planned Financial Services, Running? Gear, Salon Williams, Sky’s the Limit, Sports Creations, and Waterford Jewelers. Other sponsors include the Powers? family and Springfield Plains Elementary. Thanks also to Susan Powers for her efforts in obtaining our sponsors.
In addition, we are grateful to Clarkston Community Schools for their support of this worthwhile event.
Thanks also to Amy Ankrom, Jim Berman, Ray Cooper, Denise Hill, Claudia Keglovitz, April Kosin, Michele Przybylski, Debbie Sabo, Alex Sennabaum, and all the other former and current Clarkston Community Schools employees who donated their time and talent.
Lastly, we are blessed to have the support of the Keegan family. Their participation in this event provides us all with a wonderful opportunity to share our memories of a truly remarkable individual. Their generous donations to the Clarkston Foundation are much appreciated.
We can think of no better way to honor an outstanding Clarkston teacher who treasured his students, his school and his community. Chuck’s first priority was always his ‘kids.? We are honored to continue his legacy.
Mike Greve, chairman
Chuck Keegan Race for the Kids
Dear Editor,
What I want to know is how the Republican Legislators in the State, who all’promise that they will not raise taxes when’they ask’for our vote? just voted to raise the’State income tax level back up to 4.3?%, raise taxes on people with fixed incomes and cut funding to schools?? Than at the same time you’eliminate the business tax and lower the corporate income tax?
‘If?’eliminating the business tax and lowering the corporate income tax is such a good idea why would doing these two things not be enough to stimulate growth and create jobs so that would generate enough revenue to replace the money lost to the State by these two cuts?
‘I believe the protest outside of Jacobsen Florist was the best way to let you know that the people who elected you are not happy with you.? While you may be on unpaid leave from’Jacobsens’for now you will be returning sooner or later (maybe sooner then you hope).? I am sure whatever happens your business will flourish and you will expand and hire lots of people with your new found wealth right?? Maybe now that Jacobsen Florist has a new found wealth, instead of contributing the $93,000 to Lake Orion Schools the contribution this year’can be like $6,000,000 to make up for the cuts.? Oh and lets not forget Oxford Schools will need another $4,000,000.
‘You should not suffer all the heat.? A fair share belongs to our State Senator Marleau, who sponsored the bill in the Senate.
Gerald Podzikowski
Dear Editor,
It seems Mr. Sherman needs to get his facts straight re: the birther issue. To begin with, President Obama gave a copy of the very same birth certificate that EVERYONE has issued to them in Hawaii. A CNN reporter went to the office with someone who was born on the same day as President Obama, and he was issued the identical form that all of this hullabaloo has been about from the Republican birthers.
The CNN reporter also interviewed the doctor who was the head of the Health Department when President Obama was born, and she, who was and remains a staunch Republican, said it was perfectly legal, and the standard issued to everyone.
No white president would ever have been put through such nonsense as President Obama has been put through on this issue. It’s pure racism! The bottom line is that whenever a black person attains a position of power, white people tend to suspect that they got there under false pretenses.
Even Karl Rove now refers to the lemmings that are taking over the Republican Party as the ‘nutty right.? If this garbage doesn’t stop, the Republican party of old will no longer exist. Never thought I would agree with Mr. Rove on anything, but on this one I say Bravo!
And Mr. Trump got exactly the roasting he so deserved at the Correspondent’s Dinner. He couldn’t take the heat, and so he bailed. Thank God!
Therese Becker
Dear Mr. Rush,
I’ve been meaning to write you regarding the editorial you wrote in the Lake Orion Review recently. I am a business owner in Lake Orion. We are in our 22nd year. Your article was such a positive approach to the construction work being done here. Thank you so much for being a ‘voice? that is positive in a situation that could be not looked at in a positive way.
Diana Ostrand
Accent on Art
Dear Editor,
Why did the Orion Township Board accept applications for Township Supervisor and put the applicants through the charade of an interview? It was very evident, after the interview process was finished, that they were not considering any of the applicants except the two who were already on the board.
According to the state law the board had the right to appoint the position to which ever they chose. Why not just appoint JoAnn Van Tassel without putting the others through the hoopla? They did not have to take applications.
Before my husband, David, submitted his application, he called two of the board members to see if they would support him. Both told him they were supporting JoAnn. Their minds were made up before Matt Gibb resigned. This whole saga Thursday night was just to make it look like they were being fair. I felt very sorry for some of the applicants. You knew from their answers, they had put hours of preparation and thought into being ready to answer the questions.
The intent of this letter is not against JoAnn Van Tassel being chosen. It is against the whole board for putting the others through the interviews when they had no intention of choosing one of them.
We, the people, should contact their state representatives to change the law to allow the people in the township to have a vote.
Linda Hodges
Dear Editor,
Representatives of the Eagle Valley Landfill claim that they could have expanded that landfill without the permission from Orion Township Board. However, the 1991 Consent Judgment agreed upon by Orion Township, Oakland County and Waste Management when the landfill was expanded in 1991, was iron clad. The only way the landfill could be expanded was through the consent of the Orion Township Board.
House Bill No. 4760, which repealed the ability of a host community to object to an expansion of a landfill, required that 3 years of landfill capacity remain before the action could take place. Eagle Valley has at least 9 years (some speculate the real number is 16 years) left of landfill capacity. Even if the landfill could be expanded when 3 years of capacity remained, it could only be expanded for a period of 8 additional years ? not the 30 years of expansion the Eagle Valley now plans to add. That House Bill also defers to Host Community Agreements.
On April 18, on the advice of legal counsel and then Supervisor Matt Gibb, the Orion Township Board was encouraged to vote to amend the 1991 Consent Judgment, thus destroying the original power of the document, because Eagle Valley would sue if they did not. It is my belief that the Orion Township Board was given inaccurate information on which to base their vote. I, therefore, question whether their vote was valid.
The quality of life and the property values of Orion Township home owners will be severely impacted by the expansion of Eagle Valley . The careless, arrogant nature of the stealth vote that took place on April 18, 2011 by the Orion Township Board that expanded the Eagle Valley Landfill without a public hearing and without being posted as a landfill agenda item is the worse example of political gamesmanship I have ever witnessed. Those who arranged for this vote to happen should hang their heads in shame.
Mary Ann Ryan
Dear Editor,
It was with astonishment that I learned of the latest Township Board insult to its employees and the community (“Benefit cuts OK’d,” March 23).
When the Township Board set the policy that elected officials of the township would receive Blue Cross coverage for themselves and their families after eight years of service, it was based on full discussion, debate, and sound reasoning.
One rationale was that an elected official, all of whom are and were full time employees, had to give up other careers to undertake service to the community.
The benefit was to entice the kind of talented people necessary to handle the complex issues the township daily faces.
When the Township Board adopted this policy, it was with qualifications ? a contract. To continue to have Blue Cross coverage at no cost, the retiree was required to enroll in Medicare parts A and B as soon as it was available.
I completed my part of that contract. In fairness, if that matters to anyone on this current Board of Trustees, once that contract was complete, it was the duty of the township to honor it.
I understand some trustees have opined the board is within its legal rights to do anything it pleases to its retirees. If true, basic fairness dictates this board should not overturn benefits already in effect.
I understand the township may save $75,000 per year by costing its retirees $150,000 plus per year. If you want to save money, I suggest you stop paying the four trustees a combined total of over $20,000 for a part time position. Eliminate your human resources director and let the township supervisor handle those functions, as all supervisors have done in the past. These two actions would save the township at least $125,000.
I implore this board to honor the commitment it made to its retirees and maintain the benefit promised.
Dale and Deborah Stuart
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Another fine mess, Mr. Wagner (“Township threatens court action to recover bonus,” May 11).
When are you going to step up and come to the people and tell us the truth about your actions over the last years? Do you not think, since we elected you and pay your salary, that you owe us an explanation regarding this incident and the many other incidents where you seem to think you not only have the right to side step the Township Board but the citizenry, as well.
Not showing up to board meeting is cowardly and unprofessional. I do hope you are ready to retire. You and your cronnies have made a mockery of the good citizens of this township.
Mr. Mark Petterson, why are you never ready to truly discuss any issue without great anger and drama. Just because you were a marine and your step-father is well known to the township does not show us that you are well prepared on budgets, rules and regs. You seem to think you are being picked on because you don’t understand whats going on.
I would suggest you spend some honest time learning what you need to know and laying off the politics for a while. It has not served you well, being so close to our supervisor. It portends of the same underhandedness being displayed by him.
Elections are next year. Let us make a few changes here.
Sharon Little
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Recently my family has lost an outstanding man, my father. He was a terrific man that would truly take the shirt off his back for you as it’s said.
However, my reason for writing is to express our gratitude to the folks at the Coats Funeral Home. Throughout the years Bob Wilk and his staff at Sherman Wilks Funeral Home have always been great, but with the recent change I was unsure.
From the first phone call to the follow up afterwards Roy, Cara, and the rest of the family at Coats were very warm, understanding, thoughtful, and caring. Most of all caring. It’s never easy to lose a loved one, but the the sincerity and empathy recieved from the Coats staff helped make the burden that much easier.
Thank you so very much,
The Family of Bob Love
Dear Editor,
Thank you so very much to the Oakland County 4-H Youth Leadership Institute for providing spring clean up on Saturday, May 21 to several seniors in our community.
It was very much appreciated by all the seniors you helped. Thanks again for your willingness to serve.
Theresa Gordon, Senior Services
Independence Township senior center
Dear Editor,
Recently, I read the article regarding the death of bicyclist and artist, Eric Shanley (‘Local man killed in bike accident,? May 11, 2011). I have? strong feelings resulting from my review of this article.
The article stated, a ‘fully marked? police car struck Mr. Shanley, resulting in his death.? Does this fact mean that Mr. Shanley should have seen the police vehicle simply because it was ‘fully marked?? ? Would an ‘unmarked? vehicle make it more devastating?? Last I checked, pedestrians always have the right-of-way, regardless of the type or make of vehicle, and regardless of WHO is inside the vehicle.
The article also stated, ‘It is still not known if alcohol was a factor in the incident?.? What a remark to add to the devastation of the friends and family affected by Mr. Shanley’s death.? Even if alcohol had been a factor, and Mr. Shanley was not aware of his surroundings, fact remains: 1.? He was a pedestrian, and 2.? It is our duty as motor vehicle drivers to be on the look out for any pedestrians while we drive, especially through the downtown area.? This could just have easily been a child, and then the excuse ‘maybe they were drinking? would be less applicable.? I am appalled as this statement gave me the impression that perhaps it was the victim’s fault.? What the article failed to mention was whether or not SPEED of the motor vehicle was a factor.
Fact of the matter is, it was late at night, dark and most pedestrians do not wear reflective clothing due to how costly this type of clothing is.? I do not know the exact details of the vehicular collision, but I do know that many police officers are the worst offenders when it comes to speeding, thinking they are above the law.? In fact, I have seen more police officers pass me at astounding rates, and get away with it.? Does the badge mean speed limit: endless?? I have been pulled over for less than what the officer passing me was doing.? In cases of emergency, sure.? But without lights and sirens putting innocent citizens at risk? I think not.? High speed chases often result in the lives of many innocent victims.?
I also am a medical professional and take care of hit and run victims frequently.? For Mr. Shanley to have died from impact on site, he must have been hit at a high rate of speed.? If you are going too fast near a downtown area’to stop for a pedestrian after you see him, something is wrong.
Actions cannot be reversed.? A good man died on impact from a motor vehicle, driven by a police officer.? Just as the police officer will have to cope with this terrible loss, so will the family of Mr.’Shanley.? Demeaning his memory by trying to place blame with the victim is immoral and unethical. My heart goes out to all involved.’Regardless, if ‘alcohol was a factor? this death could have been prevented, unless Mr. Shanley decided to play chicken and run directly in front of a moving vehicle. To state, ‘perhaps alcohol was a factor? downplays all of our roles? as citizens and as motor vehicle operators, the role to place pedestrian safety over our time frames and urgent tasks.
Thank you for listening to my views, and I hope that Mr. Shanley’s family and friends get the peace they need and deserve, as do all parties involved.
Amy Kuechen
Dear Editor,
Last week’s Letter to the Editor from disgruntled architect Ron K. took exception to the design of what he called the ‘senior? center.
Not sure what triggered his ire but what triggered mine was the reference to it being a ‘senior? center.? For the record it is the Orion Center! Several years ago someone floated the idea of constructing a Senior Center to be used by the communities of Addison, Oxford, and Orion. The results of the vote were unanimous’with well over 50 percent of’residents’saying NO!
? The building that is taking shape now on Joslyn Road is being funded with money from the local land fill and is for the entire Orion’community – not just seniors!? Identifying a building as a senior center has its obvious’downfalls.? Each time an event is announced and the words ‘senior center? are on the invitation, people will conclude that it is only for seniors.? In fact other structures in our state that have been designated senior centers have learned the hard way that such a distinction means low attendance.? So let’s start practicing the name of the new building – it is the Orion Center.? Of course us seniors are welcome but so are families, children, tourists and those planning wedding, anniversary, graduation and other activities!? Referring to it as a senior center will surely restrict any hope of attracting the number of events needed to maintain a sound cash flow.? Now as you might have heard on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood – ‘Can you say ‘Orion Center!?
Bill Kalmar,
A Lake Orion Senior
Dear Editor,
And residents of Lake Orion, Oxford, Addison Township, and Leonard; Pam (Lake Orion Post Office); Vicki (Oxford Post Office); Oakwood Community Church and all the great volunteer drivers and sorters: Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you to everyone who came out and helped with the United States Postal Service food drive. This year’s drive brought in 12,500 pounds of food between the Lake Orion and Oxford post offices. This drive takes a lot of time and volunteers to make it all happen and you were all amazing. You just jumped in wherever needed and I want to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate all of you. Without wonderful volunteers, we would not be able to help as many neighbors as we do!
Oxford/Orion FISH helps over 180 families in our communities, by distributing nearly 14,000 pounds of food monthly. If you did not get a chance to send in your donations here is a list of places you can drop them off:
Our Food Pantry, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oxford Village Offices, Addison Township Offices, Grondin’s Hair Center (Lake Orion)
Sandy Klersy
Pantry Coordinator , Oxford/Orion FISH
Dear Editor,
On behalf of Premier Self Storage, I sincerely thank all of you that attended, helped sponsor (Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, M & G Graphics, and The Salvation Army), and volunteered (Rochester Community Schools- Students Giving Back, and Toys for Totes) for the Green Meet on Thursday May 19. Thanks to you, Green Meet was a huge success! It would not have been possible without your support.
We have truly come together as a community. Green Meet was the start of being environmentally conscious. By you bringing your unwanted electronics to be recycled, you had a part in making our environment a cleaner and better place to live; Thank you. By deciding to bring all your old documents, bills, and paperwork to be shredded, you have taken successful steps in protecting your identification from being stolen.
We graciously thank all the businesses, organizations, churches, and community members that donated school supplies for Jefferson Whittier Elementary School in Pontiac. The Winner of the collection contest is Par-Tech in Orion, donating over 100 supplies for the students and staff at Jefferson Whittier.
We at Premier Self Storage are proud and happy to have provided you with free recycling services and hope that we as a community can continue to support each other and our schools. We look forward to teaming up with the public for another community recycling event in the future and look forward to your continued sponsorships.
Thank you,
Mary Sayegh, Manager
Dear Editor,
I think Clarkston Superintendent Rod Rock is a very smart man with a rather large blind spot (“Superintendent’s call to action: part II,” May 18).
Long term, the danger to our children is not the governor’s budget. The true lurking danger is a school system that has truly forgotten why it exists in the first place. A system run by people who refuse to be measured and evaluated in any meaningful way trying to preserve entitlement and lack of accountability. We don’t need cutsie rhetoric and turns of phrase and intellectual flourishes and references. We need the truth. More money will not reform our school system. The Dr. Rocks of the world had plenty of money during better budgetary times and built a system not at all relevant and economically resilient.
What’s needed is a restructuring process, much like the American Bankruptcy code, to reshape the balance sheets of our school system and schools. The governor has nothing against our children. He knows the course we are on won’t make us or our children more competitive. I agree.
Here’s the essence of the Rockian Blindspot: he says the most important resources in our schools are the teachers. He’s so wrong. It’s our children.
You want raises, rich benefits and development? Then embrace and tie it all to measurement, performance and results.
One of my son’s teachers actually pronounced on the first day of the trimester that if students didn’t learn to type 50 words per minute they’d never get a decent job in the future. I will not even go into what is so absolutely wrong with a teacher expressing that perspective to a group of 14 year olds living on this planet at this point in the 21st Century.
Honestly, Dr. Rock, what would Horace Mann think about our schools? We have moved beyond universal education. You’re fighting a new age war with an old battle cry, and you want us to follow you? Not on my watch.
Michael Palese
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In celebration of Armed Forces Day, May 21, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the men and woman who have made, and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the rights and freedoms we enjoy in this great country.
Sincerely
The Family and Employees
of William H. Wint
Dear Editor,
I was infuriated after reading the perspective by Tom Gantert, May 18 (“Clarkston teachers well paid”). He made inaccurate statements, used figures and statistics from his imagination, and basically attacked Clarkston teachers with a Rick Snyderian vindictiveness. As a Clarkston teacher and Independence Township resident I was appalled at the malarkey that came from him.
Then I read the bottom italicized print, and it all made sense. It appears he has no direct ties to Clarkston or its schools. But rather, he works with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a well-funded organization of teacher-hating anti-union frat brothers of Rick Snyder, the Koch brothers.
These gentlemen possess an agenda similar to Mr. Snyder’s in that they look out for and take action to insure and improve the lifestyle of the elite rich, while demonstrating almost no evidence of caring about the welfare of the general public as a whole.
Mr. Gantert and the consultant he references, Michael VanBeek, are simply well-paid employees and mouthpieces of this organization. They’re just doing what they are paid to do; spread anti-public education and teacher rhetoric around the state under the guise of a fancy named organization funded almost completely by rich beneficiaries of the recent tax cuts signed by Governor Snyder.
Another reason to consider the source before believing something you read.
Paul Sabbag
wClarkston
Dear Editor,
Clarkston area drivers need to be reminded about traffic rules, specifically those relating to yielding to pedestrians and cyclists when they have the walk signal.
I was riding my bike and ‘crossing? Main at Waldon heading west, May 12. When I received the “walk” signal, I proceeded to cross and a lady almost hit me.
Similarly when I crossed Main at Clarkston Road going back home, I was in the intersection with the “walk”‘signal when’a lady on her phone noticed me when she was a foot from my bike.
Drivers need to be reminded that pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way in these situations.
‘Drivers in this area have absolutely no respect whatsoever for pedestrians and cyclists. The behavior is not only illegal and dangerous but downright rude. Very often these drivers have their kids in the car so they are also passing? this behavior on to their children.?
Ken Klostermeyer
Independence Township
Walk and Roll
Dear Editor,
Our Walk and Roll for SCAMP was a huge success! It takes a village to make this event happen and the village came out and produced a wonderful happening. From set-up to tear down, every aspect went off without a hitch. The rain even held off until the last table was down!
Thank you for your support. The SCAMP program is an immense undertaking in time, talent, and money. It could not happen without the help of our sponsors who give so generously.
If you can join us for one of our other fund raisers, Home Tour, June 4-5; Concours in the Park, July 29; Golf outing, Sept. 9; and Designer Showcase House, Sept. 23-Oct. 2, we would love to see you.
Theresa Fabrizio, co-chair
Theresa Rigato, co-chair
Stamp Out Hunger
Dear Editor,
Our local letter carriers once again hit the road, May 14, and collected food for Lighthouse Clarkston to help feed local low-income households in their Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
Despite the cold rainy weather, food was left by mailboxes for the carriers to collect.
Lighthouse sends a sincere ‘thank you? to the Independence Township Post Office employees for supporting this food drive, to the local residents who kindly donated the much needed food and to the more than 25 volunteers who took four-and-a-half hours of their Saturday to come to our building to sort and box the food.
Connie Stapleton, manager
Clarkston Lighthouse
Dear Editor,
This is written in response to your request for feedback on school funding.
Your article (‘Cuts too deep, schools say,? May 11) attributes a statement to Gov. Snyder that Michigan ranks 21st in expenditures per pupil yet only 39th and 34th in fourth grade math and reading proficiency. This implies an expected correlation between funding and proficiency, presumably, ‘the more you spend the better the proficiency.? If such a correlation exists, then I am left to assume that Gov. Snyder is cutting school funding so that our students become less proficient.
I would love to give our CHS AP Statistics students a chance to work with the referenced data set. As a class project, they could analyze and disaggregate the data to see if there is correlation and statistical significance; see if patterns are repeated at other grade level performance events; look at Clarkston Community Schools compared to state and national cost ? performance models. In doing so, they would demonstrate that CCS produces minds ready to take on the challenges of the world, not just empty sound bites.
Tom Creech
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
May 21 at 10 a.m. kicks off the opening ceremonies of the biggest party in the Clarkston community. It’s the annual Relay for Life of Clarkston and this community knows how to throw a party!
For 24 hours we will celebrate survivors, remember those lost to cancer and fight back against this disease. We invite the community to join us at this free family friendly event, which takes place at Clarkston Junior High School track. Show your support for Relay by displaying a purple ribbon on your residential or business property the weekend of May 21-22.
For more information about Relay for Life of Clarkston, call 248-884-6709 or visit relayforlife.org/clarkstonmi.
Betty Anderson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thanks to all who participated in the cleanup of the Clarkston Mill Pond this past weekend. A special thanks to the Village of the City of Clarkston DPW for picking up our collected debris.
Frank H, Schoebel
Mill Pond Riparian representative
Dear Editor,
It is quite obvious that Mr. Dave Wagner should resign. To threaten an employee with a baseball bat is out of line and uncalled for. It’s apparent that he isn’t mentally stable enough to be our township supervisor.
Mr. Wagner, man up and step down. It’s the right thing to do ? you are no longer respected.
William Hampton
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Springfield Township Library would like to thank the Clarkston Area Lions Club for their generous donation to the library. The funds will be used to purchase large print books and books on CD.
We would also like to thank the members of the Lions Club for all the work they do within our community to improve the lives of sight-impaired citizens.
Cathy Forst, library director
Springfield Township Library
Dear Editor,
On Monday, May 9, Clarkston School Board discussed the possibility of implementing a school of choice program at Clarkston High School.? Apparently, Dr. Rod Rock, superintendent, believes the school of choice program is what Clarkston Community Schools needs and he wants the school board to approve it.??
I know many people moved to this area because of the schools.’They wanted to be able to feel safe about sending their kids to their local public schools instead of having to send them to private schools.? I fear that if Dr. Rock gets his way in starting the decline of the school system with the schools of choice, that it will be the beginning of the end of the Clarkston Schools as we know them and it will prompt many parents to decide to put their kids in private schools, which would be a terrible shame and a financial hardship on the parents.
Dr. Rock has not moved his family into the district and his kids don’t go to school here.’He may call OUR kids, ‘his kids?, but in reality, ‘his kids? are 50 miles away from here in another school district.? ?
Dawn Schaller
Independence Township
What can we say? Downtown Lake Orion is under construction and local businesses are under pressure. We have received letters to the editor, notes, and comments letting us know what is happening.
Believe us, we know!
Our office at 30 N. Broadway Street hasn’t changed since 1905 ? we have an old building. We have felt the booms, the foundation-shaking rattles like every other business in the district. It is tough going and we empathize with our neighbors. Foot traffic for retail business has been dramatically reduced while the streets have been tore up.
Here is what we have to say about the ‘situation.?
To the businesses downtown:
There is no good time to do what is being done. A project of this size ($2 million) is gonna? hurt until it is completed and since it’s started, there is little good in complaining about it. And, while folks have legitimate complaints, nobody likes whiners.
To the governmental bodies in charge downtown:
If there are legitimate issues caused by this project, the powers in charge need to make danged-sure they listen to and go above and beyond in correcting problems. We are get the impression this isn’t the case. While protocols are being followed, government types need to use the old business motto of ‘under promising and over delivering.?
Make those business district owners feel like you care about them. They are taking a huge financial risk just operating a business in this town and they are now taking a huge financial hit during this reconstruction phase. Don’t only listen to their concerns, help them.
To the people of this community:
Don’t give up on us. While you cannot park as close as you normally could ? don’t stay away from the downtown business district. There is parking! These businesses need your support. They are the ones who donate to school activities, community events and local charities. Now, more than ever these local business owners need the community to shop local.
We implore the community not to wait until the ribbon cutting ceremonies to revisit us.
When completed sometime in July, the Streetscape project is going to make you proud. Until then, realize the pain local businesses are enduring. Make the effort, show your support and get downtown! ? dpr
Dear Edtior,
Recently we had the misfortune to attend the downtown Lake Orion Flower Show. In past years this event had been one of the hallmarks of the area. Vendor booths with myriad items lined the streets and throngs of residents mingled throughout the day enjoying the sights and sounds and stores along the route. Not so anymore!
The entire town is surrounded by blockades and if you somehow amble into the main street you run the risk of tripping over cement walkways, gravel and construction equipment. Mice have any easier time going through a lab experiment!
Businesses in the downtown area were almost void of customers. The many vendor booths that dotted the area in the past were a distant past. And I give credit to those vendors who were there hoping that past memories of successful weekends would somehow reappear ? but alas it was not to be!
Articles in the local newspaper describe businesses with structural damage due to the constant pounding of the construction equipment. And the pounding and confusion is enough to discourage customers from even entering the area.
What ever happened to a sound-planning program when it comes to upgrading and reinventing a downtown area? Calling this a disaster zone barley broaches the condition one encounters when coming into the downtown area. I’m reminded of all the hoops Village management demanded the owners of the Sagebrush Cantina had to encounter during their rebuilding several years ago. Where are the same demands for this ill-timed, ill-conceived project?
Perhaps when construction is completed we will all marvel at the beauty of the downtown area but right now it is a deterrent to business, a deterrent to customers, and a deterrent to anyone hoping to take in the sights and sounds of what was once a bustling, vibrant area! Whoever planned and approved this debacle should be compelled to hang a sign around their neck proclaiming: ‘Sorry for my lack of planning prowess?, and wander the streets of town!
Bill Kalmar
Lake Orion MI
Dear Community,
Enough about budget reductions, declining revenues, increased expenses and school elections! I would like to set these aside for now and provide a glimpse of our future plans.
If you have had the opportunity to attend or view the Lake Orion School Board meetings on the cable channel, you know that we have many great things going on in the district and in our classrooms that positively impact our students. As a district, we continue to win state and even national accolades for our educational programs. Individual staff members and students win countless awards for excellence.
However, please know that we will not rest on our laurels. Now that I’ve been superintendent for almost six months, I’d like to share my vision of where we are headed.
And, let me say that we are not heading overseas; we’re keeping our best practices and innovative ideas right here for Lake Orion children.
Simply stated, my vision of Lake Orion schools is a 21st century educational environment where all students, regardless of their abilities and talents, have multiple opportunities to be successful at whatever career they choose to pursue in their future.
As some of you may have heard me say in the past, we need to rethink our educational settings and structures to create an ideal environment to meet the needs of all of our students. To do this, we first need to get our ‘house? in order, starting at the top.
Recent Cabinet level resignations have opened up opportunities to streamline the way we ‘do business.? We will be conducting a high level assessment of Central Office to redesign the leadership responsibilities of the district, specifically looking at ways to be more efficient and cost effective. An outside firm will be conducting this so there is an unbiased assessment of our future needs. And, while there is a slight cost for this, savings are anticipated.
Simultaneously, we will be examining creative approaches to provide programs for our students. We will begin this process by:
? Studying alternative instructional delivery methods to include more ‘anytime/anywhere? virtual opportunities for students.
? Revisiting the modified block schedule at the high school to determine whether this structure is providing optimal educational opportunities for all students.
? Recognizing the fact that we have long ago moved from an agrarian society where our children need to be working in the fields during the summer months, we will be investigating the possibility of creating the first year-round school district in Michigan.
I will be convening a task force comprised of parents, staff, community members, and students to conduct a study of the advantages and disadvantages of a year-round structure with a final recommendation to the Board.
In closing, I look forward to the support of our internal and external stakeholders as we move forward to realize the vision of a 21st century Lake Orion Community School District.
Dear Editor,
Landfill Expansion Underway – On May 4, Orion Township was forced by residents to have a Special Meeting to explain why the Board passed a 53-acre expansion of the Eagle Valley Landfill on April 18.. At this Special Meeting, the township attorney explained to a packed crowd why the township felt compelled to abandon its residents Health, Safety and Welfare. He pointed out from 1994 through 2000 the sweeping and damaging changes that have taken place at the state and county levels in favor of landfills.
The township felt these changes preempted local municipalities from involvement in landfill decisions. The most disturbing part of this was listening to the attorney describe how Orion had done nothing to challenge, protest, or even show up to the meetings where these sweeping changes were passed. The unfortunate result was the forfeiture of the 1991 Consent Agreement. With that damaging information our supervisor recommended they take the blood money Waste Management offered in a take it -or leave it – deal. The attorney rationalized the board’s decision, saying even if the township sued and won, they still would have lost the income generated by the landfill.
I am shocked by how many opportunities our township missed to defend the 1991 agreement, but mostly to defend the residents. Over the last 17 years and five different township boards, not one elected offical was paying attention. The 1991 consent agreement was to prevent further expansions of the Eagle Valley Landfill. That’s what residents relied on, that’s what we were told to count on.. Well, we were all duped by either ignorance or deceit by the vary people we elected to remain vigil over these types of changes.
The residents who surround the landfill have relied on elected officials to protect the 1991 agreement — our Health, Safety, and Welfare.
The township failed us in many ways, but secured income required to run the new amphitheater and senior center. The township can hire more employees and have ample funds for salaries all during this economic downturn. The one thing we can count on is the Eagle Valley Landfill will be around for decades and how easily Waste Management bought our township for a few million dollars.
I, for one, am disgusted.
Joseph Geraci.
Orion Township
Dear Editor,
Does anyone really think that changing the method of billing for sewer usage is about being more fair or equitable? Is it really about raising more money for DPW, since DPW depleted its Water & Sewer fund by loaning money to the township supervisor to pay over twice market value for the Township Hall?
It will be interesting to see if sewer revenue to DPW rises in the first full year of “punching the numbers in.” Now Ms. Linda Richardson has two routes to raise fees, “all we have to do is increase our flow rate (charge)” or “we’ll have to increase the ready-to-serve (charge).” I am not surprised with Ms. Richardson’s pandering to seniors by suggesting that they are unfairly paying for the sewer usage of 10,000 square foot homes with 10 children.
Since the proposed sewer charge comes from on water flowing through the meter into the home, is it more equitable to pay a sewer fee on summer water used for sprinkling your yard? How much will it cost to install a second meter to measure irrigation usage? DPW refused to do this when I built my home in 2003.
Please note that while Ms. Richardson suggests that raises in the Flow Rate or Ready-to-Serve charges are linked to fee increases from the Clinton-Oakland systems, she also points out that the change will not take place until the fees come in AND she reviews her 2012 DPW budget. This makes me think that if the DPW budget is a little tight it will be “just a matter of punching the numbers in”.
This brilliant idea of raising money for DPW by charging a sewer fee for water not using the sewers makes me sorry that Ms. Richardson retracted her letter of resignation earlier this year.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Once again Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner has brought a black eye to our community with his mob like tactics. Now he’s caught in a “vendetta” of his own making.
When “Godfather” Wagner was caught stealing taxpayer assets, tractor and aerator, his immediate response was to threaten the employee with a baseball bat for having the nerve to expose a possible theft.
So now we’re paying the supervisor to threaten employees for reporting a possible theft of public property? Unbelievable!
Conduct such as this towards any township employee, by any township employee should be met with zero tolerance. This type of behavior is unbecoming of any employee, and is especially concerning when it is coming from a supposed “leader.” What a horrible example he’s setting for employees and the community!
I urge the Independence Township Board to move forward with a more thorough investigation of his misconduct. Letting this drop as a matter of “convenience” to the board is unacceptable and is a disservice to taxpayers and township employees.
These actions should not go unpunished. Now that we know he has threatened a employee, we feel an apology and the return of the stolen items just doesn’t cut it.
The public has a terrible representative in Independence Township in Supervisor Dave Wagner. He is a continual embarrassment to the community and should resign immediately. We don’t trust him with our employees or our assets!
Our thanks go out to the employee for coming forward. Their honesty and integrity is exactly the type of behavior we expect from OUR employees. They should be commended!
Michael and Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you to the community and especially to Lake Orion Review writers Gabriel Ouzounian and Olivia Shumaker for the incredible support of the high school production of Seussical, the musical.
I can not remember when we’ve ever had such great press coverage and such public support by attending and emailing as we had with this musical. it was a huge gamble on our part to produce what is seemingly such a kids? musical but which has such adult themes.
I was initially concerned about attendance but you have once proved what a supportive and wonderful community Lake Orion really is. As to Gabe and Olivia, kudoes! Your ability to report and photograph is well beyond your young years. Thank you both!
Leann Lowe
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the column in the Lake Orion Review about ‘P is for passport, patience with state parks.?
It prompted me to go to check the sticker I’d put on my license plate in March to verify that I had indeed paid for the parks. The ‘P? was there but very tiny and at the top of the sticker which would prompt anyone looking for the evidence to lean way over in order to see it.
Also, on my auto registration is a short phrase that says ?10.00 rec pass fee? — no ?$?. I’m glad I paid it with my license.
Margaret Kanost
The year 2011 represents the 50th Anniversary of the renaming of several village streets.
At a meeting of the Village council on December 11, 1961, Ordinance No. 133 was passed changing the name of Orion Street to Hauxwell Drive, Central Street to Newton Drive, Hemingway Street to Slater Street, Park Island Road to Algene Drive, Bellevue Street to Barron Street, and Sylvan Road to Sheron Street.
Of particular interest to me is the renaming of Park Island Road to Algene Drive. This change was made in honor of my grandparents, Allan and Lenahgene McNeil, owners of Algene Kennel for many years. My grandmother, also known as Gene, operated a Schipperke kennel from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. At the time of her retirement from raising Schipperke’s, following the death of my grandfather, she lived next door to my family on Park Island Road. My father, Dr. Richard McNeil, was a member of the Village Council. It was his suggestion to name the street Algene Drive as a tribute to my grandmother’s lifetime accomplishments and in honor of her retirement.
Prior to the name change, there were two ‘Park Island Roads,? one off M-24 leading to Park Island and the other off Heights Road. The roads had initially been connected by a foot bridge off Park Island. It was confusing to have two village streets with the same name, thus necessitating the change.
Also interesting is the fact that Orion Street was renamed Hauxwell Drive when Councilman Hauxwell was on the Village Council.
I thought perhaps the residents of these streets would be interested in some local history trivia.
Dear Editor,
Honestly, are we going to continue voting in these people who can’t see the forest for the trees (“Township hires part-time administrator,” April 20)?
When the board voted “no” on this issue, Mr. Dave Wagner found a way, as he always seems to get what he wanted. It seems he doesn’t want to do his own work so he manipulates the system, using a new employee, to get himself a part time secretary.
Granted he will have to share but you can bet your bottom dollar it won’t be much.
He “takes,” “borrows,” township equipment and won’t return it, and then says he’s being harassed.
I am so sick of watching tax dollars being wasted on elected officials who think we are still living in the good ole’ days. He misses several township meetings a year. He acts incredulous at the meetings half the time when someone disagrees with him. Why did we reelect this man? Do you really think he has integrity? Transparency?
Let’s really hope I am wrong. These allegations are just disgusting to realize we voters have been scammed by voting for one of our own. Transparency, again.
Whew, I can’t wait for elections to help get rid of a couple of these people. At least the entire board voted to get this last one resolved. I applaud Mr. Petterson and Mr. Carson, this time, for getting it right.
Sincerely yours,
Sharon Little
Independence Township
Guido’s Pizza
Dear Editor,
I needed to pass along the excitement we at Guido’s Pizza feel about the return of the Big Deal coupon magazine. This is our second time in the book since its return to Clarkston/Waterford, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the sales increase when the book hits the homes. The quality of the book is second to none, and the service at Sherman Publications is beyond what I could ask for.
Thanks to Chris Zitny and the staff at Sherman Publications.
Del Yeoman
Guido’s Pizza
Uncle Peter’s Pasties
Dear Editor,
We are very pleased with the response from the coupon book from Sherman Publications. This has proven to be one of the best responses we received, above any of the others. Keep up the good work.
Nancy Caruso
Uncle Peter’s
The Learning Exp.
Dear Editor,
Throughout the last few months our business has increased dramatically. I truly believe it has been because of our advertising in The Clarkston News and Penny Stretcher.
When our articles and ads began maybe six or eight weeks ago things were pretty slow.
Business has increased so much that our staff has all been talking about it. Usually the fall is very busy with registrations but we have all said how it is really unusual to be so busy in the spring.
The only thing we have done different is our advertising in the Sherman Publications!
Advertising in the local papers does work!
We are greatly appreciative of our local news and feel it is a wonderful marketing tool for our business!!
Sincerely,
Pam and Al Rush, owners
The Learning Experience
May 3, 2011 is an important date in our community’s history — or should we say, it could be an important date? Only the Fates know.
May 3 is the date 14 members of this community will ask you — their neighbors, family and friends — to vote them onto the Lake Orion Community School’s Board of Education.
So, why are we implying May 3 is going to be historically significant? First, consider the amount of involvement by the community in something that for the recent past has been left unattended by the public. When was the last time so many people came to a school board meeting as they have for the last two? Two hundred at one meeting alone!
Consider also, of an entire board of seven individuals, five seats are up for grabs. The implications here are huge. For many years this newspaper has heard of the ‘foul plays? by past boards when they hand pick appointments to fill vacancies or held elections when few residents would care to vote.
We will take our lumps if we are wrong, but we bet May 3’s election numbers will be up from the single-digit norms.
And, regardless of the reasons, get this — for the four, 4-year terms there are 12 people running! For a partial term (ending June 30, 2013) there are two people running. Fourteen people are putting their money where their mouths are and sacrificing their free time for the betterment of this community. That is outstanding!
Lastly, this could be an important date in Lake Orion history, because this may very well be the last school election on its own school schedule –the next board will most likely join the rest of Oakland County districts and let voters make school decisions at the same time they vote during general elections.
Add it all up, and we are all witnessing a rebirth of community involvement and that, in a word, is historic.
* * *
Our hats off to all candidates. Thank you all for running and being a part of the process! For those who do not make the final cut, thank you again and we hope you stay involved.
* * *
Civility . . . let us remember those running for the board of education are all our neighbors. Even if they do not represent YOUR personal ideas or positions, we expect YOUR personal behavior to be civil. This should not be a ‘you are either with me or against me? referendum. Remember we can agree to disagree without name calling.
— dpr
Dear Editor,
Recently there have been reports of politicians scoffing the suggestion that government should pattern its financial planning more in keeping with that of the private sector. Perhaps their skepticism is warranted.
A family, priding itself for operating as a democracy, sat down to prepare their annual budget.
They immediately observed that although their current year’s income was only $100,000, they had budgeted $125,000 expenditures with a deficit of $25,000. Vowing to resolve the issue, they proceeded working on next year’s budget.
When they reconvened, it was discovered that although they anticipated the same $100,000 income, they had proposed a budget increased to $200,000 in expenditures, an additional $100,000 deficit.
Recognizing this was totally unacceptable, they set about to ‘get things back under control.?
Their next budget proposal was reduced to $150,000.
At first glance, the new deficit increase was still twice the $25,000 from the current year.
However, upon further review, they concluded that they had cut twice the current deficit (i.e. $50,000) from their original $200,000 proposal.
So they all patted themselves on the back, shook hands, and went on vacation.
Enough said!
William Meredith
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I wanted to share my appreciation for publishing Maria Mark’s works in The Clarkston News.
Much of my work depends on working with people and and making connections with others, and Maria’s articles speak volumes to me.
I believe you have a talented woman on your hands, she certainly has a gift with words and a gift to connect with others.
I appreciate her vulnerableness and boldness at the same time. I believe her writings really make us think and encourage us to be better citizens, to ourselves and to our neighbors.
It’s refreshing to have a paper that is willing to publish works of substance that touch the soul. I appreciate The Clarkston News and your writers, thank you!
Stacy “Roz” Rozwadowski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am a 17 year resident of Lake Orion and a 1978 graduate. My three children Bobby (2008), Molly (2010), and Julie (Junior) all have attended Lake Orion Community Schools, Pinetree, Paint Creek, Waldon, Scripps and Lake Orion High School respectively. As a family we have supported many decisions the previous School Board has made. Many of these decisions have been controversial and difficult but I always thought the Board’s decisions were made because it was best for our children’s education.These decisions included building of new schools, redistricting and restructuring of my children’s education.
My point for this letter is to say Wednesday’s decision to not approve a contract which was negotiated in good faith was unprofessional, irresponsible, and detrimental to the future of my child’s education.
The role of the School Board was to appoint a representative to negotiate ‘your? side and to fairly develop a contract which both sides can come to agreement. This process fosters a cohesive working environment resulting in quality education for my child. The slap in the face by four members: Mrs. Webber-Phillips, Mrs. Wolverton, Mrs. Weaver and Mr. Drakos gave to the teachers of Lake Orion demonstrated the Board did not understand the collective bargaining process.
I have always thought our School Board was a supportive Board who valued their teachers. I bragged and boasted in other communities about the rapport the School Board and teachers demonstrated. Children always came first. Your vote to veto the agreed upon contract was selfish and showed absolutely no thought to the long term damage that will be felt in this district.
I guarantee I have always voted in every election. I have demonstrated to my children the importance and power of an election. My adult children all registered to vote on their 18th birthday and have requested absentee ballots for May 3 election. The behavior of this Board will be discussed prior to their decision.
I will not support any member of this current board who voted against a contract which was bargained in good faith by the Lake Orion teachers. Shame on all four members who misused their elected/appointed role.
I would like to thank Mrs. Burchart, Mr. Weidman and Mr. Gritzinger for supporting their administrator(s) appointed the difficult task of developing a contract which the Lake Orion teacher association ratified.
Meg Jacobs
Dear Editor,
Lake Orion willelect new members to its school board in May. Traditionally, those people running for a position on the board are concerned parents with school age children where the dedication is temporary, or teachers with ulterior motives, in both categories motives tend to be highly subjective from a very personal point of view.?
What is needed on the board are people with more objective approaches to decision making. People whose motives are untethered to a part time concern or a way to manipulate an outcome for personal gain, that is why Mark Bracken is an excellent candidate for a position on the Lake Orion School Board.? Mark is a concerned citizen in the LO school district and dedicated to the betterment of the overall educational process and administrative needs of the district.? As a retiree from Chrysler Corporation with college degrees in Finance from the University of Michigan,? Mark brings a solid, analytical approach to budgets and spending, as well as a professional business attitude in problem solving.?
Mr. Bracken comes with firsthand experience in the educational system. Not only do his credentials include providing his two children with educations resulting in one being a lawyer and the other with a career in the pharmaceutical industry, but Mark is also teaches Finance courses at Oakland Community College.?
‘Joseph G, Klimaski
Dear Editor.
Now you see it, now you don’t! I put up 40 campaign signs for School Board last week and came home from a business trip this weekend to find over half of them were down, completely missing! So having run for office before I went to the dumpster behind Orion Township Hall to find 14 of them, and no other candidate’fs signs! GO FIGURE?
This May 3rd all of us residents in the Orion School District can make a difference! We must make a difference as our kids future depends on it! Let me give you a personal experience example, my son Daniel went to Wayne State University for 5 years had a very good GPA and a very good PCAT score and applied for Pharmacy school there. He was rejected twice even though Wayne State is one of the highest recipients of Michigan resident’fs taxpayer dollars to help Michigan kids in the cost of education! I found out that over 50 percent of the accepted pharmacy students were foreign exchange and out-of ‘state students and that over 50 percent of them leave the state upon graduation! Could this be an example of double-dipping for tax dollars? My nephew in South Carolina graduated from the University of South Carolina with a doctor of Pharmacy degree, and started right out of college at Wal-Mart at $60/hr.! I tell you this because many of our kids are not making the $60/hr. and instead of being the Pharmacist, they are the greeters at Wal-Mart making minimum wage, living at home for free with mom, and dad! So when you wonder why you can’ft sell your house it is because too many of our kids can’ft afford them making minimal wages!
We can, and must change this but sticking with the status quo won’ft! Taking education dollars out of the classroom, and putting them into Administration expenses such as February, and May unnecessary elections is not optimizing our education dollars! $66 million a year, the Orion School District budget is more than enough to fund an excellent education if the school board manages these funds properly!
If you are happy with the current status quo then keep the same people that are currently on the Orion School Board, If not give Daniel Myslakowski one of your four May 3rd votes! I will work to provide our kids with a better education, while optimizing our 66 million Orion Education tax dollars!
PS there is justice, and happy endings in life as my son Daniel was accepted to Belmont University Pharmacy Doctorate program in Nashville TN! This Lake Orion young man just successfully completed his 2nd year, and was elected Pharmacy class Vice President, and Vice President of the Pharmacy Fraternity! Perhaps someday this story can be your son or daughter, and together perhaps we can make it so!
‘Success can be replicated!
Daniel Myslakowski
Lake Orion Community Schools is a great school district that is also facing great challenges. The upcoming May 3rd school board election will determine the direction the district will take for the next four years. I believe that Birgit McQuiston and Melissa Miller are the candidates who will best guide the district through the challenges and successes of the future.
As a former Rochester School Board member during a time of fiscal uncertainty when Proposal A was enacted, I am familiar with the difficult financial decisions which the Lake Orion School Board will be facing. It is vital that all options be thoughtfully considered and only those which will cut costs while maintaining educational excellence be adopted.
Birgit McQuiston and Melissa Miller will bring a wide range of experience from both the business and school communities to the Lake Orion School Board. They have proven their knowledge of the issues which face Lake Orion Schools at both the local and state levels. They are the best candidates to guide Lake Orion through these uncertain times.
Gary D. Absher
In the upcoming school board election, I am voting for Janet Wolverton and Kelly Weaver and they deserve your vote too.?
Janet has served our district selflessly for the past nine years. She has gone above and beyond, not just meeting the minimum requirements of an elected board member, but working and volunteering countless hours, mostly behind the scenes. Her contributions to our district have helped us become one of the best in the state.
Kelly has also been a fixture in our community. She has served as a substitute teacher, president of the LO Education Foundation, LO Optimist Club, and now on the school board. These two care most about the quality of education for our students and are willing to make the difficult decisions that will undoubtedly face this new board.
Take a minute to speak with either of these two candidates and you will agree, we would be hard pressed to find two more qualified, caring candidates to represent our community.
Chris Barnett
Dear Editor,
I am writing to ask your readers support Terry Lang for Board of Education Trustee on May 3rd.? I am the father of two Lake Orion High School students and have worked at three different employers with Terry during the past 15 years.? I have seen his leadership style and believe his business expertise leading successful companies and his dedication to this district, and its students, make him the right candidate for the challenges facing the upcoming Board.
Terry has a natural instinct that allows him to quickly break down complex business issues, provide well thought out solutions and gain everyone’s buy-in to the right solution.? He is a caring, dedicated leader who can be equally direct and pointed when necessary.? You can find him on the Internet at www.VoteForLang.com.
Carl J. Leone
Dear Editor,
I’d like to thank ONTV and the nine school board candidates who introduced themselves using YouTube this week.? Those introductions, as well as the interviews in March 16 edition of The Review gave the voters a good start in making important decisions for the May 3 election.? John Michalik’s suggestion to look at corporate sources for funding, and Connie Meech’s suggestion for renting, rather than buying,? quickly outdated technology were two of the types of specific ideas I was hoping to hear.?
I was disappointed, however, that none of the candidates touched on the subject on discontinuing the May elections.? All the candidates stated that they would be ‘fiscally responsible?, but this is a real ‘rubber meets the road? issue.?
I would appreciate it if The Review would do a quick ‘phone in? or e-mail survey of the candidates on this issue and publish it before the election if at all possible.? Thanks for your help!
Carol Roughton
Editor’s Note: Candidates, call us at 248-693-8331 to answer Carol’s question. Thanks.
Dear Editor,
I am a supporter of Janet Wolverton, and Kelley Weaver for the upcoming school board election. I was one of the co-chairs for the most recent bond proposal, and while, I 100% believed in passing the bond to get our district to the level I believe our kids deserve, and most of the community wants to see, I also heard the cry to get there using a different path. Janet and Kelly see the need for changing school funding at the source.
While working on our current budget issues, I believe they have the knowledge and drive to work to change the very process of how we receive funding. I believe the best way to move our district to the new best we can be is a combination of new ideas, and fresh faces with the conservative knowledge that I believe Janet and Kelly have to offer.
After attending the last school board meeting I feel more strongly than ever, that our district has hard times ahead. I know that voting down the proposed teachers contract was a horrible choice to be faced with, but the board members have listened to the community, and realize that careful reevaluation of every aspect of our district’s budget will be required to take on the upcoming funding challenges.
I know, from personal conversations with Janet and Kelly, that every staff member in our district is a valued member of this district. I also know that the #1 concern for both of these ladies is our children.
I will vote for Janet Wolverton, and Kelly Weaver for school board. They have the heart to protect and promote the needs of our kids.
Kim Keller
Dear Editor,
My husband and I wholeheartedly endorse Connie Meech for the Lake Orion School Board.? We have known her for over 10 years and she not only has a very good character, but the intelligence, experience and prudence to make sure our school district is top-notch.? She has four children of her own, three attend the Lake Orion public schools.? She has volunteered many hours at their school and understands the importance of the job she is seeking.?? Connie wants to make sure our children get a solid foundation in the basics reading, writing, math, science and history- and has a plan for technology that will give our students an educational advantage.?? Additionally, she has articulated several creative ideas for saving our district money.
She will not be a business as usual board member.
Carl & Sandy Walker
Dear Editor,
These are difficult times and our community is in need of strong leadership on our board.? We believe that Connie Meech is an outstanding example of the kind of leadership Lake Orion Schools should have. We believe Connie will serve our community and our students well with her integrity, her commitment to fiscal accountability as well as her commitment to ensuring that the maximum amount of tax dollars go to benefit the students in the classroom.? We are proud to cast our vote for Connie Meech!
‘Norm and Kathy Witte
Dear Editor,
We are so thankful for the education our children received at Lake Orion Community Schools.? We want this to continue for all the children that attend Lake Orion.? That is why on May 3 we will vote for Terrie Campbell.?
‘When Terrie worked for LO District as a bus driver, she’was our children’s bus driver.? To be a bus driver you have to be a ‘special? person, compassionate, caring and putting the students safety and concerns first.? Terrie has all these qualities.? ?
In her job in labor relations she’works with school’budgets, contracts, negotiations and understands the mechanics of a school district, including funding and State and Federal mandates. She will bring to LO all of this knowledge and be an asset not only? as a Board Member but for’the students at Lake Orion Schools.? Terrie’s loyalty is to Lake Orion Community Schools, she understands and is up for the challenge that is facing all schools in Michigan.?
‘Terrie wants only the best education possible for Lake Orion students and will serve the community as a School Board member to keep the education standards at their highest.
‘As a community we need to keep informed and be informed to cast our vote on May 3.? We urge you to educate yourselves on all candidates and ask the questions that need to be asked.? We know Terrie will ask those questions and the students will be the beneficiaries of her knowledge, caring and compassion. Please vote on May 3, it does matter to the students and community of Lake Orion.
‘Paul & Kathy Sandstrom
Dear Editor,
I am a 1990 graduate of Lake Orion High School and the owner of Edcor Data Services in Troy.? As an alumnus of this school district and Terry Lang’s employer, I enthusiastically support his candidacy for Board of Education Trustee and encourage you to give him your vote on May 3.
‘Terry’s professional qualities as an experienced business operations leader and creative process analyst make him an ideal addition to the School Board.? I am certain his experience will make him effective in helping to lead the school district through these difficult financial times by building consensus, identifying creative revenue and expense solutions and providing candid, strategic input.? You can see his full resume at www.VoteForLang.com ?
‘Adrienne L. Way
Dear Editor,
I realize my opinion is biased, but I enthusiastically support my husband, Terry Lang, for Board of Education Trustee on May 3.
All of the qualities about Terry that drive me nuts, make him the best candidate! He has a passion about holding himself and those around him accountable for their words and actions. His approach to difficult situations is to confront them directly and candidly and he is not afraid to tell it like it is.
He is exceptionally analytical and has a knack for breaking down challenges and finding creative, cost-effective solutions. Most importantly, as a graduate of LOHS, he is extremely proud of this school district and is greatly concerned that if we don’t significant change how we run the business of the district, our continued success is in jeopardy.
It’s time we put a successful businessman on the School Board who understands the evolving learning environment and wants to move the district toward technological innovation, exploiting revenue enhancement opportunities and stopping program and headcount reductions.
I ask that you give my husband, Terry Lang, your vote on May 3 and put someone in office who will challenge the status quo.
Mary Lang
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to recent news articles characterizing the City of the Village of Clarkston Historical Commission.
I do not reside in the city. However I am a resident of Clarkston who enjoys the quality of life that our historic downtown area brings to the community.
I find it hard to believe that anyone purchasing a home in the downtown area of Clarkston would not be aware that they live in a designated historic district.
Clarkston has a rich history that is worth preserving. I take pride in the history of downtown Clarkston and I applaud the Historical Commission for taking steps, albeit futile, to preserve the integrity of Clarkston’s historic district.
We cannot bring back the past, but we can honor it with awareness and stewardship.
The early settlers of Clarkston had a deep appreciation for the town and helped make our excellent community what it is today.
The historic roots of the City of the Village of Clarkston were the victims in this situation, not the residents who chose to ignore the fact that they purchased a home in a regulated historic district.
Sincerely,
Dana Litherland
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Shame on Mr. Bob Klemmer for using the word “segregate” in a child’s education. You have no idea what pressures are put on children in today’s world. I would love for you to sit in my son’s class for one day and see what the children are expected to learn. The material they are learning is what I learned several grades later and in some instances in high school. So, yes, Mr. Klemmer, education is faster paced than when you or I went to school. These children will not only go to the moon, they will build on Mars!
I have a child that you would “segregate.” He has Dyslexia. He has an above average I.Q. and lowered ability. He is amazing and smart even though he does not fit your profile of a student that should be placed in the “normal” class where everyone could learn more and cost less. I am thankful that he has teachers and staff that believe in him! He has been placed in a higher ability class and he is thriving due to the fact he is learning from everyone around him?
Mr. Klemmer, Before you cast judgement, sit in a classroom and see for yourself the differences. For many years my son thought he was stupid and finally he knows that he is smart! If he had been “segregated”, he would not be where he is today!
I volunteer in my son’s classroom every Tuesday at 9:30. Come and join me? You might be surprised at all of the differences! I sit in awe every week wondering how any of the students are able to handle the work and subject matters!
Cherie Burns
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Shocking and appalling that the City of the Village of Clarkston, with all its supposed affluence and taxes cannot support herself without the largesses of the Federal Government.
Did anyone know that the tentacles reached this far, even into the village treasury? This means the cold war is over and the Communists won!
Who will put the ‘I’ back in Independence?
Sincerely,
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
A community with a newspaper is a more informed community.
Likewise, a newspaper with a community is a more informed newspaper. with that in mind, The Lake Orion Review, in an effort to reach out and connect more with the community, is accepting ideas for Guest Columnists. It is our plan to start a rotation of columns from the community.
We believe members of the community have their own insights to many of the issues we are facing today. Wouldn’t it be nice to read about school issues, say from not only administrators, but also from teachers, parents and students?
The idea is to broaden and encourage the free exchange ? in a civil way ? of ideas. Community dialogue is vital to community growth and cohesion.
But, our Guest Columnist slots are not only for the deep subjects of long-lasting ramifications like government taxation. No! Folks like reading about gardening, pet care, health, local history; we reckon the list could go on and on. What we don’t want is self-promotion and marketing.
What are the requirements? Well, you gotta? live in the community. You gotta? subscribe to The Review (and we have our ways of researching whether or not you subscribe). We need your mug shot (your smiling face) in color, your address and daytime phone number. We also need three examples of your writing (not something like a book report, but actual Guest Columns you would like us to consider running). Guest columns should not exceed 400 words.
We don’t want gripes, swipes or any other attempt at tearing down something or some one. We want to know how things can be fixed, how to build and how to succeed. Granted, that is a little harder than letting loose a complaint, but thems are our rules and we will stick to ’em. Please e-mail us your ideas and mug shots to LakeOrionReview@sbcglobal.net
? dpr
Dear Editor,
During these difficult economic and uncertain times, we need a school board in the Lake Orion Community Schools that will make informed and responsible decisions.? They will have to make’many tough decisions regarding all contracts, budget issues, expenses, repairs, purchases, curriculum, personnel’and so much more.?
The? unfortunate reality is, we need to accomplish more with less.? In order to do this and do it right, we need to elect the best possible candidates’to the LOCS board of education.? I feel that Birgit McQuiston and Melissa Miller are the best possible candidates.? Birgit and Melissa have prepared for this role for the past several years.? They have attended meetings, researching, getting educated on school district finance/budget issues, asking tough’questions, making suggestions to administration and the board, as well as listening to what the community has been saying.
I am voting for McQuiston and Miller on May 3rd.? I hope the’citizens of the Lake Orion school district will do the same.
Don Luby
Dear Editor,
We all know the Lake Orion Community Schools face very serious challenges in the years ahead, dominated by financial concerns.?
Whoever is elected to the School Board next month will be charged with working together and with the community to chart a course marked by tough decisions, intelligent spending and the goal of positioning our school district to weather the storm and position itself for continuing to provide all of our children with a quality, competitive education today and in the future.?
‘Given the urgency of the situation, it is more important than ever to assure the Board has the right people in place to lead the team in’making thoughtful, strategic decisions about how to optimize budgets and make the right choices in regard to spending ? with a commitment to transparency and keeping tax payers informed and engaged in the process.? I think candidate Mark Brackon, with his many decades of hands-on, real financial experience at Chrysler managing multi-billion dollar budgets in tough economic times and developing creative solutions to solving problems in a team environment ? including extensive work negotiating and collaborating with organized labor ? is an ideal candidate for the Board.? Combine this with his background as a 27-year adjunct business professor at CMU and it is clear that he brings a fresh, objective perspective to the challenges at hand.
‘I encourage voters to elect Brackon to the Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education on May 3.? ????????
‘Joe St. Henry
Dear Editor,
In the 18 years I have lived in Lake Orion, I have never seen a school board election that has been so well represented by candidates.
I believe it shows this community is ready for a change. We are tired of the same old school board that seems not to listen to the community when it speaks. That is one of the reasons I am supporting Birgit McQuiston and Melissa Miller for Lake Orion School Board.
They have spent countless hours getting to know how our district works, not only as active parents, but concerned citizens. They have attended numerous board meetings, workshops, and open meetings held during the day when no one but the members of that particular school board committee are in attendance.
They have requested information via the Freedom of Information Act to better understand the behind the scenes workings of our district. They have had meetings with Central Office administration regarding budget, school policy, and the general workings of our school district.
I believe this in depth knowledge will give them an advantage and allow them to hit the ground running as new school board member. I encourage everyone to do your homework and get to know the candidates. Attend ‘Meet and Greets,? attend the ‘League of Women Voters? forum, talk directly to the candidates and most of all get out and vote on May 3. I am confident that if you do, you will see that Birgit McQuiston and Melissa Miller are the candidates that will do the most for our district and will bring with them the knowledge, integrity and dedication it takes to represent our students and community.
Sincerely,
Lisa Hutchison
Dear Editor,
NOW is the time to put the past behind us and start with a clean slate. Decisions in the past need to remain there and whether someone voted for or against the bond doesn’t matter. What does matter is the future of our children. We, as a community, need to set aside our differences and personal preferences and deal with the issues at hand.
We have a new superintendent to help us move forward. She is genuinely committed to finding the best possible solution for everyone in this time of economic downturn. Now, we need to be committed to being involved in what the future holds for our children. One way in doing so is to learn who the candidates are that are running for the Board positions in May.
I have had the pleasure of meeting both Melissa Miller and Birgit McQuiston at a ‘Meet and Greet? and in a personal meeting. Over the last ten years, I have witnessed their involvement in the community, both at the school level and at the Board of Education meetings and committees. I have heard them address the board of education on several occasions regarding many different topics. Each time they have presented themselves professionally, presenting research on the topic at hand and have offered legitimate alternative solutions. However, what impressed me the most was the personal meeting that I had with them.
They wanted to meet with me to find out about the Special Education area of education from a parents? point of view. They asked very detailed questions and questioned why certain things were done. They are the first two candidates that have ever shown an interest in needs and concerns of Special Education.
Tracy Gora
Dear Editor,
I have analyzed what type of leadership is best for the District and its students. ‘I ‘ve read and heard all of the political rhetoric. ‘Some people focus on the bond as the sole issue they will use to determine how they will cast their vote. ‘Other people will only vote for a candidate based upon the candidate’s political affiliation (even though this is a non-partisan election).
I will vote for Kelly Weaver for Trustee. ‘Why? ‘I don’t want to look at only the activities of a candidate in the three months leading up to the election. ‘Instead , if you want to know what a candidate truly stands for, look at their track record over a period of years. ‘Kelly Weaver has been 100% dedicated to the students of Lake Orion Schools for years. ‘She has been an educator in our district and the President of the Lake Orion Education Foundation (LOEF). ‘LOEF’s sole purpose is to raise funds for the benefit of the students attending Lake Orion Community Schools. ‘It is also important to me our School Board have children in our district currently or in recent years. ‘Decisions our Board makes need to be focused on what is best for our children, not what is best for a union or a political agenda.
Kelly is also the Founding President of the Lake Orion Area Optimist Club another organization that is devoted to the students of our schools. ‘Finally she currently serves as a Trustee on the Board of Education. ‘I have not seen that type of dedication from any other candidate.
Drew
Dear Editor
Times are tough today.? Many of us don’t have the resources we had years ago. This is true of our schools, as well. ‘It is easy to blame the present state of school finances on the school board, and think incumbents shouldn’t be re-elected.? This is not only unfair, it’s untrue.?
Many who are quick to place blame have no idea about how schools are funded.? Rather than educate themselves on the reality of school funding, it is easier and less time consuming to place blame on the school board and administration.
‘I have known Janet Wolverton for more than 10 years.? She is the kind of board member who doesn’t just fulfill her board obligations.? Over the past 9 years Janet has made being a school board trustee a full time job.? In addition to the more than 200 board education credits she has achieved, she is constantly in the buildings talking with staff, parents, and most importantly to her, the kids.? If she is available, she attends everything she is invited to by every school.? She has proven her dedication to LOCS by word and deed.? That dedication should be rewarded by her re-election to the board.
‘Kelly Weaver was appointed to the board last summer.? I had never met Kelly before she became a board member, although I knew of her because of her involvement in the community.? I believe she has shown the same dedication to Lake Orion Community Schools that I see in Janet.? Kelly was the best person for the job last June, and I believe she still is now.? She deserves a chance to serve for a full term.
‘It is always great to have fresh viewpoints on the board.? It is a certainty that there will be at least 2 new people elected.? I cannot stress enough how important it is to retain the two incumbents. We are faced with some very tough decisions in Lake Orion , and our board needs people who are educated about all the things these new people have yet to learn.? We need to retain experience along with the new ideas.? We all agree that education is extremely important for our children.? Shouldn’t education and experience be just as important for the people making decisions for our children?
‘Kyle Dykman
Dear Editor,
I want to thank the Lake Orion community for all the support during my 12-year tenure as a member of the Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve you.
Though school board work can be highly rewarding, the past few years have, at times, been extremely demanding. Many of those tribulations were made bearable thanks to the unyielding support and determined efforts of Birgit McQuiston and Melissa Miller, who are now seeking your support in the May 3 school board election.
You can find complete information on these fine candidates at www.mcquistonandmiller.com, so I won’t repeat that here. If you had planned to vote for me in this election, and if you have supported my efforts on the school board over the past 12 years, I urge you to get out and vote May 3 to elect these excellent candidates to the board. McQuiston and Miller have my support, and they deserve yours.
Bob Gritzinger,
Lake Orion school board trustee
Dear Editor,
Linda Grogan seems really offended at my suggestion that students can learn in large classes (“Students different now, reader says,” March 30).
She first claims that classroom content is different now. We studied English, literature, mathematics, science, history, civics and, since it was a Catholic school, religion.
This was the generation that put men on the moon; obviously, our education was not inferior.
If we segregated students by ability and isolated the troublemakers, everyone would learn more and the education system would cost less.
Bob Klemmer
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Thank God for a voice of truth and reason in this letter to the editor (“A call for more school savings,” March 30).
I wish the unions would stop with the talking points and face the facts. I work with Michigan’s municipalities and school districts and for the most part they are the most inefficient and bumbling organizations in existence.
Wake up, restructure, find where you can create synergy and quit feeling entitled. Do the hard work and quit kicking the can down the road.
Independence Township resident
who asked not to be named
Dear Editor,
While Superintendent Rod Rock is certainly eloquent about the impact of budget cuts on students in the Clarkston schools (“Some ‘cheese and whine’ about school budget,” March 16), his criticism of the governor’s proposed budget, like that of so many other critics, offers no constructive solution to the state’s budget problems.
And it predicts the layoff of 155 teachers as the result of further state school aid reductions, assuming this is the only way to reduce expenditures.
Conspicuously missing is another alternative, suggested by the governor’s proposals: bringing employee benefits into line with the nonpublic sector by requiring employees to pay 20 percent of their health insurance premiums and sharing the cost of other benefits.
From my quick review of information available on the district’s web site, it appears that school employees have no payroll deductions for their health insurance and receive plans with minimal co-pays and deductibles.
Other benefits, such as dental and vision insurance, are equally generous. Not to mention the defined benefit retirement plan, something that has long ago disappeared from the private sector.
The state has a budget crisis. The governor’s proposals spread the cost of dealing with it over many groups.
The schools should not be exempted. I urge Superintendent Rock and the school board to look closely at realistic savings in employee benefits and other areas that won’t require teacher layoffs.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
While Superintendent Rod Rock is certainly eloquent about the impact of budget cuts on students in the Clarkston schools (“Some ‘cheese and whine’ about school budget,” March 16), his criticism of the governor’s proposed budget, like that of so many other critics, offers no constructive solution to the state’s budget problems.
And it predicts the layoff of 155 teachers as the result of further state school aid reductions, assuming this is the only way to reduce expenditures.
Conspicuously missing is another alternative, suggested by the governor’s proposals: bringing employee benefits into line with the nonpublic sector by requiring employees to pay 20 percent of their health insurance premiums and sharing the cost of other benefits.
From my quick review of information available on the district’s web site, it appears that school employees have no payroll deductions for their health insurance and receive plans with minimal co-pays and deductibles.
Other benefits, such as dental and vision insurance, are equally generous. Not to mention the defined benefit retirement plan, something that has long ago disappeared from the private sector.
The state has a budget crisis. The governor’s proposals spread the cost of dealing with it over many groups.
The schools should not be exempted. I urge Superintendent Rock and the school board to look closely at realistic savings in employee benefits and other areas that won’t require teacher layoffs.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
While Superintendent Rod Rock is certainly eloquent about the impact of budget cuts on students in the Clarkston schools (“Some ‘cheese and whine’ about school budget,” March 16), his criticism of the governor’s proposed budget, like that of so many other critics, offers no constructive solution to the state’s budget problems.
And it predicts the layoff of 155 teachers as the result of further state school aid reductions, assuming this is the only way to reduce expenditures.
Conspicuously missing is another alternative, suggested by the governor’s proposals: bringing employee benefits into line with the nonpublic sector by requiring employees to pay 20 percent of their health insurance premiums and sharing the cost of other benefits.
From my quick review of information available on the district’s web site, it appears that school employees have no payroll deductions for their health insurance and receive plans with minimal co-pays and deductibles.
Other benefits, such as dental and vision insurance, are equally generous. Not to mention the defined benefit retirement plan, something that has long ago disappeared from the private sector.
The state has a budget crisis. The governor’s proposals spread the cost of dealing with it over many groups.
The schools should not be exempted. I urge Superintendent Rock and the school board to look closely at realistic savings in employee benefits and other areas that won’t require teacher layoffs.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter in response to “Big classes way back when,” Bob Klemmer’s letter to the editor in the March 16 edition of the Clarkston News.
Mr. Klemmer, how dare you try to compare education in 1951 to the process of today.
I am appalled to think that classrooms of that era can be compared to today for many reasons.
First I look at the content being taught in the two time periods as being very different.
Secondly, in your picture, where are the autistic students, students with learning disabilities, students with English as a Second Language, and those with ADHD.
In 1951, these students were not in the “regular” classroom.
Lastly, you also mention that Mrs. Jacques did not have any trouble dealing with students. That is because students at that time behaved properly and showed respect to the teacher, or they may have been spanked by the teacher or issued some other punishment.
When the child went home and told his parents ? that’s plural because we did not have as many single parent homes like we have today ? the parent would also punish the child for being disrespectful.
Today, with a class of 30, students do not show fear of punishment for not doing what a teacher says unless strictly and properly raised by their parent(s) of today.
Students talk back, speak out when the teacher is talking, and is even given their side of the story as to what happens in a given situation.
In my day and yours Mr. Klemmer, what the teacher said was the only side of the story.
Despite what some parents today think, teachers are out to educate, not out to “get” their child.
A higher percentage of today’s students do not show the proper respect to adults, or to their classmates, as in years past. This hurts the educational process.
I understand that this is not all students, the majority are awesome children who thrive on education. It is those that do not show respect that are hurting today’s classrooms.
Parents need to teach their children respect for others as well as themselves.
Linda Grogan
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I just had to respond to Mr. Klemmer’s letter and photo from his class of 51 at St. David School in the 1950s. I would argue that today’s conditions in schools cannot begin to compare to conditions in the 1950’s. I attended elementary school in a Catholic setting in the late 1960s and I remember many things from that experience:
1. Teachers had control over the students because parents backed the teachers in every situation. Today, this is not always true and student behavior can be much more difficult to control.
2. A student has one focus: school! There were very few extra-curricular activities to divert student attention. Homework and school came first.
3. Teachers did not have to put up with short attention spans due to the presence of too much tv, video games, and every other electronic device.
4. I would also argue that the presence of fast food, unhealthy snacks, and general ill health makes teaching much more difficult today.
5. I don’t recall having to prep for a standardized test as a third grader and having my school and teacher evaluated on my test scores. The earliest I remember taking such a test is high school.
6. State and federal curriculum is much more specific and and the amount of material and the age level it is taught to is not always developmentally correct.
7. The family situations are much more complex today with both parents often working, children in before and after care, and broken homes with children being shuttled between them.
I LOVE teaching in Clarkston and will continue to work diligently to educate all my students, regardless of class size. But please don’t believe that teaching is the same now as in the 1950s.
Respectfully,
Kathy Noble, first grade teacher
Bailey Lake Elementary
Dear Editor,
Timing is always important, especially if you are telling a joke or cooking a fish. I admit I am late with this comment but I feel it is so important I will be late, letter late than never. The fact that the Detroit Tigers are into Spring Training was the motivating factor.
What does playing organized sports do for the young man or young woman? What are some of the lessons to be learned? It teaches them to be in their best physical shape possible. Their body is their equipment so it must be maintained in top-notch condition. This is so important when obesity is of epidemic proportions.
Ninety percent of sports are team sports so it teaches them teamwork. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A team is not a collection of individuals but a whole new thing, E pluribus unum,? out of many, one. Team sports teaches perseverance and to stay with your goals. Team sports are a variation of the children’s story of the hare and the tortoise.
Last summer, Armando Galarraga pitched a perfect game for the Detroit Tigers. A perfect game is much more than a no hitter. I was most impressed with the perfect game but I was much more impressed with Galarraga’s response to being robbed of his achievement by an umpire’s bad call.
I can honestly say I have never seen a better example or illustration of how best to handle adversity.
Galarraga handled the situation in the most noble and magnanimous fashion. This was much more than a baseball moment. It was a life moment. A moment that goes way beyond baseball.
Jerry McNally
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank Ms. Chris Strong, co-owner of Waterfall Jewelers, and her Batteries for Charity program for her amazing generosity and donation to the Clarkston Area Youth Assistance.
The goal of Clarkston Area Youth Assistance is directed toward building self esteem in children and strengthening the family through education, healthy recreation and counseling. Some of the programs we sponsor are Camp, Mentors Plus, Delinquency Prevention Programs, After School Tutoring, Youth Recognition and Youth Involvement.
Her thoughtfulness and support of this program are very much appreciated.
Nicole Cronmiller, president
CAYA Board of Directors
I am tired of all the letters stating Lake Orion School employees should take pay cuts and pay for part of their health care. Don’t lump us all together and do some research.
Some of us — at the top of our pay scale — don’t make $21,000 a year. As support staff we are only working 35 hours a week. A lot of us have added training such as sign language, Braille to name a few.
Some of us are sole supporting and on $21,000 a year! We don’t get paid for summers, days when children aren’t in school.
So, I take offense when these letters say All employees. Do you know Michigan just took three percent of our pay away already?
I love working with the Children in our Schools but we too have bills to pay.
Leslie Ashley
I have voted ‘yes? for all previous Lake Orion school bonds, including the new high school 14 years ago, but this past February 22, I voted ‘no? for the following reasons:
1. I am all for keeping our kids competitive but I don’t believe money is the problem, or that throwing more money at it will solve this problem, and a Jan. 23, 2011 Oakland Press article ‘Inflated MEAP scores full of hot air? highlighted this fact!
2. A recent education study; the Program for International Assessment (PISA), many other Country’s Schools beat our U.S. schools which came in on average 25th, and 30th in reading, and math.
3. I believe all school elections should be held in November (general election) to save money, and keep it in the class room where it belongs.
4. I believe school buses, technology, computers, networking equipment, and security issues should be budgeted for on an annual basis, not special election funding.
5. I asked Lake Orion Schools Superintendent Ginopolis (at the February Orion Chamber of Commerce meeting) why Comcast was not approached for the wireless network needs at the High School as Comcast is making millions in our community, and many companies like Microsoft, and Apple corp. donate computers, and equipment to schools to begin the process of grooming life-time profits/customers? To Ms Ginopolis? credit she said that was an ‘excellent idea!?
Bottom-line: More is needed from the student, teacher, and parent working as a team to make our kids successful. Money is NOT the ‘FIX-ALL? answer!
Daniel Myslakowski
Lake Orion Community Schools, like many schools in Michigan, will face tough decisions and many challenges in the years ahead. That is why I am supporting Melissa Miller and Birgit McQuiston for school board on May 3, 2011.
Both candidates have been actively involved on committees, parent groups and have regularly attended school board meetings over the past several years. They have shown their commitment to our students and community by researching policy and law, sharing ideas, and talking with both community members and staff.
I believe they have a solid understanding of the role and responsibilites required to be outstanding, effective board members. Birgit McQuiston and Melissa Miller have the knowledge, integrity, and dedication to represent our students and community. They have my vote, and they deserve yours!
Jane Snage, retired from Lake Orion Community Schools
Dear Editor,
In response to the complaint about cutting teachers and having 34 students in a fourth grade class, I have attached a picture of my 1951 fourth grade class at St. David School in Detroit.
There are 51 students ? count them. Mrs. Jacques didn’t have any trouble dealing with that many students. We all learned the material and most of us were in the 1960 graduating class.
Bob Klemmer
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Since Trevor Keiser and I both recorded the meeting, I was wondering if The Clarkston News was going to report on the tone, if not the details, of what happened.
While it was obvious that Mr. Cousens was trying to illicit certain responses and actions from the commission. I was surprised they almost willingly did.
The city manager thought he had hand delivered a critical document to Mr. Cousens but was not sure when and apparently had no notes or other verification that he did.
No one other than Mr. Cousens seemed to have any information on how his Permit to Build was granted or what if any restrictions were part of the permit, something that is a matter of law and for which there are clearly defined requirements.
There must have been meeting minutes for the commission that set the alleged restrictions but no one mentioned that and without a properly scheduled public meeting, quorum of the members present, and approved minutes, no decision could have been made or be defendable. Mr. Cousens offered to re-apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness but the city manager wasn’t sure when he would be able to find the application even when a city council member offered to pick it up and deliver it.
And then there is the one member of the commission who stated Mr. Cousens is not the kind of person that we want living here. If Mr. Cousens had been anything other than a middle-aged, white guy, this would have been an instant multi-million dollar discrimination law suit in the Federal Courts.
In the end, it seemed they wanted the resident to be responsible for correcting the city’s mistakes and lack of information.
The commission wants the homeowner to reapply and provide all supporting information for a building that is already built, apparently with the permission and permit from the city. If the commission really wants to know what was built and if it is appropriate, all they would have to do is walk down the street and look.
It seems Clarkston is doing its best to compete with the antics of our neighboring government. Since we charge higher taxes, I guess we have the obligation of being even more inept than they are.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Friends of the Springfield Township Library had a free raffle to celebrate “Love Your Library Week” in February.
Unfortunately someone stole the adult prize package from the library before it could be awarded. Due to the exceptional police work of Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Peters, with assistance from Meijer’s, a suspect has been identified and the case will continue to be investigated and prosecuted.
We are fortunate to have such a capable and professional officer working in our community.
The Friends of the Springfield Township Library are so grateful to Deputy Peters for his hard work. We are also thankful to our patrons for their kind words and donations to replace the prize package.
Friends of Springfield Township Library
Dear editor,
I continue to find it amazing that people in our community would vote for a school board candidate just based on whether they supported the bond or not! (Yes, this is an’issue).
The role of a school board member is so much more than whether they voted ‘yes? or voted ‘no.? I hope people become more open-minded and do the research on the candidates; their values, their knowledge of LOCS, their level of commitment to the process, the actual role and responsibilities (and limitations) of a school board member – it is so much more than ‘how they voted.?
Have you voted for all of your elected officials based on how they voted on bike paths, police and fire millages, library millages, etc.? Did you even know how they voted? Or if they did or did not support these issues? Or did you vote for them because you believed in their values, commitment, ideas and plans for your community?
I am supporting’Birgit McQuiston’and’Melissa Miller’in the upcoming LOCS’Board of Education election, May 3.
I believe in their values, ideas and’commitment to our school’district and our community.? Birgit and Melissa have already been asking the tough questions, thinking ‘outside the box? for solutions to the budget concerns, sharing their thoughts and ideas, attending’board of ed, committees and’other LOCS’meetings (regularly for several years), researching the process and becoming educated on how schools are governed and funded’on federal, state and local levels.?
I hope our community chooses to elect the best candidates for the right reasons … not based on whether they did or did not support the bond.? I look forward to learning more about the other’candidates to make an informed decision for the other two seats on the board.? Reminder to our community – the school board election is non-partisan – please remember that!
Karen Appledorn
Dear editor,
Our state representatives over the past 10 years, both Republicans and Democrats, have been shamefully negligent in their duties, and now Michigan is facing the reality of empty coffers and no free lunch.
Governor Rick Snyder has promised to stop kicking the can down the road. He has proposed a crisis budget, and I hope that some of the cuts in education funding will eventually be restored.
The articles in March 9’s Review provided me with hope that Lake Orion can weather this storm if we work together.
Teacher-bashing seems to be all the rage these days. Many teachers are feeling demoralized, not just from increased workloads and heightened expectations as student achievement standards are raised, but from community members attacking their salaries and benefits.
If we have any hope for a brighter future, the seeds must be planted in our children.
In order to become informed citizens and productive members of society, they need a high-quality education.
So where’s our respect for those professionals who play such a key role in that future?
I appreciate that interim superintendent Marion Ginopolis is such a fierce advocate for both the teachers and the students in our district.
There appears to be a bond of mutual trust that perhaps did not exist under the previous administration.
The source of Lake Orion residents? frustration likely stems the ‘new normal.? The middle class is being squeezed in the form of reduced work hours, salary cuts, layoffs, job eliminations, reduced or dropped health care benefits, lower home values, foreclosures, and tapped-out savings.
Meanwhile, declining tax revenues are responsible for cutbacks in public services such as schools, libraries, road repairs, snow removal, parks and recreation.
During the 1990s and into the 2000s, when thriving private enterprises, high home assessments, and excessive consumer spending provided plenty of cash via business, property, income, and sales taxes, we were able to fund our schools at a level that helped propel our Lake Orion district to new heights with innovative programs, curricula, and resources.
But just as the public sector enjoyed gains when the private sector was flourishing, we must face the reality that as the private sector suffers losses, so does-or should-the public, because it is funded by taxpayer dollars.
Governor Snyder emphasizes the concept of ‘shared sacrifice.? With this in mind, I reluctantly submit that it’s time for school employees to contribute more toward the cost of their health care benefits.
Private sector employees have seen their health insurance plans erode for years, and today many pay 20 percent of the premium in addition to higher deductibles and co-pays.
Unfortunately, health care costs keep spiraling upward, and until they can be contained, the cost of health insurance will continue to rise to unsustainable levels.
Like it or not, we’re all in this recession together. Let’s find creative ways to maintain a high quality of education and support our teachers, providing them with the tools they need to help our children succeed and showing them the respect they deserve.
Sincerely,
Amy Marcaccio Keyzer
Orion Township
Dear Editor,
I read the Feb. 23 edition of The Clarkston News with some dismay.
Backroom dealing in attempting to fill the township clerk’s position was bad enough, but to also read a story about embezzling from PTA funds (“Funds repaid,” page 2A) made me feel like I was reading the “Big City News.”
The only thing I’ll say about the clerk’s debacle, and other local political issues, is that Independence Township voters are responsible for making themselves aware of the candidates? positions and histories and vote accordingly in our next election cycle, as some of our local leaders have not made themselves so responsible.
But on the embezzling issue, I noted the name “Hubble” at the end of the story. I was puzzled because I did not recall having seen it earlier. I reread, still could not find an earlier reference and concluded it was an error. I figured we’d see some correction in the next issue.
I do not know Mary Hubble or anyone in her family and I certainly cannot speak to what pain, embarrassment, consternation, etc, this error may have caused, but as I read the correction article (“Setting the record straight on Hubble,” page 2A, March 2), the thing that struck me was that many people who do not know Mary now know there is a very kind, caring and giving person in our community willing to do God’s work’and by that, God gets the glory.
Romans 8:28 tells us:
‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.?
Certainly it is not good that Mary Hubble was inadvertently tied to embezzlement, and it is entirely appropriate that Phil Custudio apologized and corrected the error in print.
Perhaps Mary Hubble and her famiy have endured some distress, but from my perspective, this is one small example that shows God knows what He’s doing.
Robert Krouse
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you Clarkston Medical Group for pledging to contribute $1,000 to the Clarkston Community Church Community Challenge to continue the Fourth of July Festival of Fun at Clintonwood Park.
Way to get the ball rolling!
For those that are not aware, because funding for special events through the Independence Township Parks and Recreation Department was cut this year, Clarkston Community Church issued the community challenge to donate up to $10,000 for every dollar of matching funds the community donates.
To make this event happen we need to raise $10,000 by April 15.
Another new option to make this event happen is from The Graphic Wizard, who organized a ‘Keep the Spark in the Park? campaign. T-Shirts are available for $10 each to support this campaign, with proceeds going to support the event.
Shirts can be purchased at the Independence Township Parks and Recreation office as well as at The Graphic Wizard, Lakeview Food Basket, Spectrum Printing, Lil? Peoples Place, Clarkston Community Church, and New Leaf Flower Studio.
For more information about donations or sponsorships visit the website at www.ITPR.org or call our office at 248-625-8223 and ask for Ken or Kelly.
Ken Elwert, director
Independence Township Parks and Rec.
Dear editor,
The continued success of Lake Orion Special Olympics is truly because of the support of this amazing community and some of our surrounding communities.
I want to thank Parisian in Rochester Hills for allowing us to participate in the Community Day event every year. It is always our most successful fundraiser.
Thank you to Max & Erma’s, Auburn Hills and Chili’s, Auburn Hills (especially Candi Harrison) for all of their support of our fundraising efforts.
A special thank you to Times Square, Lake Orion for their continued support with our fundraising and their volunteer efforts with our snow shoeing team (the food is incredible too!)
Thank you to ONTV and The Lake Orion Review for allowing us to promote our events through your medias.
Thank you to all of the LOCS staff, parents, coaches and students that put forth the extra effort to support our Special Olympics teams and our athletes. Our community is amazing.
It continues to reach out and support our special needs population. We are very grateful to all of you.
If anyone would like more information on how to become involved with Lake Orion Special Olympics, please contact Lynn Dahl at LOHS, ldahl@lakeorion.k12.mi.us or 248.693.5420.
-Karen Appledorn
Fundriasing Chairperson
LO Special Olympics
Many of us are still trying to get over the shock of Gov. Snyder’s recent budget proposal and the devastating impact it will have on school districts.
We knew there would be sacrifices from all sectors of the state, but we didn’t expect such a disinvestment in public education.
Snyder is proposing in his 2011-12 budget a $300 per pupil cut on top of the current $170 cut. Adding to the damage is an expected increase in retirement costs that could equate to an additional $230 per pupil.
Add the numbers together and districts could be facing a $700 per pupil reduction.
Michigan districts have been reducing their budgets for the past 10 years. They’ve been forced to think creatively to provide quality education despite years of shrinking resources and one-time budget fixes.
At the same time, the expectations for school reform and increased student achievement are at an all-time high while the negative attacks on public education are unprecedented.
The result has been a focus on short-term fixes that offer temporary relief to schools with no assurance of long-term funding stability.
Districts have been forced to plan from year-to-year as opposed to long-term planning which we know is more conducive to spawn true reform.
Over and over we hear from policy makers that education is a priority and that it’s the foundation for economic recovery in Michigan.
Some policy makers believe that schools haven’t cut enough and need to find further efficiencies despite the fact that schools are tapping their reserves.
In some cases, schools have already exhausted them pressing for concessions at the negotiating table and sharing and consolidating services wherever they can.
Perhaps there are places where districts can find further efficiencies, but after reducing their budgets for the last 10 years, schools are running out of options beyond widespread layoffs, larger class sizes, program cuts and other options that are detrimental to student learning.
What we need from our policy makers is a stable funding system for schools so districts don’t have to go through this annual guessing game of whether their budgets will be adequately funded.
In the past, districts needed to closely examine their budgets for unwise expenditures and determine areas where they could operate more efficiently.
This was a good exercise to assist districts in identifying their most important priorities and focusing on their most effective programs.
However, now that districts have adapted to fewer resources, they need the space to be able to plan and rethink education and try reform measures without the fear of being able to fund them for the long haul.
I don’t know a board member or superintendent who’s not committed to preparing their students for a successful future.
But to continually be the brunt of drastic cutbacks and to never know from year-to-year how to plan for innovative programs is simply not going to promote the kind of education reform we all agree is necessary.
It’s time for our legislature to seriously look at how to ensure stable funding for our schools’and invest in what really makes an impact to economic prosperity. It should be their number one priority’isn’t that what they’ve been telling us?
The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education, and advocates for student achievement and public education.
Dear Editor,
Let me see if I understand this correctly. Three candidates were finalists for the interim Independence Township clerk ? Ms. Joan McCrary, Ms. Barbra Pallotta and Ms. Joan Patterson.
With the Township Board deadlocked, Treasurer Curt Carson and McCrary approached Patterson and offered her the position of deputy clerk, a position that was already occupied by Ms. Paula Heenan.
After Patterson took the high ground both legally and ethically by informing the board, her reward was to lose the clerk position to Pallotta, while McCrary and Carson have faced no penalty as a result of their action.
It remains to be seen whether action is taken with regard to Carson or McCrary but if it is not, can someone help me think of a way to explain this to our young people, especially those who may be considering a public service career? How will this influence their perceptions? And when they become our future leaders, how will this guide their decisions? Perhaps the board doesn’t care; but as parents, we should.
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Mrs. Joan McCrary has long been a community servant. I have a difficult time believing these political shenanigans from her.
Division on the current board is significant in this action to gain political control. Honestly, does this really have anything to do with what you people really believe your public wants to see?
Don’t you have anything better to do with your time, that we pay for, than to run around this town making deals? Do you not listen to us, the public? Stop the behind-the-door meetings. If you spent your time doing your jobs and less time on your own agendas, this township would be in better hands.
I can definitely see at least three new people on the board after the next election. You can’t really think the public is going to accept how you are spending our tax dollars trying to influence other employees? livelihood. Shame on you, Joan McCrary and Curt Carson. I can see that I misplaced my votes in the last couple elections on at least three of you.
Should this prove to be true, I can only say you have lost the trust of many, many people in this community.
Now we will see the denials and accusations begin at the board meetings, instead of solving township problems.
A breath of fresh air has been shown by Mrs. Patterson for bring honesty to these proceedings. The truly best qualified for this job are the two candidates not thinking they could manipulate, behind closed doors, the will of the people.
Mrs. Paula Heenan showed us all what a gracious and good employee she is. How dare they play with her life in this manner. You have now destroyed any trust the public ever had in you as elected officials if this accusation comes to bear.
Sue Greene
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Though she wasn’t appointed clerk, we now know we have a person of exemplary character in our community, Joan Patterson.
Patterson, a Clarkston School Board member, should be recognized by all for her honesty and integrity. She is indeed a pillar of the community!
Publicly exposing the facts surrounding the private meeting in which Treasurer Curt Carson and clerk candidate Joan McCrary offered Mrs. Patterson a salaried township position to bow out of consideration for clerk took an extreme amount of bravery. This is what we hope and expect our leaders to do.
What we don’t expect from our leaders are sneaky, underhanded attempts to try to eliminate candidates on procedural technicalities. And when that failed, Carson and McCrary tried brokering a secret backdoor deal by offering Mrs. Patterson compensation, deputy clerk job, to bow out.
Mr. Carson’s backdoor dealings have brought an inexcusable black eye to the community and has put a cloud of suspicion over the treasurers office.
Township residents expect our treasurer to be someone that we can trust with our money. Someone with the same honesty and integrity as Joan Patterson.
Mr. Carson still says he didn’t do anything wrong. So, if he doesn’t know right from wrong when appointing a clerk, then we can’t trust him to know right from wrong when controlling our money. Mr. Carson should resign, and do so immediately! We no longer trust him.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I know there are many people (nearly half the people who voted!) who are disappointed that the bond millage failed. To those who really had the best interests of the students at heart and who worked so hard to see the millage pass, I have two suggestions.
Firstly, don’t bundle essential and non essential expenditures in the same, big package. I would have voted for roof repairs, busses, and even some technology improvements.
But I’m sensitive enough to the financial constraints of my neighbors not to ask them for money for things that aren’t absolute necessities.
I just didn’t feel like I could place the financial burden of new entrances so ‘parents don’t have to walk all the way inside the building? on someone who’s had to short sell her home because her property value keeps going down as her taxable value keeps going up!
Secondly, next time only ask taxpayers for more money when you’re not obviously wasting it in the process.
A smaller bond, requesting only those expenditures that are absolutely necessary, probably would have passed if it had been placed on a November ballot. The days when things could be passed by those who want them by having a special election are over.
People are just as energized nowadays to save money as they are to spend it. The contentions that ‘It’s now or never? and that the busses and roofs wouldn’t last another nine months was a gamble that didn’t pay off.
Waiting would have shown the taxpayers that the school board is respecting the fact that finances are tight everywhere and that they’re committed to making every tax dollar count.
I hope that those who are disappointed that the bond failed can understand and appreciate why it did. If we can be as sensitive to the needs of the community as we are to the needs of our students, both populations can benefit from prudent planning.
Carol Roughton
Guest Columnist
Paul Knasinski
‘Amateur Radio Dates back a long way in Lake Orion’s local history and folklore. It was probably a Radio Amateur who first built and sailed the radio-controlled Dragon on Lake Orion. It was just an experimental project in the use of early radio that turned into the prank Dragon people saw swimming in the waters of the Lake. It later became the attraction regularly visiting Park Island Tour boats. Orion School’s Sports teams are now called the Dragons, and in the Summer of 2010, the Dragon on the Lake Festival was first celebrated.
OSCART, the Orion Senior Center Amateur Radio Team is still carrying on the Amateur Radio tradition in this area. It is an exciting time for us, we are looking foreword to participating in this year’s Dragon on the Lake Festival along with moving to the new Senior / Community Center that will open this Summer. We are planning to set up at the Dragon on the Lake Festival a radio transmitter/receiver on the shore of Lake Orion and use it to make as many contacts Worldwide as we can during the Festival. It would be a wonderful way to have fun and make people aware of our community and our activities. OSCART is not a large club at this time but we are all active within the community in many ways. All of our members are also active on the Oakland County Emergency Center in various means that use amateur radio communications to back up and compliment many of the other communication systems used within the County. This includes Weather, the County network of Hospitals and local Government emergencies.
Last year on a stormy Thursday night, we were able to respond quickly to a local emergency. Some of our members were at the Senior Center for one of our meetings and I was still on my way. The Tornado Sirens began going off. Our members at the Senior Center helped move everyone to safety and provided information to the people from the Oakland County Emergency Center to keep everyone calm and comfortable. I was caught in the storm a few blocks from the Senior Center and had to detour because of a tree down blocking Broadway between Flint and Shadbolt. I reported the downed tree to Oakland County by the mobile radio in my car. There were no major problems and the system worked.
We are excited and looking forward to the new Center opening sometime in the Spring or early Summer. OSCART will finally have a real HAM SHACK. No more sharing space in the crafting room. No more being disturbed by crafters and no more restricting our radio usage so as not to disturb others. We will be on the air more often and getting our message across whenever possible.
73’S ( Regards & Good Bye)
Paul Knasinski KD8AKO
Dear Editor,
Whatever happened to, ‘sit back and enjoy the show?? I think theatre etiquette has become lost in the explosion of electronic devices, and so it was during the performance of Cinderella at Clarkston High School Performing Arts Center last Saturday evening.
Before the play began, an announcement was made to turn off all cell phones, and other electronic devices, and please don’t text during the performance.
However, the person seated in front of me, for whatever reason, felt he was an exception to the rule, and he repeatedly videoed various scenes with his video device. The glare from the tiny bright images on his viewer kept distracting me from the play, and while the performance was one of the best I have seen at Clarkston High, I was not able to ‘sit back and really enjoy the show.?
Thanks, I just had to sound off to someone,
Fred Hofer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am appalled by Gov. Snyder’s proposed cuts in education of up to $470 per student.
This means that for each and every classroom of 30 students, they will slash an unbelievable $14,100! This will be the cut in every classroom in every school district in Michigan!
This will probably mean many programs will be cut in each and every school and class sizes will increase immensely as well as other unimaginable changes. I thought that in this global economy, the goal was to raise the standards in our schools so our children could compete.
Taking this amount of money away from schools will devastate them. I guess the governor wants to change his nickname from “One Tough Nerd” to “The Only Tough Nerd!” Are you scared for our children? I am.
Margaret M. Junker, grandmother of four
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
All of us at Clarkston Medical Group would like to do our part and pledge $1,000 to see that our great Fourth of July Celebration continues. We’ve gone through some very difficult times over the last decade and events like this are important to preserve as they help maintain the strength of our community.
Please join in us in following the lead of the Clarkston Community Church to help ensure that our Fourth of July tradition goes on.
Dr Tim O’Neill, president
Clarkston Medical Group
Open letter to the Lake Orion Community: (Written prior to knowing the result of the LO School Bond Election.)
The Lake Orion School Bond Election has had an unfortunate and divisive impact on the Lake Orion community and it is time to put aside our differences and move forward together.
Regardless of the outcome of the election, we have many challenges ahead.
The first of these challenges is to continue to provide quality educational programs and opportunities for our students with a net loss to Lake Orion Schools of over $5.5 million proposed in Governor Snyder’s projected budget. At the same time, we are required to adhere to increasing federal/state mandates and reporting requirements.
The second, and more important, challenge is to reexamine the way we conduct the ‘business? of public education so that we are preparing 21stcentury students to become thoughtful neighbors, healthy consumers, responsible business owners and educated future leaders.
We can only do this with a unified community willing to focus on collectively determining what’s in the best interest of all of our children to ensure they are prepared for their future.
I have agreed to remain as Superintendent of Lake Orion Schools for two years because I’m up tothe challenge.
Let’s put our individual interests aside and work together to strengthen our community and redefine education in Lake Orion Community Schools.
Marion Ginopolis
Interim Superintendent,
Lake Orion Community Schools
Dear editor,
I am saddened at the ignorance of the people who voted ‘No? on the bond in this community because with this bond proposal failing we are truly leaving the students in this district behind.
Even with the bond failing there are items that still have to be addressed – Orion Oaks still has to get a new roof, busses still need to be bought, and Webber will still need new plumbing – just because the bond won’t be paying for it doesn’t mean the problem is going away.
It will be a tough time for our district, school board, and community in the upcoming months and years when addressing the budget.
With recent cuts to education proposed by the governor, and this bond not passing, the district is looking at millions of dollars in cuts from the budget.
Art/music in the elementary schools might have to be cut more, transportation to the high school may have to be cut, transportation to athletic events for teams may have to be cut, staff at the middle schools may have to be cut, Lake Orion may have to become an open district, all for (a voter denial of) $160 a year in an increase of taxes.
I know this thought of the district having a ‘rainy day? fund being in existence, so why don’t we use that now?, but that fund has been being used for many years now and with the current outlook it seems to be non-existent within the next year or two. Overall it makes me sad because I am graduating this year and I see that the experience I had with the Lake Orion School District won’t be the same for the class of 2012, 2013 and so on.
Their opportunities will be cut and their quality of education will be cut as well and it is disappointing that we didn’t have the community’s support on this one.
But, I do have faith in our school board and administration that they will do their best to continue Lake Orion’s excellence in schooling. I’d like to say that they did a great job in presenting this bond proposal and trying to educate the community about it. And a great job to the Vote Yes committee who did their very best in trying to get the bond passed.
-Rawley Van Fossen
LOHS senior
Dear editor,
As the saying goes: ‘Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.? That is what describes what I witnessed last Thursday morning.
Being a parent of a child with special needs I cannot begin to thank the staff and entire student body of Lake Orion High School for their support and energy.
The Lake Orion Special Olympics Basketball team played their annual game against Jardon and I came away from the game speechless.
To stand and watch the bleachers empty onto the court, when the team won their first game, ever, against Jardon is something a parent with a child with special needs only dreams about. It is a day that will be engraved in my mind forever!!
What you did Thursday will stay with these athletes and their families for a very long time to come. Additionally thank you to the refs (Mr. Roberts and Mr. Manzo), the between-quarters entertainment, the choir, the announcer and everyone else involved in putting this great event together.
And most of all thank you to Coach MacDonald, Coach Miseta and Coach Zara for their time and dedication!
-Tracy Gora
Dear editor,
Last Saturday, Orion Neighborhood Television (ONTV) hosted a six-hour live telethon to help fill the shelves at the Oxford/Orion FISH pantry. Community residents were encouraged to drop off donations at one of three sites – Orion Township Hall, Orion Township Library, and Orion Neighborhood Television Studio.
Each location also hosted live bands and interviews. Everyone dropping off items was entered into drawings for gifts donated by area merchants.
It took a crew of 30 ONTV staff and volunteers to pull off this live event from three locations. I’d like to thank everyone who participated, you did an amazing job! Special thanks to Molly Perry, ONTV Outreach Coordinator, and Ian Locke, ONTV Education Coordinator, who put in many hours planning this event.
Thanks also to our entertainment: Joe Tackett and the Super Novas, Mark Boucher, George Sinnott and the NOCB Dixie Band, Rich Eddy’s Rockin? Oldies Band, Electric Graffiti, and Third Rock.
And thanks to our sponsors, who donated the raffle items: Custom Threads & Sports, Waste Management, Buffalo Wild Wings, ‘Wiches Sandwich Shop, Grondin’s Hair Salon, Jet’s Pizza (M-24 & Clarkston Rd), Genisys Credit Union, Village Quilt Shoppe, and the Detroit Tigers.
A big thank you to Good Shepherd Lutheran School for bringing in the most food, thanks to ONTV volunteer Kellie Finney.
And a huge thank you to everyone who donated food to this event, just over 2,000 pounds was collected for FISH – that’s a ton of food, literally!
Diane Griffiths
Executive Director
Orion Neighborhood Television
Dear Editor,
Thank you so much to the Clarkston Retailers Group on the wonderful Progressive Cocktail Party! It was a festive, fun event that many of us hope will become an annual tradition.
A year or two ago when the ‘My Clarkston Buy Clarkston? campaign was kicked off by your organization, Clarkston, Detroit, Michigan, and the whole country was in the worst of the very deep, difficult recession.
Although we all love Clarkston and love to shop and eat here, an irony was noticed by many of us. Although you were encouraging us to shop and eat out locally, so many of you drive foreign cars.
If the American car industry isn’t healthy, Clarkston isn’t healthy and then your businesses are not healthy. Wouldn’t it make sense for you to support all those who earn their means through the American car industry by also buying American cars?
From what we’ve seen, local business owners are predominantly driving foreign cars.
If you want Clarkstonites to have the financial freedom to shop for the interesting luxuries sold in your shops and to eat out, which is also a luxury, please support us.
Thank you and let’s work together to make Clarkston flourish.
Name withheld at writer’s request
With December 25th gone, it is a gift in the midst of winter, capturing as much anticipation as the day before your birthday. It is a quintessential part of any school-age child’s experiences in life; the amazing, the wonderful, the snow day.
There is the initial anticipation. Will we get the day off? How long do we need to wait before school is called off for another day? Will we get even one day? If I finish my math homework would you please just call off school?
All of which are questions that any snow day hopeful asks. All of the begging, pleading, wishing, hoping, dreaming snow day-inducing traditions, it is part of the anticipated bliss that goes with a snow day.
With these questions come the snow day-bringing rituals. Sleep with a spoon under your pillow. Flush ice cubes down the toilet, one ice cube equals one inch of snow (just imagine the influx of ice cubes that hit the sewer system on February 1.) Wear your pajamas inside out. Do the snow dance, followed shortly by the blowing and drifting dance. Then, after days and hours of wishing, hoping, and waiting, it comes.
The school-is-cancelled phone call. Kids across Michigan, and Lake Orion, were fortunate enough to get not one but two of these miracle calls recently.
Imagine the glee. Snow dances give way to we-got-a-snow-day dances and whoops. The staying up late commences, followed the next morning by sleeping in.
Countless mugs of hot chocolate are consumed. Movies are watched, television shows are caught up on, and sleds are revived from the farthest cobwebs of the garage. Snow is shoveled, houses are cleaned, and articles are written (or perhaps that remains with the members of The Lake Orion Review or even just me.) All of this is part of the magic and joy of a snow day.
Ah, the snow day. School experiences amount to considerably less without the joy and wonder of a free-for-all day, in the middle of the week, where homework, textbooks and lectures are replaced by pizza, magazines, and me-time.
After all, hours of time honored antics are well worth the prize of spending the day on a snow bank, in a snow bank, digging through a snow bank, building a fort out of a snow bank, falling into a snow bank, falling off of a snow bank, or any noteworthy proximity to a snow bank.
So, lovers of snow banks, hot chocolate and sledding rejoice. As the sounds of friends and family ring, spread the word far and wide: this week, we celebrated our snow days.
Olivia Schumaker is a sophomore at Lake Orion High School.
Dear editor,
I recently saw a presentation by the Lake Orion School Board on why they want to pass a $25.5 million bond. The presentation was nicely done. A video (of unknown production costs) showing: The sad and bored faces of children holding placards that say ‘bored,? ‘stimulate me,? and ‘engage me.? Truly a heartstring-puller. But remember the day when it was the teacher’s job to engage students? The teachers of LO are ranked 4th in the state in ‘comfort,? which compares a composite score of salary (average $54,739 ranking 7th nationally), teacher/student ratio (18:1) and salaries to total expenditures (60 percent instruction on $9411 per student) (NCES). Shouldn’t that pay for some engaging teachers?
The video showed tables of electronic synthesizers in a room that had a leaky roof. We saw evidence of this leak from one ceiling tile brown spot. This unfortunate music teacher had to spend time covering this expensive equipment every day. Wouldn’t it be a smart thing to move the equipment to another room? But either way, it seems we pay them enough to cover some electronics.
It was further explained how kids are being taught on a computer by a teacher in a far away land. And think, all the classes could some day be taught in such a manner–if the citizens of LO would only vote in a $25.5 million bond to buy faster connections.
If French is being taught by a teacher in France over a computer, why are we paying a French teacher? We could just put our kids in front of a computer at home.
We were given the breakdown of the bond: $2.6 million for safety; $3.1 million for buses; $2.9 million for building repairs; $14.1 million for technology and $2.8 for administration costs. They are asking LO citizens to pay an additional $160/100,000 of assessed value. The costs for many businesses will be going up too. All to pay for expenses that should be covered under Proposition A requiring operating expenses to be paid by millage. Computers, buses, roof repairs should be expensed. Would you sign a contract for 18 years to pay for equipment that will be obsolete long before the contract expires? Would you pay $160/100,000av a year for 18 years knowing there is a surplus of nearly $15 million that we already paid for?
Add in the cost of a Feb. vote. We were told it is necessary. A May election would not give a professional bond writer enough time to write the bond by deadline.
Seems to me if you are paying $2.8 million in administrative fees, you could find a bond writer that knows how to draw a timeline that would have suggested to this board in time to put this on the November ballot.
It also seems the board is either paying for some bad advising, or for devious advising which planned an off-season election. Either way, this sneaky end run around Prop
Ah, the stealth move of a February election, the absurdity of asking for more when there is a surplus, as homes are being foreclosed and food and gas costs are going through the roof, all while the comfort rating for teachers is 4th in the country-well it is just plain absurd.
Cut your expenses, cut the comfort, stop the special election spending, stop spending on first class letters and stop using school resources to promote this bond, and then maybe you wont have to come to us with hands out once again to pay for computerized teachers from France. VOTE NO on FEB 22!
-Mari-Ann Henry
Dear Editor,
Thumbs up to Independence Township trustees Neil Wallace and David Lohmeier for publicly questioning how purchases are funded and taxpayer money is spent, even when not on their watch.
Thumbs down to Treasurer Curt Carson for saying he wasn’t going to second guess the previous board’s actions. This is a similar to the response the Clarkston city manager gave when asked to respond to allegations against city DPW employee activity (“Ex-employees challenge City DPW director,” Dec. 22, 2010).
Even when he finally responded that some of it was true, the council did nothing to stop it other than say it should not happen again. If our elected representatives are not responsible for past actions, and past boards, who is?
How will any of us move ahead if we don’t look at what we have done, evaluate if it was done correctly, and improve the process when possible?
Ideally you prevent the robbery at the bank before it happens. You don’t say. ‘The bank got robbed but I’m not going to ask how.? Preventing a fire is always better than fighting the fire and paying for the loss.
In this case, you should not wait for the Department of Treasury to say you did it wrong, especially when few people even knew it was happening at all.
As Mr. Wallace stated, ‘We do not want to be making those same kinds of mistakes.?
Thank you Mr. Wallace, as all mistakes by government are paid for by the taxpayers who really cannot afford to do so.
Please be more open and public about how government spends our money and when you do make mistakes, please learn from them so they don’t happen again.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Immediately after the shootings in Tucson, Ariz., there was a great deal of discussion as to whether inflammatory language and references to gunplay caused the shootings.
There have been references to ‘reload,? ‘Second Amendment rights,? i.e., right to bear arms, ‘crosshairs,? and ‘bulls-eyes.?
Was there a causal connection between speech and action? If you don’t think there is such a causal connection, go into any locker room at half-time and listen to the coach’s half-time talk. It is too late to give the players instruction on how to play the game. This is the occasion for the coach to ‘fire up? his players, make last minute adjustments, not to instruct but to encourage, to jack them up. The coach wants to elevate his players to a new level of intensity. The coach wants action as a result of his words.
Out of the hundreds of examples of speech causing someone to act come to mind President Kennedy’s inaugural remark of ‘Ask not what your country can do for you?; Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ‘I have a dream? speech; and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address written on the train between Washington and Gettysburg.
We are STILL responding and being moved by these words. The pen is STILL ‘mightier than the sword.?
Gerald E. McNally
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in, attended and enjoyed our Clarkston Retro Progressive Cocktail Party, Jan. 22, and especially the Clarkston News for helping to make this a successful event.
It was a wonderful evening and the turnout of smiling faces surpassed any expectation. We collected approximately $2,000 in donations for the Lighthouse North and will be presenting them with a check at our next meeting.
Thank you.
Peg Roth, Kevin Harrison and
The Clarkston Retailer’s Group
Dear editor,
1. Why should we suffer 18 years of additional taxation to pay for new schoolbuses?
2. Why should we suffer 18 years of additional taxation to pay for new computers?
I have never heard of either school buses or computers lasting 18 years. Have you?
The Lake Orion School Board’has as yet to follow the example of the 24 wise’Oakland County school districts’who have placed themselves on the cost saving measure of going onto the November general elections.
Lake Orion is one of only four school districts that have refused to show any fiscal responsibility in this matter ? thus costing the taxpayers between $30,000 up to $42,000 per each special, stand-a-lone election. In one case the only issue on the ballot was the election of only one school board candidate.
If memory serves me right ? in 2009 when the school board vote took place regarding having elections in November the public was not even invited to participate in the discussion. Only one board member voted to support the November elections, and she is no longer on the board.
Let us also not forget the time worn issue that has come up over and over again. Conducting the election in February would more than likely leave out most of the senior snowbirds that have gone to more comfortable climates over the winter months. You cannot help but think it is by the design and desire of this school board and the administration.
The’September 25, 2001Oakland County Intermediate School Districts costly and deceptive’Stealth Election’is still emblazoned in my mind.
As long as the aforementioned issues remain in place with the’Lake Orion School Board,’I will keep voting’NO’until the school board and the administration can show true fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Mary MacMaster,
Orion Township
Dear editor,
I just wanted to share that I attended an informational in-home meeting this week and while I thought I knew a lot about the bond proposal I learned so much.
I encourage you all to dig into the information and become informed, not only for yourselves but so you can accurately spread the word regardless of what side you stand on.
I will tell you I am planning to vote yes and encourage you to do the same.
For all of us with school aged children this is really a now or never proposition. If the bond doesn’t pass this year, due to a variety of circumstances, they won’t be able to ask again for approximately 8 years.
Our students will be done or almost done with school at that time. By then our schools will be hopelessly behind in technology and our students will pay the price.
And it isn’t just them, today’s students are tomorrows leaders, they will be our support system in our aging years.
For a yearly cost that is equivalent to less than one months heating bill, or one latte a week we can ensure our children are safe in school and on the bus, literally have a roof over their heads, and are on the leading edge of technology instead of using an infrastructure that was built when cell phones still came in bags.
Please cast your vote Feb. 22. If you can’t make it to the polls vote by absentee ballot.
-Traci Crocker
Dear editor,
Exceptionalism. To me it’s a word that not only defines our community, but also our schools. When deciding where my wife and I wanted to raise our children, we chose Lake Orion 13 years ago, and it’s been one of the best decisions of our life. Our three daughters have received an education second to none.
We have also had the incredible opportunity to become part of a community that has more of a small town community feel, than a suburban metropolis. There is something magical about coming to Dragon’s Stadium on Friday night and seeing friends from the neighborhood, church, and school all rallying for a common goal.
We have been hit hard over the last five years with jobs lost, declining home values, and tough financial decisions to make. And our schools have not been immune. Funding from the State has been cut. Lake Orion Community Schools have reacted and made cuts to the tune of over $10 million. Now we are faced with a bond election question on Feb. 22.
The bond, if passed, will fund technology upgrades, building upgrades and refurbishment, enhance safety and security, and replace aging busses. As a conservative, I typically would not vote to increase my tax burden, but I will be voting YES on Feb. 22 and here’s why:
1. What is being proposed is a very reasonable plan to address needs, not wants. If you read through the preliminary bond applications (on the LO Schools website), you will see necessary upgrades to 14 buildings in the district.
2. We need technology in our district. If you know a student at the high school, ask them the state of technology in their building. Not only are we behind already, but are unable to take advantage of new avenues to teach our children. The way our children learn is changing.
3. I believe what we pay for the bond will more than come back to us by way of property values. There have been several studies that directly relate property values to quality of schools. There are examples that support this right here in Oakland County.
In November, we watched with pride as our Dragons claimed their first (of many) state championships in a victory for our entire community. Let’s win one more for Lake Orion on Feb.22 Vote YES.
-Chris Barnett
By U.S. REP. MIKE ROGERS
Here is one of the secrets that Washington hopes that you don’t notice about the new $2.6 trillion health care law. If you don’t like the law’s slew of new mandates and taxes on families, doctors and employers, you can get an exemption.
If you don’t want the government picking your family’s insurance plan and your doctor, you can opt out. If you don’t want to pay higher premiums and watch your health care costs skyrocket, you can get a free pass.
How do you receive an exemption to the job-killing health care law? It’s simple: all you have to do is become politically connected. Beginning last fall, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius began awarding waivers to unions and corporations that couldn’t comply with one of the law’s countless new mandates.
But if the law is so great, shouldn’t it apply to everyone?
Here’s how it happened. Many employers provide workers with ‘mini-med? health plans, which is low-cost insurance with higher deductibles and smaller annual limits. It’s not full coverage, but for millions of hourly workers it’s better than being uninsured. Companies complained to Sebelius that they would have to drop this coverage because it doesn’t meet the health law’s unreasonable requirement that all plans include comprehensive benefits.
Some of the administration’s closest allies ? including 43 unions ? were quickly told that they didn’t have to comply with the law. The latest count is that 222 unions and corporations have been granted waivers to portions of the health care law by President Obama’s health secretary. The list includes names like the Service Employees International Union and McDonald’s.
More mandates are scheduled to take effect this year that will make it even harder for businesses to afford the coverage that they currently offer. When it’s all said and done, HHS is expected to release more than 30,000 pages of new regulations that will create an impossible compliance task for employers and families alike.
This charade is the clearest indication yet that the health law has failed to live up to the president’s often repeated promise that if you like your health plan, you can keep it. That promise has already been broken for workers with mini-med plans, and millions of other small business health plans will soon be deemed ‘unacceptable coverage? in the eyes of HHS bureaucrats.
I believe every American deserves an exemption from the health care law, not just political friends of the Obama administration and Fortune 500 companies.
That is why I support repealing the law and passing commonsense reforms that lower costs for everyone and put families in charge of their health care, not the government.
Make no mistake, most people won’t be lucky enough to get an exemption from the secretary of HHS.
Families in Michigan are still asking ‘how does the health care law impact me?? Well, the unfortunate truth is that by 2014, every American will be required by law to carry government-designed health insurance plans that will cost at least $2,100 more than current plans. Choice and competition in health insurance will be severely limited. Doctors and hospitals will be handcuffed by new federal mandates. And without a waiver from every new mandate included in the law, most Americans will find that government-run health care is not ‘reform.?
We can and must do better.
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is a Republican from Brighton representing Michigan’s 8th District. Rep. Rogers wrote this for the Jan. 18, 2011 Detroit News edition.
Dear editor,
Where are the fiscal conservatives and promised reformers in Orion? Election records show all the elected Orion officials are republicans or conservatives so they can’t blame any other political party, and must take ownership right?
Right after the November general election (surprise) it was announced that Lake Orion would have a special February $25.5 million dollar tax increase school millage election even though they have a $2.5 million surplus this year, and are setting on a $14.5 million fund.
Currently the school is spending nearly $11,000 a student and average class sizes are only 19 students.
I am all for keeping our kids competitive but I don’t believe money is the problem, or that throwing more money at it will solve this problem, and an Oakland Press article titled ‘Inflated MEAP scores full of hot air? highlighted this fact. Additionally, I have several serious concerns, and questions such as:
1. If a tax increase is so necessary, can’t wait, a ‘right now must-have? to support our kids? education why was it not put on the November general election when the majorities in the community vote including the seniors who have not yet migrated South?
The experts have estimated that each additional election in Orion alone costs $50,000 dollars, and with a second Lake Orion School Board election in May, that is $100,000 dollars taken away from educating our kids, and being used to support unnecessary administration costs.
If the school administrators and board were serious about education dollars, why are they wasting $100,000 dollars with two unnecessary stealth elections?
2. If a tax increase is necessary to support our kids education why then for every education tax dollar collected is less than 30 cents making it into the class room? This has to be the worst return on investment in the state and country.
Should not structural reform happen first to optimize these dollars to really better support our kid’s education before asking for more money?
3. Instead of a tax increase in the worst of economic times, when it is perceived that there is not enough money and too many expenses to support our kid’s education, why then don’t we cut expenses with economies of scale?
Why do we have so many school districts and administrators with frothy salaries, lavish full lifetime health care, and retirement benefits that are not in line with comparable jobs in the private sector? Are we really optimizing our education tax dollars today? Who’s interests are first here?
The kids, or the administrators? By consolidating school services, administrators, districts, and adding some co-pays on benefits, we can easily double the current amount of real education dollars that actually make it into the classroom for education, and after all isn’t that the goal of education? Kids first.
4. Where are the state and local Orion elected officials who continuously say they are fiscal conservatives and fiscally responsible?
Why are they not speaking out on this priority problem and implementing the promised ‘REFORMS?? Is another tax increase now during a ‘great recession? when so many family, friends and neighbors are losing their jobs and homes the only alternative?
5. Will this $25.5 million tax increase really solve our education problems because it has not in the past, and 14 years ago when the high school was state of the art brand new did GPAs measurably go up?
Many European schools are over 500 years old yet in a recent education study by the Program for International Assessment (PISA), many of these old European schools beat ours/us, which came in on average 25th, and 30th in math.
A recent release of a study on Michigan’s education performance by the Ann Arbor-based Education Trust-Midwest was shocking.
Not only are students under-performing, but Michiganians are being deceived about it.
Though 84 percent of parents of Michigan fourth-graders are told by the state their children are proficient in reading, only 30 percent of those same students scored as proficient on the national reading exam. In math, our children’s performance is also inflated: 70 percent of our eighth-graders score proficient on the state math test, but only 31 percent are proficient on the national test.
Also, our higher-income ficials should go with a less expensive $39,000.00/yr Oakland County 911 contract versus a LO Village 911 contract of $93,000.00/yr. a difference of $54,000.00 dollars more, or a 238 percent increase. Fiscal responsibility or politics?
2. Another example, the last three Orion supervisors have maintained, and increased the Orion fund balance, but the current supervisor and board are now rationalizing spending these funds (6-0 budget vote) because they say they are fearful that our Lansing legislators will take these Orion monies.
Why then did he/they endorse these Lansing legislators if they would take in the dark of night our community money?
Wow, do they really believe intelligent people will swallow that line? How can they rationalize spending more than they take in? What will they do after the money in the Fund balance is gone, raise taxes?
No matter how they hype it, taxing and spending is not the way of a true fiscal conservative.
We need to implement a ‘structural reform? plan first before any more tax increases are thought about.
Run away tax and spend, irresponsible government needs to be challenged, and it’s time to once again tell the King Georges of our community:
‘No more taxation without representation? and reform first. If we don’t tell the kings to stop, how many more tax increases are next, increases in the gas tax, sales tax, license plates, more sin taxes? Where will it end?
We the citizens of Orion have been played, duped for over 20 years by the same old political gang who swear they have our best interests first, but in reality they have been placing their best interests first.
Don’t be bamboozoozoled again, wake up, we are overtaxed already.
My kids are well on their way to successful careers because we, their parents, support them with our hard earned cash even though college has gone up 60 percent in just 5 years.
Who could see or budget for that whopping increase? My education dollars are best spent by me on supporting my children’s education not on supporting lavish benefits and salaries for the monopoly school systems.
Vote for fiscal responsibility and structural reform that will really help our kids this Feb. 22, I am.
-Daniel Myslakowski
Lake Orion resident
Dear editor,
First, my disclaimer: Yes, I am a teacher in Lake Orion who deals with technology every day. Yes, I have a bias towards wanting modern technology to use in my classroom and my building. And, yes, I live in Lake Orion, pay Lake Orion taxes, and have three children who have graduated from Lake Orion schools.
One of the milestones of my career was working on the technology design for Lake Orion High School. We planned for a computer in every classroom and office and 12 computer labs ? all networked with internet access – in 1997. Having access to the internet dramatically changed education for our students. When the building was fully operational, we were named as one of the top 100 Wired Schools in the nation by Family PC Magazine and the Princeton Review ? the only high school in Michigan on that list. We were the best.
Now it is ten years later and the world continues to change and we can’t slow it down. Our high school population has increased by 52 percent since our building opened. And our students expect a lot more. They expect to be able to access a computer and the internet whenever needed, they expect to see video clips of history and science and not just read about it. They want to publish their work for the world online, not just hand write it for the teacher.
In 2008 we participated in the Speak Up nation-wide survey. We surveyed our parents, students, and teachers. Some of the things we found:
94 percent of parents have full access to a computer.
95 percent of homes in Lake Orion have broadband speed internet.
Only 45 percent of parents think their students learn enough tech skills.
Only 35 percent of parents think the schools? technology is up-to-date.
60 percent of our students have access to a laptop computer for their own use.
63 percent of our students wish their own devices would work at school (wireless network)
We have the opportunity on February 22nd to make a difference. Passage of the school bond issue will allow our district to provide a needed technology upgrade for our students ? creating a technology rich environment to which our students are accustomed. Technology does not stand still, nor do our students, but our schools often are stuck.
Dear Editor,
January marks the annual observance of School Board Recognition Month, a time to salute the work of school board members and celebrate public education. On behalf of the 2,700 PTA members in Clarkston, we wish to convey our appreciation to the Clarkston Community School Board of Education for its leadership and stewardship of our school district.
Our board of education, and the hundreds like it across the state, enable us to have local control of public schools, meaning that decisions on school programming are made by local, elected representatives who understand the community’s unique problems, values, culture and circumstances. They are citizens whose decisions affect our children’what they learn, who will teach them and what kinds of facilities house their classrooms. The inclusive process used to identify and recruit our new superintendent is one example of how our school board listens to parents.
Thank you to Clarkston Community Schools Board President Steve Hyer, Vice President Sue Boatman, Treasurer Rosalie Lieblang, Secretary Joan Patterson and trustees Barry Bomier, Elizabeth Egan and Cheryl McGinnis for your service to our school district, children and community.
Kelli Horst, president
Clarkston PTA Council
A recent letter to the editor appeared in The Lake Orion Review with questions addressed to the Lake Orion School District specific to financial responsibility and inquiries related to the upcoming February 22 bond election. In an ongoing effort to provide accurate information to our community and to respond directly to these questions, I present the following:
Why haven’t you eliminated all-day kindergarten?
While the State did not mandate all-day kindergarten, they have continued to shift academic benchmarks to earlier grade levels. All-day kindergarten is crucial to our students meeting the rigor of this advanced time line. Research studies, supported by anecdotal comments from staff and parents, provide evidence that, relative to half-day programs, full day kindergarten is associated with a wide range of positive outcomes, including increased student achievement and social and behavioral development.
Initial district assessments of children who have participated in this program confirm our decision to retain this program. Because the program is relatively new, we will continue to gather data and evaluate the effect the program has on our children’s academic and social/behavioral development.
Why two elections?
The issue of school elections has many facets beyond the cost, including:
Conducting the election in February allowed the district to qualify for low interest bonds (Qualified School Construction Bonds) which would not have been the case if the election were scheduled for May. This resulted in our ability to lower the millage rate from 1.75 mills to 1.6 mills and reduce the length of the bond term from 25 years to a combination of 18 and 10 years.
Scheduling the bond election in February results in a dramatically lower financial impact than it would if the election were scheduled for May. (1.6 mills vs. 5.509 for the same amount of bond dollars).
With five board vacancies, conducting the School Board election this year in May better serves the district so that Board members can begin their responsibilities at the beginning of the school year rather than in the middle of a school year which would occur if the election were held in November. This decision may be revisited for future elections.
Discussion continues between the Orion Township Clerk and the district related to cost containments for elections.
Why wasn’t a grant writer hired and what grant money was pursued first before asking for bond money?
Rather than create another position, the responsibility to pursue grants has been assumed by existing staff members who continuously seek grant opportunities to offset expenses in a number of general fund areas.
For the current school year we have already received close to $1 million in grant dollars with an additional $5.7 million budgeted for the remainder of 2010-2011 for a total of $6.6 million in grant funds available for 2010-2011.
Grants have specific requirements and often are based on performance deficits; due to Lake Orion achievement we do not qualify for many of these. Available grants most often prohibit supplanting – replacing dollars currently being spent with grant dollars.
Grants are typically available to initiate and continue new programs; not for the purpose of purchasing capital outlay items included in our bond projects such as purchasing buses, facility improvements, or creating a wireless environment.
What is the status of collaboration with the Township?
Multiple ways to collaborate with the Township and Village on mutually beneficial cost savings have been explored and discussions are continuing.
Thus far, only minimal cost savings have been identified – not due to lack of effort, but rather due to the already streamlined efforts of all parties.
What reductions have been made at central office/administration?
Between 2000 and 2011, the district has reduced expenses by over $15 million.
A specific itemization of these reductions appears on the district website. www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us and includes both central office and building level staff.
Based on work load (in part driven by continued increasing State and grant reporting requirements) and previous reductions, full staff replacement was necessitated.
What is the impact on a property owner?
$160 per $100,000 assessed value is solely an example that is used to illuminate the method that the millage is calculated and the impact on individual home/property owners. Clearly, if a community member’s property value is greater, the amount assessed will be higher. A tax estimate calculator is available on the district website.
What is the actual debt levy increase?
The current school debt levy is 7.491 mills. An increase of 1.6 mills results in a school debt levy of 9.09 mills; a 21.3 percent increase.
Based on the statues that govern qualified school bonds and the current downward trend of property tax values, this is the financial structure available to the district. We have made the best of the situation by qualifying for the QSCB bonds.
In closing, we clearly have a fiscal responsibility to this community, one we take very seriously and one we have and will continue to meet. However, despite the budget and financial limitations and boundaries within which we must operate, our greatest responsibility is to educate the children of this community and to prepare them for the world they join after they leave our district. Our current technology structure is creating lost opportunities for educating our students to become 21st century learners and, along with much needed safety, repair and facility improvements has led us to the request for a $25.5 million bond on February 22.
Dear editor,
As we head into the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am to live in the wonderful community and be surrounded with so many outstanding individuals and businesses.
While the rest of the region has struggled, the community of Lake Orion has managed to continue moving forward and carry out a list of accomplishments that I think should be congratulated. Some of those worth mentioning are the new senior center, the new power plant at Waste Management, several new ball fields and the water tower.
All of these accomplishments would not have been possible without the hard work of our great elected officials, police and fire fighters and the generosity and good will of our local businesses. Under the direction of Matt Gibb, the Township Board has made great strides with township development and rezoning efforts. While there are far too many businesses to name individually, I would like to extend special thanks to Golling GMC, Palazzo Di Bocce and Milosch Dodge, who continuously ‘step up to the place? when their help is needed.
As a-40 year resident of Lake Orion, I’ve seen a lot of changes in this great town. One thing that hasn’t changed is the hard work and dedication of the people who make it a wonderful place to live.
– Sincerely, Ron Zilka
Orion Township Planning Commissioner
Dear editor,
It’s time Orion educators provided the funds ‘for the kids.?
Administrators and teachers can chip in with a 10 percent pay cut and a 25 percent of their healthcare premiums immediately. Most of the veteran school board have been irresponsible and late in privatizing bussing, custodial and maintenance, stopping these ongoing costly special elections, and moving school elections to November like 27 other Oakland communities have.
The Lake Orion School Board woke up last August and asked for the bond, and were unable to get it on November’s ballot.
Parents of students, also taxpayers, have scarified enough, like everyone for eight years of ‘Lansingcrats? who imposed higher taxes rather than take on the powerful unions.
Paying $160 more for a $200,000 home for 18 more years is out of the question.
Teaching all students for 12 months with three weeks of vacation time to match foreign countries? excellence of consolidate district administrations – why that’s outrageous.
-Burke Cueny
A recent letter to the editor appeared in The Lake Orion Review with questions addressed to the Lake Orion School District specific to financial responsibility and inquiries related to the upcoming February 22 bond election. In an ongoing effort to provide accurate information to our community and to respond directly to these questions, I present the following:
Why haven’t you eliminated all-day kindergarten?
While the State did not mandate all-day kindergarten, they have continued to shift academic benchmarks to earlier grade levels. All-day kindergarten is crucial to our students meeting the rigor of this advanced time line. Research studies, supported by anecdotal comments from staff and parents, provide evidence that, relative to half-day programs, full day kindergarten is associated with a wide range of positive outcomes, including increased student achievement and social and behavioral development.
Initial district assessments of children who have participated in this program confirm our decision to retain this program. Because the program is relatively new, we will continue to gather data and evaluate the effect the program has on our children’s academic and social/behavioral development.
Why two elections?
The issue of school elections has many facets beyond the cost, including:
Conducting the election in February allowed the district to qualify for low interest bonds (Qualified School Construction Bonds) which would not have been the case if the election were scheduled for May. This resulted in our ability to lower the millage rate from 1.75 mills to 1.6 mills and reduce the length of the bond term from 25 years to a combination of 18 and 10 years.
Scheduling the bond election in February results in a dramatically lower financial impact than it would if the election were scheduled for May. (1.6 mills vs. 5.509 for the same amount of bond dollars).
With five board vacancies, conducting the School Board election this year in May better serves the district so that Board members can begin their responsibilities at the beginning of the school year rather than in the middle of a school year which would occur if the election were held in November. This decision may be revisited for future elections.
Discussion continues between the Orion Township Clerk and the district related to cost containments for elections.
Why wasn’t a grant writer hired and what grant money was pursued first before asking for bond money?
Rather than create another position, the responsibility to pursue grants has been assumed by existing staff members who continuously seek grant opportunities to offset expenses in a number of general fund areas.
For the current school year we have already received close to $1 million in grant dollars with an additional $5.7 million budgeted for the remainder of 2010-2011 for a total of $6.6 million in grant funds available for 2010-2011.
Grants have specific requirements and often are based on performance deficits; due to Lake Orion achievement we do not qualify for many of these. Available grants most often prohibit supplanting – replacing dollars currently being spent with grant dollars.
Grants are typically available to initiate and continue new programs; not for the purpose of purchasing capital outlay items included in our bond projects such as purchasing buses, facility improvements, or creating a wireless environment.
What is the status of collaboration with the Township?
Multiple ways to collaborate with the Township and Village on mutually beneficial cost savings have been explored and discussions are continuing.
Thus far, only minimal cost savings have been identified – not due to lack of effort, but rather due to the already streamlined efforts of all parties.
What reductions have been made at central office/administration?
Between 2000 and 2011, the district has reduced expenses by over $15 million.
A specific itemization of these reductions appears on the district website. www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us and includes both central office and building level staff.
Based on work load (in part driven by continued increasing State and grant reporting requirements) and previous reductions, full staff replacement was necessitated.
What is the impact on a property owner?
$160 per $100,000 assessed value is solely an example that is used to illuminate the method that the millage is calculated and the impact on individual home/property owners. Clearly, if a community member’s property value is greater, the amount assessed will be higher. A tax estimate calculator is available on the district website.
What is the actual debt levy increase?
The current school debt levy is 7.491 mills. An increase of 1.6 mills results in a school debt levy of 9.09 mills; a 21.3 percent increase.
Based on the statues that govern qualified school bonds and the current downward trend of property tax values, this is the financial structure available to the district. We have made the best of the situation by qualifying for the QSCB bonds.
In closing, we clearly have a fiscal responsibility to this community, one we take very seriously and one we have and will continue to meet. However, despite the budget and financial limitations and boundaries within which we must operate, our greatest responsibility is to educate the children of this community and to prepare them for the world they join after they leave our district. Our current technology structure is creating lost opportunities for educating our students to become 21st century learners and, along with much needed safety, repair and facility improvements has led us to the request for a $25.5 million bond on February 22.
Dear editor,
As we head into the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am to live in the wonderful community and be surrounded with so many outstanding individuals and businesses.
While the rest of the region has struggled, the community of Lake Orion has managed to continue moving forward and carry out a list of accomplishments that I think should be congratulated. Some of those worth mentioning are the new senior center, the new power plant at Waste Management, several new ball fields and the water tower.
All of these accomplishments would not have been possible without the hard work of our great elected officials, police and fire fighters and the generosity and good will of our local businesses. Under the direction of Matt Gibb, the Township Board has made great strides with township development and rezoning efforts. While there are far too many businesses to name individually, I would like to extend special thanks to Golling GMC, Palazzo Di Bocce and Milosch Dodge, who continuously ‘step up to the place? when their help is needed.
As a-40 year resident of Lake Orion, I’ve seen a lot of changes in this great town. One thing that hasn’t changed is the hard work and dedication of the people who make it a wonderful place to live.
– Sincerely, Ron Zilka
Orion Township Planning Commissioner
Dear editor,
Well said Denise Mitchell. I too believe that this district has not demonstrated fiscal responsibility in the past couple of years.
Additionally, I think they have also failed in looking at the district as a whole when making their financial decisions. Your comment on grant money is also true. Why will no one stand up and explain to this community why these types of funds are not being sought after by the district? I know for a fact, that many staff members, especially within the Special Education staff, that grants are sought after continuously for much needed classroom materials and equipment. I
think that it is high time this district look at putting together effective committees. I think that it would be beneficial for the district to establish committees in each area of importance, that involve parents, staff and administrators that can objectively look at ways the district can save money. One area I know that could use a major overhaul is Special Education (an area this district truly fails to understand).
We all have seen and heard the ways the district has been mismanaged. I think the time has come to stand firm on what we have been preaching to ‘closed ears? and let the district know we mean business.
Until the new board members are in office and a permanent superintendent is in place and we see a positive working relationship between administration and the board members, how can we be assured anything will change?
I don’t know about you, but when one loses my trust, it takes a whole lot more than a bunch of words and a few more promises to regain it.
I fully intend on voting NO at the February election. I strongly urge the community to research this bond, the unresolved issues and things not being addressed before you make a decision.
Our students would benefit from the bond, but only if the required leadership is in place. Are you convinced we have that yet?
– Tracy Gora
Dear Editor,
Recent violent acts at Clarkston High School have me, as a parent of two students there, very concerned.
Within the past week we had a student arrested for making mass death threats over the Internet and another student hospitalized after being beaten on school property (ed. note: not Clarkston Community Schools’ property).
I suspect there are other incidents occurring that I am just not aware of. I have to wonder what the heck is going on inside the minds of our children, and equally important, what school administrators are doing to prevent such criminal outbursts.
The current economic situation no doubt creates stress for students just as it does their parents. Perhaps schools should alter their curriculum by adding mandatory classes for coping with stress and the anger potentially brought on by it.
Despite all the great things Clarkston schools have to offer, I fear some kids just don’t realize how good they have it.
Might we have a situation where there are simply too many students packed into too few schools resulting in many feeling ‘left out? or neglected?
Unfortunately, although I have many concerns and questions, answers elude me. I sure hope our school officials are treating these incidents with the seriousness they deserve and are implementing preventative measures to assure the safety of our children.
Name withheld at writer’s request
Clarkston Community Schools officials respond:
“I’m exceedingly happy with the way our students, staff, parents, and administration handled the Facebook posting,” said Dr. Rod Rock, superintendent. “The response is an indication of the caring community in which we live.”
“Student safety is the absolute primary issue we consider as a board of education on anything that comes before us,” said school board President Steve Hyer. “Operationally, our policies are put in place to allow our administrators to keep our schools a safe and secure place to learn.”
Dear Editor,
How can Independence Township get a loan on an upside down Township Hall (“State steps in on hall plan,” page 1A, Jan. 12)?
Did it cost $6,500 to have Plante Moran figure out that the way to eliminate the Water and Sewer deficit is to get a new loan from a different source? What budget did it come from?
Are there costs associated with the new loan, like loan fee origination points or mortgage insurance? Is the loan for 100 percent of the cost, or is there some level of equity required? Where will that equity come from?
Won’t there be a real appraisal, not just an estimate of costs plus 35-37 percent price inflation tacked on, which will show that the supervisor and clerk paid a non-market rate for the building? Since the township paid far more than market value for the building two years ago, and the market has not improved over the last two years, how is the township going to pay off Water and Sewer with the new loan proceeds? Has the township found a lender who will loan 200 percent or so of market value?
It seems to me that the Township Board is worried about not being involved with this issue because the township supervisor is inept in dealing with financial issues or their consequences, like buying the Township Hall in the first place.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On Dec. 17, Independence Township Fire Department, in conjunction with the Clarkston Lions Club, hosted a blood drive with the American Red Cross.
We were able to collect 53 pints from those who were able to donate that day. Thank you to all who were able to donate, and thank you to anyone who may have been turned away.
Your time and generosity is valuable to us, and especially to those in need of blood.
The fire department has been hosting blood drives for at least 20 years for the Clarkston area, and the Lions have been involved in this effort with us since 2005, and since December of 2005, we have collected a total of 564 pints, translating to 1692 people who have benefited from your generosity of time and blood.
Bob Cesario, EMS Coordinator
Independence Township Fire Department
Dear Editor,
Happy New Year to The Clarkston News and good luck to columnist Don Rush in keeping his resolution to only write uplifting and positive thoughts.
With that in mind, I would like to recommend a new year’s resolution for Clarkston City Council. Abide by the resolutions you approved in the past and if you can’t, create better ones.
You know the ones I’m talking about, like the Nov. 24, 2008 resolution to have all information in writing and included in the information package so that the council and public can be informed on what is to be discussed at public meetings.
Last year was full of information handed out during the meeting, seldom given to the public, and numerous items discussed under the ‘City Manager’s Report? that it seems no one but the city manager knows about until the city manager speaks.
Then there is the ongoing budget confusion about whether the city can spend more money than appropriated in the budget. Both the June 24, 2010 budget resolution and Oct. 12 amendment resolution said they were approved ‘per the attached report? which was a detailed line item budget.
Even though presented and approved by the council at a line-item level, you continue to spend more money than you have appropriated and sometimes from line items that have no appropriation at all.
I wonder where all that additional money comes from? By the way, there is no longer a police department so it makes little sense to keep charging things to that budget.
Perhaps as important an issue is what really constitutes a decision by our City Council and what happens if everyone ignores them like you do with charter provisions, ordinances and even just plain old statements that things will get done?
What about those seven reserved parking spots at 3 E. Church that it seems only the three part time DPW employees are allowed to use?
At last year’s Dec. 6 city council meeting, the city manager said he had directed the DPW director to take care of this and open up four of the seven parking spots. On New Year’s Eve, when you could barely drive through the parking lot, these spots were still posted as CITY VEHICLES ONLY – TOW AWAY ZONE and were all empty.
We are all very happy knowing the city has decided every part time DPW employee should have two prime downtown parking spots, and one to spare, especially on evenings, weekends and holidays when they are not working.
We would never want them to walk any further than they have to, unlike the shoppers, visitors, residents, taxpayers, and other law abiding citizens who no doubt drive somewhere else when they can find no convenient downtown parking in the Village of Clarkston.
Happy New Year to the City Council and City Officials. How long will we all keep our resolutions and promises this year?
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
During the holiday season several businesses prepared and donated special meals for our homebound seniors who may not otherwise have had a home cooked meal on the holiday.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the following Clarkston businesses:
Deer Lake Athletic Club for the traditional Thanksgiving Day Feast; Autumn Ridge Assisted Living for the wonderful Christmas Day meal; Mr. B’s for providing the New Year’s Day Celebration meal; and Jack Harrington who volunteered his time to deliver all of the holiday meals.
We are grateful to be part of such a caring community. Thanks for making our homebound seniors holiday very special.
Barbara Rollin
Ind. Twp. Senior Adult Activity Center
Dear editor,
As you know, the Lake Orion Community Schools’ bond election will be held February 22. After wrestling with how I should vote on this bond, I have decided to vote “yes” and would like to share with you how I came to that conclusion.
In my efforts to sort out the issues I was having with the bond proposal, I discovered that my “problems” with the bond were not really with the bond at all. They were with the direction the leaders of LOCS were taking us, as well as many of their actions that impact the budget.
I was reminded this week that I can effectively address my issues with the leadership of the district in May when we have the opportunity to vote in five new members of the LOCS Board of Education.
As an active member of this community I have participated in many meetings and spoken with numerous people regarding the sense of change on the proverbial horizon and I am now convinced that our students and future students deserve the improvements the passing of this bond will provide for them.
Our students deserve safe buses, safe buildings, roofs that don’t leak and most of all, technology that will facilitate their academic success which will only benefit our school district and the Lake Orion community.
As such, in this difficult economic climate when no one really wants to pay more taxes, I feel that the investment in our students/school district equates to an investment for our community.
Therefore, I encourage you not only to vote on February 22, but to vote “yes” for our students thereby voting ‘yes? for our community!
Sincerely,
Karen Appledorn
Dear editor,
This is an open letter to the school board.
I don’t think anyone is against our schools having much needed facility improvements. However, the upcoming bond proposal brings to mind lost opportunities for savings by past spending decisions. Therefore, before I support a bond issue, please address the following concerns.
Last June, there was an opportunity to eliminate non-state mandated all-day kindergarten. Against your board’s own budget committee recommendations, you chose to pass this expensive $1 million annual program.
Why?
When you had the opportunity to eliminate $38K for special elections, and we are having two in 2011, why didn’t you take it?
What grant money was pursued first before asking for bond money? Over a year ago, hiring a grant writer was suggested by the residents in both the budget suggestions and Strategic Planning.
Why didn’t the administration take the offer to consolidate services with Orion Township and save costs on facility maintenance?
$1 million for central office personnel, when employees retired at central office last spring, why was everyone replaced? Please don’t say you eliminated one position – that position now has a contracted person.
I resent the fact that when you present this bond proposal, is it ONLY $160 per $100,000 assessed value. My tax bill will go up $441 for this bond proposal.
And, thanks to Robert Leggett for his editorial in the Orion Review (Oct. 15, 2010), for pointing out that this is a 23% increase in school debt.
There are many more examples of this that make me question the spending and business acumen of the leadership.
I do believe that good schools are reflected in our property values and our students’ achievement. However, how can I support any bond proposal without fiscal responsibility?
Sincerely,
Denise Mitchell
Dear editor,
On behalf of the Orion Art Center, I would like to thank Dave Shurman of Diamond Dave’s Creative Jewelers for giving us the opportunity to hold our annual holiday gift market in his gorgeous adjoining building. It was great to be out on the Lapeer Road corridor in that beautiful building for the duration of the sale.
Many dedicated people, including board members, artists, staff and volunteers helped to make the Holiday Market a success – and your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Special thanks to the arts patrons who shopped and supported our local artist community. Your thoughtful shopping will start their year off right.
Thanks again to everyone involved – your support allows the Orion Art Center to continue its mission of bringing the arts to our community while supporting local artists. Visit www.orionartcenter.org for exciting information on upcoming classes, exhibits and events for 2011!
Reggie Harrison,
OAC Director
Dear editor,
In mid December, North Oakland VFW Post 334 signed its 100th member only to be followed by the passing of three Life Members a three-week period.
The most recent loss was Dec. 29 when I was notified that Thomas Dunn, a charter member of the Post and the Post’s first Commander, had died.
Dunn lived in Samantha, AL according to his son James Dunn, who called to report his father’s passing. James explained that his father came to Michigan from Alabama looking for work when he was 19.
Dunn was drafted and sent to Korea, but when he returned to Michigan he owned and operated a service station in Rochester for several years. He then worked for a paper company and invented the first machine that made filters for coffee percolators.
During his lifetime, Dunn designed and built three homes, the last one his retirement home in Samantha.
Life Member Arthur Harp, who lived in Oxford, passed Dec. 26.
Arthur and his wife Betty owned and operated Harp’s Sales and Service for 26 years and he was a member of the Lake Orion United Methodist Church for more than 50 years.
I was also notified that Dennis Ruark, another member of VFW Post 334, had recently died.
Ruark and his wife were retired and living in Twining, but no details were provided as to when his funeral took place.
The loss of three members in a three-week period is very unusual, as there has been an average of one member passing in about a ten-month period over the past five years.
Ernie Baker,
North Oakland VFW
Post 334 Commander
Dear Editor,
On Dec. 6, 2010, I lost my best friend and soul mate, John Jasso. The father of my three children and my husband of 14 years was taken from me with a rapid and unforeseen illness I still don’t understand, just hours before his 35th birthday.
It was the darkest time in my life and I was certain my family would never recover. How? How would we ever manage without him? Within a short period, I quickly learned John didn’t leave us alone. He left us with a gift I never knew was there. He left us with you.
The warmth you, my new extended family, have showered down on us has lifted my spirits to unimaginable heights. You have moved me in a way that words simply cannot describe.
Each of you has stepped up into a role you didn’t have to take and have been nothing less then kind, giving, compassionate, generous and devoted. You did this happily while sharing our tears and holding us with open arms. Never questioning if you should.
I wish I could thank each of you personally for giving me the courage to move forward. Alas, some of you have remained anonymous and I will never know your face. However, I hope you do know I feel your kindness. I know you are out there sharing our pain and feeling our healing.
My sons, Johnny, Jacob and Joshua and I know that we are not alone in our uphill journey without John. We have a new hope. We have a support system that reaches beyond what our fingers can grasp. We have what can only be described as love. Love from all of you to each of us.
I am filled with a light stronger than the power of a million suns. I have you to thank for that.
You all have given me a strength I didn’t know I was capable of. I am confident that together with old familiar friends and the new family we now have, we will carry on.
Thank you. So very much.
Sian Jasso
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Residents of Independence Township, I encourage you to take one hour of your valuable time to attend an Independence Township Board Meeting in 2011.
I know meetings last longer than one hour but each meeting has time for public comments near the beginning. Arrive at 7:30 p.m. in time for the Pledge of Allegiance and then get in line to express yourself.
Share your thoughts about what is right or wrong with your local government. Our representatives need to hear from you.
After the public comments, leave and return home to your family. Use the local cable channel or online at ClarkstonTV.com to view the parts of the meeting that interest you most.
You don’t need to attend every meeting. Check out the agenda online. Make a resolution to attend two meetings during 2011.
How great would it be to see a line of citizens willing to share their views on the first and third Tuesdays of each month? Thomas Paine once said: ‘Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, like men, must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.?
Rick Gutowski
Independence Township
Ed. note: this email was forwarded to the Clarkston News by American Legion Post 63, Clarkston.
Greetings from Shindand, Afghanistan.’I just received the box that you sent. Thank you very much. I took some of the items and shared the rest with others.
I have to apologize for the email. Normally, I would write a hand written note. However, letter mail is so bad from Shindand that it would take at least a month to reach you. Packages to and from here take about 8-14 days to arrive, however paper mail takes about 3-4 weeks.
We think it because mail goes through Kandahar. They put mail onto pallets and when a pallet is full, the Air Force flies it out here. Well, packages fill up pallets fast, letters do not. ‘That is our theory at least.
Life in Afghanistan can be up and down. I will be really busy one day, and extremely bored the next. I am the intelligence officer for an aviation battalion. We have Apaches, Blackhawks, Chinooks, and MEDEVAC.
My five-person intelligence section and myself brief the aircrews that fly each day on the air threat in our area of operations. We are located in Regional Command West, which as the name states, we are in the western part of the country.
These deployments can be pretty difficult at times, mentally for me, but physically for many.
Now I don’t go out and do patrols like a lot of soldiers, but I am working in the office for about 13 hours a day, every day.
My unit has been here since early July, and we will likely be going home early July of next year. Everyone is already looking forward to it.
This is my second deployment. I was in Iraq from June 08- June 09, and then the unit deployed again about 12 and a half months after we got back. Luckily when we get home, I’ll be leaving this unit, and will go to one that doesn’t deploy so frequently.
This is the longest I have gone. I lived in Clarkston from when I was an infant until I graduated from Clarkston HS in 2003, and then went to West Point.
I definitely miss Clarkston; it was a great place to grow up.
Again, thank you for the box. It is always nice to be thought of when we are over here.
Respectfully,
Capt. Bryan Kolano
Shindand Airfield, Afghanistan
Dear Editor,
I just watched the Independence Township Board meeting of Dec. 14 which DIDN’T happen since four of seven members choose to miss the meeting! Not the first time for any of the missing but it was especially disturbing for the two fulltime township employees, Supervisor Dave Wagner and Treasurer Curt Carson.
Each missed previous meetings and it seems to me that as a full time employee these meetings should be a prime task they need to attend. This lack of attendance sends a real message to all the citizens of our township as to the commitment and concern of our elected representatives as well as a very poor example for other township employees.
I am sure I will hear good excuses from all the absentees but it will be hard to accept such a cavalier attitude on their part. Kudos to Neil Wallace and Dave Lohmeier who seem to find the time to attend all the meetings and to Clerk Shelia Vanderveen who was at this meeting.
J. James Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to share my story about a wonderful gift of kindness.
Last Saturday morning, I had dropped my son and husband off at work on the way back home I ran out of gas, no cell phone sitting on the side of Clarkston Road. What to do? I got out of my car on that very dark, very cold morning and started walking. To my right, down a driveway, I saw car lights ? the answer to my prayers. A man stopped and let me use his cell to call my husband, who didn’t answer my call.
The very nice man sent me to his house, calling to say I was coming. Now, remember it is dark, 6:30 a.m., and these people don’t know me from Adam as I stand there in my green bathrobe and pink croc’s.
A woman opened the door, let me in her home, let me use her cell to call my husband, got dressed, started her own car to warm it up, and sat with me at the end of her driveway until my husband came.
This woman was Michelle Phaup of Clarkston Realty. I would like to express my deepest thanks to both of them.
They were truly a blessing sent to me on that cold dark morning and exemplify the true meaning of Christmas spirit. We all need to take a lesson from their kindness.
Thank you again,
Kim McAlister
Independence Township
Dear Mr. Jim Sherman, Jr. (publisher),
For the life of me, I can’t understand why you published this piece of drivel in your newspaper (“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, somewhere else,” page 7A, Dec. 15).
Obviously Mr. Don Rush does not like living in this climate and unfortunately vents his distaste for Michigan on all who happen to read your paper.
In a time when promoting all that Michigan has to offer and uplifting the spirits of our citizens should be a priority, this “journalist’s” ramblings are very depressing.
Please, sir, keep your negative views to yourself and move to a climate more suitable to your liking.
David Belch
Orion
Dear Editor,
When I read “Police fund draining Springfield savings,” page 1A, Dec. 15, regarding Springfield Township’s budgets, I couldn’t quite believe it!
Didn’t Springfield Township Parks and Recreation get a dedicated millage passed recently for continued funding separate from the township’s general fund?
I voted “no” on the proposal because there were no assurances that parks and rec would live within their millage funding and not seek additional funds from the general fund.
Here it is only a few months later and, sure enough, $85,000 has been allocated from the general fund to repave basketball and tennis courts. This is absurd! Surely, there are more important areas that need funding. I think basic services ? police, fire, roads, etc. ? should be secured first and any excess funds saved for the coming rainy day in 2012. I was glad to see at least Mike Trout voted no.
I also don’t understand the following info in the article: “The millage is expected to bring in $428,500 increasing revenues from $565,500 in 2010 to $671,000 in 2011” (ed. note: $565,000 was what was budgeted for 2010 ? actual revenue was $496,683).
With a 2000 Census population of 13,338 people, that implies parks and rec will get more than $50 for each man, woman and child who live in Springfield Township. If parks and rec cannot live within their tax revenue then other options should be considered:
? Get new parks and rec management and staff that can live within revenues;
? Pay to play ? increase fees for those who use the facilities; and
? Reduce services.
It was interesting that an adjacent article in the same paper detailed cuts in the Independence Township Parks and Rec budget and future program cuts.
I haven’t paid much attention to Springfield Township’s budgeting process nor attended monthly board meetings, but maybe I should since that is some of my money that is going to be laid down on the basketball and tennis courts and I don’t play either. Surely this budget needs to be revisited.
John Olsen
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Clarkston High School Marching Band Directors, students and families wish to thank: The Clarkston News, John Bowman Chevrolet, Big Boy on Dixie Highway, Chocolate Moose, Waterford Elks Club, Clarkston Chamber of Commerce, Kroger, Via Bologna, Leo’s Coney Island, Qdobas, Culver’s, Tropical Smoothie and members of the community for their support and contributions toward the upcoming trip to London, England.
The tireless efforts of these businesses and individuals have helped reduce the cost of the trip for the students, ship instruments, provide public transportation cards and expenses related to the trip. ‘It is wonderful to belong to a community that takes an interest in the students and helps support their efforts.
Please tune into live coverage of the parade on New Year’s Day, 2011, and watch as the band represents their hometown! ?
Julie Moore
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Congratulations to the Clarkston High School Matching Band on the invitation to participate in the Silver Anniversary Parade in London.
The Clarkston News supplement we received in the mail box today is nicely done. HOWEVER, us Brits would appreciate it if the Union Jack in the photo on page 2A was the right way up! The flag is upside down, which is a sign of distress!
At the flag pole end, the one with the eyelets, the broad white diagonal band ? the white cross of Saint Andrew of Scotland or the background of the flag of Saint Patrick of Ireland ? should be at the top, above the red diagonal, not below the red diagonal.
Keep up the good work. We know how hard the students in the marching band work as our oldest grand daughter plays tenor sax in the Plymouth-Canton Marching Band, so congratulations to them all, and we know they will have an enjoyable trip. London is a great city.
Michael & Suzanne Royce,
Independence Township
Ed note: Not a difficult mistake to make. A quick Google search turned up a Feb. 3, 2009, BBC story of the British government displaying its own flag upside down during a ceremony involving their prime minister and the Chinese premier.
Dear Editor,
As you sing ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem? this Christmas, pray for the followers of Jesus who live there.
According to IfAmericansKnew.org, they are surrounded by a 25-foot wall and militarized fences, making modern Bethlehem a virtual prison. The modern state of Israel confiscated almost all agricultural land in the area for settlements, illegal under international law, making it impossible for many Palestinian farmers to tend their own land.
I saw this again this past Easter, my seventh time in the Holy Land since 1979. Pray with me for Christians in Bethlehem this Christmas.
Pastor Bob Walters
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I encourage all Independence Township residents to watch the Dec. 7 Independence Township Board meeting on ClarkstonTV.com or cable local access to view NON-transparent government at its finest.
No introductory remarks are made to briefly explain an agenda item in order to bring the audience up to speed on an issue and hand-out materials submitted only to the board are not read aloud.
Discussion of the supervisor’s budget was very bizarre. A concerned citizen was not allowed to fully present his findings during the public hearing; one trustee was not allowed to ask questions about various parts of the budget; the supervisor blew-off requests to discuss outstanding 2009 budget audit issues; and presentation of the 2011 budget by the finance director was incomplete.
The proposed budget does not meet requirements of Section 42.25 of The Charter Township Act which defines minimum content of a budget. The quick late-night approval seemed pre-arranged among several board members. I see only two reasons for the supervisor’s odd defensive behavior about the budget process: 1) he is uncomfortable being challenged because he has no in-depth knowledge about the data or the budget creation process or 2) there are two sets of books.
Regarding the board, the few questions raised about various agenda items show a lack of intellectual curiosity by Trustee Larry Rosso, Trustee Mark Petterson, Treasurer Curt Carson, and Supervisor Dave Wagner.
What more can be said about Supervisor Wagner that hasn’t already been said during the recent recall campaign! I can only point out the added cost he has brought to the Office of the Supervisor by hiring two additional heads ? one to handle human resources and the other a part-time deputy supervisor with unknown responsibility.
Three people handle tasks previously handled by the supervisor alone. Way to go Supervisor Wagner – increase the size of local government in these depressed economic times while popular township special events are cut from the 2011 budget!
Independence Township taxpayers deserve better. We are scraping the bottom of the barrel with these four clowns. They do NOT deserve to be re-elected!
Sharon Dudzinski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I feel I must answer the column, “Civic duty,” Nov. 10 edition of The Clarkston News. Yes, time in office for an elected official is “public service.”
It is public service with long hours and evening meetings; public expectation to attend all events to which you are invited whether during the day or evening; constant public approachability with opinions, complaints, and sometimes compliments; daily watchfulness of the press; attending classes away from home a week at a time; and all without a bonus or promotion no matter how well the job is done.
I happen to believe it is an honorable profession. The article compared it to military service and sacrifice. The military offers many career opportunities and includes so called “perks.” It offers higher educational benefits after serving. If you have a higher education, military is a well-paying career with long-term benefits.
Full-time “politicians” need to have an education and life experience to handle the daily obligations of the position.
Why wouldn’t this be a career? What other career requires a $5,000-$7,000 expense every four years to keep the job?
Local public officials must spend this and know that someone or a group is out there trying to take the job from them.
The cost is greater the higher level of government office sought. This is a sacrifice that must be given.
It is interesting to note that at the meeting on which you based your article, two of the three Independence Township Board members discussing this matter have government benefits and the other receives corporate benefits.
This letter is not to defend benefits for public officials. It is to remind that we want quality leaders of our township. These officials control a great part of our daily lives. Government is a business and needs to be conducted as one. As Tip O’Neill once said ‘all politics are local.?
Do we want a swinging door of inexperienced persons seeking glory by sacrificing a few months out of their lives with little pay and benefits as a “peace corp” type of official?
Becoming an elected public official is becoming an honorable public servant with many responsibilities, joys and sacrifices. I really loved being one! If I had regret, it would be that I did not begin this career as a younger person.
Best personal regards,
Joan McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I had the privilege of being invited to a retirement party for Mike Turk, who worked for Independence Township for 30 years, retiring as director of Parks and Recreation.
Not one of our current elected township officials took the time to come and wish Mike good luck in his new phase of life. To me, this does not make a very good statement to all our current employees.
As a long-time resident and taxpayer of this township, my taxes help pay these people’s salary.
I don’t know if they are planning on running in future elections or not, but rest assured they will not got my vote!
Kay Jones
Independence Township
Dear Editor:
A community that put up with endless delays in seeing a very public project continue year upon year, is tolerant (in regards to “Artist wishes mural teaches lasting lesson of tolerance,” Dec. 1).
However, even the most tolerant person is justified in expecting only reasonable delays. Mr. Sherman certainly showed an amazing amount of tolerance toward the person he hired to submit a plan and complete the plan within a determined amount of time. Unfortunately he, as well as the community, were disappointed.
Yes, an artist should be free to have self determination on the content of their work. However, this was a commercial venture which depended upon approval by the building owner of a submitted rendering with a determined deadline. Ms. Tynan decided to ignore both.
Ms. Tynan stated that she ‘does not feel ashamed of having been the cause of the business owner having lost money and being embarrassed.?
Since you presented yourself as an organized professional offering your services at a price, it was your obligation to work in a professional manner within the agreed upon parameters set by your employer, which you did not.
It amazes me that Ms. Tynan can interpret the community’s objection to her work as that of those who are snobs. Even those enamored with her work objected to the length of time it was taking to complete. I suggest that Ms. Tynan apply the meaning of the word to herself.
Snob: “displaying an offensively superior condescending manner,” Encarta at World English Dictionary.
Yes, I would definitely describe Mr. Sherman as well as the community as Tolerance Personified.
Marilyn Parke
Independence Township
Dear Editor:
Re: “Artist wishes mural teaches lasting lesson of tolerance,” by Michelle Tynan, Dec. 1. My first thought about hearing from Ms. Tynan again, is, aren’t we all accorded freedom of speech … not just artists?
There are a whole bunch of us out here who could care less about what Mr. Sherman commissioned to have painted on HIS wall and we care even less about M.T.’s (empty) blathering. The lesson here for young people is more about being accountable for fulfilling a contract or promise and less about tolerance for someone who is so totally self absorbed.
Gerry Schmidt
Springfield Township
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank you for your Spiritual Matters column and for allowing a variety of viewpoints to be presented. I would also like to thank Pastor Kendall Schaeffer of St. Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church for his letter published in the Nov. 24th Clarkston News. I was contacted by a member of the community who was interested in receiving a copy of my original article, published Nov. 3rd, after reading his letter.
I took the opportunity to call Pastor Kendall because I agree with most of his points and I was not clear as to what he ‘must react against? in my article. I did not suggest that Jesus utilized ‘magic tricks?, quite the opposite.
On this point the pastor and I disagree. We both have our authoritative references, so in the final analysis it comes down to a difference of opinion.
I honor Pastor Kendall’s faith, just as I hold in a place of honor all faith traditions. Each offer a piece of the puzzle without which we could not see the bigger picture. As I am fond of saying, God is too big to fit inside of one religion.
Blessings of peace, joy & love
Rev. Matthew E. Long
Peace Unity Church and Holistic Center
Dear Editor,
In regards to ‘Bullied out,? Dec. 1 edition of The Clarkston News, I feel it is my responsibility to share my thoughts on Clarkston Junior High, which I feel has been misrepresented when it comes to bullying.
I read about an eighth grade student who recently switched to home schooling after experiencing problems with bullying at the junior high. I completely respect her decisions and opinions, but as a ninth-grade freshman, I view my school in a completely different way.
Even though the hallways are crowded, I find them crowded with classmates I have grown up with. A couple of them might have made, or have been making, the terrible mistake of bullying, but I mostly see good-hearted, funny people I have come to love since I have been in Clarkston. Also in the hallways I see teachers from last year who wave hello and ask me how I’ve been, and I see current teachers who say, ‘hey, see ya next hour!?
I see fliers on the wall advertising tons of student made clubs, organized by administration for after school. I see posters made by our own junior high leadership team advertising awesome spirit weeks and dodgeball tournaments.
Even though the junior high definitely isn’t all fun and games, I feel safe and proud to be a student there.
Whenever there’s a tough unit in math, there’s always a teacher who will come in early to help you, and for every kid who does something inconsiderate and wrong like bullying, there are 10 kids who would stop and help you pick up you books if you dropped them, which I have seem happen multiple times.
I’ll admit school isn’t my favorite thing to do, and not everything about the junior high is perfect, but I am proud to go to school here, and this June when I leave the school for good, I know I’ll never forget the friends I have made, the crazy sports practices I somehow made it through, the nights where I thought I was never going to be done with homework, and the exams I get so stressed out for.
The thing is, I would not want to go through any of these things that go along with being a kid and growing up anywhere else.
The Clarkston Junior High student
asked to remain anonymous
Dear Editor,
I’ve lived in Clarkston my whole life, born and raised. I just want to say that the Oakland County Police department taking over for the local police is one of the best ideas that this town has ever had.
Although I’ve had some great experiences my whole life in this town, the Clarkston police never played a part in any of them.
They were always very rude towards this citizen and this isn’t just coming from me, I always heard stories about them that were negative.
They bullied their citizens rather than giving them a sense of protection. It seemed as if they just thought they could do whatever they wanted because they had a badge which is very unprofessional and immature. Now on the other hand, the Oakland County police have always been respectful towards their citizens.
They always gave a more protecting vibe and it will also save much money, which as we all know is a problem in just about any small town in America these days.
All I’m really trying to get through to you guys with this letter is bravo for abolishing the Clarkston police.
This is one of the best ideas this town has had in my life and I feel that in the long run, this will make for a happier community.
Thank You,
Max Baker
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the West Point Parents? graduate network, I want to thank the many people who participated in creating cards and letters to send to our soldiers.
The grad group met to pack 200 Christmas stockings to send to our soldiers in Afghanistan. They were collecting ‘boodle,? the Army term for supplies/goodies, to go inside the stockings. They were also hoping to include personal cards and letters of appreciation.
The word spread and I received over 350 cards, letters, and drawings. I want to thank the following organizations for their contribution: Independence Elementary Daisy Troop 74061, first grade; Brownie Troop 70160, second grade; Brownie Troop 70167, third grade; parishioners of St. Daniel Catholic Church; seventh and eighth grade students from St. Mary’s school in Mt. Clemens; my Thursday night Bunco group; McGregor Elementary of Rochester third grade students; Danielle Fuller and Clarkston High School’s Military History Club; and the many other students from CHS. I wish to also thank the St. Daniel Wednesday afternoon bible study group for their generous donations as well.
It truly warms my heart that so many people care. The beautiful cards you made and the heartfelt notes you wrote mean so much to the men and women who are away from home and their families. You participated in a wonderful activity that shows care and support.
As one soldier wrote in response to a previous show of kindness, ‘Many of us know the importance of the support and prayers from back home.
Taking the time to show that support helps keep the morale of the soldiers up when times get tough.?
Thank you!
Sandy Kolano
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It’s a real disappointment to see some of the programs being cut, including Clarkston’s Got Talent, Kite Fest, Kids Only Garage Sale and the Fourth of July Festival of Fun. These programs add fun to Clarkston and make it a good place to live.
Since a low revenue is made over the cost of the programs, all the township would need to do is either cut some of the expensive parts of these programs. Or cut other non fundamental parts of the budget.
Clarkston is a great place to live because of these activities and taking them out should not be necessary and would be disappointing.
Keith Auchterlonie, age 12
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I’d like to say ‘thank you? to Lake Orion’s head football coach, Chris Bell, his staff and the players, especially the seniors.
Living in Lake Orion, we as a community already have a lot to be proud of and now we have a state championship in football to be proud of, too.
When I tell friends and co-workers how much our football team means to our community, they smile and nod, but unless you live here and experience Friday nights and the occasional Saturday it is hard to appreciate the feelings we have for our team.
Thanks again. We are very proud.
– Garry Pascoe
Dear editor,
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner was a big success, with the biggest turnout yet. Thanks to all of the volunteers that helped out. We’d like to thank those to donated money or products: Our loyal customers, the Lake Orion Lions Club, the Lake Orion Police Association, the Lake Orion Firefighters Association, the Knights of Colombus, Alpha Lambda chapter, Caramango Foods, Del Bene Produce, Tom Stefanek Dairy, Leonards Syrup and Unifirst Corp.
We also had several Boy Scouts help out, and the children from Christ the Redeemer Church did a wonderful job on the place mats.
This year, we were fortunate enough to have all the folks at NOTA who volunteered their time and buses to help shuttle people to and from the restaurant, which was a tremendous help.
We also extend a very special thank you to all of the people who worked so hard at the restaurant, serving and preparing food. We had a wonderful group of volunteers. We are very fortunate to have so many great people helping, including several children, as well as wait staff. It was a very festive day and a great time was had by all.
Leftover monies will be donated to local charities for Christmas programs.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Carl and Joan Slomczenski
CJ’s Lakeside Grill and Sandbar
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston News has published yet another letter from Cory Johnston lambasting the Clarkston city council and making conclusory, unspecific claims of improper, secret decisions ‘in violation of our own Ordinances, Charter and State Law.?
The News consistently provides an open platform for Cory’s drumbeat of criticism, even treating his opinions as though they were actual news and headlining them on the front page (‘Cory calls for dissolving city,? Aug. 25).
As Cory and you should know from my direct communications with you, from my campaign discussions, and from my Facebook comments both before and after my election to the city council, I’m not an apologist for the way things have been. There is much to be done to make the council more open and responsive.
But continued vague criticisms without offering constructive solutions other than the remote possibility of dissolving the city disserve the residents and businesses of Clarkston.
Even if Cory and the News’which seems to support dissolution’could persuade 15 percent of Clarkston voters to petition for dissolution and two thirds to vote for it, that’s not going to happen tomorrow. In the meantime, we still have a city and a city government.
Both Cory and the News could more constructively work for realistic change.
Although the News gave Cory another quarter page to lambast the new council, it failed to report on anything that happened at the Nov. 8 council meeting that he criticizes.
It didn’t report on my efforts, which continue, to make public the discussions that have been going on about the future use of the old township hall.
It didn’t report accurately and fully on the reasons for the council’s decision not to expend more city resources appealing an adverse decision about the property at 164 North Main. It didn’t bother to solicit a response to Cory’s broad, vague criticisms.
If the News wants to be a better channel of communication to Clarkston residents and businesses regarding Clarkston government’which Editor Phil Custodio said before the election that he wanted’then you should have a more serious examination and discussion about what is going on.
How about a periodic point-counterpoint between Cory and me? Or a more thoughtful and in depth look at the workings of our city government. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize. It takes more effort to act responsibly and offer constructive solutions. I hope to see better from the News in the future.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Editor’s Note: Mr. Johnston’s opinions run as letters to the editor, where The Clarkston News endeavors to publish as many viewpoints as possible. Mr. Johnston’s are his. A newspaper’s job is not to ‘constructively? do anything. It is to be a leader in the arena of ideas; it is not to paint rosy pictures; it is to report accurately. Please let us know where we did not report the facts accurately. As the readers? best interests are always at heart we do not publish transcripts of meetings, not that we could get them from the city if we wanted to, because the city makes it a habit of not recording their meetings, which has led to inaccurate portrayals of motions in the recent past. Not everybody uses social networking via computer to gather news — we dabble there, but put more importance in print. We welcome yours and others opinion, even if they differ from ours.
Dear Editor,
I regularly read your Spiritual Matters column, often with intrigue and interest. I must react against the Nov. 3, article written by the pastor of Peace Unity church and Holistic Center in reference to the feeding of the 5,000.
True, this miracle is recorded in each of the Gospels. In each of the Gospels there is a very specific referent: Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish.
After they were blessed He had His disciples distribute them. What is the “them”? The five loaves and the two fish.
It was Jesus who was moved to compassion for the people and showed His care to them in this miracle, not some ‘magic trick? as Pastor Long cites.
Where did the 12 baskets come from? From the bounty of God’s hand.
God, Who provides, does so in ready manner here. This is what God’s Word teaches.
This, rather than man’s interpretation, is the teaching to which we must hold.
Pastor Kendall Schaeffer
St. Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to send a quick note about the article Trevor did on the store my wife and I own, Top Shelf Clothing.
He did such a great job that we had customers come in the same day the newspaper was delivered.
His article was written so well that we had a customer admit to us that she had doubts about shopping at a resale shop until she read the article.
For us, that is obviously great, but for a journalist, I know it must be rewarding to know they have convinced their reader about a topic through their writing skills.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that his article changed some people’s perceptions about shopping at a resale store and wanted you to know.
Thanks,
Bill Fowler, owner
Top Shelf Clothing of Clarkston
Dear Editor,
In response to “Time marches on” column by editor Phil Custodio, Nov. 17, about the proposed Clarkston Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) in downtown Clarkston.
I write this having just come from the funeral for a wonderful 94-year-old aunt. Fifty years ago she was as vital and vibrant as ever, but time takes it toll and she just wore out. Fortunately, her soul and spirit lives on.
Next year, both the Clarkston Conservatory of Music (CCM) and the Clarkston Village Players (CVP) celebrate 50 years of helping our community celebrate many forms of the arts, and have found a special place in our hearts.
Although they have functioned in the same facilities for most of those years, everything wears out sometime even as the spirit lives on.
CCM occupies a historic home on Main Street downtown. Its leaders and supporters have worked diligently over the years to make the building as flexible as possible, particularly as its usage has grown. One result is that the building has reached its capacity for service.
For example, other facilities have had to be used for years for recitals and similar events, requiring the movement and retuning of a concert piano after each move. And there is increasing need for more practice facilities than this building can accommodate.
CVP occupies the historic train depot on White Lake Road, along the railroad tracks two miles from the center of Clarkston. Over the years, energy, effort, and money have been invested in converting the building to make it into as comfortable and functional as possible for various kinds of theatrical productions.
However, CVP owns the building but not the land on which it sits. In fact, the building straddles a line which separates two parcels of land with two different owners.
Some CVP members fear the day when a train may jump the track and wipe out the building and, perhaps, some occupants as happened in Springfield Township nine years ago. Also, separate facilities are used for rehearsals, when plays are in session, and for storage of sets, costumes, etc. And parking for events is a serious problem.
For years both CCM and CVP have sought other locations and means to move due to their various increased needs. About three years ago, representatives of the two organizations began conversations concerning how they might cooperate and coordinate some of their operational needs into a centrally located facility. Plans for CCPA grew out of those conversations.
The proposed CCPA building and location will compliment the character of the community, will not be visible from Main Street or Depot Park, and will not replace the current CCM and CVP buildings which will be used and maintained.
It will provide a compact building which is conveniently located, includes an appropriately intimate, 120-seat auditorium, including ‘fly space? above the stage for curtains, sets, lights, etc., additional music tutorial rooms, significant storage space, dressing rooms, restrooms, an elevator, and a ‘gallery,? where visual art can be displayed. It is designed to provide a significant means of promoting all forms of performing and visual arts, with easy parking for visitors, and in walking distance for the residents of Clarkston.
The proposed Clarkston Center for the Performing Arts is intended to keep soul and spirit of arts in the city for at least the next 50 years.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am so happy to see that Ms. Linda Richardson has decided not to retire as the director of Independence Township Department of Public Works (“Richardson decides against retirement,” Nov. 3).
She has always shown the greatest of integrity. Ms. Richardson has maintained an exemplary work ethic and given this Township the kind of servIce and dedication we need from all our employees.
She represents us in the best possible way and I wish to thank her for giving us the opportunity to keep her employed.
Vicki Greene
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We would like to welcome and thank the Oakland County Sheriff’s into the Village of Clarkston.
We know it was a controversial issue with many people taking sides, but we have seen a real presence of the sheriffs and are very happy about it.
Halloween weekend, sheriff’s deputies were on Holcomb Road frequently and we saw three speeders pulled over in less than an hour.
We have also seen deputies out on foot, walking patrols.
This presence is very appreciated and welcomed. Thank you! Thank you!
Monica and Mike McGraw
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Village of Clarkston has had their first meeting of the new City Council and there was some information released from the closed doors and private meetings even though it took some pleading and coaxing from both the council and public. A sign of hope? You will have to attend the meetings to know for sure.
What was revealed? Closed door meetings, now called executive sessions to further confuse the public, with decisions made and expenses authorized without any public record. Zoning matters not given to the Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals where they belong but instead decided in private and in violation of our own Ordinances, Charter and State Law. I didn’t think the City Council could make an exception to the law for one person or one property, but they did.
There were discussions about matters of law that were not on the agenda but still got discussed. Too bad for you if you were interested in medical marijuana legislation. I guess another reason to attend meetings because they apparently don’t want to announce what they might talk about to either the council or the public.
The city manager and attorney told the public that the entire council was in complete agreement on actions taken by the council with regards to 90 N. Main. There is no record of that and three members of the current council knew nothing about it. The rest said nothing. Even when asked, the council members responded with stone faced silence. It seems the council is still of the opinion that the public and even all of their members do not need to be informed. Perhaps some members of the public, and some council members, are more privileged than others and are allowed to have information no one else has.
Perhaps the city is transitioning into some new form of government and we won’t have to bother with a public vote or public record for anything. What would we call a government where a few elected and unelected people tell us little, takes action in secret without any authority, and that has an elected body that agrees in silence with no public record? Would that be an authoritarian form of Monarchy, Diarchy, Oligarchy or will we have to coin a new word? Perhaps a Clarkstonarchy?
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Last week we said farewell to a living treasure in our midst. Maryann Carr passed from this life on Oct. 19, 2010, following a heroic battle with cancer. Her tireless and ever cheerful life of witness will be missed by the community.
In describing the ministry of the great St. Paul, it was said everything Paul said and did equaled a life of continuous prayer. His prayer, his life, was sparked by a hunger satisfied only by communion with Christ.
Maryann’s life was also one continuous prayer. She was all about serving, and being served by Christ, and always in community.
Her membership with St. Daniel’s Catholic Community was a true reflection of the faith that inspired Maryann’s life.
It couldn’t have been more fitting that her Mass of Celebration began at the new flowing Baptismal Font and for the choir to be singing songs she so much enjoyed singing with them. Maryann herself chose ‘The Servant Song? by David Haas as the parting song.
I will always think of Maryann holding my Christ light for me.
We wept, we laughed, walking the mile and bearing the load.
Marianne Bernard
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you to everyone who stepped forward to offer their support and words of encouragement in my campaign to become a Clarkston School Board Member.
In addition, I want to congratulate Elizabeth Egan on her victory. While I did not win, I believe the children won something in this election ? accountability of our board, administration and staff.
In business, customers have always held me accountable and expected if not demanded a return on their investment. Why do we not hold those in education to that same level of accountability?
I was prepared to be held accountable by everyone with a stake in our children’s education. I ask not just those of you that supported me, but every resident of Clarkston to hold those that represent us and our children accountable. If we don’t, we cannot complain about the results we get.
We must expect independent thought, innovation and improvement ? but it has to be done under the goal of being fiscally responsible. Communication and planning must be improved. Transparency and trust have to be more than just words used in conversation. We must engage our local leaders and our community in making better decisions based on financial resources available. We must not wait around for challenges, but rather aggressively prepare for them so that we are ready.
My biggest disappointment is that this was a tangible opportunity to break from the previous administration and bring a new mindset and independent voice to the conversation. As an optimist, I am hopeful for that momentum to continue.
This campaign was a humbling experience. I met wonderful and caring individuals with a passion about the educational direction for our children. People who felt what I felt and shared a vision that our schools should be run for the benefit of our children in the system and not the adults.
I urge those involved to stay involved, and those putting it off to please get involved. I know we are all very busy, but frankly, what is more important than our children?
Speaking of children, my children told me they were proud of me even though I lost. I hugged them and said, ‘I may have lost, but I just won something even better than the election.?
John Schrei
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but I was a bit disappointed that at the celebration of the retirement of Dave Reschke, in front of the crowd at Homecoming, Oct. 8, our Athletic Director presented him a gift of a signed football and basketball. Why weren’t any other sports represented? Just an observation.
Respectfully submitted by a parent of an athlete in a different CHS sport,
Mary Beth VanBuskirk
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I hope that the Clarkston Community Schools voters go to the polls to vote for John Schrei for School Board on Nov. 2!
John will bring a balanced, open, business perspective to the board and I back him wholeheartedly.
I was at the school board candidate forum last week and submitted some questions. They were never asked, so I don’t know what logic Elizabeth used when she was sworn in on April 19, 2010, and five minutes later felt she had sufficient understanding to vote to promote Anita Banach to human resources director, drastically increasing her pay, and to lay off over 50 district employees.
In future candidate forums, I hope audience members will be allowed to ask their own questions rather than allowing a moderator who is a colleague of one of the candidates to choose which questions to ask the candidates.
Elizabeth has served as a “rubber stamp” for board President Steve Hyer and his anti-transparency colleagues on the board, and that is not a good thing, with apologies to Martha Stewart.
I hope John Schrei is elected to Clarkston School Board.
I believe he will bring sanity to the board and increase transparency of district business.
Dawn Schaller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I support a talented and committed member of our community, Elizabeth Egan, for School Board in the November election. I have been fortunate to know Elizabeth and work with her in several community related activities.
For over 10 years, Elizabeth has given much of her time and energy to various Clarkston educational and community development activities. She has served Clarkston High School, Clarkston Junior High and the middle schools. She has been PTA Council president, and president of both CHS and CJHS PTA organizations. She has served on the district finance committee. Most recently she has served as a trustee on the school board.
Elizabeth would bring to the job not only the educational credentials, an MBA, but also the experience necessary to be an excellent board member. She has been an involved parent, a dedicated school and classroom volunteer, a guest teacher in the district, and a board member during a difficult transitional period. I have nothing but praise for both her competence and her personal dedication to the students in the district.
Anita Demster
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The story on Clarkston’s expected mayor (“One man for mayor,” Oct. 20) was informative and needed since he is running unopposed and didn’t have to say anything. It is a good sign that he did given the silence that preceded him.
On the budget, ‘even two or three years out is speculation? does not instill confidence that we have any sort of financial security. The current council tells us as little as possible even as anticipated reserves continue to decline drastically and they continue to spend money that no one can find in the budget. The budget and the issue of historic, city, village or whatever we could be versus everyone else will be issues to watch in the coming year.
Stephanie Huber’s reflections on “city of” versus “village of” (“Cityhood too costly”) were some of the best I have read or heard. Agree with her or not, she had valid issues which need to be addressed. We have an election coming up with four candidates from the historic district and two from just outside to fill four seats. While not the only issue, it may tell us where Clarkston’s sentiments lie. For the record however, while snow plowing in the Village may be ‘timely,? major roads are not done by the village but by the county.
Waldon, Main Street, White Lake, Clarkston Road and some others will be cleared in the same manner they always have been whether we are a city or not and no matter what we pay in local taxes.
DPW has said that new vehicles will be needed soon but the city has no money to buy them. What will they do and what will get cut now that the DPW is the most expensive department we have with more the 75 percent of the municipal building area and by far the biggest capital outlay in equipment, materials and supplies? Of course they are also the only thing left other than government itself so the choices seem pretty simple.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Although my children have already graduated from Clarkston Schools, I am still very interested in making sure that our School Board is comprised of professional, highly qualified individuals who think independently and act in the best interests of all the District residents.
For those reasons, I am voting for John Schrei, sounds like guy, for the Clarkston School Board on Nov. 2.
John not only is a parent with children in the district but also has professional skills and a business background which will serve us well as our district copes with the difficult economic conditions impacting our schools and community.
John Schrei is my guy and I hope voters will join me in electing him as a strong, independent voice on the Clarkston School Board.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
With all the recent changes in Clarkston Schools, there is still one constant. That permanence comes from dedicated parents and community members who volunteer countless hours to support our students, staff and families.
Elizabeth Egan is a shining example of this commitment. She has been an energetic volunteer for our schools since the first day her daughters enrolled in Clarkston Schools.
That day, she approached me with a wonderful idea to beautify the grounds at recently opened Independence Elementary, and also with the willingness to spearhead the project. Since that day her enthusiasm for our schools has not ebbed.
She has gone on to serve seven years in a variety of roles with the PTA including CHS and CJHS president and local council president. Elizabeth also has an impressive professional background having earned an MBA and working as a Business Analyst and Development Engineer for 18 years.
She has interest, experience and dedication to continue to serve our community as a school board trustee. Please support her with your vote on Nov. 2 so we can continue to benefit from her determination and professional skills in service to our schools.
Mickey Ginn
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The McLaren Health Care System extends a heartfelt thank you to the Clarkston High School staff and students, football coaching staff and team, Harriet Clark, LuAnn Stohrer, cheerleaders, parents, volunteers, and the community for their hard work and support in making the Football For a Cure Fundraiser a success.
The $8737.00 raised will go towards the patient support program, helping cancer patients who are being treated at Great Lakes Cancer Institute in Clarkston with transportation and daily living needs, as well as the McLaren Breast Center patients needs.
Our thanks and sincere appreciation for making GLCI and McLaren Breast Center part of your team.
Deanna Hart, patient services rep.
Great Lakes Cancer Institute
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to ‘write-in? candidate Michael Sabol’s position on cityhood. When we moved to Clarkston it was not yet a city. We were told that by voting for cityhood we would maintain lower taxes. The township was growing, requiring more taxation to add services ? we as a ‘city? would not have to contribute to the added taxes needed to serve that growing population.
However, over the last 15 years or so we have seen the reverse. While the township grows, their tax base also grows. Ours is not. We still receive the same services, but at a much higher price. We cannot grow in population so our taxes must increase as wages and costs increase. Personally I cannot believe that I voted for the rhetoric we were given back then.
As far as identity is concerned, there isn’t a resident in this township, that I know, who doesn’t take pride in being from Clarkston. We have always been residents of the ‘village?. It doesn’t define us.
Our downtown is not defined by 700 residents but by those who spend their time and money there. We would not survive by excluding the township from our downtown nor should we deny the township the pride they take in being a part of our village.
As far as I can see, the only benefit to being in the ‘village? is receiving snowplowing on a timely basis. We lost our police, one of the reasons we originally decided to become a ‘city.? Unfortunately, this candidate has not lived here long enough to speak to the situation about dissolving the city. It is getting too costly to maintain this name. How do we benefit in being a third party in contracts for services? This ‘pride? is too costly for me. I will not write his name in for council.
Stephenie L. Huber
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the article ‘Homeowners fight historic commission in restoration project,? Oct. 6.
Living in a historic district is a positive experience. We moved here because we love the historic look and atmosphere of Main Street and the rest of the Village.
A portion of the city is a Nationally Registered Historic District, required to follow the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s standards for rehabilitation and guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings. They protect our heritage by making sure owners use traditional materials like stone, wood, brick, and stucco.
Projects that dramatically alter the look of the streetscape are not allowed. This makes sure that someone doesn’t buy the house next to you, tear it down, and build something that resembles an airplane hangar or a California beach house.
The buildings are important. Owners come and go, but their alterations remain and their neighbors and future generations have to live with them. Once an architectural feature is removed or a building torn down, it is gone forever.
I served on the Clarkston Historic District Commission for eight years. In that time, we never had an owner who was “surprised” to find they just bought a house or commercial building in the Historic District.
We never had an owner have to appeal a decision to the Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board. Projects were always well planned in advance or they were modified to the satisfaction of the owner and the Historic District Commission.
Clarkston’s most valuable heritage is its buildings. Preserving them will allow this to continue to be the place people want to live, do business, walk, bike, and hold their special events.
Les Haight
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am a teacher at Pine Knob Elementary on Sashabaw Road, and mother to three small children who go to Li’l People’s Place daycare. I travel on Sashabaw many times a day. I have a concern about the stoplight in front of PKE.
I’m concerned someone will be seriously injured or killed the next time someone runs through a red light.
This stoplight has been on Sashabaw for quite some time now. However, since the beginning of this school year, there are have been many accidents and “almost accidents.”
These incidents have occurred many times throughout school hours, as early as 6:30 a.m. and as late at 6:30 p.m. The sheriff’s department has been supportive. They can have an officer sitting in an inconspicuous place all hours, but they can’t just sit there for 12 hours to watch for people runing a red light.
A solution I offered was to keep this stoplight functioning throughout the year, including weekends, evenings, and summer.
I’m not sure how else to solve this problem, but I hope someone figures it out before there is a tragedy that needed to be prevented.
Linda M. VandeVoort
Learning Resource Center
Pine Knob Elementary
Dear Editor:
I applaud Jim and Debbie Cousens for challenging the Clarkston Historic Commission as related to the restoration of their home on N. Main St. (‘Homeowners fight Historic Commission in restoration project,? Oct. 6).
This place had “been a dump” for past several years and since I live just around the corner, I could see the improvements almost daily.
And then to learn that they had been denied by the commission on their requests for improvements; I found that disgusting. I’ve personally had similar experiences in Pontiac where I own property that I discovered, after purchasing, was in a historic district. Rare is a sales agent who will openly discuss this with a prospective purchaser, before the closing. Even then, it may be buried deep in the closing documents and not realized until one attemps to pull a permit.
In my opinion, the district should not have the authority to deny a home owner from proceeding with an improvement as long as it meets applicable building codes.
Their role should be limited to providing historical advice and possible alternate materials and means to reasonably maintain the historic appearance of structure.
Having such powers can be a detriment to the improvement of older homes in historic districts and reduce their sales potential. Who in their right mind would want to go thru what the Cousens did just to improve their property? And not everyone has an extra 10 grand to spend on legal fees just so they can use 21st century building materials and methods, especially when it could be better spend in upgrading the structure.
My “hat’s off” to the Cousens for their determination and especially for the improvements they made to their property. It looks beautiful.
Dave Fritzinger
Clarkston
Dear Editor:
After I read the article ‘Homeowners fight Historic Commission in restoration project,? I couldn’t help but wonder how much money is being wasted fighting this restoration.
Totally by chance, I drove by this property and was very impressed with the home and wowed by the garage. As the homeowner stated, there was no way to salvage the windows and what would you have Mr. and Mrs. Cousens do, let the rot continue as well as the obvious safety violation?
I just don’t understand the waste of money and manpower put forth on this issue. After reading this article, I would hardly be encouraged to restore a home in the city.
I applaud the Cousens on their restoration efforts, the property looks beautiful!
Teresa Steel
Independence Township
Dear Editor:
I hope the voters in our upcoming school board election take advantage of this opportunity to move forward past the era of former Superintendent Roberts, and give our new incoming Superintendent Dr. Rock a fresh start.
I would like to point out that Ms. Elizabeth Egan, during the very meeting at which she was put on the School Board in April, voted to approve the hire of Superintendent Robert’s personal pick for the very important post of human resource director.
The new HR director, the former communication director, came into this position without human resources experience. I wonder how Ms. Egan rationalized hiring someone for the $100k+/year and benefits HR director’s position, who had no previous experience?
It doesn’t seem like an entry level position. If the HR Director job is such that someone can walk in and take charge without previous HR experience, why does it pay $100k+/year and benefits.
I believe that the voters in the upcoming Clarkston School Board election should take this opportunity to hold our leadership responsible for their past decisions.
We should take this opportunity to elect a board member who isn’t carrying any cronyism baggage from the Dr. Robert’s era. We should vote for someone with whom the School Unions can negotiate with in good faith, and not be suspicious of because of past cronyism.
In this election, that person is John Schrei.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor:
Eighteen years ago, we decided to be a city based on the vote of only 228 people. It was a noble experiment.
I have closely followed the city political activity for only the last eight years. I have heard all sorts of excuses for why things can’t be done; there is no need to look at an issue because someone looked at it in the past, they were obviously smarter than we are, we don’t have the money, we don’t have the time, and we don’t have the resources.
Our city manager has stated publicly several times, after someone asks if the city was in error, mistakes happen but it won’t happen again, only to have yet another ‘mistake? happen. Some cost the city money, some are violations of state law, the same law our elected officials take an oath of office to uphold.
We get promises but little more even when the public and the courts tell them they are wrong. The elected council says nothing. It seems that as long as the taxpayers are willing to pay the bill, there is no need to do anything different.
Others, some of them running for elected office, say we must preserve and protect our small town. I agree but we have done a miserable job so far and what are their plans for doing any better? Incumbents running for office have said nothing at all. The mayor will again be running without opposition and will be the official representative of the city. What do you know about him?
I have talked to all of the candidates running for office. I commend all of them for being willing to serve. Some have good ideas and I believe all are sincere in doing what they think is best for Clarkston. I am sure all that preceded them were of the same character.
Unfortunately it has not worked, there is no plan for improvement and the economy is forcing us to look at what we have ignored for 18 years. There are only three weeks until the election. I encourage everyone to find out about the candidates and the city’s situation.
I will give those elected a chance before I proceed with my petition to eliminate “city” from the Village of Clarkston. I have plenty of time and will use it for discussion with experts in Lansing to make sure the petition is done right.
The city has very little time, three years according to our mayor and city manager. I say less. Please attend City Council meetings, ask questions and demand answers. It is your money they are spending and our elected representative should never be allowed to say and do nothing.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor:
I enjoyed the Taste of Clarkston, seeing so many people having a great time.
However, I wish people who have dogs could leave them at home for the time there are amongst a crowd.
We don’t let dogs in restaurants or grocery stores ? Leader Dogs are an exception. Why do these people think it is alright to bring them to this event?
Trying to eat and have dogs next to you is very rude. Please think about this next year.
Joan Bachor
Independence Township
Dear Editor:
The president’s recent summit on community colleges was of great interest to me. As if Mr. Obama did not have enough to do, with running GM and the banking system, he now wants to ‘support? and ‘help? our local community colleges.
This is the oldest political game in the book; dangle some money in front of a needy entity, get them to take the money and then implement your policies and political agendas. Does anyone believe the ‘support? or money coming from the federal government will be given without strings attached? Nothing from the federal government comes without a sign-off on the small print, i.e., strings.
Through property taxes, Oakland County residents paid just under $100 million to OCC last year. This represents 60 percent of the college’s budget, which is then filled out by 30 percent from students and 10 percent from the state. We do not need some token federal contribution from the U.S. Government, which is more designed to redistribute our contribution to the college and implement the administration’s policies than it is to actually help the college. I say, ‘Thanks, but no thanks!?
Let Oakland County residents who are paying more than 90 percent of the total budget decide how our local community college should be run.
As candidate for Board of Trustees for OCC, I am deeply concerned that in tough economic times, we will sell our souls for any form of revenue. I would rather have a college paid for by the $100 million tax dollars we already contribute than to be dictated to by a bureaucrat in Washington.
Dan Kelly
Indepedence Township
Dear Editor:
I want to thank Clarkston News and Cory Johnston for the opportunity to discuss the cityhood issue last Thursday.
It was a good discussion, but it is time to move on.
I wanted to take part in the video because I was tired of seeing the one-sided comments by Mr. Johnston and various reporters, but as Mr. Johnston said during the video, the dissolution process is a difficult and lengthy one.
As noted in the end of the video, I have decided to run as a write-in candidate for the Clarkston City Council.
I will continue to discuss cityhood as an issue and my position on it is clear, but I do not want my candidacy and the election to become a referendum on cityhood.
In the video, I challenged the council to seek out and get people involved, citizens to get involved, and Clarkston News to foster this involvement and to provide fair and balanced information.
We all must put our resources and time into making Clarkston the best city possible. I think I can help. Please feel free to contact me at write-inm.sabol@sbcglobal.net or through Facebook at facebook.com/michael.sabol1 .
Mike Sabol
Clarkston
Dear Editor:
Saturday, Sept. 11, was a busy day at the Independence Township Senior Center in Clintonwood Park.
“Scraps for Seniors,” a fund raiser sponsored by volunteer deputies and reserves with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Township sub-station, Dixon Metal Processing volunteers and senior center volunteers was a huge success.
Volunteers with the senior center held a Garage Sale the same day, which was very successful. All scrap metal and items for the garage sale were donated by the community.
The funds raised from these events will help support programs and services for our community.
Thank you volunteers!
Friends of the Independence Township Adult Activity Center
Dear Editor:
Clarkston Community Historical Society Board of Directors would like to thank everyone in the community for their support of the society’s main fundraiser, Art in the Village, always held the third weekend in September.
This year’s show was a success despite the rainy weather on Saturday!
We are so appreciative of the 75 volunteers comprised of CCHS and community members, including Clarkston’s enthusiastic youth, who all joined in to make this event happen for its 36th year!
Special thanks also to the City of the Village of Clarkston, Smith’s Disposal, Boy Scout Troop 199, Randy Hosler Pontiac Buick GMC, Lydia Strnad, Melissa Luginski and Gini Schultz.
Proceeds from Art in the Village support the Clarkston Heritage Museum, our community’s treasure trove of local history, housed in the Independence Township Library.
Please visit our latest exhibit, The Doctor will see you now: Caring for the Clarkston Community.
This is the society’s 21st exhibit since opening our doors in 1999! Come learn about our early physicians who lived and worked in our little village.
A new exhibit showcasing patriotism and parades will be unveiled mid-to-late November.
Thanks again to all who helped ensure another successful Art in the Village!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Arkwright, Debbie DeVault, Jonathan Smith, Kim Huttenlocher, Bart Clark, Kelly Crawford, Alma Goldner, Glenida Olafsson, James Schultz, and Toni Smith
CCHS Board of Directors:
Dear Editor,
I watch most of the Township Board meetings on the local cable channel. Our Township Board is not the laughing stock of the entire County.
For Supervisor David Wagner to say that is his excuse for taking the meetings down off the Internet is self-serving and a gross overstatement.
To be certain, there have been many vigorous debates in board meetings which often bring out facts and circumstances that are important for residents to understand, particularly since it is our government.
Just last month a West Bloomfield Township trustee sued that township’s supervisor just three months after the same trustee had filed a lawsuit against that township’s police department, all arising supposedly out of the conduct of West Bloomfield Township business.
With West Bloomfield and many other communities? Boards and City Councils doing battle, ours is certainly not a laughing stock.
Those on our Township Board who are pushing for greater transparency and visibility of the township’s for all the public to see should be encouraged and supported openly. The township belongs to its residents, not its government.
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you to several individuals for their assistance with the success of our recent veteran benefit seminar.
First, we would like to recognize the American Legion Chief Pontiac Post #377 & its Commander, Robert Logan, for the use of the hall and for the hospitality of Denise Elton and Keith Logan during the event.
In addition, thank you to the following participants who also contributed: Pete Sardo and Rick Anderson, from the Great Lakes National Cemetery, who provided the attendees with valuable information on the cemetery’s services; Lauren Chamberlin, Oakland County Veterans Counselor, who spoke about the many benefits our veterans are entitled to; Stuart Pigler from Congressman Mike Rogers, who presented two American flags that were flown over the State Capital Building; Clarkston News for notifying the public of the upcoming event;
Finally, our utmost gratitude to over 60 veterans and spouses who attended this special event.
For those who were not able to attend and would like a free informational packet from the seminar, please contact me at 248-625-5231.
Eva Karas, family services director
Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I sent a link to Linda Richardson of the Independence DPW and Neil Wallace, Township trustee, to an EPA grant for $250,000 that could be used for environmental work here.
We qualified, I checked it out, and we most certainly would have received the money, all that had to be done was to fill out an application and write a grant, something I knew how to do and would have done, given the opportunity.
I would have personally benefited from this as there would have actually been work in my career field that I would have been almost guaranteed to be hired for, as the grant was to be used on local projects with local people. I can’t tell you why nothing was done about it, all I know is that nothing was done. I assume they didn’t think it was important.
Tammie Heazlit, hydrogeologist
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As another school year gets underway for Clarkston Community Schools, I urge our residents to stay involved and not to become complacent about our schools just because our leadership is changing.
It did not take one man to create the shortfalls we are experiencing and it cannot be expected that one man will be the solution.
I welcome Dr. Rod Rock and am excited for what he can bring to out schools, but we also need to remember we have a board at the center of our budget issues as well.
A board who voted to purchase and start new programming in the wake of financial disaster. A board who believed providing elite programming while cutting funds for our special needs students would generate revenue.
We were assured last year that safety and curriculum would NOT suffer this year due to the budget cuts, but class sizes are through the roof and some students have been sitting on the floor in class because there aren’t enough desks. This is unacceptable!
When our administrators talk about overcrowding in our children’s classes they talk in ratios, 33.6:1. I have never met a family with .6 of a child. These are our children NOT ratios and I take great offence every time I hear an administrator refer to my children as a ratio.
It is the right of every student in public school to receive a fair and equal education provided in a safe environment. More than 35 students in a classroom including our special needs students who no longer have support staff accompanying them is neither fair nor safe.
I urge every member of our community to stay involved, know what is going on in our schools, participate in PTA’s, PTO’s, and PTSA’a, attend board meetings and let your voice be heard during elections.
Until state funding for schools changes we will continue to see the education of our children being chipped away at piece by piece. It is time to work together as a community for creative solutions to provide the best education for our students.
The time to throw around money, competing with neighboring districts is over, we must begin to think outside the box and utilize and share resources with our neighboring districts.
We have some board members who are willing to look outside the box and try new things but others are comfortable in the box and some feel that what worked 20 years ago should still work today.
Clarkston schools have always been known as an exemplary district and commended for their dedication to all students, let’s make sure we keep it that way.
Stacey Frankovich
Clarkston mom
Dear Editor,
Many thanks to the following businesses for their generous donations in support of Bucks for Buses fund raiser, Aug. 12, at Bullfrogs Bar and Grill. With the support of the community, we were able to raise needed funds for the senior transportation program.
Pete’s Coney, Bullfrogs, Lourdes Nursing Home, Fountains Golf and Banquet, Family Video, Pontiac Country Club, Heroes Bar-B-Q and Brew, American Fitness, Home Instead Senior Care, Bellezza Salon, Sunrise Home Health, Waterfall Jewelry, Tenuta’s Foodlane, Nailtopia, Reflections Tanning, Hair by Jody, Clarkston Jewelry Outlet, Bonnie’s Hallmark, Plum Hollow, Lowrie’s Landscape, Outback Steakhouse, Red Knapp’s American Grill, and Mr. B’s.
A special thank you to Brenda Marino, Clarkston Medical Group, who obtained all the raffle prizes, and the many volunteers who gave of their time for this special event. Kudos to Dr. Michael Baker, who made the evening enjoyable with his musical talent.
Lois Seddon, president
Friends of Indep. Township Senior Center
Dear Editor,
In regards to “Clarkston constable talk continues,” Sept. 15, I would just like to say the reason most people become police officers is because they want to help people.
I work with a lot of deputies in Independence Township who take pride in serving their community which includes clarkston village. Please do not hesitate to call us for anything, including kids skateboarding, smoking or being loud. This is our job and we take pride in it.
Garry Crake
Deputy, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
Dear Editor,
Excerpts from previous editions of Clarkston News:
Regarding a sewer rate increase in an article dated July 22, 2009: ‘Director of Public Works Linda Richardson ? said she made a miscalculation when converting the cost from flow base to Residential Equivalent Unit and only passed on one-third of the cost.?
Regarding the new township hall in an article dated July 29, 2009: ?’Just as a lesson ? we need to slow down the voting part,? said Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen. ‘Maybe do a little less of the discussion part so we all understand what’s in front of us and how we’re voting.? VanderVeen, who admitted she was ‘ashamed to say? she didn’t know what she was voting on, joined the rest of the Independence Township Board in rescinding an extra $40,000 budget adjustment.?
Regarding checks written to an architectural firm for Sheriff substation blueprints in an article dated August 12, 2009: ‘Trustee David Lohmeier questioned Finance Director Susan Hendricks about the payments ? asked what account it came out of and ? she said it came out of the board’s budget??. ‘Lohmeier ? asked why and she said ‘that’s what I was directed to do.??
Regarding the PEG fees from Comcast in an article dated August 19, 2009: ?’Of the 10 to 12 municipalities our firm represents, Independence Township is the only one in this situation because under your expired franchise with Comcast, you didn’t receive any PEG fees, the township has never gotten anything from their cable provider,? said Kristin Kolb, attorney with Secrest and Wardle law firm. ‘All the other communities we represent have always gotten something.??
Regarding the township budget in an article dated June 2, 2010: ?’I just budgeted the amount I was told,? said Independence Finance Director Susan Hendricks referring to the healthcare adjustment of $271,000 to be made.?
Regarding a Plante & Moran audit of the township’s finances in an article dated July 28, 2010: ?’We’re having some trouble reconciling our checkbook, we didn’t realize we had the trouble, which is another strike against us and we really don’t have a plan of how we’re going to fix it,? Lohmeier said at the July 20 township board meeting.? ‘According to the 2009 audit ? Plante Moran noted an unreconciled difference of approximately $11,000 as well as a reconciling item of approximately $150,000 for which management (the township) was unable to provide supporting detail.? ‘Auditors also noted under internal control ‘material weaknesses?, the general fund was $116,000 higher than ledgers indicated. Finance director identified $100,000 of it, but $16,000 remains unidentified. Auditors also found the general fund’s accounts payable account was $21,000 higher than reported.?
Does anyone see an unsettling pattern here? Can it be attributed to lack of knowledge, lack of skills or lack of caring?
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Garden Club wishes to thank the anonymous donor who has paid half the fee charged by the City of the Village of Clarkston for hanging banners, $200, over Main Street for the non-profit clubs in the community.
Clarkston and Independence Township has very community minded residents and the nonprofits such as SCAMP, Coop Nursery, Friends of the Library, Rotary Club, Farmer’s Market and other non profit organizations that make this a great community to live are appreciative of the generous donor who helps each of the clubs publicize their events.
Thanks special citizen!.
Joette Kunse
Clarkston Farm and Garden Club
Dear Editor,
On behalf of Independence Township Parks and Recreation, I’d like to thank Nick Toth and all of his volunteers, for the beautification of the front entrance of Clintonwood Park.
We are very appreciative of the time he took to fundraise, gather supplies and volunteers.
All of his hard work was a demonstration of his dedication to the Scout program and our community.
Sincerely,
Kelly Hyer
Recreation Supervisor
Dear Editor,
I applaud the decision to cancel the forum on Oct. 4 to discuss the dissolution of the City of Clarkston.
These types of events, hastily planned, and not well-communicated, will only bring in those who support the issue at hand. We need to have lengthy discussions and debate, and take our time to completely settle the issue.
When my wife, daughter, and I moved into Clarkston in 2005, we moved from Independence Township and we wanted to get back to a small community life.
I am unhappy with the loss of the Police Department but that is not the only thing that makes up this community. Can you do better ‘YES! Should we just give up ? NO! We should not be making hasty decisions or starting petitions when the long term result would be impossible to overturn.
I believe these types of actions were of the type that resulted in the loss of the Police Department. The entire community was not fully engaged to properly debate the issue.
A more valid debate that should take place is how we engage the entire community within the City to gain a value for all of us. It can’t be just a dollars and cents decision, it has to be based on us keeping our own identity.
I personally do not want the city swallowed up by Independence Township and have our votes diluted within the 35,000+ population of Independence. If that happens, we will lose our identity completely because a much larger voting populace will be making decisions about what happens to us. Many people who only show up for parades and special events will be controlling what happens to our beautiful City.
We need to keep our own identity and work to engage this entire community in making the improvements necessary to satisfy us all. Let’s all start working to make this the right CITY for all of its residents.
Michael Sabol
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We agree with the idea that a layer of government could and should be dissolved if the city of/village of Clarkston was dissolved.
However we disagree with the notion that long time township residents should drop the Independence Twp. name in favor of Clarkston. There’s no reason that both names can’t coexist, both have coexisted for 170 years. Why rid the township of it’s historically significant name now? Having both names has helped define the community.
Independence Township was given its name by one of its earliest settlers, Joseph Van Sycle, who came to the township in 1834 from Independence, New Jersey. The township was organized in 1837.
The Independence name was used to identify the area/village before the name of the village was changed in 1840.
In 1840 the village was platted and named by Clark brothers, Jeremiah, Nelson W., and Milton H. On December 12, 1840 the Independence post office was transferred to and renamed Clarkston. The village was incorporated in 1884.
We believe that whatever happens to the city of/village of Clarkston should not affect the longstanding, historical Independence Township name. They both can, and should be left alone to coexist.
Sincerely,
Michael and Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I think we should have discussions on anything that would improve our community. Services and taxes are high on that list. We have five vacant homes on North Holcomb along. In my opinion, this is a problem.
Russ Rana
Clarkston
Dear editor,
Thanks for our Law enforcement for shutting down illegal Pot/Marijuana growing & selling joints; otherwise known as Marijuana Stores. Growing and selling marijuana is still a crime in Michigan; this act does not change that fact. The act permits only certain patients with certain illnesses to use, carry, and grow very strict amounts of marijuana for their personal use. Selling Marijuana is still illegal, regardless of whether or not a person has a qualifying illness.
Federal marijuana laws are the laws that the federal government enacts to criminalize marijuana possession, sale, and cultivation. Each U.S. state also passes their own marijuana laws, but when these laws are in conflict with the federal rules, the federal rules control. Traditionally drug crimes are prosecuted at the state level. But because some states have decriminalized marijuana crimes (such as for Medicinal purposes), federal prosecutions for marijuana possession/sale/cultivation are becoming more common. Our Federal Government has some extremely strict penalties, some of which involve decades of jail time.
Because the Federal Government does not recognize the “Marijuana for medical reasons,” if you are prosecuted under federal law you will not be able to use any defense involving it. This means that even if your state has explicitly authorized us to grow Marijuana, federal agents can still arrest us and can we can be sentenced according to the guidelines above (and indeed this has happened). Except in the use of the ‘legal prescription of ‘Marinol? which already exist & comes from the THC in Marijuana? for medicinal purposes.
Last week, the man accused of growing marijuana plants in his Auburn Hills backyard has been charged with manufacturing the controlled substance of marijuana and was given a $10,000 personal bond.
Judge Peter O’Connell was part of a three-judge panel that affirmed a decision by a lower court to reinstate drug charges against two people in Oakland County who were caught with marijuana plants last year. Judge Peter O’Connell issued a 30-page opinion on the state’s act, sympathizing with prosecutors. Jessica Cooper, Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney, said: ‘This (O’Connell’s opinion) is the position we’ve taken for a very long time.?
I have been to quite a number of our local Township & Village meetings in the last several months on this subject leaving me aghast that ‘growing & selling Pot legally? would even still be debated. It’s an open & shut case: the state of Michigan did not give it’s blessings for Marijuana stores. A person can grow up to 12 plants per year which can produce one lb. of weed & can be cultivated 4 times per year. This boils down to 12 x 4 equaling 48 lbs. of weed per year. Each Lb. is worth $6000.00 to $8000.00 on open market. Could or would a severally ill person smoke 4 Lbs. of Weed per month worth $32,000? On the other hand, would they prefer to sell their Marijuana for profit? What would any reasonable thinking person do? You be the judge.
John W. Hart
Dear Editor,
I was disappointed to see only two letters in the Sept. 1 Clarkston News about dissolving the City of the Village of Clarkston. I hope there are many more people willing to speak up on this very important issue.
This is not a ‘knee jerk? reaction to any single event but instead a considered opinion based on the facts and the direction our elected officials are taking us. If you talk to the present council members, I think you will find some who agree with me.
As for Mr. Frasa’s facts, please add Parks and Recreation to the list of city functions performed by Independence Township. If not for the Township, we would have nothing. It manages Deer Lake Beach, which is owned by Clarkston.
Bids were taken for snow plowing and it can be done for far less than what we pay in additional taxes. Lawn mowing was also bid and and was less than it costs the city DPW, but the council decided to buy a faster lawn mower instead, increasing DPW budget, not reducing costs.
Assessments are by the county, not the city. The historic district can remain the historic district, as it should, whether we are a city or not. I know of no official guidance the council has given the Historic Commission and it pretty much ignores the Planning Commission, rejecting many of their recommendations.
We were a village in the township far longer than we have been a city. Perhaps it would be better to look at ways of working together instead of a protectionist attitude.
We apparently like all the services the township offers and are willing to use them without any vote or control of the cost or level or service, but we don’t want to be part of the township? That sounds like something worthy of a discussion and I would like to hear the opinions of others.
Cory Johnston
Village of Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston High School Football Rush for Food committee thanks all who helped make our 13th annual community service project a huge success.
On Friday, Aug. 20 , 165 members of the Varsity, JV, and Freshman teams came together to collect non-perishable food items to help stock the pantry at Lighthouse Emergency Services in Clarkston. The high school teams were assisted in their efforts by the Clarkston Chiefs Youth Football Association who held a drive for personal hygiene items and paper goods.
The teams collected and sorted 4,600 pounds of food and paper/personal products. This is a new record for the event beating last year’s record of 4,432 pounds. I think the boys worked harder than ever this year because of the economic crisis our state is in. Most of the boys know of someone that has been touched by hard times this year, and their desire to help was greater than ever.
Special thanks go to the WrightActionPix and Sports Creations for funding the pre-event dinner for the players. Our thanks also go to the Clarkston Athletic Boosters, Clarkston Chiefs and Springfield Township Kroger’s for donating supplies.
The committee would also like to thank the CHS football coaches for their support, LuAnn Stohrer, CHS athletic secretary, CHS custodial staff, football players who gave their time to assist those in need, and MOST OF ALL the homeowners who generously donated to make this event such a success.
Thank you to Jennifer Baenziger, Chris Genoa, Jill Goss, Suzanne Gozdor, and Sandy Savoie (chair) for their time and commitment in organizing another successful year. Rush for Food once again proved what a wonderful community Clarkston is to live in!
Ellen Wright, Publicity
CHS Football ‘Rush for Food?
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your commitment to covering the charitable events in our community. On behalf of Culver’s of Clarkston, we recently had the opportunity to ‘give back? by hosting our first annual Scoop for Hearts fundraiser on Aug. 28.
We’d like to thank the community for their tremendous outpouring of support, as the event raised $5,500 for The Children’s Heart Foundation, which helps fund the fight against congenital heart defects in children (the most common and fatal birth defect in the U.S.). We thank our sponsors and partners: Oakland County Parks, Pepsi, Clarkston Medical Group, Planet Kids, BlueBerry Hill, and It’s My Michigan? as well as all the other volunteers and organizations who contributed to our raffle and helped make this event possible. And a sincere thanks to all those came out to support it. Culver’s is proud and grateful to be a part of the Clarkston community.
Sincerely,
Katie Schmitt
Owner/operator, Culver’s of Clarkston
Dear Editor,
“Cory calls for dissolving city” (Aug. 25) ? is this news or opinion? The article was little more than Cory Johnston sharing his opinion on whether Clarkston should remain a city. Unfortunately, there were no sources to counter Mr. Johnston. Mr. Kelly is not a city resident so I don’t consider his opinion on our future as relevant.
Not all city services will come from the township, only fire, library, water, sewer, and police. The city will continue to plow snow, cut grass, provide zoning and assessments, and guide the historic district.
Residents still control all of these things through the City Council. If we don’t like the deal, they can be voted out. Mr. Johnston would have us believe that we will be at the mercy of Independence Township for everything so we should just give up. This is very short sighted.
Mr. Johnston seems to believe that without our own police department, we should dissolve the city. I disagree. Dissolving the police department is a long-term but temporary situation. It could be changed in the future should economic times or the will of the majority of voters change.
We could rebuild our own police force if we choose to. If we dissolve the city, the situation becomes permanent. There would be no going back.
I believe there needs to be discussion about the future of the city but a knee-jerk reaction based on one man’s opinion over one hot issue is not how we should determine our future. We should give the new arrangement with Independence Township a chance to work and then start discussing the future.
Until then, lets have news on the front page and opinions on the opinion page.
Craig Frasa
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I read the article about dissolving Clarkston cityhood (“Cory calls for dissolving city,” Aug. 25), and have to agree with Mr. Johnston, he’s spot on with his opinions. Times are far different today then in 1992, when it sounded like a good idea.
Disbanding the police department is really just the first crack in the dam. Our taxes are out of control, making our properties less attractive when it comes time to sell.
I suggest all residents of The Village of the City of Clarkston read this article, really read this article, and I think we’ll all agree, it’s the right thing to do. See all the duplicate services we pay for, and not really even see. Let’s go back to pre 1992, our village was just as ‘cute and quaint? back then ? maybe more so ? and enjoy much lower taxes.
Cory I’m ready to sign!
Jim Laney
Proud resident of Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Tradition is what keeps a community together. Clarkston has many great traditions. One is the Labor Day fair at First Congregational Church of Clarkston. It brings all sorts of people from all over the Clarkston area.
There are three major parts of the fair. One, the car show. Two, the midway games. Three, the giant rummage sale that is full of donations from all the members of the church.
This fair is a fun day filled with classic cars, games and great deals all in one place. I personally wait for it all year. It takes a great deal of preparation so I belive that we as a community should seize the opportunity to have fun in the last days of summer.
Nathan Wilson
Lake Orion
Dear Editor,
It was a sad day in Clarkston to have to vote “for” or “against” a millage increase proposal, which made you feel you were losing the battle no matter which way you voted. A “no” vote eliminated our police protection but kept our current millage rate. A “yes” vote meant an unsubstantiated increase to our millage rate for the General Fund, which would supposedly keep our police protection in place. No wonder there were eleven people who wouldn’t even vote on the proposal.
All of us are dealing with budget limitations in this economic environment and none of us want to add more taxes to the equation. The current millage rate we have, when applied to reducing property values, means less in the General Fund. Like all of us, the City must look at all options to meet the priorities of the City with the funds available.
With populations growing all around us, one priority we must be willing to afford is maintaining the safe haven status The Village of Clarkston has acquired. There is a reason why our property values and median household income is higher than our neighboring communities. I know I am not the only one to get off I-75 and breathe a sigh of relief to be back “home”.
Safety and Wellness are very hard commodities to “sell”. If your community is “safe”, why do we need police protection. If you are not experiencing any health issues, why do you need a wellness program?
Obviously, or maybe not so obviously, the police and the safety measures you have in place are working for your community, or the diet and exercise you subscribe to are keeping you well. Take away your police and safety measures, or your diet and exercise program and you are faced with an ever-increasing possibility of an unsafe community or an unhealthy body.
Whether you rent, own, work or just play here, your safety and wellness matters to the community. It may mean volunteering your expertise to help the elected officials deal with our financial matters or, running for a committee or commission. We need to get what we so “dearly” pay for to live here. Write, attend meetings, attend fundraisers, stay in touch however you can to preserve and protect.
Lisabeth Schoebel
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I was disappointed in the News? coverage of the Aug. 16 Clarkston City Council meeting at which the council decided not to hold a November millage election to fund Clarkston’s police department but rather to disband the department (“No new millage vote for Clarkston Police,” Aug. 18).
The general tenor of the article is that the voters rejected a millage on Aug. 3, there was no confusion about what was at issue, and those who supported the millage are ‘sore losers.?
The article, however, does not fairly sum up the views of the proponents of a new election.
The Aug. 3 millage question was supposed to be an election on whether to increase taxes to fund the police department. But the ballot question itself didn’t even mention police.
The vote was on a general tax increase that could be used for anything. Contrary to the comments reported in the News? article, there was confusion, at least on the part of some voters, as noted by the comments of others at the council meeting, comments that the article did not report.
And there well could have been some who voted against the millage because it was not legally limited to funding the police.
All that the proponents of a new election wanted was a clear, unambiguous ballot question on a millage dedicated to funding the police department.
This was not an unreasonable request, given the close 7-vote margin on the August 3 election.
It is unfortunate that the council would not do this and instead had decided to disband the police department, with the consequent impairment to the quality of life in the village.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Aug. 3 primary election has come and gone, and this November only one candidate for representative of Michigan’s Eighth U.S. Congressional District will appear on the ballot.
A self-serving 10-year career politician will run unopposed on election day. Unless the Democratic Party endorses a man named Lance Enderle, ‘we the people? will have no choice, sort of like an election in Iran.
The Democratic Party endorsed a man named Kande Ngalamulume, an unknown football player from Michigan State. He campaigned for all of two months, and then withdrew from the race.
He withdrew after the filing deadline, making it impossible to remove his name from the primary ballot. This caused considerable confusion on the ballot. Lance Enderle received a lot of write-in votes, but not enough to appear on November’s ballot because of the voted Kande Ngalamulume received.
Call it what you will, I am angry Mr. Mike Rogers of Mr. Mike Rogers Neighborhood on K Street will buy his way into office again.
If you feel cheated like I do, then contact the Democratic Party. Better yet, call Mr. Rogers and express your views directly to him.
Let us try to put ‘we the people? back into our government.
Tim Heming
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
To the residents of the City of the Village of Clarkston who supported us on Aug. 3 and again at the City Council meeting on Monday night, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and say thank you!
To the residents who, for whatever reason, are not in favor of retaining the Clarkston Police Department, we ask you please keep an open mind on this topic. As always, we are at your service to answer and invite any questions or comments you may have concerning your department.
We are sworn to protect and service this community and are very pleased to continue to do so, hopefully for many years to come.
Thanks again to all our loyal friends and supporters.
The Officers of the
Clarkston Police Department.
Dear Editor,
This past June, a Congressional Committee heard the following:
Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) voiced concern. “The increase in suicides by military personnel in the last few years is alarming,” he read from his opening statement.
“The numbers of suicides have increased in every service, but significantly more so in the Army and Marine Corps, the two services most heavily engaged in ground combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Ranking member John McCain (R-AZ) fleshed this out.
“The Department of Defense has documented nearly 2,000 suicides from 2001 to 2009, and today the services report more than 140 during 2010.”
According to McCain, rates for the Army and Marine Corps “are at historic high levels.”
Expressing this trend epidemiologically, Committee member Joe Lieberman (I-CT) added: “The suicide rate among active duty U.S. military personnel has increased over the last decade from 9.1 per 100,000 in 2001 to 15.6 per 100,000 in 2009.”
That’s a jump of 71 percent.
Our community continues to care about those who have served, or are serving, and their families.
A website has been created in an effort to guide members of military families who are in need to sources of assistance:
www.clarkstoncares.org/
Be sure to use it if you, or someone you know, needs it!
Dr. Thomas K. Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Now is not the time for new taxes! Asking a resident of the City of Clarkston to pay an additional $750 for a 5 mill increase on a property with a taxable value of $150,000 is unconscionable.
With all the other cities, townships, counties, state governments and school districts making drastic cuts in their budget, we should cut expenses, not raise taxes. To ask our fellow citizens, many of whom are struggling with unemployment, reduced salaries, higher healthcare costs, and paying their existing property taxes, to absorb a 5 mill increase in new taxes is totally unacceptable. Please vote no on the millage increase on Aug. 3.
Lorry and Stuart Mahler
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
In these tough financial times, it is easy to say no to more taxes, and I am one to typically agree with that philosophy, especially if you have never had the need for the particular service in question.
I do have to say that I was out of town one day and my family was in desperate need of help. I was on the phone with my wife and felt completely helpless in the situation. I told her that I would call 911 and explain the situation. Within minutes she called me back and told me of their response.
I was very thankful to them when I heard of the speedy response and the professionalism that she told me about.
You won’t regret voting for the police millage if you are ever in need of their services.
Gordon Mason
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Looks like the more things change in Independence Township, the more they stay the same.
When Township Supervisor Dave Wagner was asked about the police millage renewal and police millage increase proposals in “Police Possibilities,” July 22 edition of The Clarkston News, his response sounded very familiar to how other failed millages in Independence Township have been handled.
Concerning the police proposals, Wagner responded, “We would put it back on the ballot for November, there would be no doubt about it.”
The senior center and town hall millage’s failed numerous times, yet he and the past board ignored voters, found the money, and then spent it despite the wishes of taxpayers. So once again we’ve already heard what will happen if people vote down a millage proposal in Independence Township. Their wishes will be ignored and in record time it will be put back on the ballot. Outrageous!
We have a better idea. The board should show taxpayers that they have the integrity to pass a resolution stopping the placement of tax increases on primaries, stealth elections, and instead hold all tax increase proposals during November elections.
The public is keenly aware of how the low turn-out of primary “stealth elections” is used against them to pass tax increases. This election is no different.
Now that we know that the renewals and increases could be going on the November ballot, we will be voting against all of the renewals and increases so that they can be put on the November ballot where they belong!
Michael & Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Clarkston residents know, as everyone must, that you get what you pay for, including police services.
We have all been on the freeway, caught in traffic moving in excess of posted speeds, only to see that traffic slows down to posted speeds when a police vehicle appears. This is the important difference between the effect of police visibility on “criminal” behavior and the response time to a “criminal” incident. While having police available to respond to our security needs is important, it is only a partial replacement for police visibility as a deterrence to crime.
The residents of Clarkston have a choice of police visibility and response, or just response. The choice is whether we are willing to pass a millage increase or not. In the city visibility includes appearance on all streets at all hours and house checks, when requested, which must be a comfort to our “snowbirds” as well as others who are away from home for an unusual period of time. Police traveling Main Street or Clarkston Road while “responding” to a call is not the same as visibility as a deterrence.
This is a reminder: we get what we pay for!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
There’s good news and bad news. For the first time in my 70 plus years, 48 spent as an engineer with a domestic auto company and 42 residing in Independence Township, I am yielding to the urge to share publicly some observations regarding our political and economic dilemma.
The good news is there is still at least one public service providing more for less. As we have been tightening our belts over these past months, an increasing number of residents have rediscovered the library as a virtually free source of entertainment via books, audio and video tapes, CDs, DVDs, children’s story time, teenage programs, and discussion groups, a source of assistance in preparing resumes, researching potential employers, and enhancing job skills, and a source of access to computers, the internet, and copying machines ? providing more.
At the same time, the supporting revenue, which is based on a fixed millage rate times reduced assessed property values, is decreasing ? for less.
Thus, the good news, the local library is one public service providing more for less.
The bad news is almost 90 percent of the library’s supporting revenue, which is based on a fixed millage rate times reduced assessed property values, is decreasing. Even worse news, should the library millage renewal not pass at the upcoming primary election, this 90 percent of the library’s supporting revenue will disappear completely.
Thus, the bad news, there is a potential for a significant reduction, if not the total loss of our valuable library facility and services.
It is my sincere hope voters recognize that supporting the renewal of the library millage at the carryover rate is still a reduction of current taxes and library funding. Our libraries are in drastic need of more, not less, funding to enhance their contribution toward economic recovery.
William E. Meredith
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I have lived in Springfield Township and have been involved with Parks and Recreation for the past ten years. All five of my children play on the ball leagues which take place in the township parks. The only reason they are able to participate is due to the low cost of enrollment. I volunteer to coach on the leagues since it’s a very worthwhile group activity for kids. The children look forward to playing and often it is because it is the only exposure to organized sports that they get.
My extensive experience with the Parks and recreation includes the organized sports softball, coach pitch, t-ball, and volley ball. The Cub Scouts and Girls Scouts attend several P & R activities a year including the fishing derby and maple syrup tapping demonstration. Adult activities include the world famous road rally ? which was run with reduced mileage this year due to the cost of fuel. After interacting with P & R staff on all these activities I have realized the entire staff cares about one thing: well being of the community. Time and again they have demonstrated going the extra mile to make sure activities are enjoyable and safe for all.
On Aug 3rd there is a millage proposal for .75 mils to benefit the Springfield Township Parks and Recreation department. My first hand knowledge of the good work the P & R department makes it easy to vote yes. I hope you will too.
Mark Sanders
program manager
Dear Editor,
Those of us who are so fortunate to live in Oakland County have a wonderful resource in our County Parks. The many opportunities for recreation and outdoor enjoyment are too many to detail. Some of the parks make me feel that I am somewhere in Northern Michigan while only a few miles from home while others provide golf, swimming and other great outdoor activities.
We will never have a better bargain that keeping our county parks alive and variable by renewing the millage request on the August 3 Primary.
For the folks in Independence , Brandon, Waterford and Lake Orion the real jewel is Independence Oaks park; if you haven’t been there you owe yourself a visit!
If for no other reason, you need to get out and vote on August 3 for our Oakland County Parks.
We’d like to urge everyone to vote for the Independence Library millage renewal. The library is a wonderful resource for the entire community and has been greatly improved under the current Librarian and her staff. This is a real bargin for us and a failure to pass this renewal will be a major set back for our township.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We believe it is vital to Independence Township that the police millage and library millage be renewed.
Declining property values result in declining revenue, so for 2010, we found it necessaray to cut by 10 percent polic eservices provided by Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Without this tax increase, the township would have to cut staffing over the next four years dramatically, untimately leaving us with just over half the police we had in 2009. We firmly believe this is not acceptable.
We have scrutinized the use of police services. To provide a reasonable level of public safety, it is not enough to just renew the existing millage, an increase is also required.
Particularly in these difficult times, your township library is a vital resource. Despite declining tax revenues, we can continue to operate it with just a renewal because Library Director Julia Meredith and her staff consistently find ways to do more with less.
Please joining us in voting ‘yes? for the library millage renewal and police millages on Aug. 3.
Signed,
David Wagner, supervisor
Shelagh VanderVeen, clerk
Curt Carson, treasurer
David Lohmeier, trustee
Larry Rosso, trustee
Neil Wallace, trustee
Mark Petterson, trustee
Dear Editor,
A library is a terrible thing to waste, just like a mind. Ours has grown from a tiny white building to a bigger little building to the heavily used, lovely building it is today.
Watching and working to help make this happen over the years has brought that warm feeling in the tummy of satisfaction and pride to a multitude of residents in Independence Township ? your hometown, friends.
Let us keep this flower blossoming.
Anne Rose
41 year Independence Township resident
Dear Editor,
The vote on the city millage increase is important. After reading ‘City Police millage important, chief says,? June 30, I had to write.
He talks of the great job they did in catching the man on Robertson Court, but the story doesn’t say they were assisted by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office with a tracking dog. The Clarkston Police Department does not nor will they ever have the resources on the sheriff’s department. It does not make sense to pay more for police that have to call for help when something serious happens.
He also states what a great job they did in catching the young men who defaced the mural. I wonder why they were not caught in the act, seeing how they have less than two square miles to patrol.
Be sure to vote! Don’t let a minority of voters make an important decision like this. The Clarkston Police Department is a layer of wasteful government!
Joel North
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
As voters consider our millage request Aug. 3, I’d like to remind them of some the benefits and responsibilities of Springfield Township Parks and Recreation.
These include partnering with the Natural Resource Conservation Service and DNR for prescribed burns to keep our park lands healthy; mowing, maintaining and striping sports fields; and repairing and maintaining facilities and equipment.
Often costs are not considered by those enjoying park facilities, and most see upkeep as a given. However, costs continue to rise and dollars available to provide these vital services continue to shrink.
Without support, we could potentially be faced with severely reducing or eliminating these crucial services. That is why now more than ever we need assistance from our residents so we can continue to provide them with the high standard of service, park facilities and programming they have come to enjoy.
Diane Baker, commissioner
Springfield Township Parks and Rec
…Eileen Kowall
Dear Editor,
I am proud to say our current 44th District State Rep. Eileen Kowall has been endorsed by the Michigan Township Association. Mrs. Kowall has taken her selfless hard work and vast experience as an Oakland County commissioner and put those qualities to work for us, the residents.
In this world of politics, with non-representing representatives who serve only groups that will facilitate the candidates? political agendas, we are very lucky to have Mrs. Kowall as our representative.
My view is to keep the experience we need so badly in our community. Keep the person who will fight the personal agenda seekers on the house floor. Keep Mrs. Kowall our state representative.
Mark A. Petterson
Independence Township
…Rick Gutowski
Dear Editor,
For 44th District state representative, including Independence and Springfield townships, please vote for Rick Gutowski in the Aug. 3 Republican primary.
Gutowski has over 30 years experience in industry with an engineering degree as well as an MBA.
For the past three YEARS, Michigan has led the nation ? in unemployment. The career politicians in Lansing keep using the same old slogans and approaches which have done nothing to improve the business climate in our state. We need new ideas based on what has worked in industry. We need Gutowski.
Rick Gutowski has been endorsed by the Republican Liberty Caucus of Michigan, a group of conservative Republicans seeking to limit the size of government.
Michigan needs new, aggressive, conservative leadership. Same old same old politics will only produce the same old results.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
To Clarkston City Council, planning committee, countless number of people who worked to make the Artemus M. Pappas Village Hall dedication ceremony memorable and to those who attended on that Sunday, we say thank you.
We appreciate the unveiling of the sign and plaque, refreshments, and, most of all, the kind words.
Gratefully,
The Pappas Family
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
‘Hey officer, does your police car have a hemi?? If the officers on Clarkston Police Department could receive a dollar for every time we answered that question, there would be no need for a millage increase!
No, our police car is not equipped with a Hemi V-8 engine. We have a six-cylinder Dodge, purchased used, not new. Why? To save taxpayers in the City of the Village of Clarkston money on the car’s initial purchase and its upkeep with the more fuel efficient smaller engine.
Other facts that perhaps village residents are not aware of, we have not received a pay increase in more than three years and we purchase all our own equipment. The only item that the village provides is patches for our uniforms.
The question of the day is the upcoming millage vote on Aug. 3 and what effect that will have on this village we are sworn to protect and service. If citizens vote down the increase planned for police and other essential village programs, what negative impact will result? We know the Oakland County Sheriff’s department is in a financial crunch and their services come up for two millage votes in Independence Township, also on Aug. 3. What will happen to police services in the village if both the township and village vote down their proposed new millage?
If the village fails to pass our millage and the township passes their’s, what effect will the increased township police millage have on the original price quoted to take over policing the village?
Since the village would be contracting for police protection with the township, not directly with Oakland County Sheriff, how responsive will the sheriff’s department be to our needs?
In these uncertain times, with these and other unanswered questions, would it not be more prudent to retain our own police department?
Gary Claudio, Clarkston police officer
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I would like to clarify your article, “City police millage important, chief says,” June 30. It is not a ‘police millage.?
While Clarkston City Council unanimously passed a resolution requesting language for a police millage, and made several other requests for this, the ballot language accepted by the council is for increasing the 15 mill charter tax limit, currently 13.1979 mills due to roll backs, to 20 mills for ‘general municipal purposes.?
The words ‘police? or ‘law enforcement? do not show up anywhere on the Clarkston ballot issue and the city has made no official commitment to use any approved tax increase for police services.
Taxpayers should know that the 20 mills requested by Clarkston City Council is the maximum allowed by state law and was not determined as the amount required to maintain local police services, but as the maximum they can legally ask for.
To put it simply, this is a request for a tax increase to the maximum amount possible for any purpose.
Another correction is that the cost for contracting sheriff services may not be the $93,000-$98,000 cited in the article.
That would only be true if the current township millage is simply renewed. Independence Township has two millages for law enforcement, Aug. 3. One to renew the existing millage of about two mills, and the other is to increase the existing millage by another mill, for a total of three mills.
If both pass and Clarkston uses this service, the cost would be $140,000-$147,000.
If neither of these ballot issues passes, there will presumably be no law enforcement services in Independence Township and nothing for the Village of Clarkston to contract for. The level and cost of sheriff services is entirely up to the voters and elected officials of Independence Township, per agreement already approved by Clarkston City Council.
The results of that election will have a profound effect on our area, public safety, and how we are perceived by others for both our services and our level of taxation.
We must also all judge if we can afford higher taxes and if we are confident in our elected officials to use that money wisely and for what they stated. There is no guarantee for this so it is a matter of confidence in our officials based on their past performance. I urge everyone to become informed on the issues and vote accordingly.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
When Springfield Township voters go to the polls for the Aug. 3 Primary Election, they will decide a proposal concerning dedicated funding for Springfield Township Parks.
Springfield Parks currently receives the bulk of it’s funding from the Springfield Township General Fund. General Fund revenues come from two main sources, Property Taxes and State Shared Revenue. Over the last several years, State Shared Revenue has been reduced about 30 percent.
With declining property values due to economic conditions, property tax revenues have declined, and are expected to continue to decline significantly over the next two years. Substantial changes in township operations have been made to reduce budgets, with even more required as our 2011 Budget Process continues.
As the Township Board allocates these sinking revenues, all departments will have to tighten their belts ? again! With approval of this millage proposal, Springfield Parks would have dedicated funding to continue operations and programs, funding that cannot be moved to other department budgets for their operation.
Springfield Township Fire, Police, and Library are currently funded with dedicated millages.
Millage elections in times like these make for difficult decisions. For more detailed information about this proposal, please visit www.FriendsofSTPR.com or contact the Springfield Township offices, www.springfield-twp.us and elected officials. Take the time to understand the parks millage proposal and please remember to vote on Aug. 3.
Denny Vallad
Trustee, Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Odd that after such long service to the community, The Clarkston News did such a short story on the dedication of the Village Hall in the honor and memory of Art Pappas.
Just as odd, they refer to him only as clerk and treasurer. Art Pappas? dedicated and remarkable service to this community included being clerk, treasurer and city manager, all at the same time.
His many accomplishments deserved a more significant report. To paraphrase Bill Basinger’s comments, the Village of Clarkston is very much Pappas? work of art.
One more note. Art Pappas was never elected city manager. Yet he was responsive and assessable to everyone.
We should all take note of that when considering the best future for Independence Township.
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We love our community! Why is it such a nice place?
We have many wonderful assets ? our parks, our library, our fire department, our police department, our medical centers, churches, open spaces, great schools,and beautiful neighborhoods. All of these contribute to our sense of place. They also add to and help maintain our property values.
However, they are not free. We must support them with our tax dollars. We have to be vigilant. We cannot lose sight of our need for police protection to keep our homes, children and neighborhoods safe.
We have to recognize our cultural resource in the library. It’s use by students, adults and seniors in good and bad economic times shows its vital need to the community.
It’s important. Vote “yes” on the Independence Township police millage, and “yes” for police millage renewal. Vote “yes” for library millage renewal.
Vote, Aug. 3, at the primary election.
Delbert and Joan McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In the years that my family has lived in Springfield Township, one of the great pleasures has been to be able to use the parks, hiking trails, and recreational programs maintained by the Springfield Township Parks and Recreation Department.
Throughout the years, they have developed a reputation of running a great programs on a shoe string. They are excellent stewards of the public’s money.
As the population grows and the economy slows, they now need to ask for a little more money from the taxpayers to make ends meet. So when you go to the ballot this August, please think of our great parks, our Senior Center, our sport programs, and our special events.
I think that the small increase they ask for will be well spent for our community.
Nelson Haynes
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to Sam Moraco’s letter regarding the director of Independence Township Parks and Recreation (“Frustrations with township leaders,” June 2).
He is correct in his statement that present township officials are very frustrating to work with.
But, I believe there was a very valid reason why the director decided to go on a medical leave as opposed to just retiring after 30 years of excellent service to the township.
As for he and his family living on taxpayers? money, they pay the township rent for the home they live in. They also pay their own utilities. Yes, he was given a township vehicle to use while doing business for the township. They drive their own vehicle for their personal use.
Before writing negative things about someone who has done an exceptional job, I think you should get your facts straight.
Kay Jones
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In regards to the story “Whole Foods top survey pick for Dixie redevelopment,” June 9 edition, we are in favor of a grocery store going in where the Farmer Jack was on Dixie and White Lake.
A large-scale produce market would be our top choice. There are none in the area!
We have lived in our home here for over nine years and still have to travel to the Eastside or Rochester for a quality selection of fruits and vegetables.
We need good fruit and veggies here in north Oakland County!
Walt and Joanne Plajstek
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The recall of Independence Township Supervisor David Wagner did not fail because of Joel DeLong.
He worked long and hard in the service of right over wrong.
Township voters voted down senior centers and township halls four times. David Wagner defied those elections. Playing fast and loose with township moneys and closed door meetings kept voters in the dark.
Because the recall law demands a standard of signatures higher than any election Wagner ever won, the recall made a demand on the electorate equal to a November election.
The Clarkston News? call for Wagners? resignation came too late in the process to help momentum. Primary elections are important. One primary election gave you Dave Wagner. That is why they call them primary, because of their importance.
Our government, all governments are process over productivity endeavors. Joel DeLong did not fail, a system rigged for complacency and mediocrity won.
We citizens lost.
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
When citizens approve a millage for the police department, it is generally for the purpose of maintaining or increasing police protection.
I must add that Clarkston is Main Street and the police have done a good job of regulating traffic on Main Street.
For Clarkston, the police controls crime and traffic but they also help give Clarkston an identity, an independence.
If Clarkston were to merge with Independence Township, the township would burp and Clarkston would be digested by it.
The police department is really an anti-merger factor. If Clarkston loses her police department, there is one less reason to remain a city.
If a merger occurred, the township would control zoning and planning and all things that make Clarkston what it is today.
Can one imagine this township board or any township board governing Clarkston?
The current township board belongs on Saturday Night Live, not governing Clarkston.
Gerald E. McNally
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
As a long-ago J-school grad and writer/reporter/columnist, in another life, I often frown and reread many articles in The Clarkston News, as I thumb though page by page after the paper arrives in my mailbox.
Maybe my inability to understand what is often a lack of clarity and organization of the facts in an understandable way is a result of the recently dysfunctional nature of much of your paper’s coverage areas and subject matter, i.e., Clarkston City Council meetings, Independence Township Board marathons, school news and board meetings, etc.
On the other hand, I confess to almost always enjoying the wit and down-to-earth columns from Jim Sherman and Don Rush.
Occasionally, the coverage you folks provide raises the bar way up there! Such is the case with the piece in your June 9 issue, ‘Graduation grants heartfelt wish.?
How motivating and uplifting was the story tracing Chesney Oldenburg’s journey from the first day of her senior year at Clarkston High, through her past week’s graduation?
I’ll tell you: it was outstanding, a four-star job!
I’m thinking Chesney and her parents are four-star people, too. They, as well as you folks at The Clarkston News, all deserve a ‘thumbs up,? way, way up!
Congratulations to all involved in this ‘perfect storm.?
Bob Dangel
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’m writing in response to ‘Local resident files for state representative seat,? May 12 edition, announcing Richard Gutowski’s campaign for state representative, 44th District.
Rick is described as ‘an independent, conservative, and a problem solver.? His ‘resume? is that of a very accomplished, successful individual with ?30 plus years in the real world? who is motivated to serve his community.
Many are tempted to believe our representative style of government is broken, and we must acknowledge we have all played a part. While we went about our lives, we’ve allowed a situation to develop not unlike the old adage of putting the fox in charge of the hen house in the township and Lansing.
Now we have a gentleman willing to step forward, place his well-earned rewards of retirement on the back burner and offer to actually employ what has become the uncommon asset of all in government, common sense. I don’t really know Rick other than to wave at him occasionally, but considering his background as an engineer combined with my own life experience dealing with engineers, I would be willing to bet he did not make this decision without a great deal of thought and research. This commitment could not have been made quickly or rashly, and I am extremely grateful he made it! We must consider this gentleman who simply doesn’t need the complication of public office at this time of his life. He should be scheduling tee times this summer, and yet he is essentially volunteering to go back to work, for us! He is offering to do an extremely difficult job in an extremely toxic environment for the simple reason that, while listening to the contributions of another, he asked himself, ‘wow, what have I done??
I would urge us all to understand the incredible commitment and sacrifice that Rick is making and to support his candidacy for this district. Any individual willing to employ the knowledge, experience, and business acumen he has gained in ?30 plus years? within our political process deserves our admiration and support!
Stephen L. Strawsburg
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Clarkston Community for their support of the Third Annual Angels? Place Race, May 22.
We exceeded last year’s fundraising amount. We are grateful for all the people in this community that made the race such a success and to bring the awareness of developmental disabilities to so many.
All of the 230 walkers and runners, 60 volunteers, St. Daniel Catholic Church, and sponsors showed their support for Angels? Place, a non profit organization providing homes and services to persons with developmental disabilities.
Our success would not be possible without all of you! We are looking forward to next year’s race. We are so thankful to live in such a caring place. Thanks so much!
Maggie and Paul Maxwell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Independence Township Library plays a vital partnership role with out schools for the education of our youth, but also offers a myriad of resources for adults including free computer classes, educational materials of all sorts, a friendly staff who are happy to help with individual needs, and entertainment materials and events for all ages.
I feel we all want to maintain the quality of our community while we wait for the economy to improve. A fine library like ours is a hallmark of a vital and desirable community. Please remember to vote yes for our library millage renewal on Aug. 3.
Jan Rimar
Library Yes Committee Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thank you to the generous and caring people and businesses, making donations to Clarkston bus drivers’ surprise gifts. Your donations made it all possible!
The Kirk family, Wenzlick family, McDonalds on Sashabaw, Culvers, The Johnson Family,Lussenhop family, Galaviz family, Garland family, Kacanowski Family, Rudy’s Market, Union Woodshop, Morgans Service LLC, Grattan Optometry, KH Homes, Graphic Wizard, Lakeview Food Basket, Leo’s Coney Island, Pine Knob Wine Shoppe, Lyons Family;
Diane Fisher, Bernie & Rosemary Rumbold, Tammy, Ruby Tuesday, Fountains Golf & Banquet, Dairy Dream, family Video, Dr. Wendy McFalda, Jackie Fromm, Rochelle McLetchie, Lowell-Myszenski family, Waste Jar, Union General, Garwood & Associates, Teresa Balhorn, Mazza Autoparts, McDonalds on Dixie Hwy, Lovse family, Dairy Queen, Mogill, Posner & Cohen, Kroger on Sashabaw, Dr. Jeffrey Clark, Genter family, Glitz, Great Turtle Toys, Cicchini family, Kelly Forbes, Kerrigan family, Hannah & Taylor Leonard, Bellezza, Sharon Cole;
Clarkston Hair Design, Rosie, Durrant family, Caribou Coffee, Luxor, Guido’s, Chupinsky family, Sandy Walters, Grindling family, Seguin family, Clarkston Union, Ritchey family, Anderson family, Roland family, Wenzel family, Clarkston Conservatory, Bruderick family;
Wright family, Salvation Army, Digs Consignment, Randolph’s Salon, Pierce family, Jorgenson family, Pita Way, Jamie DeCobber, Kelli Ehlers, Carrie, McKenzie family;
Clarkston News, Kubli family, Bob & Kelley Kostin, Avatar Studios, Pam Brown, Troop 13149 and all of numerous anonymous donations
Paula K. Rumbold-elosegui
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The American Cancer Society is the official sponsor of birthdays and the Clarkston community sure knows how to throw a party!
The 11th annual Relay For Life of Clarkston was a wonderful success due to the efforts of community teams, local organizations, businesses, and citizens who are dedicated to the fight against cancer. I’m so proud to live in such a caring community. Thank you to everyone involved.
This year’s Relay raised close to $60,000, which will support efforts to help people stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against this disease which has taken so much from all of us.
More information is available at 800-227-2345 and cancer.org.
Betty Anderson, event chair
2010 Relay for Life of Clarkston
Dear Editor,
“To whitewash is to gloss over or cover up vices, crimes or scandals or to exonerate by means of a perfunctory investigation or through biased presentation of data. It is especially used in the context of corporations, governments or other organizations.” ? Wikipedia
A promised police millage for the people to vote on that is now just a vote for the highest taxes legally possible to be used for everything possible.
Lawn mowing that now costs less by spending over $8200 of unbudgeted money from a planned deficit budget for equipment that will only be used 22 days out of the whole year.
Meeting minutes changed to reflect what was intended, not what was said.
Resolutions mysteriously changed to reflect actions and approvals that never occurred, at least not in public. A wall painted over so that it matches the sidewalk and buildings around it. Make it disappear because it is too dark, too colorful, too artistic, not artistic enough, not realistic, or too realistic.
Let’s cover it all up, whitewash it over, and exonerate everyone from everything they ever did. This must be what we want because it is what we have.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I read the article about the director of Parks and Rec. in Independence Township going on a medical leave last month due to the stress of his job working with the current administration.
I can sympathize with him since my experience working with the current administration proved to be one of the most frustrating experience I have had in my adult life.
They are certainly dysfunctional and certainly not looking out for the publics interest as much as their own.
But I can’t see the logic in taking a medical leave opposed to retirement after 30 years as its obvious that the situation won’t change till at least 2012 after the next election.
At a time when layoffs and downsizing is plaguing the township due to lost revenue it seems stepping aside would be the right thing to do for the township. If he couldn’t handle the stress, I can only imagine the struggle his assistant is having in his absence with out compensation.
The tax payers in the township have been very generous providing free housing, utilities and vehicles as part of his salary for most of his adult life.
It’s obviously time to take a break and enjoy life but please not on the tax payers? dime.
Sam Moraco
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The new handicap accessible garden at the senior activity center in Clintonwood Park is the result of a fantastic team of volunteers, Independence Township staff, and county advisors.
The project was the brain child of Carolyn Morrison and Rich Vogt of the center’s Landscape Committee, and Oakland County Community & Home Improvement staff. Most of the materials are being purchased with Oakland County’s Community Development Block Grant funds. Karl Drayton, retired drafting teacher, measured the area and drew up a variety of plans.
Bill Jawkik, semi-retired from the Troy Road Commission, advised on the amount of materials and the topography of the area. Fred Lutz, retired brick layer, lent his expertise for the brick walkway.
Rich Vogt, organic gardener, planned the raised garden beds and got quotes for the materials. Brandon Wilke, seasonal employee, provided much of the skilled labor.
Andy Auten, Parks and Recreation summer camp counseler, added his construction expertise and labor. Adam Koziarski and other seasonal employees assisted.
Kevin Daniels, from the township’s Facilities Maintenance Department, was the chief overseer, supervisor, expeditor, and laborer. Thank you Kevin and all participants for this beautiful addition to the center’s landscaping. Thank you, Kent at Ace Hardware, for donating 20 bags of top soil and 20 bags of peat.
We hope that physically challenged persons in the community will take advantage of this unique gardening opportunity.
Margaret Bartos
Senior Center Coordinator
Dear Editor,
After reading one person’s opinion in the May 19 People Poll, where she believes a law against texting while you drive is an intrusion by a government that should leave well enough alone, leave us to perhaps kill others while driving 75 mph on a freeway, it seems to me that there are people out there with a misunderstanding of the role of government.
While I have conservative views on government taking our money, trying to force its idea of health care on us, and so on, I definitely believe there’s a role that government must play.
I am sure the person with the freedom to text and drive opinion would never admit to being an anarchist, lack of the ability for ourgovernment representatives to pass laws that “intrude” on our lives for legitimate purposes is anarchy in its purest form.
We vote for representatives to pass laws for our good. Sometimes, they do just that. After all, we do need protection from those who may hurt us, both foreign and domestic. We make sure that we have police protection. We adhere, at least in our minds, to the Golden Rule and we vote in those who we believe will do the right thing. We also vote out those who aren’t
. Giving the police the right to stop those who obviously cannot be paying one hundred percent attention if they are texting, unless they have invented hands-free texting, is beneficial for all of us who take to the streets in hope we’ll get to where we’re going safely.
I, a conservative, support government intrusion when it is for this purpose.
Fred Neumark
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Some folks may not agree with our new president, but he has accomplished one thing, in that he has really shaken up the status quo.
Now is the time to seriously think about voting out career politicians this November. Democrat or Republican, are these politicians in office for the people who voted for them, or to shore up their retirement account?
One prime example would be U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, of Michigan’s 44th District. Try to name on thing he has done in the last 10 years for his district. He is on several committees, energy being one. Does he have a solution to what has happened in the Gulf of Mexico? When was the last time you heard him speak at a local town hall meeting addressing local problems?
State Rep. Eileen Kowall and her husband, White Lake Supervisor Mike Kowall, think their retirement should be funded by taxpayer dollars.
Of course, we have Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner, currently under recall notice, who shares this concept.
Remember that in order to make your vote count, you have to vote.
Tim Heming
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the Community Awards Committee: Anita Banach, Dawn Horner, Kelly Hyer, Linda Jaboro and Linda Mladenoff for an outstanding Michigan Week Community Awards Breakfast.
We are blessed to be able to celebrate the many unsung heroes and outstanding volunteer efforts in our community. I am so proud of our deep pool of talented, compassionate and inspirational people, each working hard at causes they cherish without thought for recognition or awards. Everyone doing what they can, where they can, creates the hometown community we treasure.
It was also a pleasure to read the event program and see the many sponsors, supporters, collaborators and donors who helped make this a wonderful signature event for our community. This breakfast truly was a collaborative community event’the very example of the types of efforts being celebrated with proclamations and awards.
Thank you to Pastor Greg Henneman and Clarkston Community Church for coordinating and hosting this important event. We appreciate your hard work!
Sincerely,
Penny Shanks, executive director
Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce
Dear Editor,
On May 1, the second annual Chuck Keegan Race for the Kids was cosponsored by the Clarkston Foundation and staff of Clarkston Junior High. Chuck taught for Clarkston Community Schools for more than 30 years.
He was also the track coach for much of that time. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of countless students, teachers, and parents.
This was evident in the outpouring of support from the community. Nearly 100 people participated in the event, and more than $3,000 was raised. These funds will be used to establish scholarships for Clarkston students.
We would like to thank Paul Coughlin of Runnin? Gear and John Merz of Graphmark Services. Their help was intrumental in the success of this event. Monetary support was also provided by the A+ Teachers? Store, ATS Project Success, The Learning Experience, Planned Financial Services, Sports Creations, and Waterford Jewelers.
In addition, we are grateful to Clarkston Community Schools for their support of this worthwhile event.
Finally, thanks to Amy Ankrom, Jim Berman, Kevin Breen, Ray Cooper, Denise Hill, Claudia Keglovitz, April Kosin, Mark Magni, Jon Paddock, Debbie Sabo, Wayne Samuel, Alex Sennabaum, and all the other former and current Clarkston school employees who donated their time and talent.
We can think of no better way to honor an outstanding Clarkton teacher who treasured his students, his school, and his community. Chuck’s first priority was always ‘his kids.? We are honored to continue his legacy.
Mike Greve, chairman
Race for the Kids
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank the Bailey Lake families for helping us raise $850 at our bake sale for Angelina Russo! Angelina is a 2-year-old cousin of our classmate, Allyson. Angelina is battling leukemia.
We sold baked goods and lemonade before and after school on May 18. We are lucky to live in such a caring community.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Barb Gramann’s second grade class
Dear Don Rush,
Thank you for all your help with our project in Academic Service Learning.
We really appreciate it. We know you are a busy person and we want to thank you for taking time out to respond to us.
Sincerely,
Hannah Hawkins ASL class
Dear Don,
Is the real problem that voters didn’t vote to privatize the supervisor’s office (“Mr. Wagner goes to township hall: Part 2,” May 5)?
I didn’t vote to privatize the supervisor office because an outside administrator would only answer to the trustees, not the residents of the township. Therefore, it would be almost impossible to remove this person if the residents were dissatisfied with his/her performance. Would this really save the township money?
Regarding the purchase of the new township offices, who was consulted or what people approved it? Was this the sole decision of the supervisor? How did he get such power?
All elected officials should be held accountable. I haven’t signed the petition to remove the supervisor because I can’t fully understand what the truth is and is not, and I consider removing anyone from office a serious act.
The majority of Independence voters voted for the present supervisor. If he was good enough to elect then, what has changed?
Concerning the leave of absence by an employee: didn’t letter writers in the Clarkston News complain about so-called ‘perks? the employee who took a leave of absence was receiving? Is the supervisor behind this? Did the employee receive the ‘perks? under this supervisor? If not, how can he be held responsible for the bickering concerning this situation?
Who are the real trouble makers and what is their goal? Would the supervisor stepping down really solve the problems?
Janet Pierson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On April 14, reporter Trevor Keiser authored a column title ‘Who’s slaughtering who?? Although I think Mr. Keiser’s calling Independence Township Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen ‘Little Bo Peep? is a sophomoric remark or characterization, I think public officials are fair game and properly subject to criticism if it is based on a fair review of the facts.
It appears Mr. Keiser forgot Clerk VanderVeen’s suggestion that the clerk’s office and other offices could operate at half pay, proffered by Ms. VanderVeen when she and others were investigating and considering whether or not the time had come for Independence Township to hire a professional manager.
In my opinion, Ms. VanderVeen is a hard working and outstanding township clerk who is providing real benefits to the township. I am informed that she is the only full time elected official who has voluntarily given up her car allowance, refused to accept a pay increase a few years ago, does not accept or utilize township health insurance, and turned in her township-provided cell phone.
It appears to this writer that Ms. VanderVeen has, in fact, led by example and although properly subject to criticism as a public official, I believe the criticism should be based on a fair, total, and complete review of Mr. VanderVeen’s record, efforts, leadership, and work ethic, and not taken out of context, as it appears Mr. Keiser has done.
I look forward to reading the usually excellent and zealous reporting of Mr. Keiser.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert E. Kostin
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Our Independence Township has many gems and one of them is the Independence Township Library.
Whenever I visit this fine facility, I am always impressed with the number of children, students, people from all walks of life who make use of all the services available. In my experience, the work of the personnel is exemplary. The coterie of caring volunteers is simply outstanding.
On Aug. 3, Independence Township will ask all voters to support a library renewal millage.
I urge all citizens to go to the polls to support this important library.
Mel. L. Vaara
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I was at this week’s waste of time council meeting (May 10) and got so disgusted I had to leave.
After listening to our fine city fathers crying poor, wanting to get rid of our police department and beg for a ridiculous tax increase, next thing they do is approve a $9,000 lawn mower for DPW!
They could contract lawn mowing out to an outside company for less than $4,500 per year. And our fine city manager said not to worry about pleasing a few upset residents ? Bob Pursley needs this mower and he wants it approved.
I can’t believe we have no money to save our police dept but we can buy a NEW Cadillac lawn mower! I will be the biggest advocate of getting rid of cityhood and give it all back to the township if the people of the city of the village don’t stop this underhanded behavior.
No ,Dennis Ritter, you don’t have to worry about pleasing the city residents. I’m thinkin we may be taking care of pleasing ourselves here real soon.
Steve Coventry, Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The weather was rainy and cool for the annual “Stamp out Hunger” post office food drive Saturday but the attitude of the many post office employees and volunteers was sunny and warm.
An estimated 15,000 pounds of donated food was collected along the mail routes and brought
to our Sashabaw Road location for unloading, sorting and boxing. All of this much needed food will be distributed to the hundreds of families that seek food assistance each month from Lighthouse Clarkston. Your generosity will help so many, many people as they continue to struggle with tight budgets.
The Clarkston Lighthouse staff extends a sincere ‘thank you? to all who helped make this food drive a huge success this year!
Connie Stapleton, Lighthouse
Independence Township
Dear Jim,
As you probably know, my little ditty about having patience with mural artistry was on the front page of The Clarkston News on Dec. 17, 2008. I sympathize with the PR problems all this caused you, and if I made it worse trying to make it light, it wasn’t intended.
In the same spirit, however, I offer below for your editorial pages a sequel inspired by something I read that someone now wants windows painted!
I’d suggest another go at a mural however, this time with an approval sketch beforehand of the scene which I suggest to be the 1941 fire, the trucks and the townspeople all watching, the result the blank wall.
It was the middle of the night and I too was there at age six, all also recounted below in 42 words. I recall the arch of water played only against the wall of your building, then Walter’s Dry Goods, to save it.
There was no water on Rudy’s because it was a tinder box and totally in flames. One of the two old town fire trucks that was there was around until the 1950s. I presume it’s in somebody’s collection somewhere now.
Tom Bullen
Clarkston
Whitewash
Clarkston, as with any small town,
For its quiet was quite well renown.
Rudy’s had burned down in forty-one,
Wall and parking, a dubious outcome.
I was there that fire filled night,
For a boy of six, a spectacular sight,
Rudy’s soon gone; it might have been all,
Except for hoses played on that wall.
Not much excitement after that,
Until an artist doffs her hat,
She presents a vision for that wall,
Something to inspire one and all.
But what for her was promise gaining,
Whined some others, ‘its chaos reigning?,
They called for Kevorkian’s bucket of paint,
Enough to whitewash town complaint.
Tortured wall gasped its last,
To its breast a brush filled asp.
Poisoning, covering color and breath,
A wash of white to simulate death.
How fitting the alabaster for its tomb,
Shrouded forever in stately gloom,
A memorial to intolerance, larded quite,
With rounded muscles wound too tight.
Now windows, some would paint,
To view a wall’s soul? How quaint!
Are they wistful? Do they dream?
Recoverable, a loss unforeseen?
TK Bullen, May, 2010
Dear Don,
This is in response to the anonymous whiter who did not agree with your call for Independence Township Supervisor to resign (“Mr. Wagner goes to township hall: Part 2,” May 5). Unlike ‘Anonymous,? you may use my name.
As a member of the recall effort, allow me to point out that we have already collected over 3,400 signatures to recall Supervisor Wagner, 1,000 more than the number of people who voted for him in the last election.
‘Anonymous? repeats Mr. Wagner’s frequent accusations that the recall committee promotes ‘half-truths. ? OK. Which half of the memo from and signed by Mr. Wagner dated 12/31/08 which raised car allowances by $100 per month for himself and five other employees is untrue?
Which half of the multiple invoices addressed to and authorized by Mr. Wagner for blueprints for a new $800,000 sheriff substation are untrue?
Which of the two memos dated 12/8/2008 and 1/16/2009 from and initialed by Mr. Wagner are untrue which authorized the $1,500 bonus payments to an employee without Board approval?
‘Anonymous? writes of ‘the several accomplishments? of the previous board and Mr. Wagner. Really? Like the purchase of the new Township Hall without a vote of the public in a manner that has resulted in higher water and sewer rates? Like the construction of a new senior center with an inaccessible basement, again without the approval of the voters?
‘Anonymous? suggests Mr. Rush check on the HR person. Good idea. Also check on the $300,000 lawsuit settlement the township insurance provider had to pay former library personnel who were wrongfully terminated by the Wagner administration, which was one of the reasons a professional HR person was hired.
Like ‘Anonymous,? over 3,400 residents who have signed the recall petitions are ‘frustrated and disappointed.? Since when is the exercise of our federal and state Constitutional rights to petition our government and recall elected officials a ‘black-eye? for the community?
If anything, we should commend the thousands of residents who have expressed their desire for more responsible local government. And they are not remaining anonymous.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Don,
You need to know that, as your reporter, Trevor Keiser, who has endured this mess over the past two years, knows, the township has been suffering from problems going back three years with the election of two new trustees who have a dedicated political agenda to take down the supervisor, and in the process, have ground the township’s business to a halt.
Their agenda has caused the very problems, such as arguments, prolonged debates, and inaction, as you have accurately described.
Supervisor Wagner is not the problem. He is a leader, and has made bold moves (new township hall, new senior center) that other officials have not had the guts to pursue.
Were it not for Mr. Wagner, and the contributions and cooperation of our building director and our construction community, we would not have these jewels in our township. It takes leadership to do the right things, despite what the recall proponents might say.
And that is the problem with the recall process today. A Wayne County judge recently noted that the recall process in Michigan has gotten totally out of hand, in that you shouldn’t be able to recall an official simply because he/she did something you just didn’t like.
And, more importantly, it stifles officials from making the right, and sometimes, unpopular decisions.
Joseph Lawrence
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Village Apparel and Gifts on Main Street will be closing their doors after 36 years. I am downsizing my businesses in order to look ahead to retirement.
I would like to thank all my loyal customers for supporting my business for 36 years. Your support has allowed me to be part of a wonderful town and community, and helped me achieve my goals.
We will still be able to help you with your varsity jacket and spirit-wear needs at my Coach’s Corner location on Sashabaw Road. We will also continue our embroidery and screen-printing services for individual needs, groups and teams.
Thank you for your loyalty of 36 years!
David McNeven
Owner
Letter to the EditorDear Editor,
In the first weekend in May, I attended the CHS production of “Father of the Bride” in our beautiful state of the art theater performed by 33 CHS cast and crew. I only wish more of our community had attended this wonderful production. Where else can you go for $7 and have an evening of entertainment? Please tell yourself in 2010-11 school year to mark your calendars and attend the CHS musical in the fall and play in the spring. You’ll be glad you did!
Thanks CHS Thespians for all your hard work . I truly enjoyed your performance
Jeanne Molzon
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I hope Dr. Al Roberts goes to Clarkston High School and spends some time freshening up on the First Amendment. Then, perhaps, he will stop making veiled and not-so-veiled threats to sue the local newspaper and taxpayers who “malign” him by publicly asking legitimate questions about how their money is being spent and how two important administrator positions were recently filled.
Private citizens, board members and the newspaper should not have to file Freedom of Information requests for information that many school districts post on their web sites.
Taxpayers have the right to examine district expenditures and question if their money is spent responsibily.
They also have the right to ask why, out of 600 applicants for two positions, the two best ones just happened to be Clarkston district employees.
Dr. Roberts’ latest claim that people will not buy houses (‘News riles Roberts,? April 27) in Clarkston if the newspaper does its job and asks tough questions is beyond ridiculous. If anything, what would keep people from wanting to move here is a reputation that school district business is not conducted in a transparent way.
When you work in an important capacity for the taxpayers, criticism comes with the territory — and the salary. Answering civil criticism with defensiveness and threats to “keep a file” of newspaper coverage is inappropriate, unproductive and, frankly, un-American.
It also sends a terrible message to our young people, who are underserved when those who should be exhibiting leadership in tough times needlessly pick fights with the newspaper and the people who pay their salaries.
Kelly J. Kolhagen
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It is interesting that at the last Village of Clarkston City Council meeting, our elected representatives rejected the outsourcing of lawn mowing for public grounds even though it was less costly than the City estimates it costs to do it with DPW employees and other City resources.
It is interesting because I and other former council members have asked about the cost of this and other DPW services for over four years and saw little if any accounting of costs for specific DPW work.
It is interesting because the reason the potential cost savings was defeated is it would require, by the city manager’s accounting, eight hours less per week from the DPW staff and he did not want to lose those hours or the corresponding reduction in city expenses.
It was his contention that we should outsource lawn mowing, not to save money, but to spend more. The council decided to do nothing and eight hours per week of DPW time was saved.
At the next council meeting the city may decide to spend over $5,000 for a new lawn mower so that we can continue to mow the lawn at an even greater cost.
This will be the third increase in the DPW budget this year. Apparently the Council feels that the DPW and eight hours per week from a part time DPW employee are more important than the jobs of two full time police officers, 5-6 part time officers and a place for reserve officers to work.
All of this may be replaced by the township sheriff service at a yet undetermined cost and level of service.
I fully understand that our police are a large part of our budget and that we may not be able to afford them at this time. I also realize that mowing the lawn is a relatively small part of the budget.
But is it really the city’s goal to mow the lawn at any cost while the health, safety and welfare of our city is reduced and we are told that a budget deficit is imminent? Is the Clarkston City Council the dance band on the Titanic? This is not the time to be spending more money on inefficient non-essential services and I would hope everyone takes this into account when voting for any increased spending and taxes.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to send out a public Thank You and Congratulations to all who were involved in the Bailey Lake Talent Show that took place at the CJHS Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 23rd. This was truly a concerted effort on the part of many individuals’from the Chairpersons, Lisa Sheldon, Linda Pauley and Cyndi Lindquist, to the volunteer parents, to the students and staff that ran the lights and sound, to the students who participated! What a great evening of entertainment this was, and the venue was perfect. The stadium seating was great for seeing everything unobstructed, and with the crowd that came out to support all of the awesome acts that were performed, it was nice to have the space. It was truly spectacular and all involved deserve a huge round of applause!
Mary Beth VanBuskirk
Bailey Lake PTA President
Dear Editor,
Recently there was a question asked about who was responsible for maintenance at the park and ride at I-75 and M-15. The question goes unanswered but the place has been cleaned up! Shazzamm and Gollie! Cleaning up is usually a thankless job, but here and now, thanks for cleaning up. Who did it?
Would that all our public affairs could be cleansed so quickly.
Rob Namowicz
Dear editor,
My heartfelt thanks go out to my long-time neighbors, the Sulisz family and their dog, Mickey.
I am an 80-year-old woman living independently in my Lake Orion home of 35 years.
On Saturday, April 24, I tripped on the threshold of my garage and fell onto my cement patio.
I was unable to get up myself and had just set my purse, which contained my cell phone, right inside the door of my house.
Unfortunately, I was not within sight of any of my neighbors. As I began to call out, I hoped that someone would hear me.
After 45 minutes, I realized that it was very unlikely that anyone would. Then I heard Mickey; she must have heard me calling and began to bark.
When she wouldn’t stop, and later began howling like none of us had ever heard her do before, my neighbors came out to see what was wrong.
They then heard me call out. If it hadn’t been for them, I would have likely spent a very long time, possibly an entire night, lying on my patio with a pretty strong bump to my head and some scrapes and bruises.
I am so grateful for them and the fact that we still have a sense of neighborhood in Lake Orion.
-Margaret Blythe
Dear editor,
I am writing in regard to an (Orion Township Planning Commission) meeting of Wednesday, April 7, 2010.
Sandra Dyl madea statement that she, along with her neighbors, did not approve of something the rest of the planners were talking about. Since when did she get permission to give her opinion?
She is on that board to help make plans for the future development of the township. I think she needs to be replaced.
-Betty McDowell
Orion Township
Dear Editor,
We emphatically agree with Don Rush (“It’s time Mr. Wagner step down,” April 21). Dave Wagner should resign! However, admitting failure and doing the right thing has never been at the top of the supervisor’s to-do list.
Though Dave Wagner’s unethical behavior certainly calls for his resignation and the community should demand it. If the past is a predictor of the future, we don’t expect Mr. Wagner to admit failure or leave office until he has had the opportunity to throw every township employee and citizen under the bus on his way out.
The last straw for township residents should be Mr. Wagner’s attempt to try to stop residents from exercising their first amendment right to freedom of speech. Mr. Wagner’s request for a legal opinion to see if he could stop a public cable program promoting his recall speaks volumes about how he deals with rights of township citizens! He should be ashamed and resign for even considering such a thing!
But, once caught, he selfishly threw another township employee under the bus without a care for the employee or the rights of others.
It’s incomprehensible that an elected official could fail Constitution 101 so miserably that he would ever consider spending our tax dollars, without board approval, on a legal opinion to deny citizens their basic first amendment rights! Guess who got stuck with the bill? TAXPAYERS!
It’s becoming clearer by the day why we have a new multi-million dollar town hall with the best interior luxuries our money could buy. Yet outside stands not a single flag pole recognizing the country, state, or the township who’s residents paid for the building and for whom it is supposed to represent!
Instead, what the public has is a multi-million dollar building adorned by a fifty cent sign, upon which hangs a 10 cent bell. Sadly, thanks to Mr. Wagner, they’re all representative of the selfish behavior of the buildings inhabitant. Will he do what’s best for the township and resign? We highly doubt it.
Mike and Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would have some understanding if Trevor Keiser had written this column (“It’s time Mr. Wagner step down,” April 21) because he attends every meeting and knows exactly what’s going on in the township, but Mr. Rush has no clue what’s going on.
Why do you think things have gone crazy the last five months? It’s because we have two new trustees who are trying to micromanage the township in an attempt to discredit the supervisor.
They ran a candidate against him and lost. They move to hire a human resource person to strip him of his authority.
They question the supervisor’s action of asking a legal opinion on using the township Comcast program to talk about the recall, but no one questions legal fees those trustees are spending, such on closed sessions they ask for, or the Consumer’s Power land lessee.
Mr. Rush needs to get out and talk to a cross section of the community before asking a person who got close to 60 percent of the vote to step down.
Rudy Lozano
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I was most unhappy with Trevor Keiser’s article criticizing our Independence Township clerk (Who’s slaughtering who,” April 14).
Although I don’t always agree with her, I think Trevor went far beyond the bounds of civility with his tirade.
Shelagh Vanderveen has done a good job of running her office and our elections, and seems to try to be a positive voice on the Township Board.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Monday, April 26, the mural has been whitewashed over.
Yesterday, it was there, today it is gone. Please tell me you aren’t planning on leaving it like that, are you? The building looks much, much worse with the whitewashed wall than it did with the unfinished mural.
I know, I know, it’s been dragging on for years. Some people thought it had “disturbing images,” too ambitious, etc.
I hope all you folks who complained about the mural are happy. You have taken a bad situation and made it worse. I wouldn’t be surprised to see property values in downtown Clarkston drop now.
The white wall needs to be painted over. Replicate the window/door patterns and colors from the front of the building on the side too, and do the other side above Rudy’s to match.
That’s the way the mural started out, but then too many other elements were introduced, complicating the design, and the effort, and that’s where the composition fell apart. Nevertheless, a blank white wall is NOT an improvement.
Keith Holt
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I have been reading with increasing interest your articles regarding the ongoing attempts to obtain information from both the Clarkston School Board and the school administration.
In the apparent absence of forthcoming and complete responses from both the board and the administration, I applaud the efforts of The Clarkston News and the interested public to use the means at their disposal to obtain information the parents of the students and the general public have a right to know.
I also applaud the efforts of those members of the board that have asked the tough questions at the board meetings in an effort to shine light on otherwise closely-held information.
Having complete information is essential to each board member’s ability to fulfill their responsibilities and to the public’s ability to make informed decisions regarding the actions of those they have hired to do a job. Sometimes people in public office forget this; and sometimes they know it all too well.
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am so happy for John and Connie Morgan, and Scott and Marty McIntyre – and for all of us in greater Clarkston.
I read ‘Morgan’s pass on service station legacy,? April 14, and was just left feeling really happy. Some great news for a change! John and Connie have served this community well for many years.
I’ve always enjoyed swapping kid stories with both of them, and actually enjoyed taking my personal fleet of vehicles in for maintenance and service.
I have lots of examples I won’t go into here, but I have ALWAYS felt like John (and Scott) were being straight with me – always honest, giving me options. I value their opinion and honesty – and great work.
We will miss John and Connie – but am looking forward to still seeing Scott at Morgan’s. Best wishes to John and Connie in retirement, and to Scott and Marty in this new chapter.
Mike Timm
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the Friends of the Independence Township Library for sponsoring a National Library Week celebration and donating their time to make this event possible.
As you could see by the photos in the Clarkston News on April 14, everyone had a wonderful time.
The Friends of the Library volunteers donate hundreds of hours and raise thousands of dollars to enhance the library and its services from additional computers to musical events.
Mark you calendars. Their next Used Book Sale begins April 21 and they are sponsoring a free concert featuring the Blue Water Ramblers on May 8 at 2:00pm.
The library and the community are lucky to have such wonderful “Friends”!
Director Julie Meredith
Independence Township Library
Dear Editor,
Pappas Park! Now, that sounds good and appropriate for many reasons. Why not rename Depot Park Pappas Park in honor of Art Pappas.
Clearly, Art Pappas was the longest active member of the Clarkston administration in history. And he served incredibly well. He does deserve to be honored, particularly in a durable manner. A park is durable, a building is not; the park will be here long after the building housing the City Offices is replaced. And, the park has been the most appropriate site for honoring many Clarkston citizens for many years. Look at the trees and gardens for example.
How many people known why the park is called Depot Park? How many know where the depot was or is, if you can recognize it? People will remember Pappas Park easier and a lot longer than they will remember Pappas Building or Pappas Offices. Such a memory is fitting for such a fine person as Art Pappas.
Pappas Park; it just seems right!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Please do not weaken. Please do not let the artist continue painting your building.
You were very kind to give the artist an opportunity, to extend her deadlines, and to tolerate the public’s input. It is most unfortunate that she was inconsiderate of your requests and failed to keep the promised deadlines for completion.
It was a hopeful idea. Sorry for all of us it did not work out.
Margaret Lee
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In response to the individual who said I should “get (my) facts straight” about traffic citations in Clarkston (“Reader wants creative ideas to keep police,” April 7), per The Detroit News, Clarkston Police Department writes an average of 800 tickets per year, and as high as 1,300 per year.
I consider this to be a high number for a city that has an area of 0.46 square miles. The same article states that the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department write approximately 1,800 tickets for a 36 square mile area, for many townships, equating to 25 tickets per year per 1/2 mile covered.
That was the point of the News’ article. As for you stating, “writing only a ticket a day since the beginning of the new year,” the only thing I can say is that the summer driving season hasn’t begun yet. I’m sure Clarkston Police will pick up the pace.
Clarkston taxpayers’ dollars would be more wisely spend by contracting with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department for their police protection.
Clarkston would not have to pay for and maintain police vehicles or endure any other expenses that are required to run a police department.
Isn’t freedom of speech great !
Bernard Potts
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Senator Bishop is again fighting the good fight, but his common sense approach has been defeated by the interests who maintain a right of entitlement to the taxes collected by all levels of state and local government.
Until state, county, township and school district leaders realize that the primary purpose of the tax dollars collected is to provide service to the customer, Michigan citizens, we will continue to see our governmental leaders cut services and programs, in favor of the locomotive like public sector wages and benefits engine, which is careening off of the tracks into the gorge.
Our leaders must come to realize that they first need to define the mission and services to be provided to the public, then determine what labor and fringe benefits can be afforded. The opposite is what is happening to Clarkston Community Schools.
The district sees the $66 million in wages and fringe benefits as being fixed, since they signed a two year deal which is projected to grow at a rate of more than four percent annually, and is responding to the loss in revenue, $87 million revenue in 2009-2010 to $74 million in revenue in 2010-2011, by reducing the Non Labor and Benefits items from greater than $20 million to as little as perhaps less than $10 million.
The approach of eliminating services and products instead of cutting wage and fringe benefits across the board is a scorched earth approach, the impacts of which was demonstrated to our community via the nationally televised bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler. Maybe the school board should seriously consider bankruptcy, and let a judge decide what it can pay for labor and fringe benefits, since it so blindly made a two year commitment which is crushing the education delivered to its customers, our children, and flushed a $14 million equity, rainy day fund, right out the front doors.
I read a statement from a teacher in another school district saying that the staff of their district had built up their rainy day fund, but the hubris of that mentality, namely that the tax revenue collected for education is the property of the MEA, and is to be controlled by the MEA and its affiliates, is simply wrong. The funding of Michigan Education is not as broke as the expenditure of Michigan Education dollars.
Some will accuse me of having issues with teachers and other staff, but this is not true at all. During the 100+ hours of my personal time which I volunteered last school year and am on track to donate again this year, I have been able to meet many people in the many layers of direct and indirect support to the educational process. I specifically met teachers who I am glad chose to be in the classroom, instead of the many other fields of employment at which I am sure they could have been successful.
I don’t feel they are making too much money, but feel that we cannot afford to pay them what they are making, which is going to negatively impact the product which they are delivering.
However, like every other industry in our state, education is changing, and seems to be behind the curve.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The next Clarkston Community School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 19, at the boardroom in the district Administration Building at 6389 Clarkston Road.
I recommend concerned residents and/or employees attend this meeting. The public can speak for up to two minutes on stated agenda subjects before the board goes through its agenda, or on any issue after the board completesits business.
The school board will vote on a replacement member for the Board of Education. This person will play an important role in shaping our District Policies and Budget for FY11.
According to the Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates contract I received, the District will end up paying this recruiting firm from Chicago more than $18,000 for their search for replacements for the HR director and deputy superintendent. Dr. Al Roberts already selected and announced the finalists for the two positions.
The board is expecting to vote on the confirmations of the internal promotions of Anita Banach, public relations director, to HR director, and Shawn Ryan, from principal at Clarkston Junior High to deputy superintendent.
I question why Dr. Roberts announced the two internal promotions before seeking approval from the Board of Education.
I’m all for promoting from within when it makes sense, but I question why he is filling both positions with internal candidates who have no experience doing these critical jobs for the district, especially in these challenging times.
Couldn’t the recruiting firm find any qualified, experienced candidates to fill at least one of these positions? What did the District receive for HYA’s large fees?
On March 31, we were given an hour to view documents I requested under the Freedom of Information Act. I will be able to pay for and pick up hard copies of documents, requested on March 31, on April 13.
Here is a sampling of what we found:
The JP Morgan Chase district credit card approved signers list was dated March 29, 2010, two days before we were shown the document. I have asked for all versions of the document going back two years.
Dr Roberts? credit limit was $2,000 pe month, yet he was over that limit on the February 2009 statement I analyzed.
I saw the district credit card documents for the February, 2009 bill. I found four laptop computers purchased for board President Steve Hyer, listed under CSMTech teacher Kyle Hughes? district credit card account. Hyer is also a volunteer for Team RUSH.
Did the district provide computers to Team RUSH members? If so, why? It is my understanding that Team RUSH is not part of the school curriculum and is more like an after school club. I have requested receipts and will be investigating further.
It appears that the District may have also changed position descriptions for HR director and deputy superintendent in the last few months.
According to the HR director description supplied by the district March 31, requirements include master’s degree or equivalent, along with experience in contract negotiation, contract administration with solid knowledge of employment law, collective bargaining, and personnel administration, or as determined by the Board of Education.
A previous version of the same document’s requirements include a minimum of bachelor’s degree in human resource, personnel management, business management, or related field preferred, with work experience in school administration preferred
Was this change to the document done to match Anita Banach’s resume to the ‘position description? for the job to justify the promotion?
Dawn Schaller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Mr. Don Rush, HANG TOUGH (“What’s a newspaper guy to do,” March 24)! Print what is news-worthy and clearly stated in grammatically correct articles.
Controversial? If true, print it. Call a spade a spade. Honor kids who achieve. Be a tenacious watchdog of our local politicians and their conduct of the peoples business. School board members and administrators should bear the same circumspection.
They govern many more taxpayer dollars, employ many more people, and should be accessible to any who ask for their time and responses regarding legitimately posed issues.
A newspaper is a collaberatory effort of many creative individuals. It is sad to see the electronic media wreak havoc worldwide on your industry.
A local newspaper is a signature of the community. Yes, it is a bulletin board but it is so much more. Without a Clarkston News to scrutinize, examine, ask the tough questions, how will we know what is going on?
Most residents cannot go to meeting after meeting; know background facts of an issue, or even understand the tenor or language of the various boards without in-depth study.
Representative governance is absolutely necessary. A newspaper should be the vehicle to explain issues and actions to readers. Be tough as hell. Dig into the stories, hold feet to fire and EXPOSE ALL TO THE SUNSHINE and transparency of honest and forthright governing. We would all do well to be John Waynes.
Dan Travis
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
How interesting that township Supervisor Dave Wagner’s current lawsuit against the Oakland County Election Commission, filed Jan. 29, 2010, claims the state recall law is suddenly unconstitutional.
He is suing the Oakland County Election Commission because they ruled that the revised recall petition was clear and that we Citizens Against Independence Township Waste could begin the petition drive.
But at none of the three recall petition hearings did Mr. Wagner ever claim the state law was improper. Apparently only after the commission ruled against him did the law become unconstitutional.
Please visit: www.RecallWagner.com for more information AND supporting documentation concerning the reasons for the recall.
Also, check public access cable channels for a show discussing how the new Township Hall was purchased without voter approval and why we object to a lack of transparency and accountability in our township government.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We appreciate the local government hosting a meeting to update residents about financial issues forecasted for the next three years.
It is important to participate in the happenings of the village when it involved such a major decision ? elimination of Clarkston Police. Once the department has been eliminated, it will not be easy to reestablish in the future. We must think about the long-term consequences instead of short-term budget shortfalls.
In these difficult economic times, a permanent tax increase would be hard to swallow. Therefore let’s think outside the box for other options.
One possibility would be a short-term assessment. It would cost each household and business les than 75 cents per day to fund Clarkston police for the upcoming fiscal year.
Depot Park maintenance and improvements could be removed from the budget. Let’s rename the park ‘The Art Pappas Depot Park.?
Art has meant so much to our village for so many years ? many would want to contribute to support the park in his memory.
Other residents likely have thoughts and ideas as to how to save Clarkston Police.
Instead of rushing to a decision, let’s take some time to get as many citizens as possible involved in the process of finding alternative solutions to the budget shortfalls.
Frayer, Moon, and Luginski households
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the front page article on the proposal to disband the Clarkston Police Department (“People want vote on police consolidation,” March 24).
Although there are no obvious and easy answers to the critical need for increased funding, I agree with Mayor Arkwright, “the intensity of coverage will not be the same with the Sheriff’s Department.” In addition, Curt Catallo’s statement about CPD being “one of the few things that separates Clarkston from every other exit along I-75,” is also very well taken.
The officers are not some impersonal face of a department, but rather an integral part of the community. Besides normal duties of providing traffic and law enforcement, they also provide added emergency response services to the public and criminal justice system.
Their face-to-face presence is a continuing deterrent to crime and a welcome support to the community. Little known, perhaps, is their frequent personal contact and visits with Clarkston businesses, with their smiling and reassuring presence to those working in these establishments. This kind of valuable personal interaction won’t be available with the otherwise busy Sheriff’s Department.
On a personal level, having lived in the area for almost 25 years, I couldn’t disagree more with the Springfield Township letter writer who said, “I personally avoid Clarkston because of their over zealous police … trying to justify their existence by writing traffic tickets” (“Clarkston Police not necessary,” March 24).”
Perhaps Mr. Potts should pay more attention to obeying the traffic laws if he’s worried about traffic tickets. With Main Street being a major connector road and carrying a high volume of traffic at times, I value the CPD’s strict enforcement of the city’s speed limits and other traffic laws.
Besides city funding, have all of the other sources of revenue been looked into? Have all the myriad federal, state, community and other grants been investigated and exhausted? It may take some really creative, out-of-the-box thinking to un earth potential funding sources from the complex web of governmental grants and other assistance programs. It may also take a very personal and introspective look at what the spending priorities are or should be in terms of Clarkston’s values as a community.
Dick Uhrick
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I had to laugh at those Republican politicians scurrying around like rats, challenging the recently passed Health Insurance Reform Bill. It makes you wonder if an election is coming soon.
They have placed a target on U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, vowing to remove him from office because he voted for the reform bill. Most of us agree this bill did not cover all the bases, but at least it is a start.
I live in U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers? district. He is a typical ‘career politician.? He is a follower, not a leader. He votes lock-step with the Republican Rep. John Boehner. Rep. Rogers sent me robo-emails explaining why he voted no on health care reform, saying it was in the best interest of his constituents. He did not vote in my best interest.
Early in my career as a journeyman carpenter, my family and I had good health care at affordable cost. I went for an occasional check-up, but hardly ever went to the doctor. Now that I am in my early fifty’s, when things are starting to wear out, and the need for good health care becomes more apparent, my optical and dental benefits were taken away, because of costs.
Our Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage became too expensive, forcing our union to find less expensive coverage, with less of a cap and higher co-pays. Over the years, our union chose to put a percentage of our wage increases towards our health care benefits, due to the out-of-control rising insurance rates. This got us nowhere. We still lost benefits, and reduced coverage for higher costs.
Meanwhile Rep. Rogers enjoys his best-in-the-nation health care coverage. Could it be he voted no on health care reform because Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of his biggest contributors?
Remember, folks, this November is an election year for many career politicians, who are only there to benefit themselves. Look up the track record of Rep. Mike Rogers and Rep. Gary Peters and judge for yourself.
Tim Heming
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
While driving the neighborhood looking for Edison repair men, we turned into the Park and Ride lot on the southwest corner of M-15 and I-75.
What a litter infested trash pit that location has become! If this is state property, someone should tell the governor to get some biodegradable trash bags and some of her husbands’ mentored youth over here to clean up!
If the property is MDOT’s responsibility, then maybe they could send one of the more than a dozen new vehicles they park next to their new building in Pontiac. Send one of those nice red pickups out here to pick up the trash. Oh, and maybe a couple of engineering interns to rake up.
Rob Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Don Rush,
Keep up the good work, the more info we have the better (“What’s a newspaper guy to do,” March 24). I wish more residents would keep a watchful eye on our government, and school staff. I think it is a sad day that we have to cut our teachers who are the ones to guide the next generation.
I always enjoy your column and Jim’s Jottings. We need humor along with special interest. Good Luck in your column.
Gail Ferguson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
So Don, what’s a regular guy supposed to do?
We have the public schools working on a chain of command to censor all non-complying opinions as they face a huge deficit.
The City of the Village of Clarkston presenting only two options to their budget problem, illegal deficit spending or eliminating the entire police department with more money to the DPW, possibly with little input from the public and no vote.
Independence Township faces a shortfall with serious questions about the upcoming millage vote for Library and Police due to corridor improvement spending on Sashabaw.
Big issues that will affect all of us and for which most of us have little information.
Having once been a politician, I would like to think our elected and administrative officials would keep the rest of us better informed. Sunshine laws, freedom of information and all that kind of stuff.
But they don’t and I’m sure they believe it would be very difficult and disruptive to do so. I have certainly done enough yelling and writing to encourage a more open behavior and public involvement, as have others. In most if not all cases it has done little good.
If there is not a public demand, there will be no information. To paraphrase a former long term Clarkston elected official, ‘No one else is complaining so why are you??
So you ask what, should the newspaper do? My opinion is we are not Stepford no matter how hard we try. Someone has to point out that the emperor has no new clothes, the Almighty Wizard of Oz was the man behind the curtain pulling the levers, and even that the scary tree might just be a beautiful oak in the moonlight and that the frightening red sky might be a beautiful sunrise over a new, perhaps better, way of looking at things.
I say dig deeper and write more on the bad and the good, win the Pulitzer and make us all proud.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am quite perplexed as to why there is so much disdain in this community concerning the International Baccalaureate program at Clarkston High School.
IB has been in place in Clarkston since 2009, yet all of a sudden it seems to be the reason for the budget crisis? Having a child already graduate from CHS, another a junior, and a third at Sashabaw Middle School, I can’t tell you what the program has meant to our family.
My daughter is with a group of amazing and dedicated teachers. She is also with a group of equally amazing and dedicated students. I have seen more growth from her intellectually in the past seven months, than I have in any other school year.
The IB philosophy created changes in her she would not have experienced without it. As a citizen of this community, I understand the concerns regarding our schools. That is exactly why we chose to move here 16 years ago.
As one reader wrote, Dr. Roberts “is pouring good money in the International Baccalaureate program like there is no tomorrow.” Well, there is a “tomorrow,” and our children will someday be in charge of it. IB has brought the love of learning into her life…what more could a parent or teacher ask for?
Sincerely, a very proud IB parent
Sarah Didion
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’ve been upset about the proposed cuts just like everyone else. I don’t think it’s fair that the people at the bottom are taking the cuts.
The secretary position for counselers at Clarkston Junior High is being eliminated, along with one counselor. So, you better hope if your child or you needs to talk to a counselor, you’re prepared to wait your turn till someone can get back to you.
Then, I read with horror about outsourcing principals/vice-principals. I guess I only have one question. Since it’s our taxes who pay Dr. Roberts, can we choose to outsource him?
Name withheld at author’s request
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
There has to be a place for our community to become informed about local government and schools and right now the Clarkston News is it.
The general public doesn’t have time to attend every township or school board meetings and shouldn’t have to. We elected people to do the work and expect them to seek out the best solutions to problems and act accordingly.
Public officials should expect to be asked tough questions from the press and have a responsibility to answer those questions with an accurate and timely response. The public cannot rely on local bogs or bakeshop conversations because they are devoid of a quality vetting process.
I also believe the paper has an obligation to seek and convey all sides of political debate. Attending a board meeting once a month may not provide a reporter with everything they should know to inform the public.
Getting the story requires building professional working relationships supported by trust. A couple weeks ago, a Clarkston News column by Phil Custodio blasted Dr. Roberts for a pre-planned wedding anniversary vacation with his family.
In my opinion that was more of a personal attack than quality news. A week later the Clarkston News got the cold shoulder when asking for financial documents that are clearly within your right to obtain and publish.
So I believe that the task at hand is really how do public officials and the Clarkston News begin to rebuild the confidence in each other to support open and honest communication?
Scott Banks
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Here’s a prediction about our distinguished Clarkston Schools Superintendent Al Roberts.
My prediction is based on a scenario that took place early 2000’s. Back in 2000 when charter schools were popping up everywhere, Central Michigan University Charter Schools Office contacted then Flint Superintendent James Ray about turning a few more schools into charters.
There was tremendous interest from the Flint Community, that’s why CMU made contact. However, Dr. Ray wasn’t interested as he already had a contract with the Edison group and felt the four Edison schools operating were enough. He was pouring good money after bad into these failed Edison projects, which no longer exist in Flint today.
The prediction? Dr. Roberts, who is on thin ice with the community, is pouring good money in the International Baccalaureate program like there is no tomorrow.
Dr. Roberts is buying himself a future just like Dr. Ray did with Edison ? just wait; we will see this happen.
Name withheld on request of author
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It would be interesting to understand why the Fast ForWord program was fast forwarded to this fiscal year.
I believe that the proposed $300,000+ cut to budgeted software expenses for fiscal year 2010-2011 was the proposed $300,000+ purchase of Fast ForWord. Then all of a sudden, it was accelerated into this fiscal, which already projected a $6+ million deficit.
I believe that the Fast ForWord program was approved at a special meeting via an emergency telephone voice vote of one of the board members.
Did the superintendent and school board president know about the staggering 2010-2011 fiscal year deficit at that time?
Also, it was pointed out that two of the board members have kids attending the school district at this time.
I wonder if there is any way to find out how many school board members have financial ties to the school district.
For example, who is employed by the district or has a spouse who is financially tied to the district, or has a business relationship which derives some form of fiscal benefit from the district?
I would hope that number would be less than the number of board members with children in the district, but doubt it.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank Wendi Reardon for participating in our Career Day at Bailey Lake Elementary School.
Wendi generously gave of her time to tell the children what it is like to be a journalist. She demonstrated the importance of asking questions and how to put a story together.
The children also learned that through the press, everyone has a voice and, without journalists and news organizations, we wouldn’t always know what was happening, even in our own school district and township!
Thanks to the publishers of the Clarkston News for allowing Wendi to participate.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to all of our presenters who took time out of their day to make this event a success!! A great (and informative) time was had by all!!
Rosalie Lieblang
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
By having the Oakland County Sheriff patrol Clarkston, which they already do, should improve community business.
I personally avoid Clarkston because of the over zealous part time police. They don’t really do much police work other than trying to justify their existence by writing traffic tickets.
Bernard Potts
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
The Thin Blue Line is about to become even thinner. Financial difficulties within the City of the Village of Clarkston may force the demise of the Clarkston Police Department. Understandably, city officials have an obligation to balance their budget.
However, they also have an even greater obligation and that is the safety and security of the residents and their property.
As a member of the Clarkston Police Department, I naturally have a vested interest in maintaining the department. But please allow me to establish some important facts. We are a small, well-run unit that operated within our budget and provides a combination of over 150 years of police experience.
All of us perform our duties well. Are we perfect? Certainly not, but we do our best and we put our lives on the line daily.
Some may say Clarkston is a quiet community, nothing ever happens there, so why do we need the police department? Perhaps that is due in part to the professionalism of their police department.
If the department is terminated, many of the personal services we provide will be gone forever. The response time to calls for assistance will go from one minute or less to 5-10 minutes!
Which leads me to several very important questions. How much is a life worth? Ask the gentleman, his family and friends, who had stopped breathing and whose life was saved by one of our officers.
How much is peace of mind and security in your home worth? Ask the resident who recently dialed 911 reporting two unknown males in her backyard, looking in her windows. We responded to that call in under one minute, located the men and successfully resolved the matter.
I do not have knowledge of the exact dollars necessary to retain the department. What I do possess is the commitment from my fellow officers to work with city officials to find ways to cut expenses, to operate within our budget and to continue to provide the service citizens expect and deserve.
Residents of Clarkston, please help us help you, by contacting city officials and advising them of your desire to keep your police department.
Thank you.
Gary Claudio
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
It was with sadness to hear that Jim Sherman was going to paint-over the incomplete mural on the north wall of his building. Not that I was particularly fond of what the artist had done so far, but it was improving.
What saddens me most is the potential for this wall and perhaps other walls in the village.
I would like to draw to the attention of your readers a couple of websites that show murals in another community; Lake Placid Florida.
I visit this town every year along with my Mother (she’s a snow-bird) and I’m fascinated by the interesting murals that adorn the walls of this small village.
One can Google Murals and find lots of choices but for two specific ones, I suggest the following: www.lpfla.com and this has a link to the mural society. There are at least 40+ murals scattered about this small town and they most often depict local history. All can be viewed on these web sites.
It would bring a smile to my face to see a mural of Rudy with his white apron feeding the pigeons as he did every day. Or the Morgan family taking care of our cars and trucks.
Or Doc O’Neill. Many of us took our children to him for care starting back in the 70’s and he’s personally cared for countless families since then. Even me, I came down with the shingles a few years ago and who saw me? Doc O’Neill. Thankfully he’s still with us but why not honor him with a mural. Or maybe some of our teachers.
A lot of people have enriched our community with their lives (and livelihoods) and created local history that could be beautifully memorialized on the sides of our various buildings and Sherman’s is a perfect candidate to ‘get the ball rolling.? I’m an advocate for murals.
David Fritzinger
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Village residents ? Monday, March 22, 7 p.m., at Independence Township Fire Station One training room on Citation Drive is the time and location for the public hearing on the Clarkston village budget.
Our village council needs your input on our future. Please be there!
The Schultz family
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I wish to applaud Jim Sherman’s decision to remove the mural from your Clarkston property – I drive by every Tuesday, on my way to Cedar Crest Academy, and have long wondered what was motivating the artist to produce such a work.
I have found the mural distracting, disjointed and quite incompatible with the more charming character exuded by the Clarkston Village Main Street and surrounding homes. I was tempted many times to inquire, but then decided no one would really care what I thought – I don’t even live in the area.
Evidently many others share my perceptions.
I appreciate your original intentions as I’m sure you envisioned a more charming image that would invite patrons into the village. It’s a bit like selecting house paint ? you can’t always tell what it’s going to look like until the paint is on the wall, and then sometimes it just isn’t what you like at all ! lol
I’m sure this project has left you torn – I’m sure it has cost you plenty of money, and I’m sure the artist is a fine person, but preserving the historic integrity of your community should be the overall goal….we’re very fortunate to live where we do.
God bless you and your future endeavors.
Colleen King
Oakland Township
Dear Editor,
I’m sure most Independence Township Water and Sewer users are now fully aware of the massive price hikes that were instituted by the Independence Township Board and were predicted by the Citizens Against Independence Township Waste in their fliers.
Those would be the same fliers Mr. Wagner has repeatedly claimed were “untruthful.” I believe it is our Water and Sewer bills that are now being “untruthful.”
For sewer users alone, the hike is a whopping $48 increase just this year! Though township Trustees claim rate hikes are needed because “past boards refused to raise rates”, the extreme amounts being charged are questionable and are contradictory to the Plante Moran Water and Sewer report Dated: Oct. 29, 2008. As you’ll see, the numbers just don’t add up.
The Plante Moran explains: “Water rates are inadequate and need to be raised.” Then goes on to say: “The current Sewer rate is adequate with only nominal annual increases going forward.”
The report goes on to explain what annual increases they recommend for both the Water and the Sewer funds. Page Three and Four of the report shows two rate hike scenarios.
Scenario One: Rate hikes needed without taking the town hall loan.
Scenario Two: Rate hikes needed with taking the town hall loan.
Water and Sewer rates under both scenarios were to have net annual increases over a five year period (2009-2013). These are the Water and Sewer fund recommendations according to the Plante Moran report:
Water: Scenario One (without loan): $32 – $60. net annual increase.
Scenario Two: (with loan): $40 – $79 net annual increase.
Sewer: Scenario One (without loan): $2.48 – $2.56 net annual increase.
Scenario Two (with loan): $7.38 – $8.31 net annual increase.
Because the town hall loan obligation has since been moved to the general fund, one can safely assume all rate increases should fall under Scenario One (without town hall loan) and we should ignore Scenario Two altogether.
Here in lies the problem…sewer bills were increased $48 annually in the first of the five years. How can that be? Considering that scenario One of the Plante Moran report recommends a total net increase of $12.86 in Sewer rates over five years (2009-2013), the $48 annual increase is almost 300 percent more than the Plante Moran 5 year rate hike recommendation. That’s a 15 year increase pull ahead!
How could Plante Moran have been so wrong? And if they were wrong, why are we paying them to audit and make reports if they are that far off in their recommendations?
Looks like we’re paying for the new town hall and some extras with this hidden tax increase! For more information, the Oct. 29, 2008 Plante Moran Memorandum titled: “Preliminary Results of Draft Financial Model for Water and Sewer funds.” can be found at the township hall or in the documents link of the www.recallwagner.com website.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I have been following your articles about the school budget crisis in Clarkston, and I am truly appalled at the way the administration has mismanaged funds to get us to this point.
I saw a listing of the programs and potential staffing changes that are under consideration for the chopping block. What I did not see where things like across-the-board salary reductions, benefit reductions, pension changes, etc. In other words, nothing that addresses the root cause of the budget crisis.
I cannot understand why these things are not under consideration. Our school administrators seem to believe they and all school employees are entitled to raises every year and benefit packages that far surpass the rest of the private sector even though they continue to run up a significant budget deficit.
Somewhere along the way, they have forgotten that they work for us’the tax payer’and I think most of us are sick and tired of this entitlement mentality and do not want to continue funding salary and benefit levels that are just not sustainable.
I am also curious about accountability regarding this budget issue. It doesn’t seem that anyone is being held responsible for the mismanagement of funds. Instead, one bad decision after another has been made; and we just have to live with the results. I cannot accept this.
Ultimately, I believe Al Roberts should be held accountable and should probably lose his job. If he is not capable of creating and maintaining a good budget, he shouldn’t be in that position to begin with.
I am hoping the school board members will review all the options and give careful consideration to the decisions they make. They really need to look long term and not make decisions just to get us through the next year.
If too many cuts are made in staffing levels and programs, it may cause irreparable damage to the district. It just seems to me that dealing with the root cause of the problem will bring about the best results and not force the district to lay off a large number of employees.?
A very concerned, 23-year Clarkston resident with two children in the district
More letters concerning the school district appear throughout Section A?
Dear Editor,
THANK YOU to Jim Sherman Sr. for finally seeing the mural project as many of us village residents do! For those who live so close, it is a sad piece of art to look at every day. Not a pleasant, warm, community reflecting mural. I love art and this is not good art. My kids still often ask when the “scary trees and fire sky” will go away. They too will be thrilled to see it disappear.
I want to thank you for your generosity and intentions to beautify our little town. I have seen many amazing murals that enhance the town. Unfortunately, ours did not. You don’t need to apologize to the community for trying to do a good deed and for giving someone a second and third chance. Many of us would not have given her that.
I think she should do the right thing and give you the money back that you paid her for a job never completed and her inability to be honest with you and to admit that she was incapable of the completion in so many ways, besides all of the grief that you had to endure while you were backing her up.
Many of us can now renew our subscriptions with the paper that we previously cancelled because we no longer wanted to support the mural or the maker.
Thanks again for seeing the light and for putting some beauty back into our town!
Sincerely,
Kim Berry
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I attended the CCS Board meeting on Feb. 22. I am very concerned about proposed budget cuts and the impacts they will have on children in the district.
My husband and I moved to Clarkston from Waterford in 1999 primarily because of the superb reputation and exceptionally high MEAP scores within the district. Our two oldest children attend Springfield Plains Elementary and our youngest was scheduled to start all-day kindergarten in the fall. With the proposed increased student to teacher ratio of 27:1 at the elementary level, we are unsure if we will continue to have our children attend the Clarkston public schools!
The general public consensus voiced during the public forum on Monday advised the Board of Education to not eliminate school specials from the curriculum. Although I am not in favor in eliminating art, music, information literacy and/or physical education from the curriculum, I would prefer to reduce the amount of time children spend in these classes so that the teacher to student ratio could remain at 25:1.
Starting in 2000, private sector companies forced their employees to take double-digit pay cuts. The Clarkston School District needs to implement a double-digit pay cut for all administrative staff and when the Michigan economy returns to better times, the cuts could be gradually re-instated.
A proposed cut is to outsource custodial and transportation services, both on the lowest end of pay in the district. How can Board members in good conscience ask custodians and bus drivers to take a pay cut, yet year after year administrative staff continues to receive pay raises and other perks?
A ‘gray? proposed budget cut is to reduce hours for food service. Last week I interviewed several food service members at Springfield Plains Elementary. I was told several spend additional time on the job without compensation to prepare and serve the food to students. Does a reduction mean microwaveable meals for students?
The body language of several of the board members, including Barry Bomier, Cheryl McGinnis, and Susan Boatman indicated to me they would prefer to be elsewhere rather than at the meeting. In addition, I was surprised to find out that only two board members, Rosalie Lieblang and Joan Patterson, have children in the Clarkston School District. This will provide the information I need next time I vote. It is detrimental to the district to have 5/7 of the school board with NO children actually attending school in the district.
Linda Nester and David Reschke retired from the school district last year but are still working as contract staff members. Not only are they collecting pensions, but also about $100,000 in salary! I find this ludicrous given the financial state of the school district. In today’s Michigan economy with unemployment in double digits, there are definitely qualified people who could be hired to replace both Linda and Dave for significantly less.
Clarkston School District must curb spending of taxpayer dollars and balance the budget not only for 2010-2011 but for the significant future. The best way is to start at the top with administrative salaries and benefits. Without changes now, budgetary cuts may be an annual ritual, like the prom, in the Clarkston School District.
Sincerely,
Theresa A. Adriaens
theresaadriaens@aim.com
Davisburg
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston PTA Council, representing approximately 8,000 families in Clarkston Community Schools, urges the Board of Education to preserve the people, programs and tools that contribute to the distinctiveness of the educational experience found here.
So many of the items under consideration ? if cut ? will diminish our competitive advantage as a district. What incentive will families from other districts have to enroll their children in our schools ? in fact, what incentive will families who live here have to keep their children enrolled in our schools ? without a comprehensive experience that includes exposure to music, art, physical education and technology?
These are not luxuries in today’s society, they are standards. They are the building blocks of a well-rounded, educated citizen who is prepared to succeed in life.
So many of these kinds of ‘reputation-defining? programs, including full-day kindergarten, the trimester system and International Baccalaureate program, have recently been implemented after much research, thought and planning. Are they so easily disposable? It would be as if PTA eliminated its lobbying efforts and cancelled its national Reflections art program. It simply wouldn’t be the same organization.
Even in the worst of times, the best organizations stay true to their brand. Please stay true to the Clarkston brand as you deliberate these tough budgetary decisions in the coming weeks.
Much of our current budget crisis stems from the state’s unstable funding system that leaves administrators guessing when putting together the balanced budget decreed by law.
To better understand how Michigan funds education through Proposal A and what needs to be done to fix the system, the Clarkston High School Parent Teacher Student Association is holding a public forum called ‘Understanding School Funding,? Thursday, March 11, at 7 p.m. in the high school performing arts center.
The two speakers, Hon. Lynn Jondahl, the creator of Proposal A, and Dr. Charles Ballard, professor of economics at MSU, are among the most knowledgeable on state education funding. Our entire community has a vested interest in the health and success of our schools. Please join us on March 11.
Sincerely,
Ruth Dargay, Pine Knob PTA president; Elizabeth Egan, PTA Council president, CHS PTSA president; Kelly Horst, Springfield Plains PTA president; Andrea Schroeder, PTA Council secretary; Kim Trombley, PTA Council vice president
Dear Editor,
My name is Carter Zielinski and I am a student at Sashabaw Middle School.
I recently talked to my bus driver about the budget cuts in Clarkston school district and how this might lead to lay offs.
I think this is sad that teachers and staff of Clarkston schools are getting fired because of budget cuts.
There are other ways to save millions of dollars. For example the school district could rent out school gyms to local programs. Also if everyone who worked for the school district would take a 5 percent pay cut, this would help save millions of dollars.
Also I read online that teachers have the lowest out of pocket insurance cost. The regular man pays about 20 percent of their health insurance. the teachers pay a lot less. If teachers pay 15 percent more towards their health insurance, this will save the school district thousands of dollars.
I think it’s time everyone pitched in to keep our schools the best we can be!
Carter Zielinski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Upon looking at the proposed reductions in the Clarkston Schools budget, the significant cost reductions would be obtained by reducing staff positions.
It appears that the wage and benefit increases that the staff received in their present contract are too much for the budget to handle. Are union members willing to make concessions to keep their colleagues employed?
Is the administration willing to show leadership by taking a 10 percent pay cut, similar to those taken at economically stressed companies?
The administration should also dismiss those that are on contract before dismissing direct employees.
I hope that those in leadership, administration and union, will step up to make the hard choices to sacrifice in areas that do not effect the students. This should be done as a first step prior to student programs and staff being cut.
Steve Hyde
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a state representative is meeting with constituents and working together to help them solve their problems.
I believe so much in providing excellent constituent service that I hold regular district office hours where I talk with constituents about state issues so that we can work together, cut through government red tape and get results. With the help of my dedicated office staff in Lansing, I have been able to resolve hundreds of constituent problems and concerns.
Occasionally, the issues are highly complex and require additional research before an answer is obtained or a resolution is reached. Most reasonable people understand this. At a recent office hours I had a rare experience where this was not the case ? an individual was not satisfied to wait for a researched and thorough answer to his highly complex question that he informed me he pulled off of some website.
It’s unfortunate that this individual then felt compelled to write a letter to the editor of this newspaper criticizing me for not giving him immediate satisfaction (“Reader finds state rep. lacking,” Feb. 17). As a result, the readers of this newspaper could have the mistaken impression that I am not responsive to the needs of my constituents. That is simply not true.
I’m not a flippant person. I much prefer to do my due diligence and give out correct and well thought-out information. I believe much of the problems we’ve had in Lansing over the past few years are because legislators have gone off ‘half-cocked? and haven’t thoroughly considered the implication of their actions.
I would like the readers of this newspaper to know that I will continue to do my best to provide them with excellent constituent relations, and I welcome the opportunity to help them in their dealings with state government. I am always happy to meet one-on-one with people who cannot attend the office hours or have more extensive issues to discuss. To set up an appointment, please contact my Lansing office toll-free from Oakland County at 866-334-0010, from outside Oakland County at 517-373-2616 or by email at eileenkowall@house.mi.gov.
Eileen Kowall
State Representative, 44th District
Dear Editor,
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to take this opportunity to thank the students of the Clarkston High School National Honor Society for their generous support of the CAYA and the Mentors Plus Program.
The students of the NHS were able to collect $2,721.02 in pledges for a Bowl-A-Thon, Saturday, Feb. 6, at Cherry Hill North Lanes in Clarkston. Special thanks to the top pledge earners Jordan Halloway with $79 and Austin Yarger at $75. On behalf of the Clarkston area families we serve, we thank you.
Sincerely,
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance Board of Directors
Dear Editor,
I recently attended two informal public meetings, one in Union Lake and the other in Independence Township, as part of a class assignment to find outstate and local officials? views and ideas on alternative energy in Michigan. This was not their main topic of discussion, but I used this informal meeting to address this issue, along with other important issues.
I attended public meetings by state Rep. Lisa Brown, 39th District, and state Rep. Eileen Kowall, 44th District. Wow, did it really open my eyes.
Rep. Brown’s meeting was four hours. She had a sign-in sheet asking for name, address, and phone number. One of her staff busily wrote down concerns, answering some, while we waited for our turn. Two nursing students were there on a similar assignment. They did not get a chance to speak with her, but her staff answered all their questions and took their names for additional information. I walked away with a feeling that my concerns and the state’s problems were addressed.
I did not walk away with the same sort of feeling with my meeting with Rep. Kowall. She had other people sitting at the table, but I got the feeling this was a monthly lunch meeting for them.
I may have taken her off guard by showing up with my questions, because her first words were for me to write them down and email them to her, so she could research my questions.
I opened up my folder of questions already handwritten, and explained some of my questions concern bills she recently introduced to the Michigan House of Representatives.
If she had to research her own legislation, then she is not familiar with the problems facing Michigan right now. I gave her information on compact fluorescent light bulbs, recently mandated for use in public and state buildings to save money on energy. She opposed this bill, along with most Republicans in the house. It passed anyway. The response coming from this table was ‘you can’t believe everything Al Gore says.?
The information I gave her came from the website www.Michigangreen.org. The sign-in sheet was just for signatures. Since I was the only person on that sheet asking questions with an opposing view, my views were probably not a concern of hers.
She told me she felt there was a spotlight shining down on her putting her on the spot. Well, isn’t that what is expected of a person when they are elected to a public office and holds a public forum?
Tim Heming
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Does anybody know what the road commision was thinking by raising the speed limit on Waldon Road from 35 to 45mph?
This is a great concern since they also raised the school speed limit from 25 to 30 in the same area. This stretch of Waldon passes three of our schools, one being an elementary where a large majority of the students are walkers.
I live in the area and have tried to go the new posted speed and have felt very unsafe going so fast in a residential area. I have contacted the road commision to ask them to change it back and hope others who feel the same way will contact them also.
Very concerned,
Sandy VanHeulen
Independence Township
Ed. note: according to Road Commission for Oakland County, this is based on a change in state law dictating speed limits.
Dear Editor,
Officer James Thompson was in Depot Park when he responded to an emergency at the village hall (‘CPR rescue,? Jan. 27). He reacted instantly, and with CPR, revived a village resident. Independence Township firefighters were on the scene so quickly and took over so efficiently.
We are truly blessed to be served by these two departments. The rapid response is crucial.
Village police will now also be equipped with an AED.
Our village tax dollars are wisely spent on our local police and fire services.
Let your village council members Steve Arkwright, Steve Hargis, Mike Gawronski, Chuck Inabnit, Tom Hunter, Peg Roth, and Jim Brueck know how extremely important they are to each one of us. Lives can be saved.
James and Gini Schultz
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Recently there was a fundraiser/benefit for a Clarkston family going through some very difficult times.
A few health concerns are dialysis three times a week, kidney transplant list, diabetes, and open heart surgery last March. In addition to the health concerns, he is also experiencing serious financial issues.
He is unable to work because of his health and his wife is unable to work because she is his caregiver. They do receive some help but it is often not enough.
We would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the Clarkston and Waterford communities for their support.
Thank you to all who attended the spaghetti dinner and silent auction, those who donated even though they were unable to attend, and an extra big thank you to all the businesses that donated items for the silent auction and/or cash donations.
Thank you to all who worked the day of the event: setting up, cooking, serving, and cleaning up. Also, thank you to St. Trinity Lutheran Church for their wonderful support.
The family wishes to express their thanks from the bottom of their hearts.
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Marla McKee and Marilyn Lash
Event Organizers
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston School District presented the following Budget information at their last meeting. Revenue for 2007-2008 was $77.6 million, expenses were $76.2 million. Revenue for 2009-2010 is $81.9 million while expenses have ballooned to $88.3 million. So revenue has risen by $4.3 million, thanks mostly to temporary Federal Stimulus, while expenses have risen by $12.1 million.
There is a projected deficit in this 2009-2010 fiscal year’s budget of $6.38 million, and a projected budget deficit of $13.0 million in fiscal year 2010-2011. The fiscal problem is not caused solely by the combined loss of $433 per student over 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.
The key expenses which have risen over the last three years are salaries, increased $4.64 million, 10.6 percent; fringe benefits increased $2.5 million, 12.3 percent; and capital outlay, increased by $3.97 million. The other expenses account only for $985,810 of the $12,092,925 increase over the last three years. Salaries, fringe benefits and capital outlay make up 91.85 percent of the increase. I believe the capital outlay is mostly a school bus lease back transaction, which can be eliminated.
The superintendent’s administration didn’t understand the implications of the 3.42 percent annual increases in salaries over the last three years, nor the 3.93 percent annual increases in fringe benefit expenses. Administration did not get a clause in the labor contract which would reopen and adjust the contract if revenue fell.
Administration had no qualms about depleting almost half of the $14 million Equity (rainy day) Fund in 2009-2010, with a budget deficit twice as large as that of 2009-2010, now projected for 2010-2011. How could any capable superintendent not see this radical fiscal shift from a $1.4 million surplus in 2007-2008, to a combined revenue shortfall of $21 million over the 2008-2009, $1.6 million; 2009-2010, $6.4 million; and 2010-2011, $13 million?
Each and every board member, not just the two newest members and Ms. Joan Patterson, must take responsibility for personally understanding the financial implications of the decisions they have to make over the next couple of months.
Unfortunately, Superintendent Roberts doesn’t seem to perceive school board members as a resource of seven individuals who can apply themselves to solving this fiscal issue if he reaches out and includes them in decision making.
To come to an informed decision, board members must ask questions, demand accurate information, and discover criteria for evaluating each and every proposed spending cut. Board members must pursue this information even if scorned by the superintendent and colleagues as lacking respect or trust. It’s their responsibility to make an informed decision, and they must use their authority to ascertain data and criteria for cutting expenses.
Ultimately, the board must remember they are responsible for providing an educational product to consumers, children and parents in the district. If the Clarkston educational product becomes inferior, through larger class sizes, shorter school years, fewer services and programs, many consumers will find a substitute for the public schools, which will lead to a downward spiral.
The solution lies in choosing a curriculum which is world class, i.e. 200 school days, class sizes in the very low 20’s, offering programs and services such as art, music, foreign languages, sports, and clubs, which enrich the educational experience of each student, then determining how much the district can afford for labor and fringe benefits. The district cannot make any commitments which are fiscally unsupportable in short run, wages and benefits, or are an unsound burden in the long run ? pension benefits.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Lions Club wants to thank Julie Meredith and her wonderful staff at the Independence Township Library. Their enthusiastic and well organized assistance helped make Project Kidsight a huge success.
In total, the Clarkston Area Lions Club screened the vision of 54 pre-school children. The photographs taken during the screening have been sent to Project Kidsight at Children’s Hospital for analysis and subsequent parental notification.
The screening checks for many conditions including ambylopia (lazy eye), nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus (misaligned eyes), anisometropia (unequal refractive power), and cataracts.
Ron Savage
Clarkston Area Lions Club
Dear Editor,
Actually, this is directed to our government. Are there any governmental officials reading this? I would like to know why President Obama decided to give $100,000,000 to Haiti. They had a disaster, a crisis you say? Oh, I’m sorry; I live in Michigan, of the United States of America. We don’t have a crisis here!
Don’t misunderstand, I’m all for helping people and supporting charities. In fact, I do more for charities than most. I also am a college student who requires financial assistance, a student continually told my governmental assistance may be cut.
Did I mention that I am also employed full time? Oops! Let me just say I am currently employed full time, but my job security is seriously in jeopardy now. I reside in Clarkston, having never yet been able to afford my own home. I’ve had to jump through hoops in order to receive a very minimal amount of aid to try to provide for my family.
How many foreclosures are there? How many hard working respectable citizens have lost their jobs? How many people have resorted to criminal acts out of desperation? How many poor souls have no hope?
I apologize, President Obama. Why did I ever question such a generous act in giving a gross amount of money to a country that truly needs it when the citizens who live in this country are living so high on the hog?
How many more negative factors do the average U.S./Michigan citizens need to have put on their shoulders before WE are allowed to benefit from OUR government’s money? What has happened to our nation? Is this what our forefathers fought for? I once heard that charity begins at home. Let’s take care of our own!
Tammy Layton
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’m writing regarding the injustice of the public speaking one agenda item rule that the Independence Township Board just passed.
When trustees claim that they’ve earned the right to speak endlessly, apparently some of those same trustees have forgotten that every citizen in attendance has made the same sacrifice to attend meetings. But unlike the trustees, the public isn’t paid for their sacrifice.
To limit our speech based upon a pattern of a lack of enforcement of basic civility towards the board and the public is just plain bad public policy!
The board could easily place all of the items they felt were controversial at the time on the agenda of one meeting knowing that people will be limited to speaking out on just one item on the agenda.
The solution: force the supervisor to do his job. He’s the “supervisor,” were not paying him to be an “observer”, we pay him to “supervise” meetings. Simple rules of civility should have been enforced long ago, but they weren’t.
The failure to do so means either the supervisor is afraid to do his job, or wants the problem to exist. Either way the failure to enforce basic rules of civility should not penalize the 99 percent of us that address the Board like civilized human beings.
The board should have proposed a public comment rule that’s simple and announced BEFORE the public speaks: “three minutes, state your name, address, no derogatory remarks, no name calling, no threats, no obscene gestures. Violators will be told to sit or removed for the balance of the meeting.” Only when a pattern of civil behavior is adhered to and then strictly enforced by the supervisor will the problem ever be solved! The moment someone violates the rules they should be told to sit down, if they refuse they should be quickly removed by police. Problem solved!
Even though I might not agree with someone, as an American, I will always defend their right to speak out as long as they respectfully address others.
Not giving your address, derogatory remarks, name calling, making threats, obscene gestures have no place at public meetings and should never have been tolerated by the supervisor. The public’s voice shouldn’t be held hostage by the lack of discipline of the Supervisor and his side-kick.
The board needs to reverse this extremely bad decision and start enforcing the rules, once that is done there won’t be a need to limit public speech.. Killing the patient to stop the disease is wrong and It should not be tolerated by the taxpayers of this township!
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Jim Sherman’s recent column “Here come da judge, da partisan judge,”Jan. 13, brought up some excellent reasons for Michigan voters to support a state constitutional convention where judicial reforms could be discussed. The call for a convention is already on the statewide ballot in November 2010, Proposal One.
Mr. Sherman quoted journalist Richard Milliman who wrote: “Electing the supreme court justices, and other judges for that matter, lends itself to the sort of court system where justices sometimes seem to go to the highest bidder.”
One judicial reform plan recommends the appointment of judges initially for their first term and then require that they run for re-election so they can run on their “record.” The appointments would be based on legal and judicial credentials, not who could raise the most campaign funds.
Excessive influence in the election of judges has become a much bigger issue following the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving campaign contributions by a West Virginia corporation to a judge who ultimately decided a case involving the corporation.
In light of the Supreme Court’s decision, all states are examining their rules regarding potential bias involving judges and their campaign contributors.
Michigan has a unique opportunity to address judicial reform at a constitutional convention in 2011 along with critical matters involving education funding, taxation, government restructuring, etc.
It all starts with voters saying yes on Ballot Proposal One in November 2010.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Oakland Pet Adoption Center would like to thank Kiana Ayotte for her generous donation of food, toys and blankets to the animals awaiting adoption.
Kiana, who is a 10-year-old from the Clarkston area, saved her birthday and Christmas money to make this donation worth $97.
It is charitable people such as yourself that make the animals stay here a little brighter and more comfortable while awaiting adoption.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Larry Obrecht, manager
Nikki Hanna
Dear Editor,
Today I went to the Independence Township Recycling Center, fully prepared to plunk down $25 to use the center, and was told I was not “allowed” to use it!
Sounds kind of exclusionary! I live just 6 miles north of Clarkston, although it’s considered Groveland Township.
To confuse matters further, I have a Holly mailing address. I shop in Independence Township. I support local restaurants, businesses and community theatre. I volunteer at the library and visit hospice patients in the area with my Therapy Dog.
So why won’t the township take my $25 if I’m willing to pay it, and “allow” me to use the recycling center?! I wouldn’t even mind paying a little more than the $25 for being a “non-resident,” but to flat out deny me access seems just plain wrong if I’m willing to recycle.
The article ‘Recycling center comes with green cost,? Jan. 20, explains how much it costs the township to get rid of the materials. Didn’t they put any figures to paper PRIOR to opening the center?
Sometimes you just need to do the right thing. The cost of garnering goodwill throughout the community and helping the environment? Priceless.
Hope Ponsart
Groveland Township
Dear Editor,
I think Zack Bell said it very well when he supported the Independence Township Board in their new rule to restrict the spiteful rhetoric and personal attacks we have witnessed over the past months (‘New rule serves residents better,? Jan. 20).
I am surprised any one who has attended these meetings cannot agree with their actions.
I feel our board is struggling to get the township back on track and we need to offer constructive input and criticism ? not vitriolic and time wasting rantings.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It seems like yesterday that Independence Township was ready to spare no cost in the pursuit of ‘green’ garbage removal.
Now only months later, the DPW’s popular recycling center and spring clean up programs are on the chopping block.
Previous meeting minutes indicate that more than 1,000 residents participated in a previous spring clean up program, with over $10,000 collected in hazardous waste removal fees. In contrast, it is unclear if residents will support the recycling center for a $25 yearly fee. At the last meeting, we learned that so far only a few residents have signed up for the program.
In addition, it is extremely unlikely that circulating a simple four digit code to the gate will deter unauthorized use of the center.
I am annoyed that when under economic stress, our leadership has watered down popular services, but yet only a handful have voluntarily given themselves a haircut.
Since when does local government promise lifetime healthcare, Cadillac Escalade-worthy vehicle allowances, complimentary cell phones, and early withdrawal (since 2007) of pension funds?
Bill Skellenger
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In August 2010, the millage which supports Independence Township Library will be on ballot for renewal
I am chairing a political action committee to inform our residents and encourage them to vote YES for the library.
I need two things at this time, voters who support this library renewal, to serve on our committee; and donations, so we can publicize the multitude of services our library provides for the community.
If you can help in any way, please call me at 248-625-9399. Thanks in advance.
Jeanne Molzon
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
This letter is in response to the recent editorial comments by Mr. Mike Clark (‘Recall effort sour grapes, reader says,? Jan. 6).
Most informed citizens and attendees of the township meetings have seen or have come in contact with this individual. He is the ‘mysterious man with the baseball cap? mentioned in a previous letter (‘Reader finds board unwatchable,? Oct. 21).
While Mr. Clark has “freedom of speech,” there is a difference between disagreeing and harassing.
Mr. Clark continuously claims recall efforts against Supervisor Dave Wagner are orchestrated by a few certain political allies and that Supervisor Wagner was voted in by a wide margin.
However, I am not a member of any recall efforts; I do not work for any government entity and have no political ties. Like many of my friends who live in the community, we hope the recall efforts go through.
We voted for Supervisor Wagner. Based on his current and past overspending policies, we would not vote for him again.
During the township meetings, citizens have been constantly exposed to Clark harassing anyone who disagrees with the supervisor.
During a recall meeting last year, Clark tried to intimidate attendees by videotaping them. Law enforcement officers were called to the scene.
Mr. Clark has been asked to prove that he is a resident of our community at the township meetings. Supervisor Wagner aligns in Clark’s defense, stating even non citizens are allowed freedom of speech at the meetings.
Each time a citizen raises an objection to this abuse towards citizens during the township meetings, Wagner comes to Clark’s defense. It is clear that Wagner and Clark have a “special” relationship and that Clark may not be a resident.
It is clear Clark is motivated by his “personal” relationship with Dave Wagner to be his ‘attack dog? for anyone who disagrees with Wagner’s policies. There is a difference between freedom of speech and constant harassment of citizens.
Anyone who allows this type of treatment of our citizens is not a true leader. Furthermore, this type of behavior continues to mold our community meetings into being unprofessional, an embarrassment and a waste of taxpayer’s time and money.
Meanwhile Mr. Clark should read state laws and realize citizens have the right to recall an elected official. Mr. Clark adds more fuel to fire to recall and clean house at the next election.
Barbara Hill
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thanks to Margret McDermott’s letter to the editor (‘Reader says library fines too high,? Jan. 6) for spending time to analyze what I have long believed to be true: library fines for books and CD-ROMS are too low and should be increased.
It appears that some fines have not kept up with inflation. Our library serves a public service and as such, each user is responsible for understanding the loan requirements of the materials for which they choose to borrow.
Cheryl McNeil
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We were out on a walk last Sunday, Jan. 10, along White Lake Road. As we neared Lakeview Cemetery, there was a man with a tractor plowing open the park to Dixie Highway.
As we got closer, we saw Tom Middleton was the driver.
He said, ‘On the way to church my wife and I noticed the plowing ended at Deer Lake Drive.?
What did Tom do? He brought his tractor back, and opened up the path to Dixie Highway, and went on across to Tappon.
This is our county commissioner ? thank you, Tom.
James and Gini Schultz
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
At the Jan. 5 Independence Township Board meeting, the following was passed by four board members as part of Rules of Procedures:
‘Persons in the audience interested in addressing the board on agenda items may speak to one agenda item per meeting, limited to three minutes, provided that all comments by members of the public with respect to an agenda item shall be done after any presentation but before any discussion by member of the board; and once the matter hasbeen brought back to the board for its discussion and vote, there shall be no further comment from the public (emphasis added).
In case you missed the article and editorial in last week’s Clarkston News, this means the board is extremely limiting public input.
If a taxpayer attends a meeting interested in a particular agenda item and finds another of interest, he may not speak on the additional item.
Further, he may not speak after hearing the board discussion. Or, if you attend the meeting as an interested citizen/taxpayer in all township business, forget expressing your views ? they are not interested!
It was said we are changing ‘a long held tradition.? Some traditions should stand, especially where the freedom to address our elected officials is concerned.
Jeffersonian politics should still be the rule ? local government is important to the lives of our citizens and we should be allowed to express our views without the filter of some board members.
If you would call the surrounding townships, you would find they allow public comment on each agenda item.
‘Time? was also mentioned in the rationale for this procedure.
If you watch the board meeting, you will quickly realize it is not the public comment that takes excessive time on each subject.
‘Showboating,? another reason ? who showboats? Watch channel 10!
So, why was this passed? The board has been addressed regularly by one individual who they don’t want to hear. Rather than limit one, all taxpayer/citizens are punished. Is this the classroom strategy that all students are punished for one student’s actions?
One board member commented that public apathy will probably let this rule stand. Please, email, call, attend a meeting to request the deletion of this change to a ‘long held tradition? by your elected officials. Your freedom is at stake!
Joan McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The taxpaying residents of Independence Township are well served by the rule change regarding public comment adopted Jan. 5 by our board.
Those who have witnessed the puerile, abusive, and mean-tempered personal attacks repeatedly leveled against certain board members are fully aware that:
? Our supervisor, by his refusal to lead and halt the abuse, and by his vote against the measure, demonstrates once again his woeful management skills;
? Much of the good work and sound management practices now, at last, being incorporated in the township is the work of board members who, curiously enough, are often verbally blasted with ad hominem attacks from certain audience members;
? The reporter from The Clarkston News might attempt a more balanced and fair portrayal of what this rule change really means to the citizenry and the sound logic represented by it, an opportunity clearly missed in Jan. 13’s edition; and
? Please, we are a long way from ‘Eastern Europe? and we are definitely not witnessing ‘one of the worst things the board has ever passed? (‘Mum’s the word,? Jan. 13).
Basic civility and respect, longtime hallmarks of this community, are just two of the intended and necessary consequences of this measure. The freedoms and liberties of taxpayers/residents of the community are not at all threatened but rather enhanced.
Thank you,
Zac Bell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
After reading the article in your newspaper about the new owners of Trini and Carmen’s North (Dec. 30) we thought we would give the restaurant a try.
On New Year’s Eve we went there with several friends for dinner. All of us enjoyed some great Mexican food and found the new owners and staff to be very friendly!
We have been back since and now it is our restaurant of choice for Mexican food. We encourage everyone to head up Dixie Highway and give them a try.
Ruth Wheeler
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I was excited to read our school board and Superintendent Gutman did not sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the federal Race to the Top program.
It seems the other area districts agreed to sign despite the fact that the program will create mandates that will cost more than their fund allotment.
The program is being rushed and I am glad Lake Orion Schools had the chutzpah to not agree to something that could be changed after they agree to it.
A small stand, but one worth noting!
-Jeff Aisthorpe
Lake Orion
Dear editor,
I grew up in Lake Orion, and while I have since moved to Auburn Hills, I still work in LO and go to school at Oakland University. ‘I have been a long time reader of The Review and plan to continue doing so. ?
I have noticed that there is some thing missing from my new community. ‘There is no local paper in Auburn Hills. ‘It’s kind of funny that I haven’t noticed it until now but I’ve been living here for six-ish months and I don’t know much at all about this community. ?
Sure, all that info is on the web, but I’d really like to learn about it from a local paper. ?
Perhaps Sherman Publications could find a time to investigate this market and see if they think there is something in it for them. ?
Until then, I’ll say that you’ll have at least one subscriber.
Best,
Michael Phillips
Dear editor,
We just wanted to thank you for including us in the Lake Orion 2010 calendar in the month of July and also for the picture of the children from Open Road Preschool in the Lake Orion Review 2009 unwinds (Jan. 6)
It certainly was a very sad year for our school when Chase Bank and our landlord, Clarkston Investment Group, and an Oakland County Judge forced the closing of our 30 year old Child Care Center and Preschool.
We were very disappointed and even more saddened as 6 months has passed by and the building we occupied still remains empty.
We really miss every child and parent we have had with us over the years.
Seeing our pictures in your newspaper made us smile and it is nice to know we were remembered.
Sincerely,
Louis & Kathleen Thompson
Dear editor,
We would like to thank the business communities of Oxford and Lake Orion for their generous donations of food supplied for the Ashley Felder and Brianna and Sy’mone Johnson fundraiser event on Sunday, Jan. 17.
The deaths of these young women have touched so many, and the following restaurants stepped up to the plate without hesitation: Italia Gardens, Guido’s, Blue Ox BBQ, Sagebrush Cantina, Kruse and Muer on the Lake, Christi’s Bar and Grill, Jet’s on Lapeer Road, and Casey’s Chicken.
Give these fine establishments your business next time you are headed out to dinner.
-Tom and Robin Moore
Oxford
Dear Editor,
It’s well known that recall petition language is seldom, if ever, approved on the first try. Usually numerous attempts are needed to satisfy all of the requirements of the highly subjective Michigan State recall laws.
The Citizens Against Independence Township Waste are committed to fulfilling the obligations required of us by Michigan State recall laws and until such date as our recall petition is approved we will remain committed to getting it approved.
However, contrary to a recent letter writers claims, there has never been, nor will there ever be an attempt to confuse voters by the group seeking the recall of Supervisor Wagner. Dishonesty may be commonly used by most politicians, but you can rest assured in the knowledge that we are a grass roots group that is sincerely concerned about the township’s future based upon documented facts and not causing alleged “confusion.?
We’re confident that once the recall petition language is approved it will make little difference to voters what the petition language says.
Voters will only care what the petition means, the recall of Supervisor Wagner. To quell any “confusion” there may be in the future, just go to www.recallwagner.com and see the township documents first-hand. We’re sure voters will not be “confused” once they see the facts.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I have been a patron of the Independence Township Library for many years, in addition to the Springfield Township Library.
The library is the greatest deal around. Employees are nice and polite and can’t wait to help. It’s clean, warm or cool depending on the weather, comfortable, and the reference librarian can find anything you want!
Occasionally I bring a book or CD back late and am HAPPY to pay the fine and support the greatest service around!
Best of all, the library is free. The library card is free.The computers are free. Parking is free. When you call and ask them to hold a book for you , its free.
Do check out the view from the Springfield Township Library. It’ free! I am personnally awarding them Phi Beta Kappa Community Service Award for 2009.
Greg Kazmierski
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
I have one question I would like Senator Cark Levin and Senator Debbie Stabenow to answer. If this Obama Health Care Bill is so great, why are you and your entire staff exempted from having to have it?
James K. Conway
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I took the opportunity offered to parents and the community to meet the final candidate for the Lake Orion High School principal position on January 7.?
I came away impressed with Sophia Lafayette’s poise, personality, passion for education, and many of her qualifications; she seemed to personify my idea of the ‘dynamic educator.??
However, I remain troubled by her own admission that she has ‘zero experience? as a secondary school principal.??
In fact, although she has experience in school administration and was once a classroom teacher (since she has a degree in elementary education, I assume this was at the elementary level), she has never held the responsibilities of a principal’or an assistant principal’at any school.
At first I couldn’t pinpoint what was disturbing me, and then it hit: Everyone in that room seemed to have been star struck by Ms. Lafayette.?
By the end of the session, there seemed to be unanimous acceptance that she was a great candidate, a rising star who may even be ‘too good? for our district; superintendent Ken Gutman referred to catching a shooting star rather than settling for a dull one.?
Are the 14-member search committee, school board, staff, and our community succumbing to the cult of celebrity so prevalent in today’s society, where style trumps substance?? Do actual accomplishments and experience count anymore??
In Michigan’s current economy, it seems job seekers need an exact match of their skill set to gain employment.?
Maybe I simply don’t understand the world of secondary education, but in trying to find an analogy, I consider the Orion Township Public Library: I doubt that director Linda Sickles would hire an adult services department head who had no actual work experience as a librarian, even if the candidate held a master’s degree in library science.?
So why would Lake Orion Community Schools hire a high school principal with no real-life experience as either a principal or a secondary school teacher?
Principal of one of Michigan’s largest high schools is not a ‘starter position? by any stretch.?
I would feel more confident in Ms. Lafayette’s ability to lead Lake Orion High School if she had received her ‘baptism by fire? (as one parent suggested this would be) in her current district, the Detroit Public Schools system, as principal of one of its 172 elementary, middle, or high schools.?
If she had that experience under her belt, along with her other excellent qualities, she’d make a terrific candidate for LOHS principal.?
The question I raise is this: Are we willing to gamble our children’s future on someone who has no proven track record in this particular position??
If we do decide to take this chance on the unknown, then I hope we would offer Ms. Lafayette a one-year contract in order to assess the fit with our district, going both ways, and to measure her accomplishments.?
If Ms. Lafayette does make her debut as a principal at Lake Orion High School, I will be rooting for a smashing success.? Our kids? education depends on it.
Respectfully,
Amy Marcaccio Keyzer
Dear editor,
An amazing opportunity is before the community January 21 at Lake Orion High School.?
Judge Lisa Asadoorian’is coming to speak.
It is not Judge Asadoorian’s first time speaking with us, but every time is a great time of learning, and gives us the opportunity to make connections and make a difference in our community and in our families.
If you have heard her speak before, I encourage you to come again.
There will be other opportunities to learn, as Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh will also be there, as well as others from the North Oakland Community Coalition.
For parents and students, it’s about one’on one communication on tough topics. Opening a window on the discussion. Can you use an opportunity to talk to your kids about substances and have it be easy, not awkward? This is one way. Come with your kids and their friends.
This is a very important topic and a very important night as the drugs in this community are not going away. If you come out for this, you will not be disappointed.
Whether you are a parent of a teen, middle schooler, or elementary student, it all applies.
I know the first time my son was approached was in elementary school! I would never have thought that possible, not in Lake Orion.?
I know nights are busy, evenings come quick in the winter, and it’s cold?.there are a few reasons for you not to come.?
There are also a few good reasons for you to attend’and they live with you and around you.
They are your kids!
See ya there,
Mindie Wolvin
Dear Don’t Rush Me Don,
After reading your column, suggesting The Lake Orion Review needs to lead, inspire and inform, I wanted to write you and say the paper looks good and it sounds like you are headed in a stronger direction in the near future.
I have always enjoyed The Review and its articles, as well as the classifieds. Your coverage of the schools has also really been wonderful all these years.
Keep up the good work!
-Linda LaCroix-Puuri
Dear editor,
A spectacular event took place in our community this weekend!
The home of Dr. Ralph and Sandra Scolari became a wine and food fest’for the lucky guests that attended the Orion Art Center’s winter wine tasting Saturday evening.?
Wine and art enthusiasts enjoyed an array of fine wines from around the world, provided by Eric Adams of ‘The Wine Sellers at Bommarito’s Bakery? in Saint Clair Shores.
Hollywood Market of Lake Orion, Victoria’s Delights Bistro in Oxford, and Meijer of Auburn Hills provided a delicious variety of edibles.
The Orion Art Center is grateful to the Scolaris for sharing their exquisite home, to Eric Adams for his wine expertise, ‘to Cindy Wheeler for her hard work and ongoing dedication, to the OAC board of directors for their assistance in promoting the event and to the supportive attendees who enjoyed every moment and morsel!?
Don’t miss the next social event to benefit the Orion Art Center ~ the upcoming Snowflake Ball on March 6, 2010 at Addison Oaks Ballroom in Leonard.?
Proceeds from OAC events help to support the mission of bringing the arts to the community in a variety of ways.
Watch for the winter art class line up and wine tasting photos!
-Reggie Harrison
Director
Dear editor,
Residents of Orion Township, be prepared. A few years ago I held a meeting, along with the Michigan Minutemen, to give instructions on how to be prepared for a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. It was important then and very important now.Every subdivision, every road, every facility, schools, churches, etc. need to know what to do in order to survive and possibly save lives.
As every one knows there are only three highways in our township. If there is a disaster of any magnitude, people will want to try to escape by way of these roads. Now, listen up, this is very serious.You and I know these highways are packed every day and night, including weekends.
Lets be prepared as a township. In fact, Orion Township does not have their emergency plans updated yet and the plans they have are very vague. I am not trying to put fear in you, but start to understand: we must have plans. If anyone would like to attend a meeting, please give me a call.
Betty McDowell,
Orion Township
248-391-1773
Dear Editor,
I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the members of the Independence Township Fire Department.
We came home in the early hours of 2010 to find our house in flames.
The trucks were there in minutes, and though the house and most of our belongings are gone, they managed to save our pets and extensive collection of photographs.
Every member of the department treated us with compassion and professionalism, and helped us take the first steps in rebuilding our lives.
We are truly blessed to have such an outstanding group of people bravely serving our community.
John and Tammy Linder
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Public letter to the Independence Township Library:
I am writing to tell you that I am appalled at the steep late fees that you charge for DVDs. It is my opinion that the late fee schedule is grossly unbalanced and is not based on value of materials.
I was charged $12 today for two DVDs that were both six days late. That’s one dollar per day for a late DVD, with a $10 cap. If these were CD-ROMs, books, or magazines, according to your late fee schedule, I would have been charged fifteen cents per day for a total of $1.80. So, patrons are being charged over 6.5 times as much for late DVD than for books.
Let’s look at the value of the materials I checked out. The two DVDs I rented are currently sold as a three disk set on Amazon for $21.99. A typical bestselling, hardcover book from the same publication year, 2006, is currently selling for $17.32. So, two books would cost $34.64 and these two DVDs would cost $21.99, substantially less, yet I am being charged substantially more if I return the DVDs late.
When you look at the numbers it becomes clear that taxpayers are not being charged a fee aimed at discouraging the late return of materials, but a fee that shows that you are aligning yourselves with for-profit DVD rental organizations such as Blockbuster.
As a not-for-profit organization supported by the taxpayers of Independence Township I believe this is reprehensible and should be changed.
Sincerely,
Margret McDermott
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Having been to the hearing on the recall language Dec. 14, and again today, Jan. 4, I am a bit perplexed that recall petitions were again rejected.
Notwithstanding the recall proponents? protestations to the contrary, my Dec. 23 letter to The Clarkston News was exactly on point and accurate. Read the hearing transcript if there is any doubt. In his (Henry Woloson) response, the proponent used the inflammatory, confusing language that his original petition was rejected for.
Today he presented two petitions to the tribunal, after having been instructed by the original tribunal as to what was necessary to have his recall language approved. The language doesn’t have to be true, it just can’t be confusing.
Once again, the carefully crafted language, by an attorney, was rejected not just on one petition, but on both, as being confusing.
Now I have to question the motivation, if not the ability, of the proponent to come up with language that is not misleading and/or confusing. Certainly he will be back for a fourth attempt. One thing is clear to me: this recall effort is orchestrated by trustees, clerk, and other ‘sour grapes? individuals who refuse to accept the will of the majority of township residents who overwhelmingly re-elected Dave Wagner supervisor in 2008.
Mike Clark
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
A heartfelt thanks to local restaurants: Deer Lake Racquet Club, Nick’s Country Oven and Mr. B’s.
In a depressed economy, people out of work and businesses suffering it is more than uplifting to see people in our community taking care of each other.
Through the generosity of these local restaurant owners, the seniors who depend on meals on wheels were provided with holiday meals.
Deer Lake sent wonderful Thanksgiving Day meals, Nick at Nick’s Country oven prepared delicious Christmas Day meals and Mr. B’s the tasty New Year’s meals.
The holidays bring stress for many reasons, these businesses gave unselfishly of themselves during the hectic holiday hours they work.
It is with sincere appreciation that our community thanks you for going above and beyond, may the favor return to you a hundred fold.
Sincerely,
Mary Przybycien and
Joan Mendelsohn
Independence Township
Senior Center
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank all of you who chose My Clarkston, Buy Clarkston for their holiday shopping experience.
A very happy, healthy 2010 to all of you in this incredible community of caring and sharing residents.
Merrily,
The Schultz family
Clarkston
Dear editor,
Orion Parks and Recreation will host a Growing Green Earth Day Expo on Thursday, April 22, at King’s Court Castle Restaurant at Canterbury Village from 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
We are putting together a Green Team Steering Committee to help plan the event, and hope members of the community might be interested in helping us put this event in action.
We will hold our first planning meeting at 2 p.m., Thursday, January 21, at the Orion Township Hall.
Please e-mail me to confirm your attendance. The commitment of time should be not much more than 3 meetings?- one in January, February and March. Meetings can be scheduled for daytime or evening once we have our initial meeting.
I would also like to encourage those who are interested to partner with us in the expo, which takes place on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.
Exhibits at the expo will include of an array of green products and services, reliable education resources, green organizations, energy efficiency and conservation incentives, green career opportunities, green growing resources, green parks and trails leisure activities and events, green pantry and healthy living, organic closets and home resources, recycling incentives and other opportunities for community members to take on the green community challenge.
We are putting together this Green Team of business representatives, residents, community groups and non-profit organizations that offer programs, activities, services and products supporting green alternatives.
We are interested in highlighting what Orion is doing to make our community greener, including the Green Schools Initiative, recycling efforts, nature and leisure options in green spaces in the community and local businesses that offer green products for residents to use.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor or being on our Green Team Steering Committee call me at 248-391-0304 or email me at lsokol@oriontownship.org
I look forward to working with you….
Lisa Sokol
Director of Community Programs,
Orion Township
Dear editor,
The Orion Township Fire Station #3 Goodfellows would like to thank all those who made our 2009 Christmas Drive a success.
Thanks to our local Orion/Oxford businesses, who donated everything from cash to toy trucks and smoke detectors .
Also, a note of special thanks to Donna Davis-Daisley and the Gingellville Early Childhood Center at 4375 Baldwin Road, who paid to advertise in the Goodfellow Edition, but whose ad regrettably did not appear.
Thanks to our local residents who also donated cash, toys, winter clothes and to all who purchased our special Goodfellow Edition of The Lake Orion Review.
Thanks to The Review, who printed and donated these papers, and to the Orion Township Fire Department, who provided us with working space.
We could not have done what we did without all your support.
The sincere gratitude and the tears from our residents, who were the recipients of your generosity, made this a worthy effort.
-Fire Station #3 Goodfellows
Dear editor,
Two days before Christmas I shopped in the Dollar Tree located on Lapeer Road in Orion Township. In my haste I left my handbag in the cart.
I did not miss it until the next day due to all the packages I had to carry in. I remembered the last place I had it was the Dollar Tree. I called and they told me their young cashier had found it and placed it in their office.
We read about all the negative happenings, but can you imagine my relief? All of my Christmas money, plus credit cards, etc’what a loss that would have been.
My husband offered a reward, but the cashier declined. We don’t even know her name, but our heartfelt thanks go out to her and the management.
-Virginia Cadwallader
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to sincerely thank all of those who so generously donated during the 59th annual Goodfellow Newspaper sales held in early December. The spirit of the donors was encouragement for those collecting in the cold winter winds, not only for their contributions, but also for their expressed appreciation for Goodfellows and the Clarkston Rotary’s ‘Shoes for Kids? program.
All donations were used to purchase new shoes and boots, hats, mittens and gloves for community children. On Dec. 12, the Rotary hosted 651 children at the Oakland Woods Baptist Church at a cost of almost $23,000.
The Clarkston Rotary Club would like to aknowledging the following for the success of this year’s program:
? A special thank you to The Clarkston News, Jim Sherman, Don Rush, and staff for preparation and publication of the Goodfellows Edition. They have donated the special newspaper for the past 20 years.
? Oakland Woods Baptist Church, Pastor Galey and members for hosting the annual Shoes for Kids distribution and extra volunteers needed for the projects.
? Mr. Alan’s Shoes of Redford, Jason Riegle, operations manager, and store volunteers for bringing shoes and boots to Clarkston for distribution.
? Clarkston Area Lions Club, Clarkston Community Women’s Club, and Clarkston Optimists for their new endeavor, Opti-Socks.
? Local elementary schools and area churches that created, collected, and donated hats and scarves, Boy Scout Troop No. 199 and leaders for continued efforts in collecting donations, and City of Clarkston DPW for providing a warm space for Goodfellows headquarters.
? Rudy’s Market and O’Malley’s Galley for providing chili to serve and warm Goodfellow volunteers, and Papa Bella’s Pizzeria in Ortonville for opening early to bake great pizzas for ‘Shoes for Kids? volunteers.
? Friends and family members of the Clarkston Rotary Club who so generously gave of their time and energy in selling newspapers, and volunteers who made this year’s projects possible.
Finally, thanks again to all who gave donations for the “Shoes for Kids” program and especially to those who gave so generously. The success of this program can only be measured by the support it receives from the Clarkston community.
Clarkston Rotary Club and
program chair,Joel DeLong
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank everyone who came out last Friday to our Red Cross blood drive held at the fire department. There was a very good turn out, to the point a few people had to turned away at one point.
That was unfortunate, and I would like to apologize to anyone who showed up and had to either wait longer than expected or couldn’t wait. For those who could not return, please keep an eye out for other drives in the area this holiday season by checking with the Red Cross.
I would like to especially thank the Clarkston Lions Club for their participation. They have been a partner with the fire department for the last several years, and without their help, this event would not be a success.
Bob Cesario
EMS Coordinator
Independence Fire Department
Dear Editor,
The letter ‘Recall right to be dismissed,? Dec. 23, misrepresented the actions of the Oakland County Election Commission at the hearing for the petition to recall Supervisor Wagner.
The commission asked us to delete and add certain words in the interests of ‘clarity.? The requested changes were made and not only were resubmitted in a revised petition within 24 hours, but a second revised petition with additional clarifying language was also submitted within 72 hours of the hearing. Hardly the actions of citizens trying to ‘confuse? voters.
The writer made several inaccurate statements in his letter regarding the Wagner recall to which I feel I should respond.
First, voters need to be aware the petition reviewed at the hearing mentioned three specific actions by Mr. Wagner after Dec. 1, 2008. Michigan law prohibits an elected official from being recalled for actions in a prior term so we cannot cite Mr. Wagner’s actions such as the improper firing of library personnel, which cost the township $300,000 in lawsuit settlements. The law does not allow us to mention in the petition Mr. Wagner’s questionable dealings involving the purchase of the new Township Hall since that took place after the primary but just before the start of the current term. How convenient.
Second, of the many actions by Mr. Wagner this current term which exceeded his authority, the Recall Committee selected these few: 1) bonus payments made to an employee, without board approval; 2) increase by Mr. Wagner in the supervisor’s car allowance, without board approval; and 3) authorizing architectural work for a new police substation not approved by the board nor voters.
Based on comments by the commission, we have changed the phrase ‘secret bonus payments? to simply ‘bonus payments.? At no time at the hearing did I admit the bonus payments were authorized by the clerk and treasurer. Since at least four votes were needed to approve increases, why would I admit to something that is untrue?
To clarify which not-approved-by-voters building we were discussing, only one of which qualified, we changed the words ‘major new township building? to ‘new sheriff substation projected to cost $800,000.? As I mentioned above, Michigan prohibits us from recalling Mr. Wagner for the new Town Hall purchase.
Concerning car allowance increases, even Mr. Wagner admitted at board meetings the allowances were not approved by the current or previous board. A matter of public record is hardly confusing.
Third, we are confident that when the County Election Commission meets on Jan. 4, they will approve one of the two revised petitions and will allow collection of signatures. We are not attempting to ‘confuse the voters.?
Instead, we are working diligently and responding quickly to give the Election Commission ample opportunity to fulfill their role to determine the clarity of the petition language.
We will continue to revise our petitions as needed until we satisfy the Election Commission or exercise our right to appeal to Circuit Court. Once approved, we look forward to letting township voters decide if Mr. Wagner should remain as supervisor given what we feel are repeated actions on his part that have exceeded his legal authority and demonstrate a severe lack of needed management skills.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Are higher taxes really the answer to our problems?
Shouldn’t our elected officials be held accountable for the money they already get from our taxes?
Maybe we wouldn’t have this problem if tax money is used for what is was intended.
A classic example is the water and sewer funds, used as a grab bag for other projects as people seem fit.
Schools receive money from the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the lottery, and casinos’and they still don’t have enough money.
I have a novel idea, why don’t they try to stay in their budgets like taxpayers are forced to do because of our economy.
When spring arrives we will hear the same old people complaining about the conditions of our roads and how the taxes need to be raised to repair them.
Remember when you complain, that we are now paying federal and state gas taxes to repair our roads, not to mention the stimulus package voted in to repair our roads and bridges to get people working again.
It looks like the only way out of these problems is to use the money we vote to be used for a purpose, be used for that purpose, and that only.
It’s time to stop playing a robbing-Peter-to-pay-Paul game with our money to satisfy the whims of a few. The sooner our government wakes up that fact, the better off we will all be.
There are lots of ways’to reduce our spending before the thought of raising taxes even should be bought up.
As the state government gets bigger our services get more costly.
A smaller government would mean less waste and more money for the services we voted for.
John Whitlock,
Lake Orion
Dear Editor,
Having attended the hearing on Dec. 14, I was quite surprised that the Clarkston News reporter was not at the hearing (‘Denied ? It’s back to the drawing board for recall petitions,? Dec. 16).
Lazy journalism relies on quotes from proponents instead of attending the hearing and listening to officers as they made their decision.
Had this reporter been in attendance or read the transcript, he would have realized all three ‘grounds? for recall were dismissed for clarity. Inflammatory words such as ‘secret bonus payments,? ‘raised his own car allowance,? and ‘not approved by the voters? were rejected because they were designed to confuse.
When questioned by the board, the recall proponent admitted the ‘secret bonus payment? was authorized by the clerk and treasurer. Regarding ‘raised his own car allowance,? in reality, the previous board authorized the supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and three department heads an increase in car allowance.
Finally, ‘not approved by the voters? was meant to confuse the voters, because the issue being referred to did not require a vote of the people.
It was obvious to the board and anyone in attendance that carefully crafted recall language, by an attorney, was designed to confuse and inflame potential supporters of the recall petition, and for that reason, the board, in line with their duties to review the ‘recall language? chose to unanimously deny the petition on all three counts.
Mike Clark
Clarkston
Editor’s note: the decision regarding attendance of the Oakland County Elections committee meeting was based on time and resource management, not laziness.
Dear Editor,
Thank you so much for another successful Stuff-a-Bus for Lighthouse North.
This sixth annual event couldn’t have happened without the following participants: Kevin Bickerstaff, Craig DeLlowe, Blaine Tweed and the Kroger staff at Sashabaw and Maybee roads, Alan Burnham of Alan Jr. and Taylor, Theresa Kraft, Charlie Robinson, Betty Anderson, Colleen MacLeod, Mike Morris, Fred Haynes, Tina, Mark, Jessica Fay, Diana and Shaylene Haglund, Darlene Welch, Sherry Carpenter, Sue and Denise Cox, Amy Turner, Eric Berry, Pam Kaczor, Frank Carone, Tim Fell, Junior Girl Scouts Troop 13220 from North Sashabaw Elementary, with Leader Karen Weiler-Kondrat and Olivia, Co-Leader Sue Storey and Nora, Rachel Kerr, Chance McDougall, Maddie Dooling, Julia Haden, Clarkston News, and of course, the community!
Tammy Layton
Clarkston Schools Transportation
Dear Editor,
Special thanks to Bob and Peg Roth, David and Grace Savage, and Ed Adler for organizing the Art Walk at the Clarkston Mills Mall.
It was a lovely event that enhanced Clarkston’s wonderful winter festival this past weekend. It showcased local talent, architectural history, and the special sense of community spirit that characterizes our beautiful village. Thanks to those who worked so hard to make it happen.
Karey Bassett
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Holiday Lights Parade Committee would like to extend a sincere thanks to all of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and the brave souls who toughed out the seasonable weather to attend our humble event.
This year’s parade was a smashing success with approximately 46 floats. Eight cash prizes, totaling $1,600 were awarded:
? Team RUSH Award, Respect, Unity, Spirit, Heart: Cub Scout Camping Christmas, Pack 163;
? Miller Road Award, Best Use of Music: Shining Stars, The Dance Place Ltd;
? Depot Street Award, Best Holiday Spirit: Clarkston United Methodist Church;
? Buffalo Street Award, Best Use of Theme: Girl Scout Troop 11897;
? Washington Street Award, Most Creative: Ginger Bread Bank, Clarkston State Bank;
? Main Street Award, Best Use of Lighting: Grand Old GOP, State Rep. Eileen Kowall and State Rep. Jim Marleau;
? Holcomb Road Award, Best Overall Entry: Cub Scout Pack 126
? Church Street Award, Best Costuming: Junior Girl Scout Troop 13220.
A special thanks to our sponsors: Genisys Credit Union, Morgan’s Service, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, Clarkston News, Law Office of Robert E. Kostin and Smith’s Disposal and Recycling, and Oakland Press.
Sincerely,
Anthony J. Lapp
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In response to ‘Lock down ? administration looks to control information,? I find the views of Clarkston Schools? communications/marketing director very disturbing.
Shouldn’t we as taxpayers and parents expect honest and open communication with our elected officials? Shouldn’t transparency and independent thinking be promoted and encouraged? I don’t want censored or edited information from the school spin department.
Furthermore, why do we even have a communications/marketing director? How exactly does this person contribute to the education of our children? I attended Clarkston Schools in the 70s and 80s and don’t recall such a position.
In these tough economic times and with cuts in school funding, I don’t think this position is necessary or an integral part of the education system. If we’re paying someone $90,000 a year to talk to the media and stifle communication, that is outrageous. With a $200,000 salary (and benefits), I think Dr. Roberts should be capable of public speaking. If he is unable or unwilling, I’m sure we can find someone who is, and probably for a lower salary.
Name withheld at request of writer
Editor’s note: the Clarkston News prints letters anonymously case-by-case. Here, the author has children in the school district and fears reprisal from administration.
Dear Editor,
‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the village, not a dispute was found not even a millage. The wreaths and the lights were hung near the stores, if only our townspeople would shop here some more. Our town officials were nestled in their new office home, if only they realized it was more expensive than the ‘Dome.
But while I walk through the village and feel a chilling air flow, a large vision dominates much more than the snow. When what to my wandering eyes should appear, but a big ole wall mural, unfinished for years. The artist she came, with paint and a brush, but it really never seemed she was close to a rush.
‘A craftsman,? she wailed ‘should be allowed to inspire,? even if she wasn’t being paid by the hour. One year and two year s and three years she’d plod, painting visions of her summers as a child while abroad.
But the townspeople, they’d had it, they wanted an end ? and apparently their wishes to her they’d offend. And suddenly this summer, it was misplaced obscene graffiti that extended her time and her ill-gotten treaty.
November, November, November she cried. Just give me November and I will bring you all pride. So the townspeople watched as she worked hard with care, hoping that somehow her vision would be shared.
But the fall it soon passed and new fallen snow, reminded us of empty promises she gave not so long ago. The mural sits unfinished, a travesty of squalor, with half painted people and dogs without collars. And as I heard the town exclaim as she vanished from sight, Merry Christmas to all, but that mural still bites.
Mark Gilman
Clarkston
Dear editor,
The Orion Area Parade Group would like to thank all that helped make this year’s Holly Jolly Folly and Holiday Lighted Parade the most successful events ever.
We would like to thank Golling Buick Pontiac GMC for sponsoring our only fundraiser, the Holly Jolly Folly. Also The Lake Orion Girls Choir who sang at the Holly Jolly Folly.
To all our guests that attended and continue to support the Holly Jolly Folly and all of our food vendors, Sports Authentics who handled our silent auction, all of the businesses who donated to our silent and Kangaroo Auction and to all of the people who helped put this great event on.
Also thank you to those who donated food to the Lake Orion Eagles. Many homes didn’t go without food because of your donation.
The Parade was even bigger than ever because of the community. You all spent many many hours planning, building, being in the cold and then taking that big step thru the streets of the Village of Lake Orion to show all of use your lighted floats, costumes, cars and trucks.
You are the reason that the parade is so successful and the Parade Group thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.
I would like to thank a few special businesses who as part of the community went on and above what we could have asked for. I know that I might miss some of you and I’m sorry. It would take the whole Orion Review to thank all of you.
Thank you Lake Orion Police Dept, The Lake Orion Review, LOHS Marketing Class, Articulate Signs-Graphics, ONTV, M&B Graphics, Oakland Press, Golling Buick Pontiac GMC, and Ed’s Broadway Costume Shop who not only supplied all of our great costumes but also came up with the great idea to put the lights on our costume characters.
But again most of all THANK YOU Lake Orion for your continued support and participation in both of our events. Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.
-Bill Kokenos
Orion Area Parade Group
Dear editor,
Thank you for your excellent reporting and editorial regarding the wasteful May elections. And a special thanks to Tiffany Weber-Phillips for having the common sense and courage to vote for combining the school election with the general November election.
It’s sad to see that she appears to be the only person on the board who’s more interested in the welfare of her community than the ego trip of holding public office.
Mr. Weidman, you ran UNOPPOSED! Yet when you had the chance, you voted to continue the May elections, knowing they would be even more expensive next time. Do you really think your vote was obfuscated by your lame observation that “With technology as it is today… (we could) look at other ways to consider elections…”
If it weren’t compromising the education of our children, not to mention placing an onerous burden on taxpayers, it would be comical to watch all the political wannabes scurrying around to look as if they’re trying to control costs without actually changing the system.
But apparently, a position on the school board is so highly coveted that we need to waste more than $25,000 in taxpayer money to make sure the “right” people get elected. Can you really even say you’ve been elected when only 4.09 percent of the population bother to vote in such an improvident mockery?
I’m appealing to rational members of our community to run for school board and serve with honor and integrity as Ms. Weber -Phillips has.
-Carol Roughton
Dear editor,
Well, our incomparable Lake Orion School Board has recently voted to keep their costly May elections despite the fact that only four districts will now bear the brunt of the rising costs. The other twenty-four Oakland County School districts having opted for financial responsibility by adopting the November elections. Is there something that those twenty-four districts do not know that our school board has not shared them?
We all know why they are keeping their May elections — the smaller the voter turnout the more chance they have to win against their opposition. They want only those who share their agenda and opinions instead of having someone who could stir the pot.
Tiffany Weber Phillip was the only financially responsible school board member who voted against still holding May elections.
The following board members who voted to waste our tax dollars again are, School Board President Bill Walters, Mary Jo Burchart who has been on the board since 2000, Tina Peterson who has been on the board for 11 years, Jim Weidman serving his 3rd four year term, Bob Gritzinger serving his third, four-year term, as well as Janet Wolverton who has been on the board since 2002.
School board member Bob Gritzinger wants to push the cost blame on our Orion Township and Oakland County Clerk’s offices, which have excelled in their financial responsibilities in handling their offices and elections. Lets lay the blame in the lap where it truly belongs — with the current six out of the seven elected school board members.
My opinion of the six who voted to keep the May elections — they have been well indoctrinated while attending the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) seminars in how to try to bamboozle and con the taxpayers.
Please clip this letter and pin it to your bulletin board to remind yourself to only vote to reinstate financially responsible Tiffany Weber Phillip and vote out the six irresponsible incumbents in the next school elections. We need six new candidates with a financial conscience to run against the spenders.
-Mary MacMaster
Orion Township
Dear editor,
It is very unfortunate that every time budget cuts are made among the first groups to take the hit are the veterans organizations of this great country. There is a very sad thing going on in the Village of Lake Orion. Our village council voted against paying for flags to be placed on the graves of our fallen comrades on Memorial Day. American Legion Post 233 in Lake Orion purchases the flags, places then on each veteran’s grave in East Lawn and Evergreen cemeteries in the village.
For years the village reimbursed the legion for the flags. The current administration wants us to consult with them before any flags are ordered. It is their intention to reuse flags from the previous year.
Not every member of the village council agrees with this and I thank the council members who support us in our endeavor. The American Legion is very passioante about this issue. We believe that every veteran’s grave should have a new flag placed on it every year out of respect not only to the fallen veteran, but to their family left behind.
I am quite sure that when a family visits the fallen veteran’s grave each Memorial Day, they expect to see a new flag there. This assures them that their community still takes the time to thank the veterans and their families for their sacrifices.
Normally, the American Legion does not boast about the things we do for the community; however I think it is appropriate under the circumstances. Donations and community services we have provided in the past, and continue to provide, include: donation of night goggles to the Lake Orion Police, donation of a new flag yearly flown at the village offices, placing flags at veterans? graves each Memorial Day, adopting 12 needy families every Christmas to provide them with food, clothing and gifts, donating two defibrillators at a cost of $2000 each to the Lake Orion Police, sponsorship of boy scout troops and little league baseball teams, funding one Lake Orion High School senior’s trip to Washington D.C. for a youth leadership course, providing the village with a Memorial Day Parade, donating to the Orion Area Parade Group, providing fallen veterans with military honors at their interment, providing veterans with wheel chairs or crutches as needed, donating to local care package groups that send boxes of needed items to our troops stationed in harm’s way, and the list goes on and on.
Looking at everything we do for the community, do you think it is asking too much for the village to pay at $600 yearly for flags for their cemeteries? The bottom line is this: the village wants to reuse flags and the American Legion thinks they should supply new flags, out of respect. There is one member on the council who told us there are three documents that state ‘payment is to be made by private or public cemetery owners?.
I realize that the village is concerned about their budget. Everyone is concerned about the economy and feeling effects of the recession; however, there are certain things you just do not change.
I urge any of you that concur with us in this matter to please contact Village Manager Paul Zelenak’s office and share your thoughts with him.
Thomas F. Allport
Commander,
American Legion Post 233
Dear Editor,
My father always told me, ‘if you can’t lead by example, let someone else lead.?
The disappointing thing about the recall is the supervisor’s response.
He did not have the authority to make bonus payments. The prosecutor’s office did not approve of his conduct. They just said there was not sufficient evidence.
Nor is approving a budget the same thing as approving an increase in compensation. For instance, there was a budgeted increase in the salary for the supervisor. The Township Board turned that down.
So instead he gave himself an increase in his car allowance. He did not present that to the board.
The supervisor cannot just spend money because he wants to. It is the board that makes such decisions and the board only. Otherwise we would have a dictatorship.
Perhaps most appalling is the notice the township would lease out a portion of a public building to a private entity.
That is going into competition with local businesses ? office building landlords with all the advantages of having a government building. There is only one sure cure for such abuses of power; the removal of that power.
The recall is the right call.
Randy Golab
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Recent review of the winter tax bill for Orion Township residents showed that our township board raised the rate per $1,000 for the general fund by more than 12 percent.
Since some of us received a significant decrease in their taxable values (I hope you did, because we did not) the board must have felt most taxpayers would not notice this increase.
The rate is now set at .93220, which is the highest it can be set at. Last year it was at .82000.
If all our taxable values had gone down 12 percent, this increase would have been easier to take. Ours went down less than 2 percent.
Hopefully the board will be more considerate in the future.
?-Conrad Calvano,
Orion Township
Dear editor:
This time of the year most people make a great effort to ensure that no family goes without a Christmas. That is certainly the goal of the Lions Club. Their well-attended fundraiser last Saturday was a very good example.
It was during the live auction that the crowded room witnessed a ‘random act of kindness? when a man successfully bid $1,000 for a puppy.
There were two women bidding against each other, when one woman dropped out. She was bidding for her son who was there and wanted the puppy very badly. That’s when the man bid $1,000, won the bid, and then handed the puppy over to Anthony Narsh. There was barely a dry eye in the place.
I stopped by his table on my way out to comment on his generosity. He said he didn’t even know the boy had cancer ? he just saw how badly he wanted the puppy.
I don’t know the man’s name, and I doubt he would want it published anyway, but I thank him for his generosity and wish him and everyone a very Merry Christmas.
-Alice Young
Orion Township treasurer
Dear editor,
I have a heartwarming story that happened Nov. 11 at the Lake Orion Senior Center at the veterans lunch.
After lunch I joined our knitting group (we do charity knitting) when I received a phone call from my daughter in California (soon to be first-time grandmother) telling me to go to St. Joseph’s Hospital, as her daughter-in-law was in labor.
She booked a ticket immediately (which I thought was impossible).
I didn’t know who to ask to get her a ride from the airport, but Linda from the senior center gave me a pamphlet she got from a veteran, Chris Oxley, from SCRT Transportation in Clarkston.
He was offering free rides for veterans that day.
I called Chris immediately, told him my story and that I do not drive at night and my son is a veteran.
Without hesitation, Chris offered to pick my daughter up and drop her off at the hospital in honor of our veterans. God bless him.
The plane was 10 minutes early; he got my daughter to the hospital 12 minutes after the baby was born. They had just cleaned him up when she walked in.
The timing was perfect – we couldn’t believe this all happened in such a short time.
I met Chris for the first time when he dropped my daughter off at the emergency door and I couldn’t thank him enough.
Chris did all this for free. He was a godsend to me. This was truly in the hands of God, for which I am thankful and ever so grateful.
What a kind, wonderful man Chris is, and may he always be blessed by our Heavenly Father.
Thank you, Chris, we couldn’t have done it without you!
God bless,
Marina, first-time
great grandmother
Dear Editor,
For those who missed the story in last week’s Clarkston News (‘Lock down: Administration looks to control information,? Dec. 2), our school board wants to first ‘get its stories straight? before it faces the public and press, rather than answering the News? questions individually and independently.
The school superintendent, Dr. Al Roberts, seems more comfortable talking to the press through intermediaries rather than face-to-face.
The taxpayers of Clarkston deserve better.
While I’m sure neither the school board nor Dr. Roberts has anything to hide, this kind of ‘circled wagons? mentality tends to breed an air of suspicion among taxpayers who actually foot the bill for their salaries.
Further, it sets a dangerous precedent for the future, where an unscrupulous set of public servants could feel perfectly justified hiding behind closed doors.
The press was dubbed ‘the Fourth Estate? way back in 19th Century England. Thomas Macaulay referred to the clergy, nobles and commoners as the first three estates, and the press as the fourth element of government.
It works as well in 21st century America where the press serves as a watchdog over the three branches of our government.
And it works locally where it watches over the governments of our city and township ? and now, the school system. It’s as important here as it is on the national and state stages.
Please, folks, can’t we have a little transparency in government instead of an attempt at manufactured answers?
Joe Friday said it best: ‘Just the facts, ma’am.?
Dave Warner
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As a taxpayer of Independence Township, I’m appalled the township is having budget problems and is now laying-off police officers and others soon to be announced.
When less than a year ago, with the economy in shambles, the township supervisor found it necessary to spend $3.5 million of our tax dollars on a near empty and seldom used building that was insured by it’s owner for a mere $1.9 million! Buying the Silverdome would have made more sense!
The $55.7 million dollar Silverdome just sold for $583,000. But unlike the town hall, the Silverdome has 80,311 seats, 102 Luxury suites, 7,384 Club seats, a restaurant, sits on 127 acres of prime real estate surrounded by two highways, and can generate revenue from any number of events.
On the other hand, we have a $3.5 million over-priced town hall that can’t generate revenue from anything other than what it confiscates from taxpayers.
In the coming months, you’ll be hearing more about the township’s need to confiscate more of your hard earned money to make ends meet. Talk of tax increases in 2010 are already being considered.
The Silverdome sale confirmed what taxpayers have said all along. The Independence town hall purchase was a bad deal for everyone involved, except it’s owner. Keeping that in mind, the next time taxpayers go to the town hall I hope they take the time to look around.
I’m sure you’ll find yourself wondering: “Why was this near empty, seldom used building, ever bought for the price of 7 Silverdomes?”
The Supervisors complete lack of foresight and the mismanagement of our tax dollars in these tough economic times will haunt our community for many years to come. Taxpayers should never forget the town hall purchase decision and always remember that their tax dollars could have been used for police services for many years to come!
Fortunately there is a tool we can use to hold a public official accountable for mismanagement, a recall. Finally a chance for residents to say: “We can’t afford three more years of mismanagement, you’re fired!”. The time for positive change is here, and it’s now. Come join us at RecallWagner.com before it’s too late.
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Re: ‘Trustees looking for common ground on budget,? Dec. 2 edition.
The supervisor, clerk, and treasurer will sure look silly when that big new Township Hall, twice the size of the old Township Hall, gets real empty.
Maybe they should look at buying back the old Township Hall, and selling the new building. I wonder if the Supervisor could get a quarter of what he spent on it, just one year after he bought it?
Instead of spending money of the architecture of a new police station, the Supervisor should get a real appraisal to see how much the New Township Hall is worth. Something he neglected to do last year when he overpaid for it.
Extensive cuts to services and staff will be necessary because of the debt service for the new Township Hall.
It is remarkable we elected township leadership so short sighted and detached from the economic situation in our community that they didn’t project the impact of their decision to take on massive new debt to get a shiny new office.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The opinions of a science teacher (‘As a parent … I’d be quite upset, Nov. 18) that knows nothing about budgeting should not be used to write an article on the budgets of the schools and whether they are doing things correctly. And for [The Lake Orion Review] to print such an opinion that slams our schools during a time when we should all be drawing together is sad to see.
Haven’t you or anyone else been reading what is going on in our State and what is being cut from the schools? We should be thanking our school administration for doing a great job and keeping us in much better shape than most of the school districts in Michigan. Instead all people want to do is complain and it’s too bad we didn’t see these complainers take time out of their day to go up to Lansing and talk to our representatives in Lansing, that’s where the real change needs to come or next year you will be writing about how to keep our schools open.
Let’s try and work together and quit pointing blame!!!
Angie Okonski
Lake Orion Resident
Dear editor,
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner was a big success. Our biggest turnout yet. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped out. We’d like to thank those who donated products or money: our loyal customers, the Lake Orion Lion’s Club, The Lake Orion Police Association, Caramagno Foods, Kroger, Del Bene Produce, Tom Stefanek Dairy, Leonards Syrup, Jacobsons and Unifirst Corp.
We had Girl Scout troops from Pine Tree and Blanche Sims that made centerpieces and candy boxes for the tables. The children from Christ the Redeemer made beautiful placemats.
This year we were fortunate to have the folks from NOTA, who volunteered their time and busses to shuttle people to and from the restaurant, which was a tremendous help.
We also extend a very special thank you to all the people who worked so hard at the restaurant, serving and preparing food. We had a wonderful group of volunteers. We are so fortunate to have so many great people helping, including several children as the wait staff. This was a very festive day and all had a great time’even though the Lions didn’t win.
Leftover monies will be donated to the Lake Orion Lion’s Club for their Christmas Basket program. Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Carl & Joan Slomczenski
CJ’s Lakeside Grill and Sandbar
Dear editor,
In response to “Times up for township perk,” Nov. 25 edition.
Letters to the editor should be based on facts. If letter-writer Sam Moraco came to me, I could have given him the facts.
I do not live there free. I pay rent, I pay utilities, I mow the lawn myself, I paid for the pool, installed it, and I even clean it, Sam.
I did a little remodeling, yes, at the township’s expense, with approval, and did it in house. I always repair, paint, fix up, clean, restore, and maintain myself as if it was my own, without using township money.
If you’d like to come in and see me I’ll show you that line item in the budget, and yes, it’s under budget.
We do not pay a four-hour minimum to have staff lock or unlock our parks. We have scheduled park rangers who do that.
Yes, I consider this a “perk,” but a perk to the township and me equally. Don’t look for axes to grind when you can’t get your way because the township won’t spend money on your idea.
What does another historical structure the township owns relate to me living in that house? If I thought in any way that me living in that house was unethical or would cause someone to lose their job, I would have moved long ago. My honesty and character is impeccable.
One last comment. Your statement on being a “favored employee” ? hardly the case. I am just one of the members of the TEAM in Parks and Recreation. We’re not real “favored” right now over anyone.
If you have any further questions, Sam, you can call me, or, hey, I have a better idea, you know where I live, just stop and say hi.
Mike Turk
Director, Independence Township
Parks and Recreation
Dear editor,
The football here is great.
On my way walking home Friday nights after Clarkson wins, I’ve been surprised that the sprinklers were running each time. Two of those Fridays were quite rainy as most will recall.
Do the practice fields still need to be watered, as late as Nov 6? Would the district be interested in saving us all a little money, and helping the environment, by shutting of the systems for the winter?
Just another example of government spending money when it is really not needed? Perhaps a little out of touch? I think we can do better.
Kirk Frame,
Independence Township
Dear editor,
How does Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner justify granting himself and selected employees increased car allowances and compensation without board approval in December 2008, while the township’s declining tax revenue has us looking at employee layoffs, reduced public services, and less police protection?
How can Mr. Wagner rationalize authorizing, without board approval, more than $6,000 for INITIAL architectural design work for a new, unapproved sheriff substation, estimated cost over $500,000, while suggesting laying off five currently assigned deputies?
Fortunately, other board members have proposed alternatives to the five layoffs.
Why has not Mr. Wagner, as a trustee or supervisor, brought up reducing the lifetime healthcare we pay township officials AND their spouses after only eight years of service? Township taxpayers can only dream of such a benefit.
Despite his repeated spin attempts, recalling Supervisor Wagner is not a personal vendetta. Running a municipality is like running a business and shareholders (taxpayers) of Independence Township want a change at the top.
Mr. Wagner has repeatedly demonstrated over the past several months a lack of the management and leadership skills we absolutely need given the difficult economic conditions we face for the next several years.
General Motors, their employees, retirees, and shareholders, paid the price for waiting too long to act decisively. Will we?
Please join our recall effort if you believe that our township needs, and deserves, better leadership.
The recall petition drive is scheduled to begin next month. Petition ‘teams? are still being formed. Please get involved unless you are happy with the prospects of higher township taxes for less services.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear editor,
All school districts in Michigan are facing diminishing revenues and have the onerous task of readjusting their budgets.
The Detroit Free Press on Nov. 6 published a study on how school districts are coping with less money and formulating a workable budget. Researchers found a direct coorelation between the percentage of the budget allocated for instruction and the level of student achievement in that district.
In Oakland County, Troy spends 75 percent of its budget on teachers, aides and supplies, ranking first in instructional spending in Oakland County. Lake Orion spends 70 percent of its budget on instruction and ranks 16th in the county. Troy allocates 9.65 percent of that budet on administrative expenses. Lake Orion allocates 11.73 percent of its budget to administration.
Hmmm. Food for thought.
Wouldn’t it be sensible to allocate less money for administration in these difficult times and apply our limited financial resources to enhance student achievement in our district?
Patricia Ball,
Lake Orion
Dear editor,
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it is a verb.
Louis Hill and his family give thanks today for the generosity of Bob Bloomingdale of Bloomingdale Construction and the tradesmen with whom he works.
When Lou Hill, a 1993 graduate of Lake Orion High School, first noticed the numbness in his fingertips, he thought it was a nuisance.
The young electrician continued working, buying a home and earning his master electrician certification.
On June 22, 1999 he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The slow progression of the illness has recently left Lou confined to a wheelchair.
Unfortunately, his home was not designed to accommodate his wheelchair.
Simply going through the door of his bathroom was an insurmountable task. Trying to use the shower/bath was dangerous.
Lou sought construction bids to redo the bathroom, but the expense was not something he could afford. Bob Bloomingdale, a long time Rochester resident and business owner, offered to remodel the bathroom at cost.
Through the teamwork of Steve of SJ Short Plumbing, Daryl of DCM Heating, Todd, of Grimaldi Electric and Costin of Stone for You tile, the work is now being done.
It is not news to any of us that the economy in Michigan has been tough on those in the construction industry.
It is a blessing that our community members are so willing to step forward to offer their talents and treasure to help others.
In order to defray some of the construction costs, Lou’s family and friends are holding a spaghetti dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 5-9 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Orion Road. Spaghetti Dinners are $8.00 per plate or $25 for a family of four.
For more information about where to make donations, please contact Michele Byrd at 248-535-8055.
-James R. Porritt, Jr.
Dear editor,
Following is a tear-jerking and touching letter my nephew, Michael Woodard, 25, wrote about his brother, Ben, 26, a U.S. Marines first lieutenant. My sister, Jeannie, arrived on Veterans Day for a visit with our family in Lake Orion after Ben was deployed to Afghanistan Nov. 4. Jeannie is the oldest of 10 children and Ben is the oldest of 27 grandchildren for my parents, Tom and Loretta Berg. Our family has lived in Lake Orion 33 years, and I thought this letter would touch many people who have loved ones in the military.
Thank you,
Kirk, Lisa, Bobby and Kristen Simpkins
To All,
This past week I experienced something I’ve never felt before. I watched my brother, with a gun slung across his back, climb onto a bus with a group of 19 other guys to head out for a 7-month deployment to Afghanistan.
At the time he left, I had come to terms that watching him get onto that bus might be the last time I ever see him. Throughout a roller coaster of emotions felt that evening, there was none that stood out more than pride.
In that moment, I have never been so proud to say I was his brother and claim myself to be an American.
We all knew it was a matter of time before he deployed, and my parents and were very lucky to be able to spend a few days with him before he left.
After spending the last seven years in different states, having a full five days to relax and get back to our roots with my brother was something that can never be replaced.
We spent countless hours cruising the North Carolina coast we’ve grown up on and love in his new boat, talking about the future and making plans for when he gets home.
We had a few days of nothing but sunny weather and unseasonably warm temperatures topped off with some of the most breathtaking sunsets we’ve witnessed in a very long time.
All the while we all knew it was only getting closer to him leaving.
Throughout those few days, I’ve never appreciated and loved spending time with him, my mother and father as much as I did then.
I think for the majority of us, we really take for granted how great of a life we really have.
We all say we’re proud to be American’s, and we appreciate the service our military does for us, but that appreciation reached a level I didn’t know existed last week.
Looking at the facial expressions of these guys getting onto a bus to go spend the next seven months in a place where people despise them and everything they stand for was like watching someone bring an old rusted Ford Mustang to a mechanic and asking him to restore it to its new condition.
They excitement these Marines had was something I’ve never seen before.
Here there are mothers, fathers, girlfriends and wives in tears watching them leave, and they can’t get there soon. It was a comforting feeling knowing all of these guys are not just serving their country, but doing so by choice and with such pride.
It was a strange feeling giving my brother a hug knowing he’s going to be in harms way everyday for the next seven months.
It also makes it easier to say the things we should all probably say more often. All the while, and behind all the uncertainty whether or not they’ll be coming home, was the sense of pride that made me so proud to call him my brother.
I guess it was the magnitude of the situation made me realize just exactly what it means to be a Marine and to serve our country. Thousands of brothers and sisters have had to give their siblings that same hug and watch them get on that same bus to head overseas. Until now, I never knew quite what that felt like.
All I know is the level of respect I now have for him as well as every other person who has served our country just multiplied exponentially.
We all have jobs; it really is very few whose job description includes the potential for making the ultimate sacrifice for your country and all who live here.
Throughout this past week, I felt very privileged to have seen and felt what it’s like to watch my brother leave to serve our country.
I have never been more proud to be an American and to claim a Marine as my brother.
My hope is we can all take a step back and realize that even through tough economic times; we can appreciate why we have the freedoms and privileges of being in America.
And without the men and women to fight to protect this country, it would be a whole different ballgame.
Best Wishes,
Michael
Dear editor,
The township board will inevitably start laying off employees next year. It’s the sign of the times. Tighten our belts and cut back to the minimum and try to ride this recession out.
In a time where people who have given so much to the community and must now be let go due to lack of revenue, there are still people reaping the rewards of the boom of years past.
I have brought this topic up many times to board members. Others have tried to get this wasteful spending to stop but have always been ignored. This little secret has been kept for decades.
For 20-plus years the township has provided free housing for the director of parks and recreation.
Originally as compensation of being park ranger and gate keeper, those duties have long been designated to hourly employees often on overtime to open and close the gates at Clintonwood Park.
We pay a four-hour minimum for someone to come in and unlock and lock the gate a day. The salary of the parks director is the same as other directors, yet taxpayers provide quite a healthy bonus to the director whose department has been over budget every year for as long as I have been involved in the community.
For 20-some years taxpayers have provided free housing, lawn service, free utilities, no property taxes, a heated swimming pool and last year another interior restoration of the township’s home on Clarkston Road.
A benefit to the parks director all paid for by tax payer money.
Now I ask, how is it that people could lose their jobs and possibly their homes in these future cut backs yet the board can still justify providing housing for favored employees?
I had asked the board last year about spending money to stabilize the historical structure the township owns and they said there was no money.
Yet we keep spending money on a house which serves absolutely no purpose to the residents who pay the taxes in the township. It sickens me that all the current and past board members have let this go on for decades.
I hope every time they drive by the house they think of the people they put out of work. It would be nice if this new board did at least one good thing this year for the people they represent.
Sam Moraco
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Pedestrian comfort and safety is what the Village of Clarkston should be known for as we are the quintessential walkable ‘small town? with restaurants, shops, a park, lakes, rivers, and great historical homes that can only be fully enjoyed while walking.
There are plans for even more great people places in our downtown in the very near future.
The problems of speeding, illegal turns and a general attitude of motorists to ignore pedestrians has been a problem in the village for as long as I can remember and I congratulate the council for finally addressing the issue.
Police enforcement of the laws, mid block crossings, better road striping and crosswalk indications are all well known strategies that cost little and are proven to be effective at both slowing down traffic and aiding pedestrians.
Michigan Department of Transportation, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and others are well informed on these strategies and the Village of Clarkston has been fortunate to have reviews done by some of the leading experts in the country.
It is now time to actually do something and not continue to ignore this problem as we have so many times before.
I ask all the walkers, bicyclists, shoppers, residents and visitors to tell the City Council how important this is to the well being and future of our City and the surrounding area.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear editor,
I want to congratulate the coaches and players on the 2009 Clarkston High School football team for their tremendous season. Clarkston is grateful and privileged to have you represent our community.
You provided us with excitement and hometown pride these past 14 weeks. Saturday night’s game was legendary and your performance was exceptional displaying skill, poise and tenacity.
You have provided all of us an indelible memory of the beauty of high school sports. The old sports geeks like me will be discussing that game for decades to come. To the coaches thank you for your skillful molding of this exceptional group of young men.
To the players, you performed as winners. Thank you for your thousands of hours of sacrifice and preparation required to achieve what you have Saturday night and throughout your careers.
Coaches and referees are human as well and thus subject to making mistakes. Know that you won that game with sheer will and effort.
A perfect storm of circumstances out of your control conspired against you to take that hard earned and well deserved victory away from you.
Carry your heads high you are exceptional young men and despite the bitter pain of this moment you will carry the positive of this successful season for the rest of your lives.
You are my ‘Beloved Wolves.? Congratulations and thank you very much.
Dr. Mike Baker
Clarkston
Dear editor,
The main points I drew from the recent budget meeting at Scripps Middle School:
Michigan must find a way to provide a stable, reliable, sustainable source of funding for our schools.
Staff salaries and benefits are the largest item in the LOCS budget.
Ideally, we want to retain staff and retain/enhance classroom instruction, but this takes more money than we have (now and in the foreseeable future).
Until our state legislature gets its act together, we’re stuck with these budget cutbacks, at least the next two years.
Discussion with other parents reveals the painful reality that the non-education sectors in Michigan have been suffering from the economic downturn for years.
The parents of students, especially those working in the auto industry, have seen their jobs cut, hours/days cut, salaries cut, and have had to pay more toward their monthly health insurance premiums (often a percentage of one’s salary) and deductibles (companies are not subsidizing health care to the degree they were years ago).
Many people don’t work for companies that offer health insurance; on their own in individual plans, they are paying upwards of $1,200/mo in premiums and $5,000 in deductibles, and it makes me shudder.
Of course we want to pay our teachers and other staff well; they have an important job, educating our future citizens.
However, these are unprecedented times, and these budget cutbacks are now threatening cuts at the classroom level, eating into the curriculum, harming the education of our students.
I hope that the union, school board, and administrators will realize that It’s time for shared sacrifice. How can they not look at what happened at GM and Chrysler and think they are immune?
Meanwhile, I’ll be listening with keen interest during a panel discussion on Michigan’s budget and tax reform in East Lansing, sponsored by the Center for Michigan.
It will be interesting to see what a band of concerned citizens can do about finding innovative ways to fund Michigan’s key priorities.
I know that education is at the top of the list for Center for Michigan members. I imagine there must be a combination of tax cuts and tax increases involved; the details are in the what/how/who.
Michigan residents need to realize that services don’t come free and if we want public education, libraries, well-maintained roads, police protection, etc., then we must pay taxes in some form (income, sales, property, other) to fund them.
Thank you,
Amy Marcaccio Keyzer
Dear editor,
A great big thanks from the Lake Orion Farmers Market as we close the market for 2009. Thank you to our Lake Orion Downtown Authority for awarding us the recognition plaque at the 2nd annual volunteer recognition gathering at Valentino’s last Thursday, Nov. 12.
What about next year? Thank you to the DDA board for approving the dates of the Farmers Market 2010. That’s right! Pending the final permit approval, we hope to open the Lake Orion Farmers Market 2010 on May 5 with a special MOM’S flower and craft sale. After the Flower Fair, May 22 and 23, your farmer’s market will be open with flowers, plants and seasonal veggies as they become available, and don’t forget that bread, cheese, eggs, and all those goodies you’ve missed during the winter.
Don’t miss one single Wednesday, starting at 2 p.m, at the Farmers Market, by Children’s’ Park, Meeks Park, the Orion Art Center, and beautiful paint creek.
We’d like to say thank you to the over 90 vendors, including the generosity of some of our wonderful local eateries; including Carl from CJ’s for coffee and pasties, Time Square, Ming’s, Guido’s, Blue Ox, and Tami’s super soup.
We thank the village, the township, and the DDA boards, and our own Lake Orion Farmers Market Committee, Crittenton Hospital, the Lake Orion Horseshoe Club, and Orion Art Center, and the Orion fire department for sharing the Wednesday space with over 15,000 visitors.
A special thank you to our DDA of Lake Orion, Nancy King, Janet Hartman, Lois Golden, and those with the inspired ideas that helped to begin the farmers’ market process, Denise Demark, Cindy Czubko, the village DPW, Mr. Turner, and the generous crafters, bakers, and farmers who gave wonderful gifts of fresh Michigan produce to all of us. We must acknowledge our crew of dedicated volunteers Brenda Morehead, Linda Duddles, the Bissonnette-Miller family, Marty Schpinski, and all those who gave their time for this project.
Just wait and see the cooks, the crafts, the fun and events for 2010. Keep reading the wonderful Lake Orion Review for your updates. If you would like to be a vendor, volunteer, or want to try a Michigan product, we have a space just waiting for you. Call 248-693-7067 or keep visiting the web site: lakeorionfarmersmarket.com. See you in the spring!!
Kathy & Michael Wieland,
Market Managers
Dear editor,
Recently I was trying to locate an item for my sister’s Christmas gift. KH Home did not carry the item, but they located it for me at another merchant’s store. This item was a competitor to a product they carry in their store.
I was so impressed with the personal care and shopping experience that I wanted to encourage my fellow Clarkston citizens to shop in downtown Clarkston. I found several other items that day that will make unique and hopefully memorable gifts.
Robin Eastman
Springfield Township
Dear editor,
Only two Michigan VFW Posts gained enough new or reinstated members to reach 100 percent membership status as of September 30, 2009, and, according to Dave Hutson, VFW State Commander, Post 334 in Lake Orion was one of them.
VFW Posts nationwide operate on a fiscal year that starts July 1 and ends June 30 and Post 334 reached their 100 percent membership status in the first three months of their current fiscal year.
The post gained four new members and seven members were reinstated after paying their annual dues.
Most VFW members become Life Members by paying a fee based on their age, but members can also pay annual dues of $22.
VFW Posts lose members every year when annual dues-paying members stop paying their dues, when a member moves away or when a member dies.
To achieve 100 percent membership status, a post must replace the members it loses and have a total membership equal to the prior year’s membership roster.
Wednesday, November 11 was Veteran’s Day and VFW Post 334 led the ceremony held at the Orion Veterans Memorial.
Many members of the public attended to recognize the service and contributions veterans have made to keep our country free.
North Oakland VFW Post 334 meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Knight’s of Columbus Hall at 1400 Orion Road in Lake Orion.
Veterans interested in joining can call me at 248-391-6933.
-Ernie Baker
Lake Orion
Dear editor,
No one I know wants to deny another health care, but neither do we want unlawful government encroachment on our rights of privacy and choice.
Under the recently passed Health Care Bill’there will be at minimum’one-hundred-and eleven’bureaucracies set up made up of boards commissions, and programs to dictate to all of us how to manage our health care. Imagine all the new government personnel that will have to be hired at taxpayer expense.
Maybe some of the stimulus money will go towards the salaries of all the new government employees?
Nothing in the U.S. Constitution allows our government to regulate health care.
Congress habitually shreds our founding documents.?’They consistently violate their oath of office and will continue to do so if we let them.
Judge Anthony Napolitano stated that the Health Care Bill, ‘will raise your taxes, steal your freedom and ration your health care.?
Congressman John Boehner (Ohio) has warned us that under the recently passed bill every American will have to buy health insurance. If you do not’purchase insurance you will have to pay a tax. If you do not’pay the tax you can be fined up to $250,000 and imprisoned for up to 5 years.
This is all un-constitutional, of course ? but that does not matter to those elitists in congress who have excluded themselves from the Big Brother Health Care package.
We have’been told that those currently insured through their companies can keep their insurance.
But, the government has to give its approval through the Department of Labor and the Health Care Czar to make sure that your employers insurance carrier meets their government mandates and requirements.
Every employer that does not carry employee health insurance will have to pay a tax. What they do not tell you is that the tax is so much less than private coverage that your employer will probably drop their private insurance thus forcing its employees to take the government run public insurance.
My suggestion ? Instead of violating the rights of the more than 80 percent who are already insured would be to have the private sector found and fund a charitable foundation to cover the uninsured Americans. ?
Danny Thomas along with other contributors set-up the wonderful St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.
There are approximately 371 billionaires in the U.S.’including Bill Gates and George Soros. A total of 2.5 million millionaires reside in the U.S. which includes Sean Penn, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, and Madonna.
Also, let us not forget the 44% of those serving in the U.S. Congress that are millionaires including John Kerry – $208 million, Nancy Pelosi – $92 million, and Darrel Issa – $251 million. Last, but to least ? Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as the Kennedy and Rockefeller clans.
Some or all’of the above could get together and set-up a Health Care Charitable Foundation to help those without medical benefits.
With all their brains, talent and wealth I am sure that they could conceive something much better than what the government could ever create.?
Many of us who donate to the likes of St. Jude’s Hospital could also contribute to their Health Care Foundation while keeping our own private insurance.
-Mary MacMaster
Orion Twp.
Dear editor,
I would like to thank many of the Lake Orion Community Schools? (LOCS) staff, Culver’s, and our wonderful community for their support.
Last Tuesday evening we held a fundraiser at the Orion Township Culver’s.
Joe Zimmer and his staff were absolutely wonderful to work with and they made our special olympians proud to be Culver’s “employees” for a few hours.
The evening was amazing. The special education staff from LOCS came to support “their kids” in record numbers.
Community members and several other LOCS teachers, administrators and staff attended the event.
It was very impressive. I believe we had the restaurant at capacity for the entire four hours.
The proceeds raised Tuesday night will fund our special olympic bowling program for the 2009/10 school year.
Thank you to everyone that supported our athletes.
Lake Orion has seven special olympic sports and approximately 40 athletes from LO and surrounding communities.
If you would like more information about Lake Orion Special Olympics, please contact Lynn Dahl at ldahl@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
-Karen Appledorn
Dear editor,
I do not want my name used, as I fear getting fired, but I find Dr. Al Roberts’ insistence on the Fast ForWord program unconscionable when one considers the size of the expenditure, the program’s questionable validity, and the negative impact it will have on students (‘Quick questions on Fast ForWord,? Nov. 4).
The program costs a good deal of money ($370,400) in uncertain economic times. Per-pupil funding has been cut ($292 per student so far, $2.4 million total). Textbook purchases have been put on hold. Employees have made concessions in insurance. Class sizes are way up. People have lost their jobs. But somehow, we can find money for this?
If Fast ForWord were truly a panacea for helping all students achieve their very best, then perhaps it would be a great idea.
Proponents of the program extol its virtues with some very convincing “data.” Under closer scrutiny using good scientific method, the program does not hold up.
One must ask: Why would we work so hard to adopt a program that is not good? Could Dr. Roberts be looking toward a career as a representative for Fast ForWord once he retires from Clarkston? Surely there must be an explanation: an outstanding product is not it.
Last, let’s not forget what will happen when this is adopted. As has been shown at Clarkston Junior High, there must be a computer lab and a full-time staff member assigned to a Fast ForWord program.
Time in computer labs is limited and difficult to get.
Losing a computer lab in every building will insure that less technology will be integrated throughout the curriculum. The district allocates only a certain amount of money for teacher salaries. If money for teacher salaries is wasted on a half-empty lab for an ineffective program, that means that a regular classroom teacher will be lost somewhere else and class sizes will continue to rise.
The benefits of adopting this program are limited to a select few, and Clarkston’s kids are not among them.
Next white elephant? Let’s talk IB (International Baccalaureate, ‘Students explore IB choice,? April 1).
Name withheld on writer’s request
Dear editor,
Michelle Tynan has made a beautiful painting!
Everyone should enjoy it and stop being mean about it. People are going to be on it and it will be nice to see them.
I watch Michelle paint when Momma drives by and I like it. Michelle is nice and I enjoy her painting.
Joshua Robbins, 5
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Thanks to the Clarkston Farmers Market volunteers and vendors for providing once again this past summer a gathering place for social interaction and fresh produce.
From a grateful 84-year-old Clarkston resident,
Martha Pasternak
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Now that the ghouls, ghosts and goblins have crawled back into their graves and caves we would like to thank all those who volunteered for our Lake Orion Halloween Parade Extravaganza: The staff from Best Buy – Auburn Hills, Dani and Phil from Powerhouse Gym, Buffalo Wild Wings and their crew, Bill Kokenos, Sara Van Portfliet, Kathy Klein from Waste Management, Costco – Auburn Hills, Orion Township Fire Department, the Lake Orion Police Department for assisting in the parade, Kerry Cochell from Walgreen’s for capturing pictures of the kids, Nancy King for decorating Children’s Park in the rainy morning of the parade, Stephanie and Jim from Poppyseed, who provided and served the hot chocolate and coffee. A big thank you especially to our premier sponsors: Waste Management, Renewal by Andersen, and Genisys Credit Union, who all made this spooktacular event possible.
Finally a special thank you to everyone who came to Downtown Lake Orion on that wet, rainy evening!
-Denise Demak
Lake Orion DDA
Dear editor,
Recently it was announced that Orion Township would have to lay-off several employees due to an anticipated million-dollar budget shortfall. It appeared to me that the people being scheduled for lay-off were essential people.
Why do we vote to provide for fire and police and library millages only to have those services cut when the economy suffers and we need those services the most?
Crime is up when people have no money. People cannot afford entertainment and need the library for both relaxation and support.
It is alarming to see the board has approved the creation of a new job and hiring of a supervisor’s assistant at a time when we cannot afford to keep the needed employees we have considered for lay-off. The cost to the township is $42,663.46 plus benefits; money we do not have to spend.
Mr. Gibb ran for the position of supervisor and admits he is capable of handling the task.
We do not know how long it will take for the economy to recover or just how big a blow we will feel before it recovers. It is obvious people are losing their homes and the tax values are decreasing with each new sale.
Concerned,
-Genevieve Darbyshire
Orion Township
Editor’s note: According to Supervisor Matt Gibb, no cuts are planned for police, fire or library services in Orion Township.
Dear editor,
We want to thank you for your recent article regarding the Oxford/Orion FISH holiday program, AngelFISH.
After reading your newspaper we received phone calls from people in the Lake Orion area who wanted to act as donors. As a result, we now have enough donors for all the children of clients who signed up for this program in mid-October.
Your timely support of the AngelFish holiday tradition was very much appreciated again, our sincerest thanks for helping us make the holidays much brighter for some many of our children.
-AngelFISH Committee
Dear editor,
Let’s see?$530,000 (DDA grant money), $779,000 (DDA contribution) $1,136,000 (borrowed from somewhere) for a total of $2,435,000 for the proposed project from the consulting firm of Wade Trim and presented to the Village Council for the enhancement of downtown Lake Orion.
In these economic times (or, actually, anytime) we find this to be another waste of the taxpayer’s dollars. Our feeling is that the greater need for the downtown area is parking.
How about addressing that issue first?
The $2.4 million could go a lot further toward aiding the businesses than the proposed ‘streetscape.?
May we suggest purchasing the old Wagon Wheel, leveling and filling it to provide the badly needed parking facility. There are, no doubt, other viable suggestions that need to be explored and the council needs to seek them out.
We failed to see the expense for the counsulting firm listed as part of this project.
– Cal and Elaine Darbee
Dear editor,
St. Joe’s just completed their first Extreme Home Makeover for one of their parishioners, which I was party to. Can I just say everyone who participated in this astronomical makeover was wonderful?
From the paint team, to the organizational team, to the kitchen makeover team and the yard team — a job well done!
The reaction from the homeowner at the reveal was priceless. It was well worth the long hours, tripping over each other and minor setbacks.
You are a great congregation with a huge heart and I’m blessed that you honored me with this opportunity.
– Cathy Jolly
Oxford
Dear editor,
As a nurse practitioner in cardiology, I see firsthand the devastating effects the lack of health insurance has on many patients. I often get upset at those who speak against a national health care plan; it seems they are the ones who have health care coverage. I have very good health care coverage for myself and family, yet I cannot accept the status quo of our health care system and watch thousands go without because they can’t afford it and no plan is available for them.
I believe we need a public option or some sort of Universal Health Care. Health care costs will be saved in the long run. The bickering over “them and us” (Republicans/Democrats) must stop in order to truly help our nation’s health care crisis.
In the Orion Review, Mike Rogers stated we have one of the best health care systems in the world, and said “survival for cancer is the best in the world.” We do have amazing technology, medications and treatments, but we’re focused on treating disease rather than preventing it. We have more overweight people than any other nation. Childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise. We have a rising number of chronic health conditions (largely due to diet and lack of exercise). More money is spent in the U.S. on health care costs per person than any other country in the world, yet we are ranked 37th in health care performance by the World Health Organization and 72nd in overall health among 191 nations. We are sadly lacking.
I understand concerns many have over a system flooded with people and not enough caregivers, and the worries over long waits to see a health care provider. One solution is to utilize nurse practitioners as they have been trained-to provide primary care. In some states, this is allowed. In others, where money from powerful lobbying groups speaks louder than common sense, nurse practitioners are not allowed to practice autonomously, thereby keeping diagnosing and prescribing rights (and money) within a certain group.
Why are pharmaceuticals more expensive in the U.S. than other countries? Why does a month’s supply of Lipitor cost $76 in the U.S., $55 in Canada and $43 in Italy? In our health care system, physicians and hospitals are reimbursed for procedures and the number of sick patients they see. The sicker the patient, and the greater the co-morbidities, the greater the reimbursement. Reimbursement for preventive measures rarely exist.
It is frustrating to see people get expensive medical interventions at taxpayer expense when they continue to smoke and choose unhealthy lifestyles. It is frustrating to see obese/overweight individuals prescribed more medications to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar when, if they were pushed to loose weight and exercise more, many of these issues would improve.
America would be wise to look at health care systems in countries rated tops in healthcare performance and overall health: France, Italy, San Marrino, Andorra and Malta. All have a universal health care plan. People receive primary care and treatment to prevent furthering disease, which saves health care costs in the long run. (They probably eat better and exercise more, too). And yes, they are taxed much more than us in the good ole, free-enterprise USA, but people are taken care of.
In France, all citizens have insurance, some government and some private. Workers pay 21 percent of their income into the national health care system, yet we in the U.S. still pay twice the amount per person on health care than France (In 2005, U.S. spending came to $6,400 per person, in France the total was $3,300 per person).
Health care reform is a very multifaceted, complex issue.
I agree with Mike Rogers on the following:
‘Prevent denial of health insurance coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
‘Stop insurance companies from canceling coverage when a patient becomes sick.
‘Allow purchase of insurance across state lines.
‘Allow employers to offer discounts for healthy behavior through wellness and prevention programs.
Here are some of my suggestions:
‘Allow discounts, or tax rebates, to those who are at a healthy weight and practice healthy lifestyle choices.
‘Tort reform so health care professionals are not practicing “CYA” (cover your a%*). I work with physicians from many countries who stated they would not order certain tests if practicing in their country, but here, because of potential lawsuits, unnecessary tests are run, thereby driving up costs.
‘A federal tax on cigarettes?$10 a pack. Tax goes to the federal health care budget. I suggested this to Michigan legislators and was told if the tax were too high, smokers would go to another state to buy cigarettes, thus loosing revenue for Michigan. A Federal tax makes this is less likely.
‘Set limitations on covered treatment for those who continue unhealthy lifestyle choices. Unless they can demonstrate a change in personal habits, these individuals must pay for treatment themselves.
Although it will require more in taxes, I believe a national/universal plan that all citizens pay into-from the president, to congress, doctors, nurses, and educators to garbage men, retail workers, etc.-is needed to improve health care. Individuals also have the choice of purchasing additional coverage.
I have no doubt people will disagree with what I say. All I ask is please offer your solution to this major problem.
For an interesting website, check out Center for Responsive Politics at www.opensecrets.org. The site seeks to inform voters, tracking campaign contributions, lobbying data and money in US politics, and their effect on elections and public policy.
-Debby Goodall, MSN, ANP-BC, GNP-BC
Dear editor,
Citizens Against Independence Township Waste would like to thank the supporters who came out for our first organizational meeting for the recall of Independence Township Supervisor David Wagner.
The standing-room-only, overflow crowd, reaffirmed our belief that the residents of Independence township are ready and committed to a recall.
It was over-whelming for us to see so many citizens that were so passionate about their community that they were willing to take the time out of their busy lives to step forward and commit their time and money for their community.
Talk is cheap ? having the courage to stand up for your community is priceless. Seeing so many citizens pull together in defiance of the supervisor’s unethical activities is “revolutionary.”
You are the definition of “Patriots.”
Want to join us? Go to www.recallwagner.com for more information.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Citizens Against Indep. Twp. Waste
Dear editor,
Re: ‘Intersection project costs too much,? Oct. 28, the Springfield Township Board approved a one-third contribution of approximately $67,000, not $200,000.
The other two-thirds of this project will be covered with Tri-Party funds, which no longer will be offered in coming years. So this is definitely a project whose time has come.
The reason Mr. Klemmer doesn’t often see pedestrians at Davisburg Road and Dixie Highway is because crossing at that corner is very dangerous. Pedestrians move down away from the direct intersections and then cross over. I have seen them do it. The extra dollars to provide a safe pedestrian crossway will be beneficial.
Also the main purpose of this improvement is safety. There have been countless accidents at that intersection over the years. I have lived in Springfield for 30 years and a member of my family was involved in an accident at that corner. I believe the improvements now being planned would have averted that accident.
Carol Jones
Springfield Township
Dear editor,
The irony of this issue is that Independence Township is providing Public, Education, and Government, PEG, programming to residents that have Comcast service without collecting the fees, while at the sametime, they are collecting fees from residents who have AT&T U-Verse service and are NOT providing any PEG programming.
The only thing consistent between the two issues is the arrogance and stonewalling anyone gets when the township is questioned on these issues.
Larry Miller
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I wanted to agree with the column Megan Hess Collier wrote a couple of weeks ago concerning prayer before township meetings.? Some disagreed, citing the founding fathers and principles of a Christian nation.?
The founding fathers knew that many of the rules that guided them might need to be changed in the future and allowed for such change.? We are grateful for their wisdom.?
Otherwise, only white males owning land could vote and slaves would still be commonplace.
Most of all they supported inclusion and tolerance.? Some would describe these as ‘Christian? principles.?
Public prayers,’representative of a particular religion cannot help but exclude other religions or beliefs and the people that hold those beliefs.? As for the phrase ‘In God We Trust? on currency, that came almost 100 years after our Declaration of Independence.? This was not the idea of the founding fathers.?
I could go on but feel that if trustees wish to pray before a meeting,’feel free to do so in private.? They should not force their beliefs on others that may not share them. ‘They risk excluding many good people from taking a full part in our community.?
-Jim Meredith
Orion Township?
Dear editor,
When controversy arises about government and religion, the two opposing sides will fervently defend their cause.
This is one of the most impassioned issues that has caused much division and strife in the history of man and the world.
The topic of prayer in a public meeting has now made its way into our local paper with both sides for or against coming out in defense of their stand on the issue.
My first impulse was to join in the fray by giving reason for my stand for prayer in public, but I saw a larger issue at hand.
That issue is our community. We are facing challenging times ahead due to the economic climate locally, state wide, and nationally.
We are all floating in the same boat and now is not the time to become divided over an issue that seems to have no end to the strife it causes.
Let us remain united regardless of of our beliefs.
For those of us who pray, let us pray fervently for our leaders locally, statewide, and nationally, praying that they make the right decisions for the good of all in their jurisdictions.
For those who don’t believe in the power of a supreme being, stay positive and support the good of the community with your charity and encouragement.
Let us stay focused on the future of Lake Orion and heed the words of Abraham Lincoln: ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.?
-Douglas Hobbs
Councilman, Village of Lake Orion
Dear editor,
When my husband Jack, our three sons and myself moved to Baldwin Road in 1959, Marwood’s Market was just up the road. Liza Caskey’s house and fruit stand was quite close to their store.
Rose Martin and Cecile Woodward ran the store until 1963. At that time their niece and her husband, Helen and Ed Lutton Burger, took over, along with their children. They ran the store form 1963-1993.
The store had a nice gift shop, flowers and various things. We could go and order 25 cent of sliced bread and bologna, and got several slices. It was so good, not like today.
There was a gas pump outside for cars, and Ed and Hellen provided full service. They also sold fuel oil for people who had space heaters.
Inside the store besides groceries you could hear the latest gossip.
Our sons would go into the store after school and bought different kinds of candy. They had squirrels, tootsie rolls and rainbow candy. They also had cooked in a toaster or oven.
One thing nice about the store, if folks were having a rough time, they could run up a grocery bill with no interest.
The store has been gone for years now. Hellen died first and Ed just died Oct. 2 2009 in Elk Rapid, MN. 88 years old the store has taken a new look but when I go by I still call it Marwoods.
The store was a part of Gingellville and Gingellville was something like Mayberry on T.V. We even had a constable, Van Camp, as our law enforcer.
Anyway I want to share my memory with you people. Try to think what it was like on Baldwin Rd in 1959, we could walk down the middle of the highway and not care for hours. Happy memories.
-Betty McDowell
Orion Township
Dear editor, ?
The Orion Area Parade Group would like folks to mark some dates on their calendars. The Orion Area Holiday Lighted Parade takes place’Saturday’Dec. 5. The fundraiser for the Lighted Parade ? The Holly Jolly Folly? is Friday Dec. 4.
This year’s parade theme is ‘To the Future’and Beyond.? On that special Saturday, Dec. 5, the parade will begin at 6 p.m. in the Village Of Lake Orion. This is the day where all of us in Lake Orion welcome that very special man? Santa Claus! Many, many amazing floats, walking groups and bands will help Santa bring in the holiday season.
All are invited to follow Santa to the Union Church/Senior Center where not only will the middle school choir sing for Santa, but Township Supervisor Matt Gibb will welcome Santa to our fine community.
Afterward, children and their parents will be invited in to give their special holiday list to Santa. ONTV will be at the Union Church to tape this festive event, to be broadcast at a later date.
The Parade Group Committee hopes everyone will mark their calendar for this big event. Those interested in participating in the parade this year can go to our web site at www.oapg.org? for’more information and the application.
The night before Santa arrives, the Orion Area Parade Group will again hold its only fundraiser, the’Holly Jolly Folly, on Dec. 4 at the location of its sponsor, Golling Buick Pontiac-GMC. Golling is located at 1491 S. Lapper Road in Lake Orion. This festive event starts at 7 p.m. You can eat, drink, dance or just meet your neighbors and have a great night out. We will have live music by ‘The Michael Davis Trio.? Also, the Lake Orion High School Choir will perform prior to dinner. We will have a silent auction, a Kangaroo auction, and even a great’price.
‘For only $30 per person you can have this night to remember. We offer blocks of 10 tickets at a discounted price of $ 270, paid in advance. This year we are even making it easier to get your tickets by using Visa, Master Card or Discover Cards at Pee Wee Patch Child Development Center, located at 1796 S. Lapeer Rd in Lake Orion and open 6 a.m-10 p.m. Or, order tickets by phone by calling at Pee Wee Patch 248-814-1010. A $1 surcharge applies. Tickets also available at the door either by cash, check or credit card.
The Holly Jolly Folly would be a great way to have your business holiday party, neighborhood party or just a group of friends getting together to have a great time. For more information or questions please call 248-693-3152.
-Bill Kokenos
Orion Area Parade Group
Dear editor,
James Brueck, Craig Frasa, Stephen F. Hargis, and Thomas Hunter are candidates for three two-year terms on the City Council in the Nov. 3 election, and Peg Roth is running for the one-year term. Carol Eberhardt is available as a write-in candidate.
Clarkston faces many challenges and needs leadership in facing those challenges. One issue of great concern to many of us is the future of 90 N. Main Street. The building is a Clarkston School historical site, has served as Independence Township Hall, and is zoned for residential use. There is an effort underway right now to use the site for commercial or retail use.
Unfortunately, the building is already being used for commercial purposes. The owners were notified by the city that they are in violation of its R-1 zoning classification and advised to cease using the building as an office.
The Zoning Board of Appeals has not been contacted by the owners, and the matter is in the hands of owner and city attorneys. Although some conversations have been held in an effort to resolve the matter, the City Council has not been involved in any deliberations.
Whatever happens to 90 N. Main Street will a have long term effect on the future of the city. For example, if owners are allowed to use the property for commercial/retail purposes as proposed, then what is to stop other Main Street residences from being rezoned to commercial/retail.
It is what some attorneys call ‘a slippery slope.? And, I have heard that there have been such conversations about the future of Main Street homes which are for sale.
What a devastating effect this would have on what some of us consider the soul of the city ? our beautiful and historic Main Street homes.
This is not a new issue; the bed and breakfast on Main Street was the source of a similar battle some years ago. And some will say that the loss of that battle shows Main Street will not be affected by the same thing happening to 90 N. Main.
But, I would point out two things: many feel the city should have fought harder to bar the bed and breakfast, and this is a very different economic time.
So, we must see to it that the character of this community, as exemplified by the historic homes on N. Main Street, is defended as vigorously as possible.
We must elect those who share our view of the heritage of the city ? those who will demand to be part of the deliberations concerning our future and not leave it to the varieties of the legal officers.
This is not a matter of money; this is a matter of principle. Fail once and live to see another day; fail twice and live to rue the day!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear editor,
The politicians are spending $200,000 of our taxes to improve the Dixie-Davisburg intersection, including special pedestrian lights.
I go through that intersection frequently and have never seen a pedestrian there. The waste our money on things like that, then wonder why we don’t want them to take over our garbage collection.
Bob Klemmer
Springfield Township
Dear editor,
I just wanted to take a moment and comment on the mural on the side of your building in Clarkston.
We wanted you to know what a beautiful addition the mural is to Clarkston. My family and I enjoy driving by to see how the mural changes every day. It is wonderful to see how it truly represents our community, right down to the people who live here that are included in the mural.
Good things are worth the wait and the mural is definitely a ‘good thing?!
Sincerely,
Dianne Hannon
Clarkston
Dear editor,
Was it peace, love or conservation that inspired so many individuals and business in our community to so generously support our annual fundraiser, Wild Night Out?
Flower Power ?09 touched a familiar chord (This Land is Your Land?) with many of you. It was a love-in bringing together former hippies and younger green enthusiasts- most sporting headbands, wild hair, and love beads.
I hope you know the peace of a hike in the woods ? maybe at our Kimball Sanctuary (open to the public in Clarkston).
Perhaps you want our community to reflect your love for nature and clean water and their contribution to your health and well-being.
Whatever the inspiration, your support of conservation is needed and appreciated. To all our sponsors, benefactors, patrons, advertisers and auction donors, and guests with tie-dyed shirts and bell-bottoms- you’re way cool.
Special thanks to the Clarkston News for the great coverage!
Katie Anderson
North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy
Dear editor,
It comes as a surprise that many in the community “blame” teachers for the small increase in pay for the next two years, without taking into account the insurance concessions (change) that will save the district more than the raises will cost. I think a better place to lay “blame” is the state’s inequity in the way they provide funding for districts.
Clarkston receives about $7,500 per pupil funding, while districts such as Bloomfield and Birmingham receive $12,500 per pupil. Even our neighbors, Lake Orion, receive $8,300 per pupil, and in a district with over 7,000 students, that is over $5 million in funding discrepancy!
Clarkston schools does an outstanding job of providing quality instruction to each of our students with the funding it receives, and the teaching and support staff contribute to the quality education our students receive.
I am proud to be a Clarkston teacher! Please support us in the community as we work to provide all of our students with the fine education you have come to expect in Clarkston.
Kathy Noble
Springfield Township
Dear editor,
As we close out the first Clarkston Designer Showcase House event, I reflect back on the months that this event was in the planning process. And one word kept coming back to me ? community.
Clarkston is a wonderful community, with people that are very loyal to this part of Southeast Michigan. I am very proud to live in the Village of Clarkston, and equally proud that the Designer Showcase House was able to bring increased exposure and traffic to the Village.
Clarkston SCAMP is also a community, in particular during the yearly camp it runs in the summer. It has devoted attendees and equally devoted staffers. Each group looks forward to seeing familiar faces returning year after year. I am thrilled that this event can support such a worthy group.
And finally, the most unexpected community that developed during the event is our own design community. As designers, we each work in a solitary office, with little chance to interact with other design professionals. This event gave us a chance to work together, bounce ideas off one another, and really get to know each other.
I am so happy to be part of this event. As Donna Clancy reminded me;
The greatest gift is love? shared.
I hope you enjoyed the 2009 Designer Showcase House event.
Kevin Harrison
Committee Chair
P.S. We will have every designers? contact information and a picture of their room on the SCAMP website very soon!
Dear editor,
This is in response to your article in the Review of October 21, 2009. I particularly am opposed to your comments as to the words of JoAnn Van Tassel as you state ‘it sounds like she’s asking God to guide the board, which grinds so loudly against the grain of the United States secularism, it’s hurting my ears.?
Your opinions and comments are completely contrary to the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers of the United States and the Constitutional separation of church and state.
When I attended my first meeting as a trustee for Orion Township in 1980, I read from a United States dollar the following, ‘in God we trust.?
It is in this vein that I would like to point out to you other faith based understandings that are the foundation of this country.
We are a nation that welcomes the poor, the tired and huddled masses. They come here because they know that we are in a nation founded on Christian principles.
The Founding Fathers worried about government’s interference with religion far more than they did about religious influence on government; in fact, they viewed the fervor and faith as an indispensable component of a healthy society.
The early colonies established model religious communities that would be more rigorous and restrictive, not more open and accepting, then the corrupt and politicized Church of England. Many of the colonies had strictly enforced Sabbath rules which mandated attendance at worship services and the like.
Of the original 13 colonies, 10 mentioned religious purposes in their founding documents. Other denominations such as Quakers in Pennsylvania and Catholics in Maryland founded their colonies not to create secular or diverse environments but rather to provide denominational havens for their religionists.
The founding fathers had songs that they song during the Revolutionary war.Some of the stanzas are as follows:
Let tyrants shake their iron rod,
and slavery clank her galling chains
we fear them not, we trust in God
New England’s God for ever reigns
What grateful offering shall we bring?
What shall we render to the Lord?
Loud hallelujahs let us sing,
and praise his name on every chord.
A Midwestern attorney, Abraham Lincoln, indulged a habit he had in every office he held, namely, he prominently featured scriptural citations in his speeches, such as, ‘a house divided against itself cannot stand.?
While we in the United States of America do not promote a particular religion, it cannot be argued that we in fact have a belief ‘in God we trust.? JoAnn’s words are consistent with the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
I have paraphrased above some of the statements from the book by Michael Medved, ‘The 10 Big Lies about America: Combating Destructive Distortions About Our Nation?
William J. Schramm, Lake Orion
Dear editor,
The first amendment to the constitution of the United States is very clear: ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:?
While providing for freedom of religion, the Constitution clearly does not intent to establish freedom from religion. Ms. VanTassel’s prayer prior to the Township board meeting was as generic as they come.? There is no mention of Christ, so why the (writer) would object to the prayer or comment about its Christian undertone is beyond me.? Clearly, she was expressing her own prejudice.
I, for one, take great comfort in the prayers said before Township meetings.? Those prayers are a reminder that we are not in control and are, therefore, in need of the blessings and guidance of a great and compassionate God.?
So, to the Township Board I would like to say thank you for your prayers for this Township.? Please continue to acknowledge our need for God’s intervention during these stressful and fearful times.
Mary Ann Ryan, Orion Township
Dear editor,
I agree with every bit of the column of Megan Hess Collier’this past week.?
Over the last’few years, I have spoken to some of the trustees about this.?
One of the premises this country was built on was religious freedom.?
If we are not to maintain a separation of church and state, then at the very least we should invite other religions to participate.?
To assume that everyone worships the same is being quite uninformed, presumptuous and narrow minded.?’I hope the Township Board takes a look at this.
-Sue Turpen, Lake Orion
Dear Editor,
Megan Hess seems to be under the misconception that Thomas Jefferson would agree with her that ‘asking God to guide the board grinds so loudly against the grain? of our nation’s (supposedly) secularism.? She might be interested in this excerpt from Jefferson’s Second Inaugural Address. On March 4, 1805, President Thomas Jefferson said:
?. . . I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our fathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with His providence and our riper years with His wisdom and power, and to whose goodness I ask you to join in supplications with me that He will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures that whatsoever they do shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations.?
Personally, I’d rather have a board who’s humility leads them to seek the guidance of a higher power than one who’s meetings are ‘neat, tidy and free of religious connotations?.
Carol Roughton, Lake Orion
Thank you Megan Hess for bringing it to our attention that there are those that still dare to bring prayer into our public meetings and such.
In these trying times we often become lax in keeping track of such things. One can not help but notice how’much ‘things have improved in our country since’prayer in public and the mention of Christ at Christmas has been all but eliminated.
We must remain vigilant in making sure that the creator not be invited to have any input into what He created, that could be trouble.
‘Tom Brown, Lake Orion
Dear editor,
Is Superintendent Al Roberts surprised the state cut funding this year? The superintendent and previous school board didn’t put the school district in a very good position with the approval of the most recent labor contract, which included two annual raises and a bonus this year.
Does this contract reflect the economic reality of the private sector which really funds the district? Has anyone asked how much the new contract is costing the district this year versus this year’s budget deficit? Can anyone in the leadership of the school district honestly say that they could not have predicted a cut in funding from the state this year?
Is the school district considering the impact of another cut in funding from the state next fiscal year? What about the possibility of a decrease in property tax revenue?
The school district and township budget deficits are examples of our community’s leaders not understanding the difficult times in which we live. Until our region sees growth in employment and household income, to offset the lower wages, lesser benefits, and massive job cuts in the private sector, property tax revenues will not keep up with expenditures in the public sector.
Without frugal planning, budgeting and spending, our school and municipal leadership will come to the community and say that there will be massive cuts in services, parks and rec, police, fire, after school programs, school sports, art and music, larger class sizes, and increases in fees, unless we approve higher property taxes.
Unless our community wants higher property taxes, we need to hold the leadership, both municipal and school district, responsible for the spending decisions they have made, like the new township hall and raises.
Hold them accountable for the lack of foresight to see the impact of the region’s economic turmoil on revenue, lack of leadership in charting a course to fiscal stability in both the schools and township, and the lack of transparency and openness necessary to get our community energized and focused on the issues, so that we can help tackle the fiscal issues before they become financial calamities.
I hope we don’t soon come to a day, similar to so many days in the past, were the community is presented with a massive fiscal problem, without any reference to how we got there.
On that day we may be presented with only one solution to protect our school kids and the benefits we have enjoyed by living in the Clarkston community. Our community’s leadership will inform us that the solution involves higher taxes and more long term debt, and our community’s leadership will have proved themselves to be lacking in the same way as our national leadership.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I was just watching the Oct. 6, 2009, Independence Township Board meeting as I always do. I did not get the name of the guy wearing sun glasses and a baseball cap, but I have seen him at other meeting and all he seems to do is just disrupt meeting.
He gets up and says nothing about nothing. Who cares about his personal opinions?
This guy’s personal attacks on trustees Neil Wallace and David Lohmeier were uncalled for. What really bothered me even more was that the Mr. Dave Wagner just sat there and said nothing. The supervisor is supposed to be in control of the meeting.
This is one reason why people don’t go to the meetings, because of actions this guy displayed.
Is there some way that this guy can be banned from the township meetings? These kinds of actions must be stopped. All it takes is one person like this to give our township a bad name.
Concerned resident of Independence Twp.
name withheld on writer’s request
Dear editor,
Independence Township’s elected officials and Board of Trustees met Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. to review the 2010 budget deficit and begin the painful process of shrinking township programs and spending. Since this was the first public review, the deficit appears to be in the $300,000-$500,000 range. Trustees appeared prepared and ready to discuss headcount and program reductions.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office contract focused on the number of patrolling deputies the township could afford. Further discussion involved the Police Fund Balance, a reserve necessary to cover the unforeseen and whether the $780,000 balance going into 2010 could be drawn down. Trustee Neil Wallace indicated the fund was at about 23 percent of expenditures and could be possibly drawn down (as the rule of thumb recommends fund balance of at least 15 percent).
The discussion then turned to the OCSD sub-station and the separate contracts Independence, Springfield, and Holly have with the OCSD. Supervisor Dave Wagner envisioned a new sub-station built next to the NEW township hall would be advantageous because it was believed it could be used by all of the other townships if they were to consolidate their OCSD contracts. Yet, everyone agrees each township had proprietary beliefs about their own governments.
Let’s see, a 2010 budget deficit, no approval for another new building, and unauthorized car allowance increases. I truly believe that Mr. Wagner just doesn’t get it.
Building department revenues are now in the $300,000-$400,000 range, while during the economic boom they were over $1 million. Personnel reductions are almost inevitable. Dave Belcher did a thorough explanation of the Planning, Building, and Zoning expenditures with little optimism for an upswing in building permits anytime soon.
During a brief conversation with township Treasurer Curt Carson during a break, Mr. Carson said the budget process was painful. I said during my 35 years of having done corporate and business budgets it never got easy. Mr. Carson said government and corporate budgets were unalike. I agreed whole heartily, as corporate budgets were much larger and involved tens of thousands of employees.
Reflecting on Mr. Wagner’s comments from past articles, he indicated he was authorized to spend money because trustees approved it in a budget. I was trained a budget was only a road map as to where you think you are going in the next year, but doesn’t tell you whether or not you can spend it once you get there. That is what you elected the Board of Trustees to do.
After the brief intermission, Neil Wallace said the entire budget meeting should have been videotaped for all citizens to view. Wasn’t done and is now only remembered by those in attendance.
Parks and Recreation’s budget was proposed to be reduced from $2.7 to $2.2 mil. Much of the early focus was on individual programs such as baseball having 1,276 participants. Increasing fees by $5 per player hardly seems the place to find a $500k deficit. The number of daytime campers was set at 3,864 and Treasurer Curt Carson seemed to be interested in whether the same kids attended each day’s camp. Why not also ask if they had fun????
I left the meeting at 10:15 p.m. after resolving myself that the 2010 budget review was going to continue for an indeterminate amount of time. During the entire budget review, Mr. Wagner seemed to be inconspicuous. Perhaps he already has his 2010 budget set. I assume they will hold another informative meeting very soon.
Joel DeLong
Citizens Against Independence Twp. Waste, financial analyst for 38+ years
Dear editor,
Although I cannot offer directly a job for ‘The Cloud with the Silver Lining? (Sept. 23 edition), I did feel compelled to reply with some information and sources of possible assistance.
For several months now, several Clarkston churches, partnered with Clarkston Schools, have been working to organize and provide assistance to those who are affected by ‘career transition.?
In fact, on Tuesdays through Nov. 3, there are free seminars on various job seeking topics: Oct. 27, Your Finances in Transition; Nov. 3, Basics of R’sum? Writing & Marketing Material, all at Clarkston Junior High School from 7-9 p.m.
For more information on these seminars call 248-625-1611, ext. 226.
An additional source of information is available by visiting tinyurl.com/awxztp, which is a Yahoo Group site hosted by St. Daniel Church.
For anyone in this period of career transition, please know there are people who are trying to provide some assistance, resources, and definitely prayer. Contact a local church if you’d like more information.
Mike Timm
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I recently had an opportunity to attend one of Representative Mike Rogers local meetings and I must say that I was dismayed by his presentation. I would describe myself as an Independent voter, having voted for both Democrats and Republicans in the past and splitting my ticket for most elections, hopefully voting for the person I view as the best qualified.
The most distressing aspect of the meeting was the “Us verses Them” attitude. It is not difficult to understand why Washington has become so polarized with this type of attitude. It has been particularly distressing to see each party vote as complete blocks for or against bills in congress.
It appears to an outsider that party bosses are calling the shots and everyone in the party follows the direction of the party. It does not appear that we have any independent thinking going on in Washington except one Senator from Maine and some Blue Dog Democrats.
The meeting featured considerable discussion regarding the proposed Health Care bills. Mr. Rogers argued that “Free Enterprise” will fix the problem of high insurance premiums.
It appears to me that we are attacking the symptom rather than the real problem. The real problem is the cost of healthcare, not insurance. The insurance rates are based on the cost to provide the health services.
The health industry has been a free enterprise system (Except for Medicare) and we have seen costs spiral out-of-control. If continued at the same rate, medical expenditures, which currently amount to 17 percent of our economy as measured by annual GDP, will rise to 50 percent by 2030.
This rate of growth is not sustainable. Having or not having a Public Option will do little to control the real cost of medical services. The bills under consideration today do little to address the real issue of rising cost for services. A new delivery system needs to be considered making use of much lower cost systems such as more clinics, negotiated cost for drugs, use of the Mayo Clinic type business model, etc. that would actually lower the cost of delivering these much needed services.
In addition, an emphasis is needed to encourage healthy behavior such as, smoking cessation, curbing obesity, exercise, and eating a healthy diet, measures to reduce costly chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
Healthcare costs are rising every year. In 2007, the basic costs associated with healthcare increased by 6.9 percent which is double the rate of inflation in United States. On average, a U.S. citizen would spend around $7,500 per year on medical expenses.
These expenditures coupled with inefficient administration of healthcare facilities around the nation has resulted in the US government spending 16 percent of its budget on healthcare related issues and this percentage is increasing every year.
The total expenditures and the associated costs in the United States are expected to claim one fifth of the 2008 GDP budget. This is a whopping 20 percent increase from 2007. In numerical figures this increase represents 4.2 trillion dollars from the tax payer’s pocket.
It appears to me that Mr. Rogers and his counterparts are more interested in keeping the status quo than actually devising more efficient systems with real negotiation for pricing on services and drugs.
I wonder if his position has anything to do with the top contributors to his 2007 -08 campaign?
One of the larger newspapers recently ran a headline stating that Mr. Rogers says health care reform should start over. Is this just another delaying tactic to stall getting to real reform?
The time has come for someone interested in addressing real problems people are experiencing with health care, someone who is an independent thinker and someone willing to take some political risk to resolve some of the real long-term problems facing this country.
George Sinnott
Lake Orion
Dear editor,
The Lake Orion Lions Club has been serving the Lake Orion area for over 70 years, and we have a proud tradition of helping those in need.
Services provided range from the annual Christmas basket program, providing glasses for those without insurance, replacing a roof for the family of a blind child in the area, supporting Lake Orion Area Youth Baseball, and the list goes on.
To showcase our service to those in need, we are holding an open house Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Kings Court Castle in Canterbury Village. We invite all Lake Orion-area residents to come out and see what we do and how we do it.
There will be representatives from some of the major projects we support, including Leader Dog School for the Blind and Lions Bear Lake Camp that was started by the Lake Orion Lions.
Light refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 7. If you need further information, contact Lion Jim Pettinato at 248-391-4532 or leave a message on the club voicemail system at 248-975-6378.
Lion Jim Pettinato
Treasurer, Lake Orion Lions Club
Dear editor,
This is an overdue thank you triggered by a stranger on the street.
Four weeks after the Dragon on Lake event, someone stopped me on the street to say how awesome the dragon boat was.
His family had come out of their home as we were circling the lake in the dragon boat. He said he recognized me and just wanted to say what a great job we did and how his kids wanted to be riding the dragon around the lake. Next year we will raffle off rides.
That said, I’d like to thank the people who really had their hands in it.
Orion Marina staff: Bill Nick, Mike Calahan, Rick Wonch, Justin Cartwright,Dave Bilicki, Chad Cartwright and, of course, owner Scott Cambell.
Family and friends: Ken Vanportfleit, Duane Ordakowski, Matt Gibb,my husband Jim and, last but not least, Yolanda Garfeild for her fabulous paint job.
Thank you all so much for pulling through and for a job well done!
Sincerely,
Lisa Cummins
Orion Art Center
Dear editor,
Regarding the Nov. 3 election to Village of Clarkston City Council, I believe being elected requires more than attending meetings twice a month. We are a small city with limited staff which means the council must help out, at least within the limits of our Charter. While this may be more work for the elected officials, it is also more opportunity to make a difference. I would like to know the interests and goals of those running for office and what they are going to do to meet the needs of our city.
I would vote for someone who plans on doing more than just approving whatever is put in front of them. For example, the council now receives about 70 pages of financial information each month and few questions, if any, are asked. Nor is there any encouragement to do so. Less than two years ago, the council received about five pages each month and I recall there being more questions.
I want my elected representatives to say, and do, what they think is best for our residents, not what our attorney or auditor thinks is the least we have to do, or what we don’t need to talk about because it is not ‘legally? required. No one elected any of these advisors to represent us. The oath of office says the elected official will obey the law, but I want the best possible, not the least required. Why would I vote for anything less?
I want my representatives to know what is going in our city, good or bad. Clarkston is very small and I don’t think it would be that difficult to know what is happening.
Make it part of the public record at each and every meeting. There are a lot of good things happening in our city, perhaps a few bad, and I would like those that represent me to know about them and be able to explain them to me.
I don’t think this a lot to ask and I think everyone would like to hear from those seeking a seat on the City Council before the election occurs. Perhaps some discussion on specific issues that have yet to be addressed by our current elected representatives?
Cory Johnston
Village of Clarkston
Dear editor,
A recent comment by one of your readers sticks out in my mind and I’d like to echo the opinion.
A few years back when Sashabaw was reconstructed into a boulevard, it was reported the corridor would consist of upscale shops consistent with the standards of the community. I was surprised to see a drive through fast food open when we already had one on Sashabaw.
What really stands out as an eyesore on that stretch of road is the three-sided billboard parked out in front of the strip mall, south of the expressway. Isn’t that parking spot for customers of the businesses? That hardly looks like a loading/unloading zone, although I could be wrong. What I do know is that the plaza would be much more appealing to folks passing by if they could see it, rather than an enormous tray of potatoes painted on the side of a truck.
Don Zeder
Independence Township
Dear editor,
On Thursday, Oct. 8, I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting Dr. Baylis of the Baylis Animal Hospital on Ortonville Road.
Unfortunate because I had a sick dog, but pleasure because Dr. Baylis was so friendly and helpful! I had seen his ad many times in The Clarkston News.
A vet emergency brought me to his office, while dog-sitting for my daughter’s dog, a five pound Brussels Griffon. Although I was quite upset, Dr. Baylis was a great comfort and quickly advised me what needed to be done.
I am happy to say that ‘Zoe? is doing great! Thank you Dr. Baylis – I will definitely be recommending you in the future!
Nancy Licatovich
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Most citizens and businesses have had to cut their spending drastically since the promised Obama stimulus bill has failed.
But the federal money (our money) never got through his Democrat banker pals, who were bailed out and decided to keep those funds rather than loan to us.
Those remaining fund that by passed the bankers have been squandered rather than helping the taxpayer.
Governments don’t cut spending, like Michigan, who is afraid of the teachers union, the states employees union, etc. Granholm and her Democrat team are spending while increasing taxes; ahem, they say ‘revenue?.
Except for Orion Township; Republican Supervisor Matt Gibb has seen enough fiscal problems and trends, so he and Republican Trustees John Steimel, Neal Porter and Mark Crane voted to reduce the township’s entire staff about 30 percent, with the treasurer, clerk, and one trustee saying ‘no?.
Hats off to Supervisor Gibb and those GOP trustees for having the fortitude to run our local government like any successful business.
Republican Clerk Penny Shultz and Treasurer Alice Young will have a distasteful task explaining to township taxpayers why their staffs are immune when the other departments are downsizing. Why would they lay themselves open to a Union probe for non-compliance?
-Burke Cueny
Orion Township
Dear editor,
In reply to the Robertson Love INC. controversy, I am having a hard time being sympathetic to the alleged ‘victimization? of Kevin Robertson by the volunteers of Love INC. Kevin Robertson is a seasoned businessman and I find it hard to believe he needed to run to the media to resolve a simple misunderstanding on a lease deal.? Is it possible that Mr. Robertson misunderstood what Love INC stands for before going out to ‘buy? a building for them???’If you don’t know… it’s ‘Love in the Name Of Christ.???’This is a volunteer group providing vital needed support to our neighbors during these rough time right here in our own back yard.
I see this as a misunderstanding on Robertson’s part, as it seems he may have thought Love INC stood for ‘Love in the name of Cash.?? I’m not really sure he is laying out all the cards as to his real motive of running out to buy a large commercial property that is very likely undervalued (like all of our homes and businesses) with a slam dunk tenant for the next several years.? Humm.. buy low, sell high, make a nice tidy profit; all in the name of C____?? Which is it, Kevin?
Accepting a signature from an unauthorized board member is an obvious Business 101 mistake that a seasoned businessman like Robertson should not make.? In the end it makes him appear both incapable and unwilling to resolve a simple landlord/tenant issue.
Put this to rest. In the end, we are all sinners in different ways and we need to be willing to forgive and accept forgiveness.
Peace,
Don Sherman
Oakland Township
Dear editor,
Thanks to all volunteer workers, book donators, library staff, Kroger (Baldwin) and Hollywood Market (Lake Orion), Borders and all of our customers for making our September Book Sale such a success. It was a great time for a great cause.
The ‘Friends of the Orion Township Public Library? have been working hard to support some of the successful programs at the Orion Township Public Library. Thank you!
Our next Sale begins with a preview January 26, 2010 and runs through January 30 , which is Bag Day. The library will begin to receive books in mid-December.
Thanks ‘community? for your treasure of ongoing support.
Marie LaLone English
Friends of the Orion Township Library Book Sale Chairperson
Dear editor,
We would like to thank Kathy and Mike Wieland for bringing a Farmer’s Market to downtown Lake Orion.
We have thoroughly enjoyed coming every Wednesday afternoon to buy local produce and products. The vendors have been outstanding all season…from flowers to produce, handmade mittens to gardening items, and blankets/totes to cheese, bread and organic meat and eggs.
An added bonus for everyone was that the market venue occurred in conjunction with the concerts in the park. What a wonderful evening for people in the community.
If you haven’t had the chance to experience the Farmers? Market, take the time through the end of October to stop by. I promise you will be glad you did.
To Kathy, Mike and numerous volunteers that made this an enormous success…two thumbs up!
James and Linda Fitzpatrick,
Lake Orion
Dear editor,
We would like to give a very special ‘Thanks!? to the 140-plus people who joined us at the Scripps Mansion on Sunday, Sept. 27 for our first Annual Harvest Dash Race for Recovery.
We were so happy to see such a wonderful turnout on event day, especially given all of the charity runs in SE Michigan for so many worthwhile causes.
The day was a definite success and we look forward to making it an annual event. We apologize for the delay in delivering the race results but they are now available at our website, along with race day photos.
Fortunately, we have been able to track down all of the winners and sent their awards to them.
The Harvest Dash Race for Recovery was made possible by many members of our community who served as sponsors of funds and in-kind donations: Dr. Douglas McDonald, HealthQuest Physical Therapy, Sherman Publications, Tool Sport and Sign Co., Taco Bell of Lake Orion, Somerset Collection, The Village Trophy Shop, Harvest Time Farm Market, William R. Mason Jeweler, Great Lakes Athletic Club, Turner Sanitation, Culvers of Lake Orion and Whole Foods Market. Thank you so much for your generous support!
Many thanks also to the Sheriff’s Department for ensuring the safety of our participants when crossing over Joslyn Road and for our many volunteers who helped make the day a huge success.
Today, Institute staff are involved in a great deal of activity, providing education to church leadership and other interested groups about the realities of chemically-related addictions, such as alcoholism, and the realities of sobriety and recovery.
Woven throughout our presentations is the spiritual aspect related to addictions, sobriety and recovery.
We hope to see many of you at an upcoming presentation by HealthQuest Physical Therapy in conjunction with the Institute. This event, titled ‘Aging with Ease?, is open to the public and will be held at the Scripps Mansion on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m.
For more information, race results and photos or to register for this complementary presentation, go to www.guesthouseinstitute.org.
-Colleen Richards
and Louise Westcott,
Guest House Institute
Dear editor,
Re: ‘Gov’t shouldn’t be too efficient,? letter to the editor, Sept. 30.
I think the author misunderstood or failed to read properly what Trevor Keiser was saying.
What he was trying to make his point about was the long windedness that some of the board members have a problem with.
They should be kept at a length of time which is afforded to the general public, this would make them rethink what they want to say and how they want to say it and more could be accomplished during the meetings so they wouldn’t be wanting to have four meetings a month which would cost more.
As far as their compensation, it isn’t meager and they have benefits that aren’t even discussed, this is a public service job if they didn’t want to do it for current wages they shouldn’t have ran.
This board has yet to earn back the trust of the people with all their backdoor deals and wasteful spending habits and now they care crying poverty.
You spent the money needlessly, you pay it back.
Linda Donkerbrook
Independence Township
Dear editor,
This is for “The Cloud with the Silver Lining? (CSL) from the Sept. 23 Clarkston News (‘Caught in the middle, seeking help?).
I would encourage CSL to find out who Dave Ramsey is and what he’s about, at www.daveramsey.com.
CSL definitely needs help. I do have sympathy for CSL, but he or she needs to stop looking to others for help, and help yourself. Working hard and working smart are not the same thing.
A small ray of sunshine
Name withheld on request
Dear editor,
Now that the mist has settled, the last tents have been hauled away and our ‘Village? has been put back to rights, it is not a surprise that the Dragon on the Lake event was such a success.
The event may have seemed effortless to the many people who attended, but there were so many people behind the scenes that helped Lake Orion celebrate its 150th birthday!
The Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority would like to thank the following organizations, sponsors and volunteers for all their assistance on the event: The Orion Art Center, Orion Historical Society, Genisys Credit Union, Waste Management, Renewal by Andersen, Best Buy ? Auburn Hills, Kroger ? Lapeer Rd., Oxford Farm and Garden Center, Pets Supplies Plus ? Oxford, Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Academy, Harvest Time Farm Market, Orion Stone, Walgreens, Orion Senior Center, Lake Orion High School Drama Students, Avon Players, Keep Coming Back Club, Lake Orion Police Department, Donna Heyniger ? Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Sokol, Bill Kokenos, Deb Burgess, Bonnie Blais, James Jenkins, our Board volunteers – Gene Carlson, Bob and Vee Hollenbeck, Donna Reighard, Monica Squarcia, Janet Hartman, Nancy King and numerous volunteers.
We could not have done it with out you!
-Denise Demak
Development and Special Events
Downtown Lake Orion DDA
Dear editor,
Upon reading the articles and letters to the editor regarding LOVE INC and Dr. Kevin Robertson, I find that the whole situation regarding the leasing of his building could have been abated from the very beginning.
LOVE INC should have had a board meeting, with a quorum of officers in attendance, that included Dr. Robertson to discuss leasing his facility and all the requirements it would entail.
This should be a mandate under LOVE INC’s by-laws regarding any contract or lease agreement, as well as a requirement of two signatures at minimum of officers who are not related to each other.
When former board member John Spilko had not presented the lease he signed on behalf of LOVE INC to the board, the officers should have contacted Dr. Kevin Robertson as soon as possible requesting to view his copy before moving into the doctor’s facility.
LOVE INC’s board based a lot of their actions on assumptions instead of checking out the specifics with Dr. Robertson.
Especially, since they could not get any cooperation from Mr. Spilko in presenting the lease he had signed on their behalf.
Red flags should have been flying at full mast. It was a total lack of due diligence. To put any blame on the good doctor is ludicrous.
Dr. Robertson, who gives so much charitable help to our communities, acted in good faith.
Mr. Spilko’s evasive actions were questionable to say the least.
LOVE INC and its volunteers, as well as many of the churches in our communities, contribute a lot of charitable help to those in need.
No one is demeaning LOVE INC for all that they do to help others.
But, when it comes to handling contracts and leases, nothing should be based on assumptions or claims made by any one party.
There is a reason for requiring board quorums.
Mary MacMaster
Orion Township
Dear editor,
‘Thank you to the generosity of Carl from CJ’s Lakeside Grille and Sandbar who came down to serve free coffee to everyone at the farmers market last Wednesday.? Also, a big thank you to Shawn from Guido’s Pizza who came with pizza for our cold, hungry vendors.? We say a heartfelt thank you; thank you for warming our tummies and spirits by helping us out on a chilly market day.
We hope everyone will support these wonderful businesses in the Lake Orion and Oxford area who give so freely to our community.’And remember, your farmers market will remain open Wednesdays 2 p.m.-7 p.m. through the end of October.
Thank you CJ’s and Guildo’s!
-Kathy and Michael Wieland
Farmers Market
Dear editor,
Mussolini made the trains on time ? or so it is said. Trevor Keiser’s column ‘Too much talk? (Sept. 23) suggesting Independence Township Board meetings need to be more efficient is absurd. We citizens need to have an open, vigorous debate on the Township Board.
It would certainly be more efficient but then real efficiency would be meetings where they merely announce the decisions. Make them have their discussions in private, so we all don’t have to be bothered with what they think or their efforts to work out solutions and policies. That certainly would be efficient; keep the meetings short and let the reporter get enough sleep. That is, of course, nonsense.
To me the actual decision-making process is more important than the decision. There is no other way to measure the performance, beliefs and values of those we have elected to represent us. An artificial limit to debate is a bad idea.
Nor do I want to see the board members shirking their responsibility to handle the public business. It is obvious there is more work to be done. The effort to have more regular meetings was a good one. Look at the agenda for their last ‘special? meeting. It certainly looks like the agenda for a regular meeting. If there is a lot of work to be done, they should do it. And all their meetings should be televised.
Finally, from what I have seen, some of the trustees come to these meetings very well prepared. It is obvious that they more than earn their pay. And they don’t have all the benefits the officers do.
Cutting the trustees? meager compensation would be hollow symbolism.
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I just wanted the citizens of Clarkston to know what kind of administrators they have at Clarkston High School. At the end of school the first day a student collapsed in the hall and stopped breathing.
Assistant Principal Kaul immediately took action and began CPR. I arrived and provided assistance until fire arrived moments later. Mr.Kaul’s action resulted in saving the students life and I am very proud to consider him a friend.
Garry Crake Jr
Waterford
Dear editor,
I wanted to say a special ‘thank you? to Andrea Schroeder and Kim Trombley for all their countless hours of research in the PTA embezzlement case.
You both showed true dedication to all Clarkston families.
Camille Retford
former PKE PTA Board member/current SMS PTA Board member
Dear editor,
I have a sister.
Her name is Peggy and she lives in Clarkston, Mich. I want to tell the world about her. She is the kind of person who should be on the news but isn’t. She doesn’t ask for recognition really ever, but deserves it more than anyone I can think of.
First off, she has raised, with her husband, of course, three really great kids. There was a time when we were growing up that she didn’t think she wanted kids and didn’t seem to have the patience to change a diaper while babysitting. But it’s the way she has accomplished being a great Mom that sets her apart, for her children have all been actively involved since a very young age with Meals on Wheels to begin with. She not only took this on for herself as an honor to our Mom who passed away with cancer many years ago, but made it imperative for her kids to not only go through the motions but the ‘whole of it? for many people.
On top of it, she has been instrumental in dealing with our father, who has been suffering with Alzheimer’s disease.
She faces the challenges of life head on.
She and her kids also volunteer at soup kitchens in their spare time between school, sports, and musical interests.
The crowning achievement though has been her recent handling of her own mother-in-law’s cancer and subsequent passing.
Her compassion is beyond anything I could imagine.
I got all the bad habits in the family. Self driven, I packed up and moved out to the East Coast to develop my art career at which I’ve had mild success.
She held the stern at home for all of these years and my success pales in comparison. Yes, she has been fortunate to have the love and support of a great husband, Bob, but her work has been the quiet, painstaking, day in and day out guts with a huge heart.
She is an amazing role model in a time when we are bombarded with anything but.
I personally grieve the loss of her mother-in-law with her more than she knows.
I want the world to know how proud I am and how blesses we are in our family to have this incredibly cool lady, as well as beautiful, as my sister.
I love your Bun (nickname).
Peggy McCort Roth, you rock!
Signed,
Maureen McCort
Greenwich, Conn.
Dear editor,
Having read the Sept. 2 letter from Robert Jablonski regarding his distaste that the Salvation Army will soon be occupying the old Farmer Jacks’ location, I was remiss in not voicing MY distaste in his very narrow minded views.
Thankfully, Margie Runyan’s letter of Sept. 16 most eloquently said all I would have penned, and more. Upon further reading, I came upon Mr. Jablonski’s newest rant: that of cleaning up Sashabaw Road.
My immediate thoughts are that perhaps Mr. Jablonski has too much time on his hands. Go clean up a vacant lot, sir, and quit writing grumpy letters.
Nancy Kite
Independence Township
Dear editor,
In our community, parks and recreation have always been an important part of our lives. During this period of troubled economic times it is even more important.
As in parks across Michigan and the country, increasing demands for our community parks and playgrounds have increased.
While logic might dictate that park funding should be cut in hard times, just the opposite is true. Parks offer recreation that is inexpensive, available to all, great for families, and even more valuable in times like these than in boom times.
The health benefits for using the parks is another big factor why we should maintain our parks at or near the current level.
Children and adults of all ages need a place to call home to relax, shout, throw or kick a ball, or just walk the fitness course and bond with your mate. Many people are laid off and need a place to collect their thoughts or to just get away.
I understand keeping the current funding is pie in the sky. I get it. We will do our share of tightening our belts and doing more with less.
This board is in a careful and thoughtful process to make sure our budget is balanced and in a position future that will lead us in the right direction.
All I ask is that we all “share the burden.”
Mike Turk
Director, Independence Township Parks and Recreation
Dear editor,
Thank you for your recent article on Oakland County Sheriff’s marine patrol being pulled from Lake Orion and all other Oakland County lakes. The Lake Orion Lake Association (LOLA) has been trying to get the word out to the public and working with the sheriff’s department since May to address this issue and trying to come up with workable solutions.
Undersheriff Mike McCabe commented about how many people in Oakland County never go near the lake as a reason to cut funding. Boating on Lake Orion is great recreation and even though not everyone uses the lake it is open to the public and therefore should still be a safe and enjoyable place to go. We need patrols both on our roads and on our lakes to ensure the safety of our residents. We understand in these economic times that services need to be cut to stay on budget. However, LOLA has contacted Oakland County Commissioner Michael Gingell about several scenarios that would keep some sheriff patrols on Lake Orion. A workable solution is essential before the next boating season. Anyone wishing to make comments or suggestions can do so at our website: www.LOLAinfo.org.
LOLA has a history of helping with lake safety and will continue to help however we can to provide a safe and enjoyable boating experience on Lake Orion.
Sincerely,
John Strand
President, LOLA
Dear editor,
I would like to commend the letter in last week’s Orion Review sent by Amy Marcaccio Keyzer concerning the President’s address to students in public schools.
What better experience of democracy could Orion students have had than to be greeted by the President? the first day of school?? I wish they all could have heard his message to them.? It would have been a fulfillment of a part of the District Mission statement:? ‘All learners deserve equity and opportunity in their education.?
Sincerely,
Margaret R. Kanost
Dear editor,
The kudos and appreciation is only to begin on the very successful Dragon on the Lake this past weekend.
However, I have to start with special thanks to Scott and Cathy Campbell of Orion Marine for the fabulous, real in so many ways, fire breathing dragon that has been sited on the lake all weekend.
The excitement from everyone especially lake residents, has been so great. Thanks again, Scott and Cathy for all your work and support.
Sue Turpen,
Dragon on the Lake
Dear editor,
Thank you for the great (football) article and for letting the defense know that they do play a big part in the wins for LO. It is great that the offense is doing so well but the LO defense helps make the wins possible.
Adam Groh should be spelled Gros but pronounced ‘Grow?.
He is the brother of Evan Gros who graduated last year from International Academy in Bloomfield hills but played football and wrestled for LO(state champion 189 lb for wrestling.)He is now attending the Air Force Prep Academy in Colorado Springs, CO for wrestling.) Adam also attends the IA and plays for LO. Thanks for listening. Go Dragons!
Sincerely,
Kathy Gros
Dear editor,
I would like to comment on your story about Love INC vs. Dr. Kevin Robertson.
I have volunteered for Love INC for the past two years. I co-chaired the start up of the household goods ministry, Beds, Blessings and Beyond. We assisted over 500 families, who, without us, would not have some of the everyday necessities.
First, I was there the day Love INC moved out of Dr. Robertson’s building. His comment about using $3,000 Love INC paid him to restore damage done to his warehouse is completely bogus.
The walls that were erected were taken down. Two doorways that were constructed, to make a thoroughfare from the front to the rear of the warehouse, were re-drywalled, taped and mudded before we left.No other alterations made to that building.
Second, I find it interesting that Dr. Robertson takes no responsibility for his actions, or lack thereof, in this sad story. He was the one who insisted on working with just one person and did not want to deal with an executive board.
Well, Dr. Robertson, sometimes it is essential to deal with a group of people when a joint venture of this magnitude is negotiated.
Third, why would he think we would pay July rent when we didn’t even occupy the building until August 1?
Also, why didn’t he contact someone on the board when the first month’s rent payment lapsed’He had spoken with some of the board members after the due date; it makes no sense to me.
Yes, Love INC made some bad decisions. They put their trust and faith into one person, they had no reason at the time not to.
They should have pressured the named individual to show them paperwork on the lease negotiation. They shouldn’t have moved a single item into that warehouse until a lease was reviewed and agreed upon by the entire board of directors.
Dr. Robertson wants the public to know what kind of group Love INC is.
This is not a group of malicious people. It is a group of Christian people who believed what was told to them by someone they trusted.
That is who they are, that is how they live their lives. We are also hard working volunteers, who genuinely care about our clients and their needs. We not only provide material things for them, but we also give them compassionate and spiritual support.
THAT is what Love INC is all about.
Sincerely,
Cathy Jolly, Oxford
Dear editor,
We love our community!
Thank you so much to the businesses in the Orion/Oxford area who generously donated the food we served to 60 Vacation Bible school Volunteers this year.
We truly feel blessed that so many of you were willing to help during this difficult economic time.
God bless all of you: Culvers; Olive leaves; Red Knapp’s; Sagebrush; Hollywood Market; Jet’s Pizza; G’s Pizzaria; Guido’s; Subway; McDonald’s; Costco; Meijer; Cottage Inn Pizza; Italia Gardens; Domino’s; Harvest Time; Little Caesar’s; Casey’s Chicken; Buffalo Wild Wings; Chicago Brothers; Revere’s, Blue Ox BBQ, Dairy Queen.
Sincerely,
King of Kings Lutheran Church
Dear editor,
There was a mission to make the Lake Orion sesquicentennial and the Orion Art Center 30th anniversary a legendary event ‘mission accomplished!
The weekend started with a sponsor party hosted by Scott & Cathy Campbell of Orion Marine where the 30-foot fire breathing dragon welcomed guests, delicious food was prepared by Cuisine Catering and antique boats & historic photos were plentiful. The fire breathing dragon (Built by the service department at Orion Marine and embellished by artistic volunteers) made its inaugural pass around Lake Orion to the delight of spectators and the weekend was underway!
The mist in the air on Saturday did not stop chalk artist challengers from working the parking lot into a pastel art show, and Sunday was a picture perfect day of art, music, kid stuff, scavenger hunts, glass blowing, dragons and a great sense of pride in the Orion Community!
The Autumn rain will wash away our first chalk festival, but the memories of Dragon on the Lake will live on, much like the legendary dragon! Many thanks to our hardiworking steering committee (led by Sue Turpen, Lisa Cummins and James Jenkins), volunteers, vendors, musicians, artists, restaurants, organizations and festival attendees for being a part of the legend.
Dragon on the Lake would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors: Environmental Wood Solutions, Oakland County Parks & Recreation, the Oakland Press, Fox2 Detroit, The Orion Art Center, Lake Orion Community Schools, Orion Marine Center, The Lake Orion Review, Downtown Lake Orion DDA, Beaumont Hospitals, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Waste Management, Genisys Credit Union, Renewal by Anderson, Village of Lake Orion, Lake Orion Fire Department, Lake Orion Police Department, Lake Orion Legion #233 and Tom Allport, The Pee Wee Patch, Orion Township, Orion Area Parade Group, Lake Orion United Methodist Church, Tire Warehouse, ONTV, Lakes Community Credit Union, Bill Kirchner State Farm Ins., Lake Orion Nursing &Rehab Centre, Henry Ford OptimEyes, Orion Historical Society, Hollywood Market, Powers Distributing, and the Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary Club.
Plans are already underway for next year’s event, which will be earlier in the season so boat owners will have a chance to build their own dragon and be a part of the 2010 Dragon on the Lake Parade! Stop by the Orion Art Center to see the dragon mural and the new gate sculpture at the horseshoe pits. Visit www.orionartcenter.org for event photos and upcoming events. Watch for the fire breathing dragon in upcoming parades around town!
Thanks to everyone, for coming together in such a great way!
Reggie Harrison,
Director
Dear editor,
A little bragging could help said Robert Jablonski. In a recent letter (“Thrift shop could lead to lesser things,” Sept. 2), he said he was embarrassed by the new thrift store, dollar store, and used furniture store in the plaza at Sashabaw and Waldon Road.
Would he be more proud of the empty and unkept building and parking lot? He should be grateful that it’s not left to decay like so many other sites and even whole towns right now.
Let’s face it, no one is lining up to invest in new business in this fragile economy.
Even the most fortunate of us has changed their consumer consumption. Imagine how difficult it must be for a family going through job loss or a small business trying to hold on in this economy.
Clarkston has a lot going for it. We get to live in a beautiful, clean, kind community; and when we come through these tough times, we will shine even brighter. So as far as bragging goes, I am one little business owner proud I can keep my lights on, employ people who live here, pay my taxes, and provide a service in my community.
I may just be scraping by but I’m thankful for that. I’m able to do so because my business and home is in Clarkston.
My hope is that we can all get by through this rough patch in the road, none of us know what’s around the next corner.
How’s that for a little bragging?
From a proud business owner for almost 18 years in the same “shameless shopping center” and now neighbor to The Salvation Army.
And by the way; Digs Consignment Studio is much more than a used furniture store. I invite Mr. Jablonski to come and visit us sometime.
Sincerly,
Gina Leehy
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The article ‘Trustees turn down budget adjustments,? Sept. 16, did not identify the cause of the problem.
The cause of the deficit problem is the debt service on loan for the new township hall, which, annually, is actually greater than the $143,000 deficit mentioned in the article.
Too bad Supervisor Dave Wagner didn’t have the ‘financial expert? mentioned in the article with him at the time he decided to overpay for the new Township Hall.
Perhaps the financial expert could have even projected what the debt service payments would do to the budget, and the impact on services provided to the residents of Independence Township.
This budget train wreck would have been completely predictable by any competent leadership.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I’ve heard about the infamous mural on the side of the Clarkston News building, people get upset when they can’t watch ‘American Idol.? People complain they have to clean their house or do yard work. I wish I had a house to clean and a yard to upkeep!
What are my worries? Supporting my family. I am a very hard working U.S., Independence Township citizen who has more than one job, returning to college, and supporting my community since adolescence and need assistance.
I don’t like the thought of having to ask organizations, some of which I’ve contributed to over many years, for help and don’t believe I even qualify.
Getting to the point, I am asking for employment, part time to eke me through this ‘depression,? or full time that won’t cut my throat with what I already do have. I am very grateful for what we are blessed with, but the bottom live is I live paycheck to paycheck and now my paychecks aren’t enough.
Yes, I’ve tried many supplemental incomes, usually schemes, and I’ve been through rolls of red tape. What I qualify for on paper is not what I am able to accomplish. I am doing all I can to better my life, continue my education, go above and beyond in every job I’ve had, but cannot make ends meet. I’ve put in numerous applications for more employment, but employers look at my availability and won’t give me a chance.
I have to work around my job with benefits and my college education, but I can accomplish twice as much as anyone else can in a shorter amount of time. I’m too ‘poor? to properly care for my family, but too ‘rich? to qualify for assistance.
I don’t like to gamble, but I am begging someone to take a gamble on me. If I don’t fit your written criteria, I will learn extremely quickly! What am I good at? Anything I set my mind to. I have cared for many people, putting myself on the back burner; that’s one of my few downfalls. I’ve always put others before me. Now I am asking others to help me and put myself first, so to speak, to be able to feed, clothe and house my family. I’m not being greedy, asking for a $500,000 house, I don’t want to drive a Rolls Royce (have I just aged myself?), I don’t expect to go out to dine 10 times a week or want a maid. I just need a break! I can barely keep my wheels on the road to get to all of my jobs. I still dress myself in 15-year-old clothing. I pinch every penny until it screams and try to raise respectable, well-rounded children.
Honestly, I feel like I was born with a black cloud over my head because every time I take one step forward, I have to take five steps back. I have not included any specific information as to not compromise my current employments and I’m not above asking for assistance, but all the research I’ve done on the subject truly does limit any. Aside from doing something illegal or demeaning my beliefs and morals, I am asking this community that I love, have grown up in and want to continue raising my family in to help me, by helping myself.
This wonderful publication, which I’ve been a loyal subscriber until recently due to having to tighten my belt, has graciously agreed to help. If you would like to invest in your future, invest in your community and invest in yourself, take a gamble on me. I am worth it.
Please do not hesitate to contact The Clarkston News with your ideas and/or suggestions. This would be a gamble you would win! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul; even if it is a prayer, I truly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
‘The Cloud with
the Silver Lining?
Name withheld on request
Dear editor,
We really enjoy walking these country roads out here in Independence Township. Most folks are very cordial and courteous and do practice the leash laws when walking their dogs.
Why is it though that some folks continue to think it is OK to wander down the road with their dog running loose?
First of all you are endangering your dog and exposing them to possible hazards such as vehicles, wild animals and other dogs. Second it is just plain rude and inconsiderate to those of us who do leash and control our pets.
There are many of us who do not appreciate having your pets running loose causing disturbances; someone or somebody could get hurt.
Why is it, just because we have all this open land people think it’s OK to let their pets run loose? You would not do this in the city? I believe there are ‘leash laws? and other ordinances that address these issues.
We have had several incidents with unleashed ‘pets? and I do emphasize the word pets. These were licensed pets. My wife, two dogs and I were attacked by two very large dogs.
The breed is not important, what is important here is the owner did not have the dogs tied up or leashed! Almost killed one of our dogs.
We have also been ‘charged? by unleashed dogs while the owner just stands there and tries to call them back! And all this while our dogs sat there leashed by our sides?
Unfortunately we now view every loose dog as a possible threat. Ever have 50-150 pounds of uncontrolled rage going for your pet or your throat?
If anything think about your pet’s safety. Too many times we see posters hanging on trees because some owner has lost a pet. Sometimes it is an accident and pets do get loose. We all need to be responsible and safeguard our loved ones. We must do everything possible to insure the safety of our pets and neighbors.
Thanks to all of you who abide by the local ordinances, common sense and just good old-fashioned common courtesy. Your neighbors appreciate it and most of all our ‘four legged friends?! Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the ‘three legged ones? to. God love em all! Let’s keep everyone safe and enjoy the scenery and fresh air!
Thanks,
Mark Stesney
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Independence Township Supervisor David Wagner’s decision to hold a public meeting regarding the one hauler trash plan was the right thing to do. However, calling the public outrage over the plan “ridiculous” afterward showed his complete contempt for the views of 99 percent of the public that spoke out that night against the plan.
“This is ridiculous,” said Wagner later in reaction to the community retort he received Thursday regarding the trash plant, one hauler trash study . “The consultants want us to keep looking at it.”
However, Mr. Wagner knows that moving forward is not a decision that is left up to his paid “consultants” it is a decision that is solely for the Independence Township board of trustees to make.
I find it “ridiculous” that Mr. Wagner did NOT take any notes during the entire meeting. Why? Were the “ridiculous” comments from the public not important enough to bother to write down and follow up on?
I’m appalled that Mr. Wagner finds it “ridiculous” that the attendees were educated enough about the issues to speak out against what we collectively see as a really bad idea. When it comes to the point that citizens comments are considered “ridiculous” by an official we hire to represent US, then it’s time for the public to rethink his hiring.
After all, this is a huge government invasion into our lives with years of certain tax increases and property tax liens to follow. The people of this township spoke out because they believe this idea is “ridiculous” and want it to stop before it grows legs and walks away with our money and our jobs! Whether local, county or federal…it’s OUR money.
Unlike Mr. Wagner, I hope the other six trustees were taking note of the public outrage that night. In a nut shell…the public said: “NO, don’t take this “RIDICULOUS” trash plan any further.” The people have spoken…are the rest of the trustees listening?
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Let me see if I’ve got these items correct.
Our school superintendent demotes a well-liked principal last spring to a junior high school assistant principal position and STILL hasn’t replaced him; but has found two retired’superintendents from other districts’to each’fill this position part-time.? What gives?
An overhaul of our middle schools has now been scrapped for one year AT A COST OF $600,000 because our administrators can’t get their act together?? Do our schools have that much money to blow?
Finally, an inspirational message from the President of the United States to our students urging’them to stay in school, work hard, and bear responsibility for their actions is summarily dismissed by our Superintendent in a ‘politically correct? decision.? I was taught civics when I was in school.? Where’s the respect?
Perhaps our school board ought to look into whether our superintendent is up to this job and maybe he should be replaced.
Let me state here that I have never met either Mr. Gutman or the principal he demoted, I am only commenting on what has been reported in the Review.
Signed,
Richard LaGrow
Dear editor,
The 9th Annual Barn Daze was a great success on Saturday Sept. 12 at Friendship Park.?
We would like to thank the following organizations for taking part in this community event: Lake Orion Dragons’Youth Football, Lake Orion Lioness Club, Orion Township Public Library, The Goddard School, GLE Gymnastics & Cheer, ITC, Orion Neighborhood Television, Buffalo Wild Wings, Pee Wee Patch, Sweet Lane Fudge Factory, Starts & Stripes, Orion Area Chamber of Commerce . . .
. . . Northern Farm Market, Darrel Swift, Kettle Corn Haus LLC, Oakland Ballistics, Friends of the Orion Township Library, Mom’s Club of Lake Orion, Planet Kids Children’s Center, Divine Grace Lutheran Church, Guido’s Pizza, Lake Orion Farmers Market, Authoress Lee Bissonnette.?
We would also like to thank those organizations who generously sponsored the event: Oakland County Parks and Recreation, Pee Wee Patch, Oxford Bank, ITC Transmission, Lake Orion Review & Ad-Vertiser, IBEX Insurance, SCAT Party Tent & Supply, Buffalo Wild Wings, Stephen Auger & Associates Architects, Guido’s Pizza, Genisys Credit Union, and the First Baptist Church of Lake Orion.?
Without the support and contributions made by these businesses, organizations and those of you who attended, this community event would not be possible.
See you next September for the 10th Annual Barn Daze.
Jennifer L. Vezina
Recreation Program Supervisor
Charter Township of Orion
Dear editor,
Dave Wagner, you must have been misquoted.
From The Clarkston News: “This is ridiculous,” said Wagner later in reaction to the community retort he received Thursday. “This is a good thing happening. (The consultants) want us to keep looking at it; if there are additional studies that need to be done on the technology, it won’t come out of the township’s pocket at all.”
What did you think was ridiculous? The people that came to the meeting. Those of us who spoke during the public comments section?
Are you kidding? Of course the consultants want additional studies, that’s how they make money! As far as funds not coming out of the township’s pocket, where do you think any government funded program gets the money? From the pockets of taxpayers!
Township, county, state and federal pockets are all taxpayer pockets. Government does not have any resources other than those that are acquired from the citizens.
By the way, I studied the CCIRF Study on Solid Waste and Recycling Management final report prior to the public meeting last week. Did you? The information that was presented at the public meeting was poorly done and rather uninformative.
Dave Wagner, you just don’t get it. The people of Independence Township, your collective boss, do not want the study to be funded by ANY government means.
Maybe it is time for us to get a new employee.
Rick Gutowski
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Robert Jablonski’ says he’s upset a Salvation Army thrift store is moving in to the plaza at Sashabaw and Waldon roads (‘Thrift shop could lead to lesser things,? Sept. 2).
He feel that it cheapens the image of Clarkston, and is also insulted by the fact that there is a “dollar” store already in this shopping center, and a “used furniture,” actually antiques and collectibles, store as well.
I’m insulted by the narrow-mindedness involved here. A thrift store is just what this community needs.
How many people were unable to purchase school clothes and shoes for their children this year, due to job loss, or even quite possibly, the loss of their home? How many people won’t be able to afford Christmas gifts for their families for the same reasons?
Does the existence of “Lighthouse” also offend you? How dare there be people in this community who can’t afford groceries, and must rely on the kindess of strangers to feed themselves and their children?
If you’ve seen no foreclosed homes in your neighborhood, consider yourself in the minority. If no one in your acquaintance has suffered job loss, consider yourself fortunate. And if you never have need to step foot inside a thrift store, because that’s the only place you can afford to shop, then consider yourself blessed.
The days of conspicuous consumption are over. If you’d rather see an up-scale eatery, or a haute couture clothing shop, you’d better move to another community. The 21st century is one of change, and I’m frankly glad to see that Independence is just that, a community of independent people who embrace new business, keeping an open mind to where there is a need, and I thank God that there is movement and growth in our home area. A lot of small communities are dying. Independence is staying alive.
Margie Runyan
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to thank Office Depot and Store Manager Robert Van Buren for the generous donation of 50 backpacks and supplies for our 2009 Homework Club and Mentors Plus Back to School Party. At this party, each youth had the opportunity to select supplies from their school list and put them into a brand new backpack. Being appropriately equipped will allow the children to start the new school year with confidence and excitement.
The goal of Clarkston Area Youth Assistance is directed toward building self-esteem in children and strengthening the family through education, healthy recreation and counseling. Some of the programs we sponsor are Camp, Mentors Plus, Delinquency Prevention Programs, After School Tutoring, Youth Recognition and Youth Involvement.
Office Depot’s support of this program is very much appreciated!
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance
Dear editor,
Oh, this is great (‘Funding for high school liaison pulled,? Sept. 2). Maybe if the district didn’t give out raises during a budget crunch, there would be funding for keeping our children safe.
Yeah, Clarkston school board, for approving car and gas allowance for Mr. (Al) Roberts!
Gina Miller
Independence Township
Dear editor,
As an Independence township resident, I am convinced that vacant, dilapidated church located on Sashabaw, between Waldon and Maybee, is testament to the township’s apathetic policy toward vacant property.
Like a magnet, the ‘church? attracts kids intent on no good…also, the potential for serious injury increases as word gets’around that the church is a ‘great place to hang out and raise hell.?
Besides being a magnet for juvenile destruction, possible injury and a weekend parking spot for 24 wheelers, one must ask what is the township’s policy on vacant, buildings?
What is the owner’s responsibility? And why is the township intent on turning Sashabaw into’a boulevard of over grown,vacant property, mounting trash, a tear down church and a ‘tastless? Chicken Shack truck parked and poised to distract even the most careful Sashabaw commuters.
It’s time city fathers realize you can’t attract new business if you don’t make it your business to clean up the area.
Cut down the weeds, tear down the church, clean up vacant property, and eliminate needless signs yelling about $5 pizzas garage sales, rental signs and ? the word that comes to mind is ‘tacky,? 8 mile road tacky.
It’s time that our elected officials quit the squabbling and territorial in fighting and direct their attention to more important matters like cleaning up and beautifying the boulevard ? the Sashabaw boulevard !?
Robert Jablonski
Independence Township?
Dear editor,
I was dumbfounded when I learned that some school districts would not be broadcasting to students President Obama’s going back to school address on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
One school district was only going to air the address at the high school level during lunch and it was optional.
After reviewing the speech, this school district sent a letter/e-mail home to parents stating that middle school children and high school children would be given the opportunity to see the address and alternate activities would be planned for those wishing to opt out.
As of Friday a second school district had not had time to “process” the speech and with further review “may” air it later in the week.
School was not starting until Wednesday in the third school district so the administration had some “breathing room” before deciding. In all cases the speech was going to be “reviewed.”
This is the shocking part!
Why, I wondered and still wonder, was it necessary to preview a Presidential speech which was designed to motivate students to do well in school.
More specifically, I wondered why was it necessary to review THIS President’s speech to determine its motivation and thus its suitability for children to hear when President Reagan’s and also George H.W. Bush’s weren’t scrutinized nor “processed”?
I am still wondering because I have not received a satisfactory answer. I would not want to hazard a guess!!
Peg Junker, grandmother of four
Clarkston
Dear editor,
Re: ‘What’s the need for speed,? Sept. 9. We live on a dirt road, Scott Road, in Springfield Township. My son was hit by a Ford F150 pickup truck, as he crossed the road from our neighbors driveway to ours.
We live in between two curves, speed limit I was told from the officer that responded is 55 mph.
That is down right outrageous, the roads are not maintanined for that rate of speed, there are two many curves, hills, and hidden driveways.
I have contacted the road commission about signage being posted, hidden driveways, caution children and gotten nowhere.
I contacted the township supervisor and same thing, no where.
I did contact State Rep Eileen Kowall and she is trying to fight the bill. I told her whatever she needs, I am behind it. Those who favor this bill must not live on a dirt road and take into consideration the many factors that make it dangerous.
Please help!
Sincerely,
Nancy Wright
Springfield Township
Dear editor,
This is the letter I sent to Superintendent Ken Gutman on September 4.? I hope you will publish it in your letters to the editor section.? I viewed President Obama’s speech live at home, thought it was incredibly inspiring and a great way to start off the school year, and wrote back to Mr. Gutman, asking him what he planned to do.? His response to parents was that they decided ‘to continue with our regular lesson plans and allow each family to make an informed decision as to whether or not they wish to allow their children to watch the speech at home.?? I respectfully disagree.
* * *
Dear Mr. Gutman,
‘I was distressed by your September 3 message to parents regarding the administration’s decision not to show President Barack Obama’s address to the nation’s students on the first day of classes.? I totally understand your reluctance over interrupting the day’s schedule, but you lost me with your subsequent reasoning.
‘Since when should a speech given by a democratically elected, sitting President of the United States be subject to the type of parental scrutiny we give to, say, the teaching of sex education, where we allow students to ‘opt out? based on their family’s value system and our belief that such subjects are personal and should be taught at home?? Are not our nation’s educational goals the same as those of Lake Orion Community Schools??
Let me restate these from the LOCS Web site.
‘District Mission Statement: The mission of Lake Orion Community Schools is to provide an exemplary education for all learners.
‘We believe that:
* Education is the shared responsibility of students, family, school and community
* All students can learn
* All learners deserve equity and opportunity in their education
* High expectations promote su ccess
* Exemplary education is the result of professional growth and continuous school improvement
* All learners are entitled to a safe learning environment
* Education promotes a healthy sense of self and encourages personal achievement
* Learning is lifelong
* * *
President Obama’s message is reported to emphasize that students should work hard, set high educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.? In your Superintendent’s Message in the Fall 2009 LOCS newsletter, you state: ‘The education of our children is a societal responsibility, and it is one that our school community clearly recognizes as significant and essential.?? I think we can all agree that as a nation, we value and believe in education; it’s part of the common good.? Or has the ‘common good? become a tainted phrase in today’s divisive political environment?
Personally, I believe the White House erred in not providing an advance transcript of the speech to schools and in expecting that schools would find time on Day One to view the speech live; as parents and educators, we know how busy that first day can be.?
My suggestion to LOCS’s central administration is that you view the president’s address, then schedule a time to show it during home room, STAR, or at an assembly.? I do not believe it is appropriate to send a letter to parents requiring permission to view the speech if you deem his message as advocating the district’s and nation’s educational goals.’Thank you for your consideration.
‘Best regards,
‘Amy Marcaccio Keyzer
Dear editor,
Thank you Lake Orion Review and John Counts for the wonderful coverage of’our Lake Orion Farmers Market.
We appreciated you helping us get the word out about our wonderful fall market with goodies, and pumpkins and veggies.? We are looking for some fall crafters, again Michigan grown, Michigan business, Michigan artists and authors.?
Non-profits, no charge.?’Call 248-693-7067. You can visit our web site lakeorionfarmersmarket.com to see upcoming events and thanks again John and the Lake Orion Review.
Kathy and Michael Wieland, market managers
Dear editor,
Our son is starting 8th grade at Oakview Middle School next week. He was playing for the football team under Mr. Jim Maxfield as the head coach. Last Thursday, he broke his arm at practice. It was the first day of contact, and it was just a freak accident.
We want to commend the football coaches at Oakview’Mr. Jim Maxfield, Mr. Rob Cebelak, and Mr. Ken Grant’they were quick to call EMS, and contact us to inform us of the accident. Our son said the coaches acted very quickly, and got help immediately. He was taken by ambulance to Troy Beaumont Hospital. Both of us were at work, and met the ambulance at the hospital. What took us by surprise was that our son was not going to the hospital with just the EMS. Mr. Todd Dunckley, Oakview assistant principal, and athletic director, followed the ambulance to the hospital. Mr. Dunckley spent the entire day with us in emergency while Michael was treated. He talked to Michael, encouraging him to continue to be on the team. He talked to us, and kept us calm during what could have been a very stressful day. We can’t thank Mr. Dunckley enough for being there with us, it is more then we ever expected from him.
After spending the day with Mr. Dunckley, we wondered why this wonderful man was demoted as the principal of Lake Orion High School. We read all the accolades about him, but neither of us knew him, so we did not form an opinion. Now that we know him, we wonder why such a warm and caring man was demoted from his position.
We are thankful to have him at Oakview, and look forward to a great school year. However, we are sad LOHS lost a great man.
Jane and John Losensky
Dear editor,
The great controversy continues in several Oakland County townships. A proposal is underway that would possibly eliminate citizen’s ‘right to choose? their own trash hauling service. After attending a few Independence Township meetings allowing a discussion of this proposal, it is very clear that the majority of residents are not in favor of this.
The proposal could also include a trash conversion facility, to supposedly generate revenue. There is strong indication that as mandates continue for this facility, so would fee ? taxes. If this trash facility is such a phenomenal idea, then why hasn’t the private sector been standing in line to invest in it?
The proposal study mentioned that the trash conversion facility methods are ‘yet to be proven.? Japan has admitted that after ten years, their trash conversion facility is using too much energy to convert trash into less energy. There are also lawsuits involved in other new trash conversion sites in the United States because of the toxic health risks created. One lawsuit involves the toxic output of energy due to inferior metals imported from China in our everyday products.
Technology is moving fast. Why create something that would soon be
obsolete at such a large outlay of millions of dollars not to mention leaving a large carbon footprint worse than a landfill.
One winning solution could be found at www.envisioncentraltexas.org. This Central Texas organization generates revenue’from their recycling and small scale trash conversion programs. They do so without taxing residents, without political mandates and at the same time they make it voluntary and fun to recycle. They offer incentives and rewards. There has been overwhelming success with this program. They also expect over 1 million additional residents in upcoming years. Imagine how much revenue this additional million residents would create here in Michigan!
Generating revenue, recycling and trash conversion does not have to
be rocket science and another political money pit especially during these hard economic times! WE should form a committee of private, non-political, citizens to study the Central Texas plan. This would save taxpayers thousands by using a ‘non-biased? trash study and millions by preventing a soon-to-be obsolete large facility from being built. I would be interested in volunteering myself, anyone listening?
Debbie Dettling
Independence Township
Dear editor,
There are now only a few days left to pay your Summer 2009 taxes. Your payment must be received in the Treasurers office by 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, to avoid penalty. There are several ways to pay, which include:
Mail to P. O. Box 69, Clarkston, MI, 48347;
Email www.officialpayments.com, 24 hours a day, through Sept. 14;
Call 800-429-7444, 24 hours a day, through Sept. 14;
Clarkston area branches of Clarkston State Bank, Fifth/Third Bank, and Oxford Bank;
Drop box to the left of the front door at Township Hall, 24 hours a day; and
In person at Township Hall between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
If you decide to come to your Township Hall, remember that we have moved. The new address is 6483 Waldon Center Drive, right behind the old Farmer Jack at Sashabaw and Waldon. If you have any questions, please contact my office at 248-625-5115.
Curt Carson, Treasurer
Independence Township
Dear editor,
We’ve been residents of Clarkston since 1986 and sent three kids through the schools so we’ve got roots!
We like the mural ? it is provocative and that is what good art does!
Michelle Tynan says she can finish by end of November so what is the problem to let her do so?
If she doesn’t ? then at least you gave her a chance to complete it and it would be no worse than stopping the project now.
Ron & Dorie Meltsner
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I would just like to point out two economic principles I believe apply here.
The first relates to who’s paying for something. When we buy with our own money for ourselves, this is known as a ‘first party purchase.? We are concerned about price, quality, and value.
Buying for ourselves with someone else’s money or spending our own money for someone else are known as ‘second party purchases.? When we buy for ourselves with someone else’s money, we have little concern about price but are very concerned about quality and value.
Where we spend our own money on someone else, we are very concerned about price but are not nearly as concerned about quality or value.
Now, when we buy something for somebody else using someone else’s money, this is known as a ‘third party purchase.? In this case, we have little concern about price, quality, or value. By definition, all government purchases are third party purchases!
Simply stated, when government makes the purchase choice to us and pays for it with tax money, we will, by definition, have a wasteful, expensive, low quality trash-handling program.
The second economic principle is Marxism, ‘from each according to ability, to each according to need.?
Everyone pays for trash pickup regardless of the level of service they need and those who need more are subsidized by those who need less. Those who generate little trash will subsidize those who generate mountains of it. Those who are gone for part of the year and do not need trash service will subsidize those who need it all year.
This is socialism in its purest form.
Government is trying to force us to pay for a program that will, by definition, be wasteful and expensive, and provide poor quality service and low value. On top of that, we’ll be taxed even more to administer this wasteful, expensive program.
This entire proposal is absurd. It further erodes our freedom, and intrudes even more into our private lives. Keep your stinking nose out of our trash!
Dr. Randall S. Fike
Independence Township
Dear editor,
On Friday morning last week I almost did a spit-take with my Frosted Mini Wheats when I heard the news story of a local school district planning to refuse a broadcast from the President of the United States to school-aged kids.
The topic must be very controversial, I thought. But, no. I quickly learned President Obama’s primary message to the students would be to work hard in school, and to think about how education can play a role in fulfilling their dreams.
Yet, fearful parents across the nation convinced some administrators charged with teaching our kids good and valuable lessons, to censor the president and shut off the TV’s in the classroom.
By the time you read this, the event will have happened. I hope and pray Dr. Al Roberts made the thoughtful decision to allow this broadcast to take place in Clarkston.
Sadly, I’m less than 50 percent convinced that will happen. Regardless of whether the message was played in our schools or not, there exists an opportunity for parents and children to connect.
We can choose to relate to our kids whether we agree or disagree with the current policies. Let’s try to have a real discussion with our children. Ideally, the message was played in school and that night at dinner instead of asking “how was school” and getting the single word “fine” response, we can talk about the video message.
If you disagree with something that was said, talk about it. If you agree, talk about that. Let’s not teach our kids that the way to win a disagreement is to stop listening to the other point of view.
More importantly, we need to teach our children that we can disagree on some issues and still agree on others. And personally, I can think of no single message that can bring us together more effectively than educating our children.
More and more today, our communication is via text message, voice mail, and Facebook status updates. Tonight, let’s try a little face-to-face talking.
Tim Smith
Indepedence Township
Tuesday was is a half day. Parents had the option to watch with their children if interested.
Dear editor,
As an educator, community member and a parishioner of St. Daniel’s Catholic Community, I want to publicly commend Rev. Christopher Maus for his sensitive leadership and commitment to diversity.
The prayer service that was held on September 1st brought people of different faiths, ages, races and genders together to celebrate the strength of diversity; and to demonstrate that people of good will must not ignore acts of prejudice, discrimination or hatred.
Parents often teach their children to treat others the way they would like to be treated. The recent cross-burning event brought to mind a comment that was once made to me after a school diversity event.
A parent approached me to say, ‘I have always taught my children not to be bigots. Tonight I realized I never taught them how to act when they see bigotry.?
Rev. Maus? invitation to this community to come together to pray is a lesson in positive action!
Dr. Al Roberts
Independence Township
(Schools superintendent)
Dear editor,
I’m writing to pledge a $250 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the recent burning of a cross on the lawn of one of our residents (‘Community takes cross burners to task,? Aug. 26).
As a society we can tolerate this outrageous behavior or take a united stand and stop it before it spreads. It is becoming almost commonplace that people are waking up to find their cars broken into in their own driveways.
The number of home invasions and violent crimes occurring in our township has also increased sharply. Each month the police blotter gets longer and filled with more serious crimes.
Our police officers are already overstretched and trying to keep up with the increased crime that often comes with an economic downturn.
The reality is that each of us should be concerned with keeping our community safe and not turn a blind eye to these crimes because eventually it will be you or someone you care about getting victimized.
I think people need to remember that Flint, Pontiac, and Detroit were all among the finest cities in the world until people quit caring and they deteriorated to the point they are now.
I’m not trying to be an alarmist but it could happen here if you don’t stop it before it starts. I don’t know the family that was terrorized by the cross burning but as a lifelong resident of Clarkston, I extend my apologies to them and assure them that our community doesn’t tolerate this type of behavior.
I hope the fools that did this can be caught and made to understand the ignorance of their actions.
Dr Timothy O’Neill
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The five Clarkston School Board members who recently voted to combine school elections with already paid for regular elections should be commended for their efforts to save District taxpayers $44,000 per election.
Clarkston Schools now joins the 75 percent of the other Oakland County school districts which already made this cost saving move.
Board members voting yes were: Joe Armstrong, Susan Boatman, Rosalie Lieblang, Cheryl McGinnis and Joan Patterson. They deserve our thanks for rejecting the notion that every governmental body needs their own special election.
Given the extremely difficult financial situation that exists in Michigan, the $44,000 per election that we will save can be much better spent on educating students instead of stroking the egos of candidates who feel that they will not get adequate attention and publicity in a general election.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I attended the Independence/Springfield Township Trash Hauling townhall last week. Along with 99% of the approximately three hundred attendees, I am against a trash hauling monopoly coordinated by a to-be-created ‘Solid Waste Authority.?
The issue begs the question, what is the problem with the current trash collection system?
The township has no mandate to expand its role to handle trash. After reviewing survey results, it appears the data was manipulated to support a favorable outcome. The same data could have been adjusted to show that residents do not want the township to coordinate trash services! Therefore, the report conclusion is disingenuous and misleading at best.
Section II of the report describes the intergovernmental structure to be created and questions who is ‘best positioned to fund and absorb (the) risk? and then discusses the potential for ‘public sector support.? This clearly describes tax increases!
Local newspaper articles have quoted both Independence and Springfield township supervisors as seeing this ‘project as a potential revenue stream.? Now we are getting to the real reason for this project!
If townships need additional revenue, they are well advised to look at economies of scale for current practices such as consolidation of equipment and facilities, for example, with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Many residents want the ability to contract directly with their trash haulers without middleman interference.
They appreciate the personal service they receive from their respective companies ? all small businessmen ? and know exactly who to call for quick resolution of problems.
A Solid Waste Authority will be established. Membership could be appointed or elected. In any case, supporting additional government personnel will clearly take additional TAX REVENUE. And, as learned from the Detroit Senegro scandal, as this Authority selects the haulers, the temptation for graft or kickbacks is great.
Alternative recycle technology is still in its infancy and there is no reason in a weak economy, to burden residents with taxes to support such unproven technology.
And isn’t it odd that Canada continues to send their waste to a Michigan landfill while we are looking for alternatives?
The two gentlemen running the meeting felt a need to scold the audience about our misunderstanding of the type of government we posses in the U.S.
I would like to remind them that although it is true that we have a representative form of government, elected officials are not meant to be father figures and vote for the ‘good of their resident-children.?
I remind these gentlemen that township residents are concerned about the environment and are fully capable of contracting themselves with companies that can provide trash and recycle services that are respectful of the environment. How condescending of you both to imply otherwise!
On a final note, I am not a member of the Citizens Against Independence Township Waste, but clearly from the lack of transparency in recent township dealings and the apparent lack of appreciation for the depth of opposition to this issue per the remarks made by Supervisor Dave Wagner at the end of the townhall.He is not serving Independence Township well.
It is unconscionable to spend taxpayer dollars on a Phase II study when residents are clearly opposed to government-run trash collection.
Sharon Dudzinski
Clarkston
Dear editor,
Last Thursday evening at Clarkston Junior High, many patriotic Independence Township residents listened to an expensive slide show study of garbage disposal.
I was personally moved by some of their comments after the presentation.
Rick Gutowski in particular made accurate pointed and studied remarks.
After more than 99 percent of the audience had spoken against implementation, Supervisor Dave Wagner still would not admit he firmly favored township control and taxing of solid waste.
I was dumbfounded by his insane pugnacity.
Maybe a citizens? grand jury would make him hear the voice of the people.
Seriously,
Robert Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Now that the city fathers have given the green light to a Salvation Army “Thrift center” to be located in the vacant Farmer Jack located on Waldon and Sashabaw, I am driven to ask the question, “why?”
Why here, why now? Could it be that our vision impaired elected officials felt that the new ‘thrift store” would complement the Dollar store and used furniture store neighbors also situated in the same mall.
What’s next? A used car lot, a permanent flea market? Clarkston will never be a destination city if more sports bars, fast food restaurants and drug stores populate the landscape.
Come’on guys…what happened to the dream of a “move to” “brag about” community, a community lead by officials with vision.
We cannot continue to tarnish the image of this community with misguided, “quickie tax” property decisions …especially in light of growing property and business vacancies.
Like any successful business, we should create of professional marketing team to sell Clarkston as the place to set up shop. This “team” of professionals would work in tandem with the board to insure the communities’ growth.
In a word, it’s about time that we sold Clarkston as THE PLACE to live and work! And a little bragging along the way couldn’t hurt.
Robert Jablonski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Mr. Johnston deserves our thanks and praise, not scorn as was depicted in Mr. Daigle’s letter to the editor last week.
I have worked on the council with Mr. Johnston for the past 4 years as well as served on different citizen committees with him.
He has given this city countless hours of his time to help promote and improve the city. He is co-chair of the Clarkston Watershed Group, serves on the board of NOHLC. He is also on the Main Street Oakland, technology, and facilities committee for the city.
He was recently instrumental in getting the city to be accepted into the Michigan Municipal League Green Community Challenge, which could provide grants to the city to upgrade to lower-energy, cost-savings lighting systems.
Mr. Johnston has been responsible for helping to write grants on behalf of the city that has resulted in getting us free funds to help the city meet it’s Phase II storm- water mitigation Federal clean water requirements administered by MDEQ. The rain garden installation was the result of these grants.
While serving on the council, Mr. Johnston has always focused on what he thought was best for the city, whether or not it was the popular opinion or not.
Cory, I for one will miss you on the council and am sorry that you decided not to run for re-election.
Jim Brueck
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The third annual Bucks for Buses campaign, with the main event at Bullfrogs Bar and Grill on Aug. 13, has been a big success thanks to many people and businesses in the community.
More than $7,000 has been raised so far for transportation services for older adults and persons with disabilities. Thank you for your support and networking, Honorary Chairman Dr. Tim O’Neill and Co-Chairmen Dr. Michael Baker and Dr. Robert Barnes of Clarkston Medical Group. A huge thank you to Dr. Baker and the ?40 Buffalo Band and Friends? who graciously entertained for the event and Rocky Hawley and the great staff at Bullfrogs.
Thank you to our sponsors who contributed so generously: Clarkston Medical Group, McLaren Health Care, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Canterbury Health Care, Lourdes Senior Campus, Roeser Dental Associates, Inc., Munk & Associates Orthodontics, Oakland Eye Care, Home Instead Senior Care, Neil Wallace, Jack Hess and Loretta Jackson.
Thank you to the businesses who donated items: Waterfall Jewelers, The Fountains Golf and Banquet, Pontiac Country Club, Olde Mill Inn, Home Instead, Bellezza Salon and Spa, Jan’s Finishing Touch Nail Boutique, Randolf Salon, Petruscha and Company, and Drayton Caf?.
Thank you to those behind the scenes who did such a great job organizing this campaign: Colleen Burke of Lourdes Senior Campus, Joanne Ries of Sunrise Home Health Services, Nancy Wasilk of Home Instead Senior Care, and Cande Tschetter, Brenda Marino, Kari Gorz and the staff at Clarkston Medical Group.
A special thank you to: Ron Wagner, our volunteer graphic artist, the volunteers, including staff, from the senior activity center, all the supporters who came to the event and had a great time, and all those who donated to Bucks for Buses.
Thank you greater Clarkston community for your continued support of this essential service.
Margaret Bartos, director
Independence Township Senior Center
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston High School Football Rush For Food committee would like to thank all who helped make our 12th annual community service project a huge success.
On Aug. 21, approximately 195 members of the Varsity, JV, and Freshman teams came together to collect non-perishable food items to help stock the pantry at Lighthouse Emergency Services in Clarkston. The high school teams were assisted in their efforts by the Clarkston Chiefs Football Association who held a personal and paper goods drive.
The annual Rush For Food was started 12 years ago as a way to have the Clarkston players give back to the community, that lends such great support to the teams during their season. It’s a wonderful experience for our young men to participate in, and it is very cool to see the players give up their Friday evening to canvass Clarkston’s neighborhoods asking for donations for those in need. I don’t know if there is any other football program in Oakland county or in Michigan for that matter that participates in such an event.
The teams collected and sorted approximately 4,432 pounds of food and paper/personal products, collected over $100 in cash donations and about 20 garbage bags full of cans that Lighthouse will return to purchase more food when needed. This was a new record for the event beating last year’s record by 432 pounds. I think the boys worked harder than ever this year because of the economic crisis our state is in. Most of the boys know of someone that has been touched by hard times this year, and their desire to help was greater than ever.
Special thanks go to Wright Action Pix, and Sports Creations for funding the pre-event dinner for the players. Our thanks also go to the Clarkston Athletic Boosters, Clarkston Chiefs and Springfield Township Kroger’s for donating supplies.
The committee would also like to thank the CHS football coaches for their support, LuAnn Stohrer – CHS Athletic Secretary for her assistance, the CHS custodial staff, the football players who gave their time to assist those in need in our community, and the homeowners who generously donated to our event.
Rush For Food once again proved what a wonderful community Clarkston is to live in!
Thank you,
Jill Goss, publicity chair
CHS Football ‘Rush For Food?
Dear editor,
A war with the community doesn’t lend itself to the creative process. The purpose of making art, for me, is to inspire or move people, compel them to think in different ways.
Mr. Sherman and I agreed to extend the project and allow time to incorporate ideas I had to make the painting more compelling to the viewer.
I want to do it effectively, without dividing people.
Mr. Sherman allowed me a great opportunity to try and master my skill in painting, a chance to ‘move? or ‘touch? the community, and him, with this mural. During the entire process, he’s been nothing but generous, magnanimous and supportive, and I am grateful.
Unfortunately, I have failed in maintaining public relations with many of the residents who have been offended by the painting in progress.
My impression is that Mr. Sherman and I both believed I could make the painting something he could be proud of. I still believe I can. He has decided that it is not, and I have let him down. The only ‘revenge? I want is a job well done.
I’ll admit, I have been ill-tempered as of late. The controversy is difficult to understand.
This is America, where, in a small town, we try to share ideas, not shut them down because we don’t quite understand or agree with what we see; America, where we jump in with both feet when it’s determined an art project is waning or underfunded.
We don’t throw stones, complain to the artist’s patron about the size of the paint brushes, timeframe, or suggest the quality of and lack of resources is indication of the artist’s lack of character.
Isn’t there pride in rallying in support of a neighbor’s efforts, even if you don’t fully agree with the concept? Is pride found by berating both painter and painting, and cheering successful efforts to condemn and banish an idea forever?
Why? What has been preserved exactly? A right for something? What?
For my offense to the community, I sincerely apologize. Will it do? Do you have to take the painting? It’s all I have left.
The beauty here or anywhere is not in or on the buildings, how well the gardens are kept, what the quality is of our neighbor’s fence or landscaping, or the the resources for an idea, it’s in our hearts, and our tolerance for different opinions, and ideas. It’s in our respect for our own neighbor whether or not they are different than we are accustomed to.
In spite of the discord this painting has brought Clarkston, we can find beauty in intangibles, like ideas and freedom, and love all our neighbors, not just those who think exactly as we do. The beauty is already here and is what will attract visitors to Clarkston, with or without the mural.
If you would like to show support for the mural, please attend a meeting at the Clarkston Public Library Thursday Aug 27th between 6-9 p-m.
Michelle Tynan
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the letter titled ‘Get out of the road!? published in The Lake Orion Review on August 19.
One of the reasons our family chose to reside in the Lake Orion area is because of the numerous cycling and walking trails available. Unfortunately, these trails are not interconnected, which necessitates using roads to access them. It is our legal right to bicycle on the roads and it is the responsibility of motorists to understand these rights.
Unfortunately, the majority of motorists, including the author of the letter, do not understand the laws of Michigan pertaining to cyclists (Michigan Vehicle Code statutes 257.649 ? 657.679).
In brief, Michigan law protects the rights of cyclists to ride on non-highway roads. In most conditions, it is ‘recommended? that cyclists ride on the right-hand side of the road, but when conditions require, cyclists are entitled to occupy the entire lane of a road, including the left-hand turn lanes at intersections. Even when safety paths and sidewalks are present, cyclists are not required to ride on them– they are still entitled to ride on the road.
On their part, cyclists, in order to continue to enjoy the right to ride on the road, must obey the same traffic laws that motorists do. Cyclists should signal at all turns, ride with the flow of traffic and obey the intersection signage.
So, shame on your reader for not knowing the rules of the road and for requesting an ‘Ordinance to get these bicycle people OFF THE ROADS!? Likewise, shame on The Lake Orion Review for publishing a letter that propagates ignorance and attempts to undermine the legal rights of cyclists in our community.
The health and environmental benefits of cycling versus driving are irrefutable. The benefits of a bicycle-friendly community far out-weigh the inconvenience of having to occasionally ‘creep behind? a cyclist until it is safe to pass. Let’s keep Lake Orion a bicycle-friendly community.
–Veronica Johnstone
Dear Editor,
In response to your article in the August 17 edition of the paper, I would like to comment, once again, regarding the decision to ‘transfer? Mr. Todd Dunckley to a middle school assistant principal position in our district.
The article quotes Mr. Gutman as saying, ‘the district doesn’t want to force the hiring process and end up with a principal who doesn’t fit. [This] is the most important criteria.?
I say we already have the perfect fit in Mr. Dunckley. Mr. Gutman continues, in the article, to say, ‘the candidates aren’t out there.?
According to Mr. Gutman, at the last community coffee in June that he held, Farmington Schools (the district we lost the last possible candidate to) had approximately 60 candidates while, during the same time frame, Lake Orion had 12. Why do you think that is?
As far as the other qualifications Mr. Gutman describes, I once again say Mr. Dunckley has those. A master’s degree in high school administration? Yes. A proven track record of improving standardized test scores? Just look at another article in the August 17 paper about the MME scores and check out the recently released AYP scores at the Michigan Department of Education Web site, which clearly shows that Lake Orion High School has met AYP.
Dunckley also has teaching experience, of course, and also leadership, good decision-making, problem solving and staff collaboration skills. All you have to do is look at our recently received NCA accreditation report, in which a specific commendation was given to the leadership of the high school: ‘The leadership of the principal and the administrative staff and the development of teacher leadership fosters a learning community and provides opportunities for teachers and students to lead.?
I also was recently involved in a meeting with three of our school board members regarding this and other issues, in which School Board President Bill Walters told me and three other parents that. ‘This issue is water under the bridge.?
Considering we have not yet hired a ‘qualified candidate? for the high school, I must say I wholeheartedly disagree with him. As far as hiring an interim, I believe that would be the worst decision I have seen made in this district in a very long time.
The state and school districts are entering the worst financial crisis I have seen since I have been a part of Lake Orion Community Schools. The high school needs to move from the current block schedule to a modified block, the community needs consistency more than ever before, and, on top of all that, the comment I have heard from many concerned parents is a total lack of trust in our school board and top central office administrators.
If our school board and top administrators cannot concede that the removal of Mr. Dunckley as principal of the high school was a huge mistake, at least consider putting him in as the interim principal and let him prove himself to them as he has already proven himself to the high school staff, parents, and students that spoke on his behalf at two school board meetings, numerous letters to The Lake Orion Review and emails to our district.
If the school board and top administrators truly are ‘all about what is best for the kids,? I say it is never too late to correct an injustice and right a wrong. Reinstate Todd Dunckley as principal at the high school.
I strongly suspect Mr. Gutman will get a ‘body? in the high school before this article makes the paper, and if so, I think it is a shame that our school district once again did not listen to the community and did not do what is best for the students.
–Lisa Hutchison
Dear Editor,
I’m tired of parents not parenting their children.
I’m tired of common sense being so uncommon.
We as a society can only do so much.
I’ve gotten involved with teenagers ready to throw down and fight right in front of my neighbors? house. No parents were home.
As a concerned citizen and mother of youngsters, I feel compelled to ask all the other loving families out there: what can we do to be proactive with destructive groups of youth?
They fight, light fires in our township and incite chaos. Why? The answer is they are in need of some love, attention and activities which are organized and overseen.
I want to help–who is with me?
We moved to Lake Orion because of its beauty, quietness and love that ‘living here is like a vacation.? Let’s get involved. Talk to your kids, know their friends. Ask where they are going or have been. Watch what they say and do. Are they lying to you? Are their friends the type who need a hug? Do they hang with kids doing drugs? Do you know the parents?
Really, people, let’s wake up and try to make great people who will contribute to society and not cost the township $50,000 in damage (‘Vandals burn bridges with twp.? August 19), because they aren’t engaged and inside at night when it’s curfew. Know and love your kid.
I know as a parent we don’t know everything and we can’t possibly prevent all the bad that happens to our children, but we can walk with open eyes. We can try.
If you have a troubled teen, my heart goes out to you.
Be patient and keep trying. They see when everyone gives up on them. Throw the ball around. Make up with your child and be a better parent! Please, I implore you.
–Amy Alberty
Dear Editor,
CJ’s applied for their permits and applications for their expansion over five years ago. Their Change of Use application specifically stated that the area would be used as: ‘additional seating and bar area for CJ’s Village Caf?.?
On the application it also asked what the business was going to be, and their reply was: ‘CJ’s is a full service Restaurant & Bar.? Their Change of Use Application was approved. Then in July of 2005, the Special Use Permit and Site Plan subject was brought up. CJ’s was ordered to stop construction. An investigation by village officials, the LOPD and the Michigan Building Department and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission followed. It was determined by all that no ‘special use or site plan was needed.? Live entertainment was mentioned and approved at that time as well.
In spite of the above, information and a sworn statement under oath from a former village manager, the Board of Zoning Appeals chose to ignore this information and require CJ’s, (5 years later) to apply for a Special Use Permit & Site Plan approval.
Although not required to, CJ’s has put sound deadening insulation in their ceiling, moved the entertainment to the opposite wall, unplugged all amplifiers except a microphone for singing, and changed their hours of entertainment.
CJ’s did this to try to satisfy the noise issue raised by the Coes, owner of the two apartments above their business. Two of the Coes tenants have spoken on the subject. One previous tenant and one current tenant have said that the music was not a problem in the past, nor currently. The village council and the BZA were aware of the tenants? view of the matter.
It is my understanding that the Coes and their attorney have requested the village to direct CJ’s to cease and desist all bar activity and that the village advise the Michigan Liquor Control Commission of all violations. CJ’s has never received a violation for loud music. The LOPD have been in CJ’s every Friday and Saturday night with a sound meter to monitor the noise level. It is my understanding that this is the only business they monitor this way. Why?
Entertainment is only offered Friday and Saturday nights for three hours each night. There is no band, usually one or two people playing guitar or keyboard.
These nights generate over 60 percent of CJ’s nighttime revenue.That is why their entertainment is such a big deal to them.
In this economy this is an awful thing to do to any business.
It is unfortunate that one complainer can influence the village to ignore the legal rights of any business. I encourage the village council and BZA to PLEASE look at the facts and reconsider their position on this matter
–Beverly Gall
Dear Editor,
Am I the only one who is getting a little tired of all the bicycle racers that feel comfortable cycling down M-24 in the road?
Has anyone else been afraid to pass a cyclist at 50 miles an hour on a two lane road at 5 p.m. in the midst of oncoming rush hour traffic? Does it occur to anyone other than me that those skimpy shorts and styrofoam helmets aren’t going to be much protection if a cyclist is hit by an oncoming car at 35 miles per hour?
Yesterday, as I approached the light at Clarkston Road, heading north on Joslyn, I encountered a cyclist in the left turn lane! He held up traffic as he meandered his way to the north on Clarkston.
There are beautiful bike paths available right there on three corners of that intersection! I rolled my eyes as I have been doing for a long time and wondered for the 100th time why these guys think they own the road.
So today, while she was driving my 11- year-old daughter down Miller Road, my 18-year-old daughter encountered a bicyclist in the road, heading west in an east bound lane, who yelled at her, ‘Move over!? as she traveled towards Flint Street. I would mention that this stretch of Miller has sidewalks on both sides of the street.
Now I totally appreciate the sport of cycling, and completely support our community’s efforts to draw lovers of this sport to our area by marketing the Paint Creek Trail and creating safety paths all over town, but who has to get killed around here before we recognize the need for an ordinance to get these bicycle people OFF THE ROADS!
I am really tired of avoiding cyclists all over the township who have no problem riding in busy traffic and putting their and my family’s life at risk. This is dangerous behavior and I think it needs to be dealt with.
–Margaret Boggs
Dear editor,
If, as advocates say in the article ‘Townships seek cash from trash,? Aug. 12, they want a Solid Waste Authority: for less traffic, more environmentally friendly hauling, better prices for the consumers, a.k.a. the taxpayer, and cutting edge conversion technology, it may be worthwhile.
But, for it to benefit the consumer with better prices, it has to be revenue neutral and not a possible revenue to the municipalities. If there is revenue after expenses that is not used to lower the consumer cost, it is a tax.
Independence Township had $11,759,060 in property tax revenues in 2008 from residential and commercial properties. A potential of $1,500,000 in additional revenue to the township, would equal a 12.75 percent increase, paid for by the residential consumers only as the commercial owners are not in the program.
Based on about 12,375 township households, $1,500,000 would be $10.10 per month per household that should not be drawn out of the Solid Waste Authority operations.
Our government has a fiduciary responsibility to budget its (our) expenses with its (our) revenues.
If revenues are lower than expenses, reduce services or ask the taxpayers to vote if we want a tax increase to maintain current services.
The creation of a Solid Waste Authority should only be for service to the consumer (taxpayer) and the environment at the lowest cost, not for revenue to the townships. It’s our trash and our money.
William H. (Bill) Gregory
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The residents of our condo association have the need to express our most sincere collective ‘thanks? to the Independence Township Board and specifically their building department director, Mr. David Belcher.
It was only through their response and action that our Condo Association’s ‘open basement? code violation has been resolved.
Again, our sincere thanks to our township officials for their efforts on our behalf, and also, our thanks go to the Clarkston News for allowing us to utilize their paper in conveying this message.
Sincerely,
Bob Scott and Gil Harris
Board of Directors,
Links of Independence Township
Dear editor,
I am responding to an article by Laura Colvin titled ‘City disputes distribution of DPW logs,? July 29.
I have been employed by the Clarkston DPW for almost four years and during this period of time, I have observed the friction caused by the micromanaging Councilman Cory Johnston, with his constant attacks on the DPW.
In my estimation, he is a very negative and disruptive force in his position as councilman. Not once in the four years I have worked for the DPW has he ever set foot in our East Church Street office to ask questions about our work schedule, what we do, how we do it, and when we do it. He doesn’t like face-to-face meetings, but chooses to run around like a thief in the night and use the local newspaper to attack via innuendo, half truths, and veiled attacks on the character of those he doesn’t get along with or who don’t agree with his personal views.
From my observations, Mr. Johnston has his own personal agenda and self-serving interests completely different from most of the other council members, the city manager, and mayor. His only agenda is to promote his rain garden project at the expense of many other important issues and projects that should be addressed.
I have given my job 100 percent effort during the past four years. I work hard, I am dedicated to leading by example, I care how my work is perceived by others in the community. I care how the park looks, how the streets look, how the community looks. I do the best I can with what is provided to work with on my job.
The DPW is understaffed according to past records and currently has one fulltime employee (Scott) and myself, who is considered part time. Our work ethic and dedication speaks for itself and I reject Mr. Johnston’s veiled attacks through the newspaper claiming otherwise.
Mr. Johnston stated he is not going to run for reelection. Now, that is some real good news. I for one won’t miss him nor do I believe he will be missed by others who have seen firsthand his disruptive and negative influences. I doubt very seriously people can work and get along with him due to what the past four years? record shows.
Ralph Daigle
Clarkston
Dear editor,
The chance for residents in both Independence and Springfield Twp. to stand up and speak out against another money sucking proposal that will affect every resident in Independence and Springfield townships is coming up.
A public meeting for both townships has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27 from 6-8 p.m. at Clarkston Junior High School Performing Arts Center, 6595 Waldon Road.
This meeting will be your opportunity to speak out regarding the garbage ‘authority? (business) monopoly that is being proposed in our townships.
The one hauler, sorting plant proposal is an issue that will be a huge burden to taxpayers if it is approved. There has been no citizen support what-so-ever for the one hauler trash plant proposal. Even though many residents have spoken out against it, officials in Independence Township still believe that when we say no it really means yes. Unsurprisingly they are still considering it.
The local trash authority (SOCCRA) business proposal stinks to high heaven. Once this multi-million dollar sorting plant is built, our freedom of choice will be taken away and profitable or not, we’ll all be stuck with a sorting plant monopoly long into the future.
This will be a 24/7 plant whose traffic will be forced upon one community and then used by all of the participating communities.
Because it’s supposed to generate a profitable by-product, accepting trash from communties outside of the ‘authority? is not out of the question.
The end result will be another government takeover of a business for profit and the ensueing trash laws that will follow.
SOCCRA laws already say it’s illegal to ‘steal? from garbage set to the curb. The profits from your garbage are now SOCCRA’s. SOCCRA’s website asks you to report scavengers.
When Independence Twp. Supervisor Dave Wagner and his brain trust claim: ‘it’ll be cheaper? then you better grab your wallet!
Creating a government garbage ‘middle man? will make prices rise, not fall. Your taxes will be raised to pay for this facility and the salaries needed for the government ‘authority? that will be created. History has shown that every time the government says it can do something ‘cheaper? it’ll cost you and I more money.
Please take the time to go to the upcoming meetings and voice your opposition to yet another unwanted intrusion into your wallet! Make your voice heard, before it’s too late!
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The desire of the township to take over trash hauling is another example of government intrusion into the private sector.
I have yet to see anything that the government can do better and more cost effectively than the private sector can do.
The manta may be that it is ‘greener and better for us,? but the reality is that they can smell the money.
Candace Woodward
Independence Township
Dear editor,
My wife and I have always supported education, both by paying our share of school taxes from our business and residential properties, as well as considerable additional support we have given over the years.
We are very proud of all of the young people who strive for excellence.
Even though we were not blessed with children of our own, we have always felt support of education is perhaps the most important contribution we can make in any community that we have called home.
The education of the children of Independence Township is certainly the investment we all make in the future of our community, nation and the world.
That said, this period in the history of the economy in Michigan and the nation, this is not the time for raises.
We strongly oppose the liberty taken by Supervisor Wagner in overstepping his authority by granting thousands of dollars in bonus pay to a single individual employee of the township.
Likewise, we oppose the actions of our school board in granting raises at this difficult economic time.
Every one of the rest of us has suffered the effects of this unprecedented period in our economic history.
People in our community are loosing their jobs, homes, savings, perhaps even their way of life. The effects of this stressful period may last for many years.
How then, when everyone else is taking the hit, can it be justified to give these raises? What were those making the decision to grant them thinking?
As in a previous ‘Letter to the Editor? we sent, these two tax-paying voters are going to be ever vigilant with regard to future elections.
We urge the rest of the voters in our community to do the same. Those charged with the responsibility of leading us into the future, should keep all factors in mind before they act, opposed to ‘status quo.?
Craig and Debra Strickland
Independence Township
Dear editor,
If you really want to understand how important garbage haulers are in our community, visit a city where the garbage haulers are on strike.
Like Clarkston, New York City does not have a system of alleys for garbage pick up. Garbage from all the hospitals, restaurants, and apartments is placed at the curb for daily pick up.
Some years ago, the garbage haulers went on strike.
The strike was settled but only after mountains of garbage had accumulated and the air throughout the city had become truly breathtaking.
To turn garbage hauling over to one contractor is inviting the worst of two worlds. Lack of competition would invite lower quality and higher prices.
Lack of competition results in the customer taking what one provider gives and that’s it. I haven’t heard of one good argument for using one garbage hauler.
Gerald McNally
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Once again our community has stepped forward to help Lighthouse Clarkston with a very successful annual food drive sponsored by Clarkston Area Youth Assistance. On Saturday July 25, adults and children collected a record 300 bags of food and paper goods from several neighborhoods in the Clarkston area. ?
The annual summer food drives sponsored by CAYA, Independence Township post office employee, Waterford Jaycees and Clarkston High football team’s Rush for Food help keep our pantry shelves filled during the dog days of summer. Without the support of these groups along with the area churches, businesses and individual donors, our food supply would be very limited. The staff, volunteers and the many recipient families send a sincere thank you for your support not only during the summer months but also throughout the year.?
Connie Stapleton
Lighthouse Clarkston
Dear editor,
Thanks for the good articles about Clarkston basketball, including the recent piece by J.T. Bohland (‘Fife Camp starts many successful basketball careers,? July 15). I am so impressed by the Clarkston program. Great kids, great leadership, and great results!
Thanks again and keep dribbling!
Bill Uffelman
Grand Blanc
website submission
Dear Editor,
On July 31, I had the privilege of meeting Susan Baker, the owner of Curves on Baldwin Road. She contacted me because she wanted to drop off some school supplies to the Oxford/Orion FISH Backpack Drive. Imagine my surprise when she showed up with an entire carload of pens, pencils, folders, glue sticks, markers, crayons, rulers, paper, highlighters, staplers, much-needed backpacks and over 300 spiral notebooks. It took both of us, as well as her daughter, my husband, and another gentleman to unload it all. Then, to top it all off, she donated 190 pounds of food.
Susan explained that she holds circuit contests and her wonderful clients at Curves bring in donations for various community organizations. Lake Orion is indeed fortunate to have business owners such as Susan in their community.
Thanks to the generosity of Curves, many students will not have to enter their school year without supplies. They won’t have to borrow a pen, ask the teacher for markers, or bring their items to school in a plastic bag.
In these difficult economic times, people like Susan and her clients are truly a blessing. Thank you for making sure our needy children can hold their heads high when school starts in September.
–Kathie Schafnitz, co-chair of the FISH Backpack Drive
Dear Editor,
We want our community to be aware of the superlative response and diligent care performed by the emergency personnel of the Orion Township Fire Department.
Having the need to phone 911 numerous times over the past seven years, we are most appreciative of the service rendered by this fine group. Stopping by the fire department we asked if there was some way we could provide a tangible expression of our appreciation. We were informed they are only doing their job and had no need for anything. What a job indeed! They are all well trained, empathic, sympathetic and execute superior job performances to those of us in need.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation.
–Bob and Joyce Cooney
Dear editor,
How ironic that at the same time the Independence Board of Trustees passes a My Clarkston Buy Clarkston policy, it is also considering a non-local firm collecting the township’s trash.
Just another splendid example of do as I say, not as I do, which we have come to know in many of our elected officials. Ben Horstman had it right in his letter (‘Trash takeover could ruin community,? July 22).
Increased cost and reduced quality of service will follow fast on the heels of a collection monopoly. This has to be one of the worst ideas our government has ever proposed, although there is a lot of competition.
Eric Vahlbusch
Independence Township
Dear editor,
There are a few points we need to think about, with regard to having a single trash disposal service serving our local townships.
Presently, trash removal is subscribed to by each resident, on a competitive basis. If the disposal service doesn’t do a satisfactory job, we can engage services of another firm.
The issue here is whether or not to have a single service, doing refuse disposal for all residents of our townships. The choice of companies no longer ours, and determined by township governments.
Of course, this will put independent firms out of business and their employees out of jobs. It will also put township governments in the business of administering the operations of refuse removal.
Little wonder governments are salivating over the prospects of adding a service to their organizations. It will make government a middle party in our trash removal.
We will pay more for disposal services, charges added to cover added staff and their salaries. Since the government will be the actual customer for the contractor, a monopoly would be created. In true government form, staff members will be added whenever possible to justify more staff. The contractor would deal only with government, with no need to be concerned with individuals receiving the services.
As our trash services now stand, prices increase each year because of federal mandates, and added costs passed on to us. The same would apply with the proposed monopoly. But, the added price would be greater if township governments were between the contractor and the customer, adding their percentage.
The claim that all of this would save us money is ludicrous on the face of it. The price of our disposal services will be more than we pay now, if only because of government’s added percentage, and it will not be small, you can believe!
One of the most bitter enemies of government at any level is the free market. It is the eternal thorn in the side of rulers. It’s not about improving services; reducing costs, less wear and tear on roads, or whatever lame claims are made. It’s about political power, and the money that will come along with it.
Douglas Houston
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Although it was not the image presented in the Clarkston News last week (‘City disputes distribution of DPW logs,? July 29), I want the residents of the City of the Village of Clarkston to understand we are extremely fortunate to have very hard working, professional, loyal and dedicated employees in both our Police Department and Department of Public Works.
Under the very dedicated leadership of Chief Dale LaCroix and longtime DPW Supervisor Bob Pursley, our city is very well served. I would be remiss if I did not mention the very dedicated and hard working City Manager Dennis Ritter with the crucial help and support of Clerk/Treasurer Jan Gillespie and Administrative Assistant Marcy Rotondo.
Without the loyalty, dedication and professional manner in which ALL of these people (and those before them) perform their duties, Clarkston would not be what it is today. Thanks to ALL of you. Your efforts are noticed and appreciated.
Stephen D. Arkwright, mayor
City of the Village of Clarkston
Dear editor,
Recently, the Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club of Grand Blanc Women’s Association held its annual ladies golf invitational.
This event was attended by 120 women from primarily Genesee and Oakland County. As part of the event, a raffle was held, with the donating businesses highlighted through displays of their items, brochures, etc. Whether they sponsored a hole or raffle item, we would like to thank these generous sponsors for their donations and hope that the winners discover much to enjoy about Clarkston!
Thank you to: Avanti Spa, K H Home, Walters Financial Group, Belle Visage, Best Impressions Salon, Waterfall Jewelers, Via Bologna’s, Essence on Main, Lisa’s Confection Connection, Stars and Stripes Kids Activity Center, Red Door Acupuncture, Pink the Salon, Frank & Me, Heart of the Home Interiors, Village Apparel, La Vida Massage, Judith Galley Designs, Dunham’s, Corporate Eagle, Plaza Beauty Supply.
Nancy Walters
Invitational Chairperson
Dear Editor,
A great day for a picnic, and a great turnout.
I would like to thank all the great people who came out to support lawful open carry at the picnic on August 2nd. People of all ages, male and female came out Sunday to learn and show their support. All in all there were probably over 150 people. We enjoyed the company of friends from South Lyon and Lansing, to right here in Oxford. There was great weather, even better food and nothing but positive feedback from everyone in attendance. In fact it went over so well that we even ran out of food!
Anyone who came out would tell you that at Sunday’s picnic there were some of the nicest people that you would ever meet. I had the pleasure of talking with just about everyone there and I am grateful that I had the opportunity. A few of the parents who brought their children enjoyed the splash pad and many commented on how nice the park was, a tribute to the folks and Oxford Parks and Rec. There were also many others at the park that day who seemed to enjoy themselves and were having fun with their activities, a few even came over to say hi.
Several people came up to me and asked when the next picnic would be, and that we should do this more often. Well, given how much everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, that’s not a bad idea.
Thank you again to all the people that made for a safe, enjoyable time, and especially to everyone who contributed food!
John Roshek
Oxford
CJ,
On your column in July 22’s edition, ‘A reminder of why local cable and the OMA are important,? I think you were right on point with one big exception. Our local cable provider Charter Communications does not provide cable service to everyone who lives in Oxford or Addison Townships.
So the benefit of having Channel 19 does nothing for the township households who Charter does not have to serve. Charter does not serve them because there are not enough homes per mile required for them to have to continue to run the cable. Notice the word, have to. Maybe you could ask Charter when they are going to rescind their 1970’s doctrine for providing cable service.
Any way, these meetings sound entertaining enough maybe you could post them to YouTube for us instead. I can get Internet service, just not cable!
Mike Hoover
Thank you for not putting anything in the paper on July 22 about the video that was on Channel Fox 2, on Tuesday and Wednesday (of July 21 and 22).
I appreciate that you didn’t go along with the sleaze that Channel 2 used, by them coming to the house of the Hamilton’s. Is the female reporter from Detroit, trying to be another Jerry Springer?
I do not know the Hamilton’s, but no wife or mother should have been put in to that situation. Shame on Fox.
On July 23, I saw the same d? video on FOX NEWS, from NYC. I even got a phone call from a friend in Texas, who saw the video on Fox. Shame on Fox. Now, the entire world has seen what should have been a private thing between man and wife. I’m sure that Mr. Hamilton is very sorry that he has put his wife through this, and I do hope that he will get ‘help? from therapy.
Thanks CJ,
Liz Jones, Oxford
Please allow me to sing the praises of Principal Ken Weaver, teachers Pam Molik and Libby Buechler, as well as Brenda Brown and Diane Sands. Each year, Oxford Orion FISH provides school supplies and backpacks to needy children. Upon hearing of our efforts, they quickly donated the money they made this year from the Oxford Middle School Store. This store is staffed entirely by volunteer teachers. They also took time form their busy schedules to advise me which purchases would best equip a middle school child for a successful school year.
Thanks to the generosity of OMS, many students will receive supplies. In these difficult economic times, the OMS staff is truly an asset to our community.
Kathie Schafnitz, backpack chair
Dear Editor,
August is here, which means September 8 and the start of school in Lake Orion is right around the corner.
I have one of those rare children who cannot wait to get back to school and all the excitement of catching up with old friends, checking out new teachers and enjoying the fall sporting events at the high school. This year, however, my daughter and the rest of the students at Lake Orion High School will most likely be starting the school year with a yet-to-be-named interim principal, as no qualified replacement for the previous principal has been found.
I would like to think that the delay in finding a new principal is only because we have such high standards in this district and the district administrators, school board and search committee are hard at work sorting through countless applications for the job. It seems, however, that search committee members have not been contacted this summer to even consider one or two applicants for the job.
It is a disservice to our students and this community that school starts in a month, yet there is no permanent principal leading the largest school in the district. With budget cuts looming and the change of the block scheduling at the high school taking place for the 2010-2011 school year, will an interim principal be effective in that position? Certainly an interim principal would not feel empowered to make major decisions for a school he or she would only be leading for a short period of time. Would teachers and other staff in the building feel confident working under a person who has no vested interest in the long-term success of Lake Orion High School? How will students react to a person who they know is not ‘in it for the long haul? and most likely will not even be there at the end of the school year?
At this point, and it is something many of us have been asking the superintendent all along, it would make the most sense for the position of principal at LOHS to be given back to the man who has successfully held the job for the past nine years.
Todd Dunckley is certainly the ‘best man for the job? even if it is only for the time it takes to get LOHS through budget cuts and the modification of block scheduling. It is amazing to me that the superintendent and the school board can overlook the high praise the high school received for leadership (i.e. Mr. Dunckley) in the last NCA report and still reassign Mr. Dunckley to a middle school.
Of course he will excel at that job as well, but certainly his expertise is better utilized at the high school where he has rapport with students, staff and parents, has proven his leadership ability and has the knowledge, concern and integrity needed to get Lake Orion High School through the tough times that are ahead.
–Kris Murphy
Dear Editor,
As a frequent visitor to C.J.’s, we support their use of entertainment in their bar section.
It is not loud or disturbing. It does not compare to the noise from Sagebrush. It appears that someone has a grudge and is using the hearing at the Board of Zoning Appeals to get even.
–Bob and Judy Martin
Dear Editor,
This letter concerns the hearing on August 6 regarding whether or not to allow C.J.’s on Broadway to continue having live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
I am only one person, and am new to Lake Orion, but ever since I found that C.J.’s was offering the type of entertainment they do on the weekends, I’ve become a regular there for that exact reason.
I am a big fan of local musicians and acoustic guitar acts. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find places within a short drive that have this type of music.
I don’t know of anywhere else in Lake Orion that has them, and therefore I believe it would be a mistake to take away C.J.’s ability to a) support local musicians by hiring them, b) generate more business for themselves by offering this entertainment, and c) provide this entertainment for fans like myself.
This is just one person’s opinion. Thank you very much and I hope you will allow the music to play on.
–Scott Cummins
Dear Editor,
My hero passed away July 23, 2009. He wasn’t a famous movie star or a superstar athlete, he was my father. Bob Johnson was a quiet and humble man and he left this world quietly and humbly.
The ‘Big Bopper? as we liked to call him was a tall and handsome figure who could be very intimidating-looking, but in fact was the kindest, most gentlest man I’ve ever known.
He was born in a tiny town in Oklahoma where he met my mother, Marilyn, his loving and devoted wife of 54 years. In the mid-1950s, after serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he went to work for my grandfather, Al Hanoute, at his car dealership in Lake Orion.
My older brother, Mike, twin brother, Billy, and I all began working there in the mid-1970s. My father eventually became the dealer when my grandfather retired. His business accomplishments were secondary compared with his accomplishments as a truly wonderful husband, father and provider. There was never a shortage of hugs, kisses and smiles to us, our cousins and our friends. He was definitely one of the ‘nice guys.?
I have tons of great childhood memories, but one occasion stands out. It was the fall of 1972. The Detroit Tigers were battling the Oakland A’s for the American League pennant. My father, allowing us to skip a day of school, took a neighbor kid, my brothers and I to Tiger Stadium. Unfortunately, the clerk at the ticket window informed my father that the game was sold out and there were no tickets available, especially not five seats in the same row. I’m sure that the looks on four young boys? faces was heartbreaking, but the devastating look on my father’s face was even sadder.
But, like an angel from heaven, a woman walked up to my father and said that her party couldn’t make the game and that she had five tickets on the first base line, lower level, that we could have. My father pleaded with her to accept money, but she refused. Although the Tigers lost the game and the series, my father was a winner and hero in my eyes.
My brothers and their families, along with my parents, all eventually moved to Lapeer. My father’s health began to fail with kidney problems, lung disease and the onset of Alzheimer’s. I still live in Lake Orion and regretfully didn’t see him as much as my siblings, but when I did visit, the whole room would light up with his glorious smile. Although his health and memory were failing him rapidly, he always knew who I was, his ‘baby boy.?
Not only is this a memorial to my father, but also a living memorial to my mother. For the past four years, with my father’s health deteriorating, she became his full-time caretaker, at his side 24/7. The pressure and difficulty of caring for someone with health problems and Alzheimer’s is tremendous, but she handled the chore stupendously. She transported him in and out of the hospital on a regular basis. She never asked for any help and never once did she entertain the idea of putting him in a nursing home. He eventually died at home, in bed, lying next to the love of his life. I miss you and love you, ‘Big Bopper,? and I love you Mama.
–Bobby Johnson
Dear editor,
I am curious why special meetings of the Board of Trustees are not broadcast? The township seems to spend on whatever they want rather than what they need. During July, there have been two regular meetings and four special meetings. Why? What is so pressing?
Does the board think they do better and accomplish more at special meetings when there is no camera in the area?
Certainly it could have been interesting to know why the supervisor walked to the door to leave in a huff at one of the special meetings. Does the board feel more comfortable in their actions when the public is not observing?
I read where Mr. Wagner gave an unauthorized bonus to Mr. Belcher for bringing the building in under budget, then I read where they are asking for another $40,000.
Mr. Wagner said “Carson wanted the money for signage for the building and new building furnishings”; Mr. Carson said “signage and furnishings “had nothing to do with that (the money).” So what was it for and who is telling the truth?
I also read Mr. Wallace and Mr. Loemier wants everything released to the public about the purchase of the building, that is over and done with. What I want to know and what the public has a right to know is what the $800,000 was spent on and why there is additional funds needed?
I would like to see a line-by-line audit of the “building fund” and I think the people have the right to the information.
Brooks Patterson said he and the commissioners are all giving up their car allowances and taking a cut in pay, but the same week Mr. Wagner increases his car allowance without the approval of the board. Apparently Mr. Wagner does not lead by example and seems to do quite a lot without the approval of the board.
I think most of the public has lost all trust in the board as it stands and it will take quite a lot to recover any respect for the board since some of the things that are happening seem unethical, self-serving and maybe illegal.
The township needs to rethink how they do business and the people need to rethink what they look for in the officials they place their trust with.
Linda Donkerbrook
40 year resident of Independence Twp.
Dear editor,
Brian Doyle, a long time employee of Independence Township Parks and Recreation is leaving. He has been employed with the township since October of 1987. He has worked at Clintonwood Park 15 years as the park superintendent. Brian was a perfectionist, innovator, motivator, and especially a friend who will be missed.
He always put the township residents best interest first. Clintonwood Park is a gem that supports many activities and is one of the nicest recreation facilities around. You can find just about everything there. He made the park what it is today with support from his staff.
Brain is leaving the township to support family members at a time of need. He is truly a special person who is putting his family first. He will never be forgotten for what he has done for us. We are lucky to have had him as a co-worker and friend.
Thank you Brian
Mike Turk
Parks and Recreation Director
Dear editor,
Laura Colvin nailed it … “flat-out disappointing” (?(Al) Roberts? Rules,? July 22)! Congrats to Ms. Colvin for telling it like it is!
In the Air Force, I learned that good leadership is leading by example.
Dr. Roberts missed by a mile. He should have taken a pass, even if four knuckleheads on the school board ARE tone deaf to the district’s “painful” conditions!
He just endowed the community with greed as his legacy, starting with a $600 per month car and mileage allowance.
Gerry Schmidt
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
I am always amused when hysteria takes over and the facts are dismissed concerning the lawful carrying of firearms by responsible gun owners.
The August 2 picnic will be a great opportunity for those who wish to be educated on gun ownership and safety. Though this event is not specifically for that purpose, there will be many knowledgeable people attending.
Michigan State Police statistics show since the law was passed fewer than one half, of one percent of licenses have been revoked, mostly for non violent offenses.
Since 1991, the number of concealed carry states has increased from 15 to 40 and violent crime has decreased 38 percent, according to Department of Justice crime statistics. Murder and violent crimes are the highest in places like the District of Columbia where handguns are illegal for law-abiding citizens to own.
I know this may shock you, but your children are around guns anytime they are out in public due to the fact thousands of law-abiding citizens in Michigan choose to carry. I believe this makes non-gunowners safer since the criminal element does not know who has a concealed carry permit.
Please do not lump us in with the ‘crazies? and ‘crackheads? that are already violating the hundreds of state and federal gun laws just by possessing a firearm.
The safest place to be on August 2, besides the police station, will be Seymour Lake Park.
Jim Reis
To Mr. and Mrs. Krans,
First of all I would like to say, ‘Get a grip. You make it sound like it’s going to be gunfight at the OK Corral.?
Second, Mr. John Roshek, I support your picnic 150 percent.
With that being said, I will continue.
You do not need a ‘legal license? to carry a handgun out in the open. All that needs be done is to register it with your local police department. This also includes pellet guns and air rifles.
I can walk down my street with a handgun in a holster on my hip, as long as it is in plain sight. That is my Constitutional right as an American citizen and a citizen of this state. Do I do it? No, but I can if I choose to.
As for teenagers and small children seeing people walking around with guns on their persons, it is YOUR responsibility as a parent to educate your child about guns and the dangers of them. If you choose not to, that is your choice as well. However, if you choose not to, be prepared for the potential consequences of not teaching your child about the dangers of guns.
People do have the option to attend or not attend this picnic. That is also a right you have as an American citizen. I would think the reason the article about the picnic was in the paper in the first place was to let people know what was happening at Seymour Lake Park on that day. That way, they could choose to be there or not. It is called ‘Free Choice,? also a constitutional right. If you don’t want your child to be exposed to guns, don’t go to the park on August 2.
It is as simple as that.
I don’t know how long you have lived in Oxford, but it is not the ‘nice, home community? that you seem to think it is. Take a look at the Michigan Sex Offenders list on the Michigan State Police website and type in your zip code. I’m sure you would be surprised to see just how many of these kinds of ‘closet crazies? live near and around Oxford. Take a look at a crime log at the police station and see how many crimes and/or attempted crimes are committed in Oxford.
You cannot legally purchase or own a firearm, especially a handgun, if you have a criminal background. That is why a criminal background check is done when someone attempts to purchase any kind of firearm.
As for firearms handed down within a family, Federal law prohibits anyone from owning a firearm that is not legally registered to that person. If that person happens to have a criminal background, they are not legally allowed to possess that gun or any other firearm, period.
There are plenty of gun safety classes to be found. Check out the Oxford Parks and Recreation class schedule; check out the Oakland County Sherriff’s website, the Michigan State Police’s website or even the NRA’s website. A little research will get you all kinds of information on gun safety classes.
While I do have empathy for those of you who have lost someone to an accident with a gun, I can’t help but wonder if they were properly educated about gun safety from the start. I have a child and he knows what guns are and how to use them safely. The earlier you educate children about guns, the better off they are as adults.
Just remember, ‘Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.? Guns are just tools, just like a hammer or a screwdriver or even a car for that matter. They can’t cause any harm in and of themselves, but add the human element to that equation, and they all have the potential to cause irreparable damage.
Respectfully,
Shannon & Gil Strong
Longtime Oxford Residents
Hello Jim Sherman (Sr.),
I have never written to you, but I kept saying I was going to . . . so here it goes.
My husband and myself love your paper and the columns you write. I like the ones you write about your grandkids and Shayna, your dog. And, I know you like your sons-in-law by the tidbits you put in your column.
We really miss Don Rush’s column. Seen his column a few weeks ago. Thought maybe he was coming back. Guess not.
We have a little dog. She’s a shitzu maltese, 2-and-half- years old and weighs 10 pounds. Her name is Kookie, we take her to Baylis Animal Hospital in Ortonville. They’re a good group of people there, sure loves animals (We see their ad in your paper).
I’ll go now, you keep writing and we’ll keep reading. Thanks for a good paper.
Readers,
Don & Henryetta James
(Jottings Note: thank you for your input. Don Rush still works for us, performing more administrative duites. He has promised to write more — so keep an eye out!)
Dear Editor,
In response to the objections to the picnic on Aug. 2. for the open carry.
First, let me say I am sorry about the death of the writer’s friend’s son and the person in his family who died. I, on the other hand, can not forget about the 2 ? million people a year who were not made victims because they had a gun. In almost 100 percent of the cases the gun did not have to be used. Only shown to the attacker to stop the attack.
The statement, ?. . . many people who carry guns are good responsible people. I also realize that many are not.? This makes it sound like the percentage is 50 /50. I disagree with this and would say everyone who comes to that picnic and owns a gun or carries a gun, ‘is a responsible person.?
From what I can tell, within the gun community there are two points of view. Some say the best way to carry is concealed. They do so for at least two reasons. The first is that if they carry concealed they will not be harassed by the police. The word harassed is not my word, but what I read. I don’t see harassment by our police. Checking for legal licenses while entering the park of not allowing entrance into the park because you are legally carrying a gun would be harassment and I don’t foresee that happening.
The second reason is that any potential attacker does not know they are armed and gives the victim the chance to defend himself or his family. An aggressor would not be prepared for a defense by the intended victim.
The other point of view is to carry open. This lets any attacker know he is not going to make a person a victim of robbery, murder or a whole lot of other crimes that may threaten the life or well-being of the victim or family without at least some sort of defense by the person they target. I also believe it lets the public know responsible people carry guns.
The more you see, the more you should realize there is a large group who carry and carry responsibly. The laws are strict and there are penalties for a lack of responsibility. I am willing to bet there is a higher percentage of gun carriers as a group that are law abiding than the general population as a whole.
Some would be surprised that their neighbors or friends carry or own a gun. Those neighbors or friends that lead a normal life of helping their neighbor start their car if the battery dies, or cut the grass every week. Not someone who commits a crime as a normal way of life.
There is no reason a gun carrier should hide on his own property to have a picnic. Like one of the other writers said, ‘the public parks belong to the taxpayers? and a group of taxpayers will be using the park on Aug. 2.
I, for one, will be there. Let me add I do not carry at all. Except when I go to the pistol range. So, I will not take my gun. Not because I think it would be wrong, but because I just don’t. I will be there to support someone’s right to legally go where they can spend a day with their family peacefully. And when I am done, I may go home and cut the grass.
Harry Fischer
Oxford, MI
The Leonard Summer Festival Committee and the Addison Township Firefighters Association would like to thank the local community, the Leonard DPW and the following sponsors for their generous support of the 57th Annual Strawberry Festival.
Thank you to Addison Foods, Addison Plumbing, Am Vets Post #108, Anson H. Rowley, Contractor, B & B Well Drilling, Caroline’s Shear Inspirations, Cooper Standard, Distinctive Design, Egress Solutions, Inc., Farmers Insurance, Michelle Houck, Geno & Son Property Mgmt., Grace Way Christian Fellowship Church, Hallie Web Design, Heather Hills Golf Course, Heidebreicht Chevrolet, Lakeville Inn, Leonard Market, Leonard Post Office, Leonard Storage LLC, Leonard’s Old Time Barber Shop, Oasis Hair Salon, The Oxford Leader, Polly Ann Trail Council, Road Maintenance Corp., Steenson Enterprises, Stor-Your-Stuff Inc., Strobel’s Service, Universal Sound Productions and Upland Hills Productions.
Please support these local businesses. Their very generous support make it possible to have a successful event each year.
Thank you C.J. for the great photos and the very nice coverage the Oxford Leader supplied. It was appreciated.
Leonard Summer Festival Committee
Addison Township Firefighters
Dear Editor,
Why should C.J.’s Sandbar have to change anything?
In my opinion it should not. What a great place to eat dinner, watch an important event or just have a drink with friends. It has an atmosphere of its own and we need to keep the downtown area alive and vibrant.
That is what all businesses should strive for. I have seen C.J.’s Sandbar take a recent beating over loud music and so-called noise ordinances. The Sandbar is no louder than Sagebrush, Whiskey’s or Halloween music over loudspeakers.
Yet, the Sandbar changed certain aspects to support quieter music. Now, that doesn’t seem to be good enough. Can’t we as patrons and employees enjoy the Sandbar the way it is? I think the Sandbar should have rights too! C.J.’s Village Cafe and Sandbar are an amazing part of the Village of Lake Orion that I am proud to call my home. Help me support this business at a meeting on August 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the village offices.
–Wendy Geitner
Dear Editor,
What is going on with the village, the Lake Orion Police Department and C.J.’s Is it a secret? I’ve watched several village council meetings and this is a story the public should be aware of.
You would think that in these hard economic times the Village of Lake Orion would try to help businesses.
This is not the case with C.J.’s. The village is trying to stop the music at C.J.’s by insisting that they need a special-use permit. C.J.’s is a wonderful business the village should be grateful to have downtown. This business helps the community in many, many ways. As I understand it, C.J.’s has abided by all the rules. They have obtained a certificate of occupancy approved by the village, the LOPD and the State, as well as the Michigan Liquor Commission. This was all done almost five years ago. This is ridiculous the village would question its ordinances now. The village should leave C.J.’s alone.
–Beverly Gall
Dear Editor,
It has recently come to my attention that due to certain complaints of residents of Lake Orion there are actions being taken to stop C.J.’s from playing music at its establishment.
This notion not only defies all that is logical, but also will endanger the rights of every business in the area. There is a business located directly next to CJ’s, the Sagebrush, that is consistently more disruptive in every conceivable way. However, despite having constantly proven this, Sagebrush remains with no restrictions whatsoever. If a restriction were to be imposed on C.J.’s, it would need to be applied to Sagebrush as well.
Both of these businesses exist through their ability to provide, among other things, entertainment for their patrons. The proposed restriction will burden these establishments? abilities to provide said entertainment.
If there is one axiom I have come to know, it is this: freedom is a very fragile thing, and the slightest restriction on this freedom could prove to be the proverbial ‘slippery slope? to the denial of so many more freedoms.
Therefore, it is my contention that these actions should be stopped immediately. If they are not, I fear two things will happen: 1. Every business owner and every future business owner will eventually feel the sting of these restrictions of freedom. 2. C.J.’s will undeniably be financially burdened beyond what is fair and equitable, resulting in loss of business and, in the worst situation, the complete closure of the business.
–Josh Hamlin
Dear Editor,
I’m writing this email to express my concerns about banning music in Lake Orion businesses, particularly C.J.’s Sandbar.
I have frequented this establishment on many evenings and have listened to some really great local bands, electric and acoustic talents. I have to wonder if the council is considering barring music from the long- established business as the petition of just one interested party?
If so, it would be a travesty. The quaint town of Lake Orion was built on its reputation of actually being located ON THE LAKE, and has kept a friendly, beach theme for as long as I can remember. The music helps bring in customers such as myself, to spend money in your community.
I must admit that if it weren’t for the musical talents that perform at your local businesses, I would probably stop coming to Lake Orion to eat dinner and purchase any beverages, so that I can relax and just listen to some great music.
I know many other people that do the same. I certainly hope that in this terrible economy, the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) would not want to succumb to cutting the knees out from under such businesses that have long been a part of the Lake Orion beach front community.
In addition to all this, if a person chooses to live above a business that stays open late and has such entertainment, then shame on them.
It seems that C.J.’s has been entertaining for a very long time and why all the hubbub now? Please leave us with our music to enjoy and we will continue to spend money in your fine establishments, to help keep your community alive during this difficult time. If these businesses lose their right to have musical entertainment, I fear they will lose many customers.
If the businesses close, who will pay the local taxes? In these times, does the BZA really think they can get new businesses to replace them that can keep their heads above water?
–Christina Conlon
I live in Metamora. I like going to the Oxford parks because they are a fun place to go with my friends and their children who live in Oxford.
This gun picnic on August 2 is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of !
What is this group trying to gain? Why are they organizing a picnic where they are asking the attendees to wear their side arms in a public place?
Someone has waaay too much time on their hands to organize a family style picnic like this.
The public parks belong to the taxpayers. If taxpayers and their children can not use the Oxford parks without seeing people wearing guns … something is definitely wrong!
You can bet that my family and friends will get the heads up about this gun picnic.
As parents and grandparents they will be glad to get this information.
They need to know that their children could very well see people walking around carrying guns when they visit an Oxford area park.
I seriously don’t believe this.
Donna Redmon
Metamora
Although the weather didn’t quite cooperate, the day, and especially the evening was a tremendous success, thanks to Ron Davis, his staff, volunteers, vendors and visitors.
The cool, well, let’s face it, cold temperatures only allowed the bravest of children to use the new Splash Pad, but, there were plenty of other activities for everyone’s pleasure. My wife and I, and some of our family, which included children, grandchildren and sons and daughters in-laws spent a good six hours enjoying everything offered.
The set up was first rate, the atmosphere was wonderful, the volunteer workers were very courteous and if the weather had just been a little bit better, it would have been perfection.
I attended four fireworks displays this year and have to pay kudos to those who were responsible for the display in Oxford. They beat Ortonville’s, Wyandotte’s and Lapeer’s, from the opening blasts to the impressive grand finale.
I hope the ‘day? and the fireworks will become part of the 4th of July celebrations in Oxford from now on! Good job Ron! Thanks for a wonderful time.
Greg Bagnik
Oxford
Where do I begin? Thanks to the thousands that attended the Splashpad Grand Opening and Seymour Celebration, to the countless volunteers, vendors, car cruisers, firefighters, live entertainers, DJs, Rough Tough Truck owners, food vendors, businesses, Oakland County Sheriff, elected officials and neighbors of the park.
Thanks to the parks and recreation commissioners, Rick Laidler, Ron Roop, Alyse Prince, Lynette Smith and Theresa Myer for your trust and your vision.
Thanks to the greatest parks and recreation staff a director could ever ask for, Lauren Jacobsen, Dan Sullivan, Judy Royster, Becky Paquin, Jeff Kinasz, Mike Berger, Steve Zurbrick, Robert Martin, John Ellis, Zach Gunnels, Dave Oosten, and Tom Schiable. You folks are truly amazing and I’m very proud to work with all of you. It’s your tireless efforts that made KLR Splashpad and Seymour Celebration a huge success.
Lastly, I want to say thanks to my family, Michelle, Sarah, Shelby and Seth, thanks for being so understanding and supportive. I give you my word no major projects for a couple years. Thanks Oxford!
Director Ron Davis
Oxford Twp. Parks and Rec.
Oxford Township parks are suppose to be FREE to Oxford residents.
On July 13, I left Ron Davis, Director of Oxford Township Parks and Recreation, a voice message that I thought he was charging too much for tickets to the Seymour Celebration with folks losing their jobs and homes ($10 advance or $15 at the gate.)
When I saw him that morning at the Vet’s hall at the senior line dance class, I again told him he was charging too much.
He said he had paid $10,000 for fireworks. I told him he should have forgotten about the fireworks. He said if I didn’t like it ? just don’t go. In my opinion, that was rude, not to mention bad P.R. I’ve been an Oxford taxpayer for over 40 years. I’m hoping the taxpayers might like the answers to the following questions:
1. Are our tax dollars to be used to buy fireworks? Is that a legitimate expense or was that a loan from Oxford Parks & Rec funds?
2. Is it legal to charge Oxford residents admission to a FREE park?
3. Should that $10,000 have been used toward salary or some other improvement to the park?
4. Is Ron Davis and/or his board accountable to anyone?
Just a senior taxpayer looking for some answers.
Karen Fitch
Oxford
On Saturday, July 18, my wife and I enjoyed a great celebration at Seymour Lake Park with the opening of the Splash Park. My wife and I moved into the Oxford community in the summer of 2007 and this was the first time we walked the entire park. Wow, what a facility!
The reason for our letter is to share our concern over the lack of a connecting walkway/trail from the village to the park. We live on Baldwin Road, north of East Seymour Lake Road and drive it several times a week. My wife and I have seen an increase of both adults and children walking and riding their bikes on East Seymour Lake Road into and out of the park.
We view a connecting trail as not only a safety measure, but a way to benefit the entire community. Connecting the Village of Oxford with Seymour Lake Park would provide residents access to both the park and village activities with the possibility of generating revenue for the community, the opportunity for safe physical exercise, and an opportunity to decrease our carbon footprint. I don’t know what a population study might reveal, but the apartment complex, subdivisions and housing developments along Burdick and East Seymour Lake must represent a significant portion of the Oxford population.
As an avid pleasure biker, my wife has ridden East Seymour Lake Road many times from the PollyAnn Trail. The area from Sanders Road to Coats Road can be a harrowing experience for her as there is no extended bike path on the pavement, has blind hills, and small potholes with lots of loose gravel on the shoulder. By the time motorists reach that area of the roadway from either direction, their speeds are up to 45 – 60 miles an hour and most do not slow down let alone give her room on the road. It is not safe for bikers or walkers by any means.
We view our parks and trails as a top priority in any community – one that has long lasting benefits to the residents and businesses. I know these are difficult economic times, but all the more reason to provide access to low/no cost entertainment, safe physical exercise and fun to our local residents and their families.
John and Jennifer Bickel
Oxford
I know that we are in tough economic times. But the fact that the township is seriously considering new safety paths is commendable.
Anyone who has walked or biked around Oxford knows that there are some dangerous spots. The ones that have been chosen along Drahner and Ray roads make sense. These paths were turned down when they came up for a vote and I felt that people didn’t realize the real danger that these paths could resolve.
Trustee Joe Bunting got it right when he said that it is better to take a proactive approach to the problem rather that to wait until we have a kid get hit by a car.
Even if one life is saved it is worth it.
Ron Marklin
Oxford
Dear editor,
We wish someone could explain to use how the City of the Village of Clarkston can raise our property assessment $19,000 when the value of property is way down and people are losing their homes in the village.
We went before the board to request it to be lowered and we were denied. Wonder how many others in the village received such a huge increase?
Mike and Mary Mihalcheon
Clarkston
Dear editor,
It was recently brought to my attention that Independence Township, along with other local municipalities is investigating whether or not to source all garbage removal services to one company (“Greener garbage, but at what cost,” April 22).
The townships objective is to decrease the toll it takes on our local roads and explore alternatives to dumping in landfills. That sounds wonderful to those who don’t do the research or explore the economic consequences of these types of actions.
This does a few things that will further impact the local economy. First, it will eliminate competition. When you eliminate competition and free market enterprise, demand levels remain, however the consumer has no say in the cost.
Costs will inevitably increase over time whether through the waste removal service itself or in the form of taxation. Secondly, it will eliminate jobs of blue and white collar workers.
The small businesses competition will restructure, move or go out of business. Next, the quality of the service will inevitably deteriorate over time because they cannot be held accountable when there is no local competition, not to mention these services have ‘green initiatives? in place already.?
Lastly, if the local government should decide to make waste service a government run operation, using taxpayer dollars, etc., we will experience further negative impact. Public sector programs are often ineffective and inefficient.
On a recent business trip to Toronto, Canada, I saw the negative impact first hand. Their city waste removal is on strike and has been for some time. There is trash everywhere and it gives the city a bad name. The local communities need to speak up and let their voices be heard. If something like this passes, where will it stop?
Free market principals and entrepreneurism are what make Michigan and the United States great.
Small business employs roughly 60-70 percent of Americans. Allow the local waste removal companies to do business as usual and continue their pursuit of the American Dream!?
Ben Horstman
Concerned Independence Twp. taxpayer
Dear editor,
The Clarkston Farm and Garden Club would like to thank the homeowners, businesses, and community members who supported the Fourth Clarkston Garden Walk last Wednesday.
More than 300 people walked through six beautiful and creative residential gardens and gardems of interest at McLaren Healing Garden and the Independence Township Library.
The Clarkston Garden Walk was made possible by the generosity of the homeowners who opened their unique gardens to visitors.
Funds from the Garden Walk will be used for scholarships for 2010 graduates, programs in the Clarkston Schools, and plantings at the library and in the Main Street planters.
We would also like to thank our partner, Clarkston Community Education for their help.
Enjoy the blooms,
Gail Reading and Joette Kunse
Garden Walk 2009 CoChairs
Hello Jim Sherman (Sr.),
I have never written to you, but I kept saying I was going to . . . so here it goes.
My husband and myself love your paper and the columns you write. I like the ones you write about your grandkids and Shayna, your dog. And, I know you like your sons-in-law by the tidbits you put in your column. We really miss Don Rush’s column. Seen his column a few weeks ago. Thought maybe he was coming back. Guess not.
We have a little dog. She’s a shitzu malteese, 2-and-half- years old and weighs 10 pounds. Her name is Kookie, we take her to Baylis Animal Hospital in Ortonville. They’re a good group of people there, sure loves animals (We see their ad in your paper).
I’ll go now, you keep writing and we’ll keep reading. Thanks for a good paper.
Readers,
Don & Henryetta James
(Jottings Note: thank you for your input. Don Rush still works for us, performing more administrative duites. He has promised to write more — so keep an eye out!)
Dear editor,
Oh, how wonderful to read both letters (“School board needs budget training,” July 8, and “Don’t abuse tax surplus,” July 11).
Yippee for Mr. Lawrence Matta and Mr. Mike Powell. It is about time and I could not have written the letters better.
Sure hope these men are around for the next elections. Both of these boards need a good and thorough sweeping.
Maybe Clarkston News would be so kind as to republish just before Nov. and May elections!
Fay Brown
Independence Township
Hello Jim Sherman (Sr.),
I have never written to you, but I kept saying I was going to . . . so here it goes.
My husband and myself love your paper and the columns you write. I like the ones you write about your grandkids and Shayna, your dog. And, I know you like your sons-in-law by the tidbits you put in your column.
We really miss Don Rush’s column. Seen his column a few weeks ago. Thought maybe he was coming back. Guess not.
We have a little dog. She’s a shitzu malteese, 2-and-half- years old and weighs 10 pounds. Her name is Kookie, we take her to Baylis Animal Hospital in Ortonville. They’re a good group of people there, sure loves animals (We see their ad in your paper).
I’ll go now, you keep writing and we’ll keep reading. Thanks for a good paper.
Readers,
Don & Henryetta James
(Jottings Note: thank you for your input. Don Rush still works for us, performing more administrative duties. He has promised to write more — so keep an eye out!)
Dear Editor,
This is in response to Ms. Darbyshire’s letter to the editor that appeared in The Lake Orion Review on July 15.
It is too bad you feel the way you do about development on Baldwin Road. My husband and I have lived on Baldwin for 50 years south of Judah and north of Jordan.
We who have lived here all this time want off this road. It was wonderful until 1989 when cars on Baldwin kept increasing every year. And now it is like this. We and our neighbors have tried in vain to sell our property because the way of living has changed so drastically, but this township will not let us sell becasue they want control. I am speaking of previous boards and planning boards.
So, too bad you have a complaint, but so do those of us on Baldwin.
–Betty McDowell
Dear Editor,
Ms. Attinoto,
I have no faulty logic. If you want to control private property, then the simple answer is to buy the property. I wonder: didn’t current residents of Orion Township welcome you and your housing development when it came knowing the extra cars from your neighborhood would do nothing more than increase all of our drive times by further clogging the road system that wasn’t built to handle the 30,000 plus cars a day Baldwin Road sees.
What right do you and your subdivision have to control a person’s private property and pay nothing for that control? The faulty logic is yours as evidenced by the Walgreens on the corner. I would suggest that you read the ordinance book and see how many variances that store developer obtained.
Here is a thought for you, Mr. Potte, and others that are so against a land owner using his or her property for its best use. Buy the property and use it as you see fit. If you can’t or won’t do that, then your complaints are pretty much hot air.
–Marty Scypinski
Dear Editor,
We just returned from vacation and saw an article about the NFL commisioner (Roger Goodell) and Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora reaching the summit of Mt. Rainier on Wednesday, July 8th. Ironically, my two boys (Zach and Ian) and I were climbing Mt. Rainier just prior to this. Our summit was on June 26. We started climbing various mountains several years ago, but this was our first ‘technical? climb, meaning roping up, use of alpine axes, crampons, etc.
–Wayne, Ian & Zach Prochaska
FYI – we used the same guide service as Goodell/Mora, which was RMI (Rainier Mountaineering Incorporated). They’re a fabulous organization.
Dear editor,
Being new cable subscribers, my wife and I have been watching the Clarkston Public Access Channel. We find the Independence Township Board proceedings of particular interest.
Our eyes have been opened perhaps as much as our wallets. We expect nothing less than complete transparency from our local government. The courage displayed by a few servants on the Independence Township Board is greatly appreciated by these two taxpayers.
Ironic that just now in the UK the government is teetering on the brink because their elected officials have been spending taxpayer money for grossly inappropriate personal expenses.
Ironic because just last week an ex-patriot of the UK wrote a letter published here, when in the same issue it was revealed that the Independence Township supervisor made unauthorized ‘bonus? payments to the building director.
Certainly even this ‘tip of the iceberg? would not have been revealed without the township’trustees doing’their duty for us and finding these improper’expenditures.
As it happens, I saw the cable replay of the board meeting in which the board reviewed almost $800,000 in township hall remodeling expenses.
All of the questions by the board members were proper, business-like inquiries that we should all expect from the trustees representing us. Otherwise, we may never see that part of the ‘iceberg? that lies below the water.
Then we will have a much more massive scandal; one’of the UK or perhaps even ‘Titanic? proportions. It is impossible to understand why anyone would bicker with someone trying to protect the taxpayer from even a hint of impropriety.
Further, why was not the $25,000 signage expense included in the original budget for remodeling? Is full color video signage being proposed?
The cost certainly indicates something like that. I have been in various business ventures for over 40 years. Twenty-five grand will buy signage much greater than that which is needed here.
At the next election we should all remember which of our elected officials have been diligent, persistent, and transparent on behalf of the taxpayers.
These two taxpayers will certainly vote in favor of those who are vigilant with our tax payments.
We urge our fellow citizens and neighbors to do likewise.
Craig and Debra Strickland
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Compliments to Trevor Keiser in his column Keiser’s Role ‘Lights, camera, action? he accurately describes the workings of the Independence Township Board.
After reading Mr. Powell’s letter to the editor, it is obvious he uses Wallace economics.
The building director received two $1,500 bonuses that equal $3,000. After completion of the new township hall renovation, that came in under budget even after furnishings.
Same as the senior center and Fire Station Number 2. He deserves and should be entitled to these.
If you review the job description for this position, you will realize these projects were accomplished outside of these to the benefit of taxpayers.
Mr. Wagner may not be perfect, but he does adhere to budgets that were prepared.
The ‘Special Meeting Board? met, approved to hire a human resources ‘Inter Board Mediator? person for the tune of $100,000, and ‘we will find the money? is their form of budgeting.
I attended this ‘special meeting,? and saw and heard this myself. Being addressed as a ‘King? is quite an accolade.
My observation of Mr. Wagner is he does not park directly in front of the township building entrance, taking up two parking spaces.
Nor does he take advantage of rebuilding his deck over a township holiday to avoid the required permits. Maybe Mr. Wallace needs to learn from and respect this ‘King.?
Kenneth P. Rittenhouse, Jr.
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Too often we read about the unscrupulous auto mechanic. Not so with the professionals at Gott’s Auto Service on Maybee Road.
Robert and the Gott’s staff recently spent 90 minutes diagnosing my vehicle problem before eventually referring me to the dealer.
Turns out, the issue was a recall item covered 100 percent by the manufacturer. Robert didn’t charge me a dime for his effort.
You can imagine what a relief it was avoiding a huge unexpected repair bill’especially since I am currently out of work.
It sure is comforting to know that Clarkston businesses like Gott’s Auto Service still operate with such honesty, integrity, and generosity.
Sincerely,
Chris Cook
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Recently I felt surrounded by angels disguised as EMS technicians.
If and when you need this service, be assured the Independence Township EMS Staff is THE most gentle, sensitive, kind and efficient there is.
I want to publicly thank David Bridge water and his crew for taking such good care of me. You’re the BEST!!
By His Grace,
Dolores
Clarkston
Last name withheld at writer’s request
I live between Oxford and Ortonville, and dirt roads predominate in the area.
I love dirt biking, so before I could drive I always wanted to ride my dirt bike over to my friends? houses, but I couldn’t because it isn’t legal.
My parents were busy a lot, so it was difficult to get a ride with them.
I think dirt bikers should be allowed to drive as long as they stay on the shoulder and drive under 25 mph.
I wish I had this privilege when I was growing up, and think kids should be able to now.
Alex Pollack
Oxford
Dear Editor,
Ms. Roughton: Truly, you are missing the point regarding development. I am, in this case, simply stating that we have property rights that allow us to use our lands in conjunction with zoning ordinances established within communities.
This particular piece of property is located on a major trunk line: Baldwin Road. The traffic counts on this road are in excess of 30,000 cars per day. This land isn’t suited for residential development. You can’t combine lots and make a large site suitable for building a house. There is simply no way to gain access to Baldwin Road during the drive to work or home. Given the circumstances, what should this land be used for? I don’t think that regulating it to a use that isn’t suited for the property is fair to anyone.
Currently, Orion Township is a drive-through community, and by that I mean many people who live in Lapeer, and Oxford use Baldwin Road or M-24 to reach their homes. Baldwin Road will need updating to efficiently handle all the traffic that currently uses it.
The Orion Township planning commission focuses on residential development, and, where appropriate, should continue to do so. This land on the corner of Maybee and Baldwin is a commercial site of a current taxpaying business that has a good record in Orion. To this extent, I do think it is unfair to the land owner and CVS to derail their attempts to use a perfectly acceptable property for its best use.
There are other things to consider when making objections to commercial development. The tax base will not continue to support our township with current spending and the declining property values of residential property. This is a factor in many communities today. How do we compensate for loss of revenue? What should we cut for the future? Orion Township has already given up 25 years of personal property tax that could amount up to $100 million to save our GM plant.
I do believe in freedom. The government has grown too large, regulated our lives too much, and, in general, is unresponsive to the needs of all the people. I support efforts to keep sections of land undeveloped, and would work to begin a funding mechanism for that purpose. This land needs to be used for the landowner, CVS, and the community for its best use. The road has to be improved, and we need to plan for what is looking to be a future of cutbacks and lost value.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my opinions. Communities work best when we maintain civility in our discussion on viewpoints.
I again appreciate your love of our community.
–Marty Scypinski
Dear Editor,
It is my understanding the citizens of Lake Orion paid for a master plan that is still in effect and that plan called for the property on the northeast corner of Baldwin and Maybee Roads to remain residential.
There are houses on the property that CVS has recently requested and, as I understand, received rezoning, over the objection of numerous people who will be affected by the congestion added to an already busy and difficult corner.
Why must we have business from one end of Baldwin Road to the other? Gingellville is a village and the business development should have stopped at Maybee Road . There still is business property south of Maybee Road . If I purchased property in a residential zone surrounded by houses, I would do so feeling confident that it would be safe from rezoning.
There would be no reason to worry about a business going in my back or side yard. Widening Baldwin Road is no excuse for changing the zoning and making residents bordering the commercial development suffer or move. Who wants a 24-hour business in their back or side yard? What is to stop business from moving on down Maybee Road? If I owned the property east of Baldwin bordering the new development, I would want to sell my house for business development and make a big profit, and since the township let CVS do it, I would feel justified in doing so.
The corner of Maybee and Baldwin roads has been congested for years. A traffic light has been of some help but it still causes difficulty in maneuvering. It is hopeful the widening of Baldwin Road will relieve some of the difficulty traveling that section of the road.
Lapeer, Joslyn and Baldwin roads handle a tremendous amount of traffic as they connect to I-75 and, at each of these intersections, there is an enormous amount of business development. While we have enjoyed the convenience of having nearby businesses, we have also paid the price in extreme traffic problems and added criminal activity–just read the weekly police blotter. On some occasions we have even given tax abatements to have the business come, while we must provide all the services.
My concern is the new administration seems to be very pro-business and forgetting the longtime taxpayers who moved to Orion Township to relax and enjoy the peaceful community even though it meant a long commute to work. What good is a master plan when you ignore it and the recommendations of the zoning board and approve a rezoning of a residential property?
Yes, the present master plan is up for review in the near future but please do not let the present economic condition make us destroy the rural setting that drew us to ? Lake Orion, where living is a vacation.?
–Genevieve Darbyshire
Dear Editor,
Thank you to over 1,000 community members who came out to get fresh, Michigan-grown and made products at our new Lake Orion Farmers and Artists Market.
Thank you to our wonderful vendors, who were amazed by the enthusiastic local shoppers. Thank you to Abacus Accounting for the wonderful sign.
Thank you, Wayne Thomas and the Horseshoe Club for exhibiting, teaching and sharing their space with us. Thank you to M & B Printing for our beautiful aprons, bags, posters and signs. Thank you to Lois, Nancy, Janet, and Margaret for the Downtown Development Authority support, and the fire station for being so understanding to your new neighbors at the farmers market. Thank you to the village and township for supporting our very own farmers market.
And thank you, Megan, for the terrific article in last week’s Review. We hope you all enjoyed the bread, fudge, cookies, pasta, and, oh, the super fresh veggies.
There’s more to come for all of you every Wednesday through August 26, rain or shine, so don’t miss a single market.
As the season continues, other Michigan crops will be ready for harvest and additional new vendors will be added. There is always something for everyone.
Check out our Web site at lakeorionfarmersmarket.com to get the latest scoop on ‘What’s happening at the market.? The market still has room for additional Michigan artists and vendors. We also have a need for volunteer help opportunities like service learning, or club service hours. See you at the Market!
–Kathy and Michael Wieland
Dear editor,
In the face of an economy that continues to sag, and shortfalls in revenue for Clarkston Schools, some members of the Clarkston School Board still insisted recently on approving wage increases.
Schools in communities all around us are accepting freezes or reductions in compensation because of the ongoing economic challenges.
The Clarkston Board, on the other hand, approved raises and an expense allowance. By the way, where does the superintendant travel that requires a $600 per month auto expense allowance?
The economic numbers simply do not justify the board’s spending.
Based on the June 24 Clarkston News article, earnings for the coming year are projected to increase $3.7 million; however, spending is projected to increase $5.5 million.
The Clarkston News also reports the district’s fund balance will be drawn down to make up for a $6 million difference between earnings and spending, leaving a less-than-optimal fund balance of $5.8 million.
What happens in 2010-2011 and subsequent years when costs, including these wage adjustments, continue to cause spending increases?
We have been told that our school board members attend training sessions so that they are well-informed and can make well-thought-out decisions.
Perhaps the community is not getting value for the money it is spending training the school board. Or perhaps some members of the school board need to attend an accounting seminar.
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The 2009 primary election is less than a month away on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and the only elected positions in this area may be four seats on the Village of Clarkston City Council.
Three are two-year terms and one is for a year to fill out the term of Kristy Ottman, who unfortunately had to leave the council and is missed by many of us.
All Clakston candidates run non-partisan, so there really is no primary ? 25 or so signatures and your name will show up on the ballot in November.
For the last two elections, every single candidate for office ran with no opposition on the ballot. Every single member of the Clarkston City Council is there because no one ran against them, or they were appointed by the mayor.
I will not be running for office this year but it has been an honor to serve the last four years. I have learned much, and while some may disagree, some things did get done, not enough in my opinion but perhaps that is why we need others to participate in the process.
I also feel obligated to provide some disclosure on what you may be getting involved with.
In my opinion, our administration and elected government has too often ignored our City Charter, sort of our Constitution, our laws, ordinances, and council resolutions whenever it is convenient to do so, without so much as a simple democratic vote and with no repercussions.
Information on the operation of our city is almost impossible to obtain. I still don’t know what it costs us to mow the grass in Depot Park even though I have been asking for four years.
We are now only beginning to understand how much overtime we have paid to certain people for activities that could be done at regular pay, perhaps for free if we would just ask the right people.
Most recently we locked some of our long-term partners out of the city and increased fees without ever telling them.
In these bad economic times, we should do everything possible to find better ways to work together, not alienating groups and organizations we have spent many years working with.
We may not be able to offer a free ride as we have in the past, but we can certainly find better ways to do what benefits everyone, without favoritism or bias.
We are unfortunately not a very open and transparent government and while I may not have been successful in getting these things changed, I am sure they can be.
The oath of office for every elected official in Michigan is, ‘I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, and that I will faithfully perform the duties of the office…?
Perhaps I am being overzealous in my reading of this, but I consider this an obligation to follow the Charter and laws of our city, change them when necessary, but not simply ignore them.
That is the beauty of our democratic system. So please consider running for office, win the election, and then with only the agreement of three other elected members, you can make a better law or change those laws that offend you.
Or you could just attend a few City Council meetings. It is a wonderful responsibility and a process that can be very rewarding when it works correctly, or very disheartening when it is ignored.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear editor,
Apparently there is nothing that Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner won’t do to undermine the wishes of the taxpayers paying his salary. His latest abuses show a total disregard for the wishes of voters.
The first abuse comes in the form of the Plante Moran, Water and Sewers Memorandum. Trustees who voted for the loan to purchase the new town hall never saw or heard of the memorandum prior to voting.
It clearly shows Mr. Wagner knew the loan from the water and sewer fund would be paid for by water and sewers users only.
Trustees have recently acknowledged they never would have voted for the loan based on this “missing” memorandum. Mr. Wagner claims they received it, yet all trustees deny ever receiving it. I choose to believe the trustees over Mr. Wagner.
The second abuse came when trustees caught Mr. Wagner trying to make his third $3,500 bonus payment to the township’s building director without board approval.
How many of these bonus payments he planned to make in the future is anyone’s guess.
When he was caught, “King” Wagner had the audacity to state: “I don’t need to ask their permission to do it” and “I didn’t bring it before the board because of prior embarrassment the building director had suffered for the $2,000 bonus he received for the senior center.”
Baloney!
If he earned it, and it was approved by the board, then what’s to be embarrassed about?
However, what is embarrassing is Mr. Wagner’s failure to mention that all bonuses made to township employees require board approval. That precedent was set by the board and Michigan Townships Association long ago.
Purposely trying to hide bonuses from the board, on work he refused to bid out and then lying to try to cover it up, is beyond treasonous.
His “King” like attempts to circumvent the will of the people of this township is beyond comprehension and should not go unpunished.
Mr. Wagner should save the citizens and employees of Independence township further embarrassment by resigning immediately.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
First, I want to welcome the new Oxford Bank CEO, Mr. Bess, to our community and thank him in advance for continuing the Bank’s turn around.
Second, I want to thank departing CEO Jeff Davidson for his poise and class in such an adverse economy (the 51 percent improvement in operating results during his last quarter as CEO is amazing in this light).
Third, I hope the press does not continue to make Mr. Bess? job any more difficult than it needs to be by undercutting confidence through printing subjective opinions by private rating services like BauerFinancial Inc.
I hardly have an expert’s knowledge, but I smelled something fishy when The Oxford Leader’s June 24 edition stated that Bauer Financial Inc. gave Oxford Bank zero stars out of five.
I reviewed their online listing, and so many questions jumped out at me that I couldn’t begin to detail them all here.
The following should give some sense of it.
Only one bank for the whole state received a ‘one star? rating, so the gap between zero and five is artificially expanded by an empty-shell category. As to the 19 banks given Five Stars, eight are in the upper peninsula and four are in the thumb.
Only a Florida company like Bauer (used to selling swampland?) could put its finger on the pulse of economic activity in our state and come up with the UP and the Thumb as the premier zones for capitalists!
At the same time, Bauer seems to unfairly favor larger institutions. Its ratings search function clearly states that ‘Institutions are listed by their headquarter state.?
Yet if one searches Michigan banks, Bauer still brings up such carpet-bagger behemoths as JP Morgan Chase (NY), Comerica (TX), and Fifth Third (OH) which should be removed before comparing Michigan banks. Take Comerica and JP Morgan off the list and only one SE Michigan bank gets five stars ? the Auto Club Trust of Dearborn (!!!?).
Even still, it’s a head-scratcher how they give Comerica a 5-star rating at all (even S&P has downgraded them, stating ‘Comerica’s core funding profile is weaker than its peers,? and their earnings have declined steadily over the last year, losing $24 million in the same 2009 first quarter when OBC showed a huge turn around, and Comerica’s loss is expected to double in the second quarter).
Furthermore, Fifth Third lost $2.1 billion in 2008! How could they and such large Michigan banks as Citizen’s ($700 mill in write offs over last 18 months, Flag Star (lost $275 million in 2008), and Independent Bank (lost $92 mill in 2008) be given three star ratings?
Check out their share prices and tell me how their Tier One Capital can be ‘recommended.?
I point out the above not with antagonism toward other banks or regions of Michigan, but in defense of our community and its institutions against outsiders with a potential agenda.
We need to believe more in ourselves and the great lifestyle that many generations have built here in northern Oakland County.
Lawrence Dick
Oxford
Editor’s Note: Ratings from Bauer Financial Inc. are routinely reported by many media outlets such as Crain’s Detroit Business and The Detroit News.
Bauer Financial is the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm and has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks, thrifts and credit unions since 1984.
In the past, we have reported Oxford Bank’s good Bauer ratings such as when it received five stars in December 2005. That marked the 48th consecutive quarter, dating back to 1993, that Oxford Bank had received Bauer’s highest rating. We have to report both the good and the bad.
Dear editor,
You have got to be kidding (re: ‘Raises for all,? June 24)!
We are giving pay increases to Al Roberts and staff ? well of course. Then in a few months we can hear about how the children of the district will suffer because the district is in debt.
This really gets me sick.
Mr. Roberts can’t afford to pay for an automobile and gas on a $150,000 salary? He is despicable and needs to leave his position.
Also, shame on the school board. All we have heard about the last two years is about the lack of funds in our district, putting out children at risk by limiting bus stops, having children learn in larger class rooms, pay to play sports and organizations, which really means that if you have money, you make a team and if you don’t, your kids are out of luck!
With the economy the way it is, everyone should be happy with their old contracts and/or take a pay decrease. Many people in the district do not have jobs or health insurance!
Gina Miller
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I am writing to clear up a discrepancy in your news article titled “Raises for all.” In the article it is stated that many Board members voted against the teachers contract, when only one, Mrs. Patterson voted against the teachers contract.
The vote for the Clarkston Teachers Association was 6-1. The 4-3 vote that the paper alludes to is the vote for Dr. Robert’s three-year, more-than-three-percent contract and the other bargaining units were 5-2 except the paraeducators, where Ron Sullivan abstained.
The article was correct that the bargaining units made concessions worth over $900,000 in health care costs; way more than a 1 percent raise costs the district.
The article made me think that the Board of Education had a close vote for the teachers contract when in fact, the vote was not close and many board members thought that this contract, which was opened up in the middle of the existing contract because of the tough economic times we all are facing, was a great work of collaboration on part of the Teachers Association and administration.
Sincerely,
Brooke Davis
President, Clarkston Education Association and ACCORD member
Dear editor,
Your editorial (‘Board shouldn’t be a warzone,? June 17) did not go deeply enough into the story.
I watched the meeting on cable Neil Wallace agreed with the principles and suggested the board post them on its website and establish them as goals.
It is inconsistent to say the board members should not be a rubber stamp and then reject thoughtful criticism that offers meaningful alternatives.
The new board members will not ‘go along to get along.? The citizens of the township are now aware certain board members? actions have been less than open and transparent.
Yet this only comes to light because the new board members have the courage to speak out. I expect them to continue.
Your paper continues to attack them. Which of us is not paying attention?
It should not be dangerous to speak the truth to power. The meetings are too long? So what?
All of us, including the paper, would do better to delve into the substance of these stories. Too often, it seems we ‘bite? on hollow symbolism offered up by some intent on protecting power.
Thank you,
Zac Bell
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The Clarkston Athletic Boosters would like to thank Dr. Larry Baylis, Dr. Dean Moscovic, Dr. Michael Baker, Dr. Erica Harding, and the POH Sports Medicine Department, as well as Athletic Trainer Stephanie LeBeau for their generous donation to the Clarkston Athletic Boosters.
On June 10, this group of professionals provided sports physicals to 170 Clarkston student athletes and donated all proceeds to the Clarkston Athletic Boosters. Their donation of the proceeds collected from the sports physicals will help to fund many needs of Clarkston student athletes.
Their desire and willingness to provide professional services was remarkable and their commitment to help further the well-being of our student athletes goes far above and beyond the call of duty.
We are fortunate to live in a community with people of character, and a desire to invest in our youth and programs that help to provide opportunities of success to our kids.
On behalf of the Clarkston Athletic Boosters, thank you for making a difference!
Sincerely,
Keith M. Clement, president, Clarkston Athletic Boosters
Dear editor,
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to thank all those who participated in the 16th Annual Golf Outing at Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Course on June 15.
The following sponsors, prize contributors, and volunteers helped to make this fundraiser a huge success. On behalf of the Clarkston area families we serve, we thank you!
Tournament sponsor: John Bowman Chevrolet;
Golf cart sponsor: Clarkston Community Women’s Club;
Golf outing committee: Co-chairmen Joe Wauldron and Sam McVean, Anita Demster, Marian Emery, Elissa Fogel, Pat Shepanek, Kathryn McVean;
Volunteers Gini Schulz, Tami Bloom, Jay Bleim, Ann Dutton, Roberta Smithson, Dona Morden, and Pat Glowzinski;
Programs and tickets courtesy of The Print Shop;
Plaque donated by Classic Trophies;
Signs donated by More Than Signs;
Exclusive Hole Sponsors Chuck Fortinberry of Clarkston Motors, Hubbell, Roth, and Clark, Inc., and Ross Controls;
Shared Hole Sponsors Clarkston News, Garwood and Associates, Oxford Bank;
Prize contributors Belle Tire of Dixie Highway, Brioni, Bonnie’s Hallmark, Carl’s Golf Land, Cherry Hill Lanes North, Clarkston Auto Wash Company, Clarkston Union, Deer Lake Athletic Club, Detroit Lions, Detroit Shock, Fountains Golf and Banquet, Shotmakers, Great Turtle Toys, Kroger of Springfield Township, La Bella Salon, Meijers of Auburn Hills, Oxford Bank of Clarkston, Sherman Publications, Clarkston News, Sally Kabani, Bird Feeder, Tigers Baseball, Town Center Auto Wash, and Weingartz;
Monetary donation, Joe Wauldron.
Clarkston Area
Youth Assistance
The Oxford Seniors would like to thank the following people for helping with the Country Music Jamboree on June 27: The Haulin? Ellis Band with Lyle Ellis, Tom Ellis, Marty Ellis, Walter Wiitala, Leroy Ellis and Trish Ellis. Thanks to Judy Ellis for getting us the band. We would also like to thank all the workers: Joyce Pruett, Irene Atwood, Barb Kozma, and Becky Paquin.
A special thank you to Diane Griffin for running the kitchen and to Ted and Karen Fitch for coordinating the event.
They all helped to make it a success.
Sincerely,
The Oxford Seniors
Dear editor,
I am so anxious to keep up with the controversy over the downtown mural on the Clarkston News building that I cannot wait for the U.S. Postal delivery of the Clarkston News. So I buy it on the street.
The pro and con over the mural reminds me of Voltaire, the French author and critic.
He would write a controversial letter to the local newspaper and then write a vicious response to his own letter under a different name. Voltaire would continue writing and responded under the two different names until the subject, and Voltaire, were completely exhausted.
Art attempts to convey a universal idea using a particular or concrete medium. Art is not photography.
There are some accepted standards for good and bad art. The more universal and timeless it is, the better the art. The better the art is, the more prophetic it will be. I think it is acceptable to discuss the value of art, but I do not think it is fair to discuss someone’s taste in art.
Someone’s taste in art is very personal, much like their interest in religion, their taste in food, music, or literature.
Nevertheless, keep the letters coming. The downtown mural is like a Rorschach test for the local citizens.
Gerald E. McNally
Clarkston
Dear editor,
No, to answer your question, I am not looking for a new ‘put down’ phrase (June 17, 2009), and neither should anyone else, actually.
I am a public school teacher, and I find it irresponsible and appalling that you would publish 23 new ways to insult people.
In my classroom, as in most others, we have a Put-Down Free Zone, and each one of your examples would violate that policy. Obviously, I am aware that some of the put downs on your list are intended to be funny, but wouldn’t you agree that insulting another individual for the sake of humor is in bad taste?
As a parent and an educator, I do. I am glad that my own children aren’t yet old enough to read The Clarkston News, because I wouldn’t want to have to explain why another adult’s published writing in the community newspaper was inappropriate, and that they would be in trouble for using your suggested terms.
As conscientous adults, we should be promoting social responsibility, NOT teaching others how to tear down their peers. I think I’ll stick to two time-honored adages: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” and “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”
Krista Anderson
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Regarding the article ‘It’s back,? June 10, I speak as a relatively new citizen to the USA, residing originally in the UK.
I had the privilege this year of being able to vote in the last local and national elections. Being an avid reader of your paper and especially the goings on at township meetings since moving here eight years since, to say I am dismayed at certain board members conduct in regard the funding the Independence Township Hall would be a understatement.
To say the comments, so far, have not been personal attacks on Mr. Belcher is an insult to your readers’ and Independence Township voters’ intelligence.
I wish those trustees would finally go on the record say in plain English what they have been implying for months, otherwise shut up and move on. I am sure the Township Board has more pressing business to discuss than what I see as a beautiful and warranted new building for the township.
If they don’t, the Township Board may end up spending more money on lawyers defending the slanderous comments than the building refurbishment cost. I, for one, will remember this shabby business at the next election.
Paul Hargreaves
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Wow what a weekend! The 27th SCAMP Home Tour was a tremendous success. Fabulous homes with gracious homeowners, extremely generous sponsors, an amazing committee of enthusiastic volunteers, and you, an incredible community joining together to support this very special program. You’re the best, thank you!
Sincerely,
Sally Hadden
SCAMP Home Tour Committee
The Oxford Jr. Wildcats would like to thank all of our local sponsors and donors for supporting our youth tackle football and cheer program this year.
As a result of your generosity we are well on our way to meeting all of our fund raising goals for this season.
Our football players will get a much needed upgrade to state of the art equipment, while our cheerleaders will participate in a nationally sanctioned cheer camp.
The list of sponsors includes Bell Equipment Company, Barton Mallow Rigging, Liberty Leisure Products, Roberts Buick Pontiac, Oxford Tap, Oxford Bank, Pioneer Door, Patterson Prescription Pharmacy, Partlan-Labadie Sheet Metal, Progressive Mechanical, Michigan Air Products, Duct Connections, Recaro USA, The Nowland Mortgage Group and Nick Lewis, Oxford Brake and Front End, 24th Street Bar and Grill, POH, Primerica and the Wandrie family, the Walters, Regan and Redlin families.
Also, a special thank you to Bullfrogs in Ortonville, Hideaway Lanes in Almont, Devil’s Ridge Golf Club in Oxford; Buffalo Wild Wings and Parrot Poker Club in Lake Orion for allowing us to host events in your venues.
And of course, thanks to all who participated in these events.
It is particularly encouraging in the current economic climate that our local merchants have continued to support youth sports organizations.
I would highly recommend that all Oxford area residents support your local merchants in return.
Thank you for your continued support and feel free to follow our progress this season on the web at www.oxfordjuniorwildcats.com, or come watch us on Saturdays, starting August 22nd at the Oxford High School stadium. Go Wildcats!
Commissioner Jeff Miller
Oxford Junior Wildcats, Inc.
Hot Blues and BBQ wishes to announce that the 5th annual event was a smashing success!
Many thousands loyal Blues fans showed up over the two-day course of events and they were not disappointed in the level of talent.
We would like to thank our sponsors Village of Oxford, the Oxford Downtown Development Authority, The Detroit Blues Society, Oxford Lakes Dental Care, The Oxford Leader, The Oakland Press, Go Detroit, Hubert Distributors – Budweiser, Callahan’s Music Hall, No Cover Productions, US 103.1 FM, and WCSX 94.7 FM.
We would also like to give thanks to Joe Young and the Staff of the Village of Oxford, Mike Neymanowski and the Oxford Police Department, Don Brantley and the Oxford DPW, Teri Stiles and the Oxford Village Council, Rose and Mike Bejma, Maureen Helmuth, Matt Weber, OCTV, ONTV, and a special thanks to Mike Hamilton of Hamilton and Sons Electrical. Without their assistance, this event could have never taken place.
Plans are underway for the 6th annual event, so visit www.hotbluesandbbq.com to track our progress.
Thank You To All,
Steven J. Allen
Executive Producer
Editor’s Note: For coverage of the Hot Blues and BBQ event see “Anything Blue will do in Oxford.”
Dear editor,
I have kept quiet long enough, now I must speak out. My concern is the actions of the so-called “new” trustees, Mr. Neil Wallace, and his sidekick, Mr. Dave Lohmeier.
I have been a resident of Independence Township since 1991 and have been a part of the township’s political group since coming here from Troy.
I have known Mr. Wallace nearly that long and have had many discussions with him, mostly taking the opposite side.
I worked with him on the Dale Stuart campaign, worked against him on the Tax the Township issue, when he wanted to tax us to prevent development in the township, and was a letter-writer to this newspaper on the COG issue of the last election, and finally saw him win a place on the Board of Trustees, along with Mr. Lohmeier.
While I disagreed with Mr. Wallace on the paid manager issue on which his slate was based, I felt that he would add a new voice. I never thought that he would, along with his buddy, become the disruptive force that has been shown.
It seems that he must have the last, negative, word. This week’s paper has him attacking the furnishing of the new Township Hall (‘Trustees take hall renovation work to task,? June 10).
Does he want all the furniture taken out and sold on Craigs List? The hall is furnished. Move on Neil, and Dave L.
He has gotten the normally mild-mannered Shelagh Vanderveen, who was a member of his slate, so upset that she brought in “Principles of Governance” to have all the trustees to sign in order to have order at the meetings (‘Clerk seeks principled agreement,? June 10).
Guess who doesn’t want to sign it. Enough already. Neil, do your job. The trustees, by their votes, are telling you loud and clear that your behavior is unacceptable.
It is time the board accomplishes things for the township without your useless rants tying up precious time at the meetings.
The people of Independence Township felt that you can be a good representative by voting you onto the board. They felt the same way about you as well, Mr. Lohmeier.
Please show them you can do the proper job. Work with – not against – the rest of your fellow trustees and officers.
Recognize that your efforts are not appreciated, and get together to improve our Township.
Fred Neumark
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Too bad the township supervisor didn’t factor in lower taxes and state revenue sharing into his decision to purchase the new Township Hall (‘Layoffs looming,? June 3).
Maybe he couldn’t have predicted these circumstances last fall when he signed the purchase agreement to buy it. I wonder if he would share his financial analysis for this decision, and were he predicted the extra revenue would come from to repay the Water and Sewer Fund.
The township budget picked up a new debt service expense because of the $2.7 million load from water and sewer.
Based on a 20-year note term, and 4 percent interest on the $2.7 million principal balance, the township would pay $196,337 in principal and interest on the note every year for 20 years, plus the loss in taxes collected, approximately $60,000, because the building is no longer taxable.
Hopefully, the reduction in services to township residents, or increases in fees collected by the township is worth having the new township facility. I am not sure township employees would have made the choice for a new office at the cost of layoffs. We must hold the township supervisor responsible for this decision.
Hopefully with more transparancy and public input the supervisor will be deterred from making more financially irresponsible decisions duing the balance of his term.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Clarkston Junior High School’s Academic Service Learning Class would like to thank Smith’s Disposal and Recycling, Flagstar Bank, and Allstate Insurance Company/Karen McMurray of Clarkston for donating to our Paper Towel Drive benefiting Lighthouse North of Clarkston.
Thank you for your time and support, it is deeply appreciated.
Thank you ,
Kylie Cohu, ASL Class of 2009
Clarkston Junior High
Dear editor,
I wanted to respond to your “Attention businesses” article in the last edition of The Clarkston News.
Clarkston Lawnscaping has hired seven new, part-time staff from the Clarkston area and purchased several pieces of capital equipment from local suppliers this year to help stimulate the local economy.
Revenues once again tripled in 2008 over the previous year.
“Our reputation has grown for delivery excellence and some aggressive advertising has helped us to continue to expand,” said co-owner Josh Herrera.
“We added a truck and several new pieces of lawn equipment purchased from Weingartz to accomodate the increased demand,” added co-owner Ryan Herrera.
Many thanks!
Andrew G. Nagorski
Independence Township
This is intended for C.J. Carnacchio’s opinion piece called ‘My Way? from the June 10 edition of The Oxford Leader.
I am a recipient of the Citizen, but enjoy reading Sherman’s other publications online as I frequent Oxford, Lake Orion and Clarkston.
I read C.J.’s opinion article today and I wanted to write and say ‘right on?!
Your thoughts were well put and greatly appreciated.
Take Care,
Andrea Austin
Ortonville
I wanted to thank the Lakes Community Credit Union for supporting the students of Oxford High School and honoring me as the recipient of the 2009 scholarship award. Their generosity is greatly appreciated. I hope they continue to support Oxford High School students and future graduating classes at OHS.
Gratefully,
Matt Zaun
OHS Class of 2009
Dear editor,
The Clarkston Area Lions wish to thank everyone for their support during our recent ‘White Cane Week?. Through your generosity, we collected over $10,000.
All of the funds collected will be used to support many sight and hearing projects, including Leader Dogs for the Blind, Michigan Eye Bank and Transplant Center, Lions Bear Lake Camp for Physically Challenged Youth, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Beaumont Silent Children Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Madonna University’s Office of Disability Resources, and the Lions Hearing Center of Michigan, just to mention a few. Additionally, we support Clarkston Lighthouse, Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, Inc. (O.A.T.S), the Independence and Springfield Township Libraries, and SCAMP. Money raised during White Cane Week also allows the Lions to provide eyeglass and hearing aid support to those in need, as well as KidSight vision screening for pre-school children.
We sometimes have people who apologize for only having a few coins to put in our collection canister. We always assure them that every little bit helps. And we mean it. It only takes ten cents to pay the expenses to fit a pair of used eyeglasses to someone in a third world country.
For many it means the difference between work and no work, or between learning in school or not. Most of the money we collect comes in the form of one dollar bills.
Three and a half dollars is enough to pay for the special film that we use to take a picture of one preschooler’s eyes.
From this picture a doctor can determine over sixty different conditions, several of which can only be corrected while the child is still very young.
Again, it is your generosity that allows the Clarkston Area Lions to provide the above support. You are truly helping the Lions make a difference in our community.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with over 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 205 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.
For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the website at www.lionsclubs.org. The Clarkston Area Lions website is www.clarkstonlions.org.
Jerry Baumgart, chairperson
Clarkston Area Lions
Dear editor,
Lil? Peoples? Place has just celebrated its 11th Anniversary in business serving the local Clarkston Community. We are proud to have been a part of helping to raise our community’s future teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, auto workers, business owners, fire fighters, police, etc. Over the years, we have come to know many loyal families that have entrusted us with the care of their children.
The state of our local economy has affected us all. We have seen many of our families face hardships, and we are committed to trying to work with them through the tough times in order that they stay with us through the tough times as well.
In an effort to stimulate the local economy, during the past 2008/2009 school year, Lil Peoples? Place did the following:
? We placed a rate freeze on our tuition rates and did not do our customary annual rate increase.
? We offer a 10 percent sibling discount for families with multiple children to help manage their child care costs.
? We have periodically offered free registration to new families.
? We offer a free week of tuition or vacation for referring a new family that registers with us.
? We have become more lax on our vacation policy for families that have experienced layoffs from their jobs.
? We did a rate freeze on our Camp Yawanna tuition rates for the 2009 summer camp.
We are thankful to be a part of the Clarkston community, and look forward to serving local families for many more years to come.
Sincerely,
Sharlene Francisco
Owner of Lil? Peoples? Place
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Obviously Jim didn’t grow up on a farm! Angus, and Herefords and Shorthorns et al, are beef breeds where bulls are neutered to steers and raised specifically for our table.
Guernseys, Holsteins, Jerseys, Brown Swiss are dairy breeds raised for milk and rarely used for beef. Just a minor correction Jim.
James P. Alampi, Novi
Online letter submision
We had the pleasure of dining at Lakeville Inn located at the corner of Lakeville Rd. and Rochester Rd. this past weekend.
This great experience reminded me of the wonderful gesture the owners of Lakeville Inn to accept the gift certificates from the now closed Kalloway’s. The Lakeville Inn made little profit, if any, when accepting Kalloway’s gift certificates.
How wonderful for us to have The Lakeville Inn within miles of Oxford.
When looking for a warm, friendly spot to have a quiet dinner, celebrate a special occasion or a casual sandwich of exceptional cuisine please remember our generous neighbor Lakeville Inn.
John and Fran Nedwick
Oxford
I would like to give our DPW, Garden Club and Beautification Commission a big thank you and a pat on the back for all the hard work they put into Centennial Park, making it the little gem that is is and a true asset to our village.
Marilyn Bossardet
Oxford Village
Recently Jeff Davidson resigned his position as President with Oxford Bank. I have known Jeff along time, I hunt and fish with him, I did not ask Jeff why he resigned, I know what he is supposed to say. This happens all the time.
Boards give Managers a choice, resign or be terminated.
If the Board decided to do that, I can understand, with all that has happened to our economy and the financial position of the bank as a result of the housing and mortgage meltdown.
Making a change may be the right thing to do.
How the Board did it was wrong.
I as a shareholder do not appreciate the way the Board handled this. One week before the Bank’s shareholder’s annual meeting, Jeff was replaced as Chairman of the Board by a board member, Karen Mersino. Separating the Management of the Bank from running the Board under the current circumstances may be a good move.
I believe the intention of the board at that time was to remove Jeff permanently. Rather than do it at once and face the shareholders the following week, they kept Jeff on long enough to run the shareholders meeting. A week later Jeff allegedly resigned.
Was the Board too insecure to face the shareholders with the whole story? I believe they owe the shareholders an explanation. To stand Jeff up in front of the shareholders for the annual meeting was a low blow. Jeff deserved better for all he has done for the Bank in the last 24 years.
The shareholders have voted each of the board members to represent us. They have not done that this past couple weeks.
Serving as a board member today of a publicly owned corporation is a lot of responsibility. I think the Board should schedule another Shareholders meeting to stand up and act as a responsible Board.
If you are a shareholder or customer, seek these Board Members out and let them know what you think.
Bob Offer
Oxford
The most recent column from the Oxford Leader Editor starts out by stating that ‘Once upon a time, when working conditions were extremely hazardous . . . unions served a valuable purpose.? As a proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, I guess I missed the date and time that my job became less hazardous!
Mr. CJ Carnacchio goes on to state that the unions are corrupted by ‘power, greed and politics.? This may be true in some unions, but a blanket statement condemning union Fire Fighters is a slap in the face to the men and women of the IAFF.
The Leader article, ‘Firefighters look for union label,? regarding the union, also written by Mr. Carnacchio, lists Independence Township and Commerce as the closest IAFF locals. This makes union affiliation for full-time fire fighters seem a rarity. Let’s add a few to that list, Washington Twp., Bruce Twp., Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Pontiac, Bloomfield Twp., West Bloomfield Twp., Shelby Twp., Birmingham and the list contains many more fire departments.
Seniority based promotions are a negotiated contract item, not a mandatory contract item. I am strongly against seniority promotions although at this point in my career I would benefit from seniority promotions.
Mr. Carnacchio discusses rewarding the hard working individual and that the union prevents this from happening. In a utopian world, individual merit would be rewarded. The truth is that the ‘good old boy? system still exists in all aspects of the business world. A person may be an outstanding employee, but be passed over for the boss’s golf buddy. The union simply helps level the playing field for all individuals. The Leader also included an article praising local firefighters for outstanding work. With no union contract in place, the department is free to reward these men for their outstanding work. I am sure they will see a little something extra in their next pay check? I don’t think so.
The column also states that the union might hurt fire fighters in this strong Republican community. CJ, do you recognize any Republican communities listed above with Union Fire Departments? I think voters will vote on the merit of what their tax dollars provide them with, not union affiliation.
I had to laugh when CJ talked about legal fees if a union was voted in? Legal fees? The Township and Village Boards can’t even agree to disagree without consulting an attorney first! How much did the now defunct OPFEC legal fees cost me in tax dollars? Our elected officials do not have a strong track record when it comes to making decisions regarding our public safety.
Joining the IAFF is a benefit to Oxford and the full time firefighters. The union will help provide a more stable working environment for the firefighters and a negotiated contract will benefit Oxford in projecting future costs and maintaining a stable work force. The union also provides education in many areas at no cost to local municipalicities. This makes better firefighters and that benefits Oxford.
Yes, CJ, the flames do not discriminate between full time and paid on call. However, a union representing both is not a good option. I have worked both sides of the coin. I am sorry, but the working conditions and responsibilities are different. A contract addressing full time and paid on call would create a quagmire for everyone involved.
Regardless of the outcome of the union affiliation vote, I hope the community continues to support the Oxford Fire Department in the future.
Larry M. Bradford, Oxford
Editor’s Note: The listing of Independence and Commerce townships as the closest IAFF locals was not meant to imply unions are a rarity. The IAFF representative was asked to identify the geographically closest IAFF locals to Oxford.
The news article clearly stated that the IAFF has more than 292,000 members in approximately 3,100 affiliates across the U.S. and Canada. The story also clearly stated the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union has more than 5,000 members in 126 departments across the state.
Dear Editor,
I am deeply offended by the letter attacking pole dancing as lewd and immoral. I am a typical pole dancer.
I am a 38-year-old married mother of three. I work full-time helping people in crisis. I chose a career helping others rather than for personal gain. I garden. I recycle. I enjoy reading and backpacking. I don’t litter. I harm the environment as little as possible. I rarely drink. I don’t break the law.
I pole dance for fun and fitness. In less than a year, pole dancing has helped me lose two dress sizes and lower both my blood pressure and cholesterol. I’m stronger and more flexible.
My dancing is less risque than the routines on Dancing with the Stars, and my clothing is less revealing, as well. Can pole dancing be sensual or seductive? Sure. But so can walking down the street.
This weekend, I will be volunteering in a river conservation effort, planting crops, shopping for curtain rods and native plants and working out at Wonder Women Pole Studio. Please don’t accuse me of harming the community.
–Cheryl Ross
Dear Editor,
When the top five administrators in the Lake Orion school district are making a combined salary/benefit package of approximately $754,000 a year, I find it interesting the school board has not suggested the administration lead by example and ‘take one for the team.?
Instead of offering to take a pay cut to save the district money, the ‘powers that be? would rather cut programs, lay-off teachers, restructure the middle schools, change block scheduling at the high school, make cuts in transportation and ask our custodians to take a substantial pay cut.
What other ideas will central office come up with to save money? I assure you whatever those measures are, they will affect our students before they affect the pocket books of those five administrators.
–Kris Murphy
Dear Editor,
I really can’t figure out who thought up the new speed limits on some of our county roads in Lake Orion.
I know our state politicians wanted to leave the guesswork up to the individual townships to determine what their own local speed limits should be on their rural roads, but came up short.
I live off one of those roads that went from a 25 to a 45-mph speed limit. I thought 25 was too fast. It is bumpy, twisty with a lot of sharp turns and trees close to the road. It’s also now a much more attractive shortcut to get from Clarkston Road to M-24 during rush hour.
But yet a paved stretch of Josylyn Road from Heights to Indianwood stays 40 mph, which is a stretch of road, I might add, that has but only a few houses and one big golf course on it.
I would love to say I think this was the most insane thing I have ever seen a politician allow, but like always, tomorrow is a new day.
–Bill Denver
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your extensive reporting on the CVS rezoning. I especially appreciate it when you include interviews with elected officials. It helps those of us who are unable to attend township meetings decide who to vote for in coming elections.
The CVS rezoning issue, in particular, reveals the mind set and priorities of the township board members. Township Clerk Penny Shults and Trustees JoAnn Van Tassel and Mark Crane voted against rezoning, preserving our naturally beautiful residential area.
On the other hand, Township Supervisor Matt Gibb, Treasurer Alice Young and Trustees Neal Porter and John Steimel voted in favor of the rezoning. I’m sure they value the extra property tax the land will yield as a result of being rezoned ‘commercial.?
But these are tough economic times and many of our Orion commercial properties are already vacant. We certainly don’t need to lose more residential property only to create another vacancy in the ‘Shops on Waldon? just because CVS would like a more visible location.
Our beautiful ‘bedroom community? is what keeps Orion property tax payers in this area, even if our work commutes become longer. If Gibb, Young, Porter and Steimel continue their vision of what Orion should look like in the future, our unique charm will be lost. Their short sighted greed for commercial property tax will kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
–Carol Roughton
Just curious when the overgrown weeds along the median on Lapeer Road will be cut?
The weeds are out of control and I suspect that visitors to our town will conclude that we are nurturing a new forest along the route!
And along Joslyn Road near the fishing pier the weeds are also thriving.
And check out the corner of Joslyn and Waldon for another example of what happens when weeds are allowed to flourish.
And I know someone will say that the county or private owners are responsible for some of these sights, but someone from city government needs to follow-up and make sure that the county and those private owners understand that weeds need to be cut on a regular basis.
And private owners should understand that fines will be levied for non-compliance.
And someone needs to remove all the signs for ‘Stamped Concrete? that dot our roads. There is a phone number on the sign.
Call the number and give them one day to remove the signs otherwise someone from Orion can trash them!
I thought we had a sign ordinance here!
The pathway to Lake Orion (Lapeer Road) should be clutter free so that those passing through or who are vacationers are impressed with our commitment to a clean and clutter-free and weed-free town.
If not, then we need to change the sign at the entrances to read: ‘Lake Orion – Where Weeds and Clutter Flourish?!
–Bill Kalmar
Dear editor,
It was hard to sleep at night after reading the story about Chuck Fortinberry (‘Fight not over for local Chrysler dealer,? May 20). Much was left unsaid, but that’s typical of Chuck. Did you know how much he supports Clarkston?
Whether it was for school programs or the Clarkston Foundation, Chuck Fortinberry supported our kids with his own hard-earned dollars.
Every time there was a fundraiser, we could count on Fortinberry Chrysler. This was not chump-change, either. ‘Chuck, I need a favor,? I’d say. Then we talked about how important the programs were for the kids in our own community.
He never let me down.
And it wasn’t just me. Over the past few days others have mentioned his many kindnesses, like the annual Leukemia Ride. He always wanted to be sure his donations went to programs, not to administrative costs. He even donated his dealership as the site of one of the Clarkston Foundation’s early fundraiser parties.
The trickle-down effect of forcing a business to close has far-reaching effects for all of us. Imagine if your own employer was told there are too many (fill in the blank). Grocery stores could close if someone in power said there were too many. Want to see an empty building instead of Rudy’s Market? Your own job could be next.
The American way is good old-fashioned free enterprise and competition. It’s natural that any business without sufficient sales won’t survive. To arbitrarily cherry-pick a random selection to close is wrong.
If you saw me driving around town in a little blue Crossfire convertible the last couple of summers, it was because I believe in supporting businesses that support our community. That Crossfire was from Chuck Fortinberry’s dealership.
Chuck’s going to stay in business as long as we ‘not Chrysler and not our government – keep him there. The Clarkston News asks us to shop locally.
I bet you moved to Clarkston because you liked it here ? the small town, the quaint shops. Now join us by voting with your dollars for businesses in your own backyard.
In the words of Ronald Reagan, ‘A government big enough to give us everything we want is strong enough to take it all away.?
Sherry Regiani
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The first annual Chuck Keegan ‘Race for the Kids? was May 2. This event was co-sponsored by the Clarkston Foundation and the staff of Clarkston Junior High School. Chuck taught for Clarkston Community Schools for more than 30 years. He was also the track coach for much of that time. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of countless students, teachers, and parents. This was evident in the outpouring of support from the community; nearly 100 people participated in the event, raising more than $3,600. These funds will be used to establish scholarships for Clarkston students.
We would like to thank the following community leaders whose help was instrumental in the success of this event: Paul Coughlin, Runnin? Gear; John Merz, Graphmark Services; and Susan Powers, A+ Teacher’s Store. The Learning Experience and Waterford Jewelers also provided monetary support.
In addition, we are grateful to Clarkston Community Schools for their support of this worthwhile event.
Finally, thanks to Amy Ankrom, Jim Berman, Amy Black, Ray Cooper, Claudia Keglovitz, Jamie Rykse, Debbie Sabo, Wayne Samuel, Janet Thomas, and all the other former and current Clarkston Community Schools employees who donated their time and talent to plan and implement this event.
Mark Greve, chairman
Dear editor,
Yes, this is another letter regarding the mural in downtown Clarskston.
Many times each week, I drive by the ‘wall? with my daughters. Sometimes we talk about what is depicted, other times we talk about when we think it might be completed. We wonder what compels the artist to undo and redo certain parts of the mural and look forward to see what will appear next.
Our projects tend to be short-term and with obvious beginnings and endings, like homework and chores, so this has become very thought-provoking for us. We are fascinated by not only the mural, but by what goes on within the mind of the artist.
It has become more than a painting to us, it has become an opportunity to talk about our interpretation of Clarkston and how we feel about art and freedom of expression. We have artists in our family and feel they are special people that add color to our lives, as we tend to be very logical and orderly. We joke about the day the mural is completed and that we will have to come up with something new to talk about when we drive by in the future.
With sadness and shock, I share the letters from people that do not share our fascination. I feel badly that the mural has not given them what it has given us. It may not be what we would paint, but we wouldn’t have thought to turn an old church into an amazing restaurant either.
We are grateful for the people in this town that have a different vision, a unique vision that is distinctly their own. I feel it is what sets our town apart and makes it uniquely and ultimately ours.
Missy Brozovich
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Remember the story about the Emperor who was convinced by his new tailor that his new set of clothing was far superior to any previously sewn?
It turned out the Emperor was being duped and when the crowd saw the Emperor strutting naked they began to point and laugh forcing the Emperor to finally see what everyone else saw. Mr. Sherman, that’s you and those of us living in the realm are telling you so.
After reading the latest round of explanation from the tailor, uh, artist asking the citizens of our community to see the invisible clothing that she is selling as a symbolic depiction of the history of Clarkston, I for one am not buying, Mr. Sherman.
You should stand in front of the mural and decipher the history you see on the wall. Please ask yourself as you peer at this wall, is this what I intended, is this the direction I wanted it to take? Call me a Pollyanna if you will but I believe you truly wished to gift the community a piece of art that would be uplifting and would enhance the experience of living in a town proud of its heritage.
I cannot see any uplifting or redeeming message in this twisted rendition being proclaimed by the artist as representing Clarkston history nor do I believe will you, should you take an honest evaluating look.
Mr. Sherman, please get a new tailor or have the one that you hired adhere to the pattern submitted to you in the first place. I will gladly applaud your new set of clothes as you walk with pride down the streets of Clarkston.
Marilyn Parke
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I want to personally thank you for taking the time to write this article about the girls (‘Tenacious finish for girls,? May 27). My name is Marc Spindler and my daughter is Gabriella.
This article was very bitter sweet for us. The article was a great consolation prize for Gabriella who at 19-0 and a regional winner was crushed not to make it to the state tournament!
I had the unique opportunity to play 10 seasons in The National Football League and know the thrill of victory and agony of defeat. This was very diffent though, becasue of some archaic rule system that the MHSAA has in place, Gabriella was penalized.
There is no other sport in Michigan or other states for that matter that doesn’t reward the Regional winner, let alone undefeated, with a trip to states!
I sincerely thank you for your time and ask you to look for these three Clarkston singles players names in the future as they are three of the best in the midwest.
Marc Spindler
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Contrary to the letter by Todd Messer, ‘Too much gov’t caused this mess,? May 6, I suggest he research all the facts.
It was John McCain’s economic advisor Phil Gramm who was instrumental in removing controls that would have prevented our current crisis.
It was the unjust war of George W. Bush who borrowed billions off the books from China. It was the greedy manufacturers who send the work to Mexico and China for cheap labor, not to mention southern states offering free land and anti-union low wages.
Laid-off Michigan workers could no longer pay their mortgages. As for the business owner, without money in the hands of the poor consumers, there is no business or need to borrow. As a retired business owner, I can tell you it was the bank that had me under their thumb.
I was happy to pay my share of taxes, which was a barometer of success. No man is an island and no one can be in business without the hard-working ‘other half.? Don’t put the cart before the horse. First comes demand. Second is supply. Wealth trickles up, not down.
Dale Bond
Independence Township
As the news of Mr. Jeff Davidson’s resignation as President and CEO of Oxford Bank quickly reached the local press and community I am truly shocked and saddened for Mr. Davidson, indeed for all of us associated with Oxford Bank and the Oxford community.? Those of us who are customers, employees and shareholders will feel the impact for years to come.
For those of you that don’t know Mr. Davidson, he is what I would refer to as a ‘Quiet Giant? both in our community and in the community banking industry.’He has invested 24 years of his life doing what he loved, working and giving to the bank and community he loved.?’He is revered as an outstanding member of the Michigan Banking Association and the Michigan Community Banking Association.? His example and personal conduct serves as a model that all of us should strive to emulate. He is a man of high moral character demonstrated by his honesty, work ethic, and concern and compassion for others.
When the bank fell upon hard times due to the troubled economy and faced with devalued holdings, Mr. Davidson worked tirelessly to develop and implement a plan for recovery. He met with federal regulators and panicky shareholders to demonstrate how the bank could emerge from this crisis and was able to maintain their confidence in his ability to succeed on the shareholders behalf and they allowed him to implement his plan.
His plan has already begun to bear fruit and success in meeting his recovery plan goals and objectives. A recent press release (Oxford Bank website/press release/April 24th) announced ‘improved first quarter operating results for 2009? and details out all the positive financial improvements the bank is experiencing. While, Mr. Davidson admits there is still more work to be done, he stated ‘positive trends are materializing as a result of nearly two years of aggressive, sustained efforts to reduce expenses and improve asset quality?. He has been making the hard and difficult decisions that impacted both his employees and shareholders, in order to emerge an even stronger entity than he or his predecessors assumed responsibility for in the past.? Unprecedented times called for unprecedented action and he had the courage to face it all head on with honesty and forthrightness.?
That is why on the heels of emerging from the past two years of financial difficulties it is hard to imagine why Mr. Davidson would leave his beloved Oxford Bank.
As the bank’continues to emerge from the current financial difficulties, it will’not be forgotten that it was due in large part to his banking expertise, integrity, professionalism, hard work, and determination.?
Mr. Davidson, we wish you the best of luck and know in our hearts and minds that you are not a quitter.
Janet Johns
Oxford
What a great community we live in. It seems like some of the village council members are more concerned about quantity (money) rather than quality these days. Did you know that our water plant operators have at least 40 years worth of knowledge and experience in the water industry in which the Oxford Village has benefited from?
Our illustrious Oxford Leader editor (C.J.) needs to be enlightened about the reason why there were two full time water plant operators. For his information, one operator was being trained in order to fill in for the other operator who was planning on retiring this year. (a savings of $83,000) Your Village dollars (thousands of dollars) paid for that training of the back up operator and now another community will be benefiting from his expertise.
What were Mr. Bishop, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Albensi thinking? Oh wait, they weren’t thinking.
Fortunately for all of us we have two council members, Mrs.Stiles, and Mr. Benner, that truly care about our community. They were trying to make an informed decision but were totally shot down by the others. It was the most outragious abuse of power I have ever witnessed!
I am ashamed of our ‘El Presidente? Mr. Bishop and his two puppets and hopefully you will remember who NOT to vote for when you go to the polls this September.
Tina Rowland
Oxford
Dear editor,
Clarkston recently celebrated its 10th annual American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life and raised over $41,000.
Rain, wind, chilly temps and sunshine combined with the enthusiasm of both young and old to make this a successful event. Individuals and teams raised significant funds.
We also want to recognize the generosity of the many local businesses and organizations who continue to support the fight against cancer in spite of difficult economic times. Thanks go to Jim Riehl’s Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Lapeer, CTS Health Insurance, Wright & Filippis, Tenuta’s, Kroger, SMS Leadership Team, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, Big Boy, American Fitness, LaVida Massage, Subway, Dunkin Donuts, Lisa’s Confection Connection, Lowe’s, Chairsides Party Rentals, Randolph’s Salon, Calvary Lutheran Church, Clarkston Community Schools, Michigan Institute for Radiation Oncology, Andersonville Angels, Comcast, Cedar 60 F&AM and Order of Eastern Stars, Kids for A Cure, Farm Bureau Insurance-The Brad Evans Agency, Clarkston Medical Group, BSA Troop 199 and Team Lifesavers.
The battle against cancer is truly about a community that takes up the fight. Thanks to all who were involved.
Betty Anderson
Relay For Life Clarkston Committee
Dear editor,
I would like to offer Clarkston stories for the mural, but I have lived here only 45 years, so my memories are fairly recent. I do remember when horses and riders came into town on Saturday mornings via N. Holcomb, as Main Street was too busy. I remember Mrs. Ronk as postmistress when the post office was in town. I remember Rudy handing each child a small piece of candy.
For the important history of Clarkston, we are fortunate to have it recorded.
‘Heritage? was published for the Bicentennial in 1976. This book consists of stories by 35 historians, illustrations, photographs, and text from the Oakland County History Book.
‘Our Children’s Heritage,? published in 1995 for the children of Clarkston, is filled with entertaining history, stories, drawings, and photographs.
‘The Way We Remember It? is a collection of 21 interviews done in the late 1990s. The stories and photographs of these Clarkston citizens are charming and poignant.
All three books are available for loan at the Independence Township Library, and are for sale at the Union General on Main Street. All three books were created with the combined efforts of many local individuals and many organizations, particularly the Clarkston Community Historical Society.
The society also creates two exhibits yearly in the Heritage Room at the library. Their themed displays feature museum quality objects and photos, and every exhibit continues to be excellent.
Sashabaw and Lakeview cemeteries contain historic gravesites of our early settlers, including Revolutionary War patriots. The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution encourages knowledge of our local history.
I hope these resources will be used to learn about our heritage. We are proud of Clarkston history, and of the people who continue to record it, to protect it, and to share it.
Charlotte Cooper
Clarkston
Dear editor,
As I read through ‘Completed mural will tell Clarkston’s story, artist says,? (May 6 edition) I thought Ms. Michelle Tynan did an exceptional job of helping us all understand why it is our community finds itself in such a quandary regarding the mural. While I was anxious to finally gain some understanding about what was on that controversial wall, I quickly found myself shaking my head.
‘There are floating wooden horses and an aged tree holding back fiercely with hollowed armored limbs the distorted Main Street clock symbolic of changing times and oppositions to keep things the same.?
Some explanations provide all the understanding we need. I’ll bet when kids of this community asked their parents to explain what she meant, there were a lot of very anxious moments as Mom or Dad fumbled with an answer.
The reality is simply that this mural has nothing to do whatsoever with Clarkston. After all, if it did, why are there ‘Parisian street lamps reminiscent of my childhood in Europe? in the picture? The answer is that it has everything to do with Michelle Tynan, her singular world, the publicity (bad is often good) she is gaining from the project and her desperate need to be thought of as an ‘artist.?
Well, I will give it to her that she is an artist, with recognition, however, that there is both good art and bad art. Quite frankly, the ‘art? that resides on the now famed wall is simply thought of by the vast majority of this community to fall in the ‘bad,? as well as unwanted, category. Imagine the gall of someone who imposes upon a small, quaint community a mural the size and location of this one and then proclaims that she is solely the authority on her work.
No, in this situation, we are all authorities on your work and the vast majority of us believe your ‘art? fails miserably to reflect suitably on either us or our community.
But I think we are making a mistake to make ‘the artist? the sole focus of this issue, because in reality, there is a bigger culprit. That person is Jim Sherman, former owner of The Clarkston News, and still owner of the building on which the mural resides.
At the beginning of this project, Mr. Sherman took an ‘artist’s drawing? of what was to be painted on his building to the Clarkston City Council as a courtesy. That ‘painting? was one of the windows through which a viewer could see activities going on inside the building. This likely would have been rather pleasant and would have fit nicely with all around it.
But something happened to those ‘good intentions? as the Detroit News called them. Someone with a clearly personal motive took over, imposed her will and for all practical purposes, thumbed her nose at the community in the spirit of ‘artistic freedom.? I would ask Mr. Sherman, ‘whatever happened to your vision and how did you let this project get so out of hand??
Whatever happened, Mr. Sherman has not endeared himself to the community which bought his newspapers for all those years and helped him to grow his business and fortune.
To Mr. Sherman I offer this challenge. Allow the Clarkston community to vote on what they think of your mural. I would propose the vote be organized and conducted at one of the upcoming ‘Concerts in the Park,? where there would be a large gathering of a cross-section of the Clarkston community.
If 55 percent or more of those votes, in political terms, a ‘landslide,? are cast against your mural, then repaint the side of your building in accordance with the original vision you shared with the city council.
If, however, more than 45 percent of the votes are cast in favor of completing your current mural, then I think those of us who oppose your mural should agree to accept what you have created and give up our fight to get it changed. You could also expect to receive an immediate retraction from me to this letter.
I stand ready and willing to move forward upon hearing from you. But, Mr. Sherman, this is no time to continue to stand silent on this issue. If you will not or cannot agree with what I have proposed, then I respectfully submit you owe this community an explanation yourself. We have now heard all we need to hear from your artist.
Robert G. Mosier
Independence Township
Friends for a Cure, one of the teams at the local American Cancer Society Relay for Life coming up at Oxford High School on May 30-31, would like to thank Harvest Time, and specifically Paul Forte and Joe Sosville, for helping us raise funds through the sale of hot dogs, chips, candy, and drinks the weekend of May 16-17.
While this is their busiest season of the year, they graciously allowed us to sell food to their customers which we are very appreciative of.
We also would like to thank them for helping promote it on their weekly advertising in the Advertiser.
We encourage everyone to help support local businesses like Harvest Time, who are the ones that truly support the local communities throughout the year.
Friends for a Cure
Dear editor,
It’s great to discuss the issue of increasing commercial vacancy in the Dixie Highway corridor, but the working group is just identifying a symptom of the core problem.
Decreasing consumer expenditure and population migration in the trade area are resulting in lower sales per square foot in the Dixie corridor, which is causing hardship to the businesses and landlords, as well as the residents/consumers.
Throwing money at this symptom will not help the underlying problem.
Creating jobs in our community is really the answer to our local and regional problem. Our community has three interstate highway interchanges as well as the Dixie Highway corridor, linking us to Genesee County and Central/Southern Oakland County trade areas. We already have a significant investment in our community by the McLaren Healthcare System at Sashabaw and I-75 with the commitment to build a new hospital, and have been fencing with Beaumont Hospital to build a Health Care facility at the M-15 and I-75.
Using these new developments as a base, I suggest we be front and center in the implementation County Executive Patterson’s Medical Main Street program, and attempt to become a regional health care hub. Branding our community as a Health Care Hub and recruiting spin off business, could create additional employment in the health care growth sector, away from our traditional manufacturing base.
In addition to the health care specific jobs brought to our community, we could encourage more collaboration between health care industry and non-traditional colleges/universities, leading to additional jobs in the education sector.
In the long run, this type of growth would also put us in a position to encourage additional forms of Public Transportation along the Dixie Corridor north of Pontiac.
Our community and region has been undergoing a significant change over the past four years. The status quo will continue leading us to higher vacancy rates and lower home prices.
Getting involved in creating a vision for the future is just about the only way to positively influence it. It may be time to rethink our position in this region, and update our Community Master Plan.
The Master Plan certainly didn’t consider the effects of a Chrysler and GM bankruptcy. The only way to help ourselves may be to step forward and lead, instead of counting on other communities to provide jobs for our residents.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I am told that there are potential plans for a Salvation Army thrift store at the old Farmer Jack’s location at Sashabaw and Waldon.
The Salvation Army does good things for those in need, just as other organizations such as Purple Heart and St. Vincent De Paul. My family traditional gives each year to these organizations, donating good condition items that we no longer need or can use.
However, when I have delivered these items to other local thrift stores, I am always dismayed at the amount of items lying around the sides and rear of these stores.
It always appears that other people see these locations as a means of getting rid of their ‘junk? and that the stores are not able or willing to keep the area clean of these dumpings.
I am concerned that Independence Town Square and the immediate area will become a local dumping site if this facility becomes a thrift store in our area.
Robert Ferer
Independence Township
(Ed. Note: According to Independence Township Building Department, no site plan has yet been submitted.)
Dear editor,
I not only try to buy local I try to buy as many Michigan product’s as I can find. But being a GM retiree I can’t help but notice how many foreign car’s being driven by the owner’s of our local businesses.
I don’t support people who don’t support me.
James Bird
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Lighthouse Clarkston sends a big ‘thank you!? to all of the hard working Independence Township mail carriers, their customers and the our volunteers for another successful ‘Stamp out Hunger? food drive.
On Saturday, May 9, many volunteers spent the afternoon in our parking lot sorting and boxing the thousands of pounds of donated items that the carriers picked up at the mail boxes along their routes.
This much needed food will allow Lighthouse Emergency Services to help local residents that are dealing with having to choose between purchasing food or paying the monthly rent.
Thank you to all who participated and made this a huge success!
Connie Stapleton
Lighthouse Emergency Services
Dear editor,
To hear the media tell it, arrogant corporate chiefs failed to foresee the demand for small, fuel-efficient cars and made gas-guzzling road-hog SUVs no one wanted, while the clever, far-sighted Japanese, Germans and Koreans prepared and built for the future.
I dissent. What killed Detroit was Washington, the government of the United States, politicians, journalists and muckrakers who have long harbored a deep animus against the manufacturing class that ran the smokestack industries that won World War II.
How did Big Government do in the U.S. auto industry?
Washington imposed a minimum wage higher than the average wage in war-devastated Germany and Japan. The Feds ordered that U.S. plants be made the healthiest and safest worksites in the world, creating OSHA to see to it. It enacted civil rights laws to ensure the labor force reflected our diversity. Environmental laws came next, to ensure U.S. factories became the most pollution-free on earth.
It then clamped fuel efficiency standards on the entire U.S. car fleet.
Next, Washington imposed a corporate tax rate of 35 percent, raking off another 15 percent of autoworkers’ wages in Social Security payroll taxes State governments imposed income and sales taxes, and local governments property taxes to subsidize services and schools.
The United Auto Workers struck repeatedly to win the highest wages and most generous benefits on earth — vacations, holidays, work breaks, health care, pensions — for workers and their families, and retirees.
Now there is nothing wrong with making U.S. plants the cleanest and safest on earth or having U.S. autoworkers the highest-paid wage earners.
That is the dream, what we all wanted for America.
And under the 14th Amendment, GM, Ford and Chrysler had to obey the same U.S. laws and pay at the same tax rates. Outside the United States, however, there was and is no equality of standards or taxes.
Thus when America entered the Global Economy to maximize profits by outsourcing work and jobs overseas, GM and Ford had to compete with cars made overseas in factories in postwar Japan and Germany, then Korea, where health and safety standards were much lower, wages were a fraction of those paid U.S. workers, and taxes were and are often forgiven on exports to the United States.
All three nations built “export-driven” economies.
The Beetle and early Japanese imports were made in factories where wages were far beneath U.S. wages and working conditions would have gotten U.S. auto executives sent to prison.
The competition was manifestly unfair, like forcing Secretariat to carry 100 pounds in his saddlebags in the Derby.
Japan, China and South Korea do not believe in free trade as we understand it.
While we think the Global Economy is about what is best for the consumer, they think about what is best for the nation.
Like Alexander Hamilton, they understand that manufacturing is the key to national power. And they manipulate currencies, grant tax rebates to their exporters and thieve our technology to win. Last year, as trade expert Bill Hawkins writes, South Korea exported 700,000 cars to us, while importing 5,000 cars from us.
That’s Asia’s idea of free trade.
How has this Global Economy profited or prospered America?
In the 1950s, we made all our own toys, clothes, shoes, bikes, furniture, motorcycles, cars, cameras, telephones, TVs, etc. You name it. We made it.
Are we better off now that these things are made by foreigners? Are we better off now that we have ceased to be self-sufficient? Are we better off now that the real wages of our workers and median income of our families no longer grow as they once did? Are we better off now that manufacturing, for the first time in U.S. history, employs fewer workers than government?
We no longer build commercial ships. We have but one airplane company, and it outsources. China produces our computers. And if GM goes Chapter 11, America will soon be out of the auto business.
Our politicians and pundits may not understand what is going on. Historians will have no problem explaining the decline and fall of the Americans.
Regards,
Dave Cleveland
Independence Township
The scenario here is bleak and there is no near end in sight. Job losses are at an all time high, major corporations are shutting their doors and/or filing for bankruptcy, foreclosures are at record levels, people are leaving Michigan by the thousands, property values are at historic lows, and government operational monies via taxes are shrinking annually at double-digit rates.
Knowing all of this (unless you live in a cave), the Oxford Village Council, those whom we have elected to protect our interests, voted 3 to 1 in favor of reducing the millage by one full mil. This action was taken even after being warned by the audience and Councilperson Stiles. I know that many of you will be, on the surface, happy for the reduction. Unfortunately, with this move, the operations budget did not shrink to meet the size of this reduction and we will have to dip into the fund balances just to pay the bills. I can assure you that these balances were meticulously built and maintained through the years and were not done blindly. A FUND BALANCE IS NOT A BAD THING IN THE FACE OF POTENTIAL DISASTER!
The droning cries of ‘Fiscal Responsibility? and ‘government transparency? were no doubt ringing in council’s ears to come to this course of action, but NO ONE was listening to the whole story or thinking beyond their ‘tax-cut hero? status. This action, in my estimation, is one of the most IRRESPONSIBLE acts ever committed by a seated governmental body in recent history. It will also come back to bite you very hard. What are you thinking?
If we can cut the income to the Village, why then did the Oxford Schools look for an increase in income? I truly believe that both of these acts, opposite as they may be, were each equally irresponsible in their own rights.
What is so wrong with taking the ‘holding the line? approach to taxes, spending, and major changes? True fiscal responsibility would dictate that if you, as an elected official: a) do not know when the economy will turn around, b) do not know when the trend of decreasing revenues will end, and c) do not know how much is too much, that you would at least attempt to try to maintain the status quo until a leveling has taken place. That is, of course, if you are NOT trying to bankrupt the Village as part of a greater plan, which I have said since day one. Thank you for continuing to validate my fears.
As if that was not enough, the council also made a move toward ‘privatizing? the operation of the water plant. It was originally sold as a ?$70,000 savings,? but that has quickly dwindled to a mere $10,000 savings (less than 1% of the Village budget). They did this without consideration of affected employees, basic plant operations, supply costs, or basic emergency factors. A contracted four-hour response time is a far cry from what we have enjoyed in the 30 years that I have been here. Privatization equates to one thing ? LOSS OF COMPLETE OPERATIONAL CONTOL. Is that really what the citizen’s want? I think not.
I ask that you pull your collective heads out of the sand and look around at this potential disaster that you have created and begin to formulate your public position of why you will be raising taxes beyond the previous rates in years to come.
I for one will be very interested in that dialogue and its results.
PS: Thank you for once again showing your LOYALTY (or lack thereof) to the men and women that work(ed) for the Village and make it a great place to live.
Steven J. Allen
Oxford
Thank you for remembering my birthday ? even if it was my 75th!!
Also, I would like to thank my family and friends, who called, sent cards, flowers and other expressions of congrats.
I am amazed at the vast amount of friends that took the time. It made turning 75 not so hard to accept!
Helen Smith
Oxford
I am writing this letter to you to thank all those involved in the recent return of my missing wedding ring. On Tuesday evening, I had been working on some pitching and batting drills with my daughter’s softball team on a field at Seymour Lake Park. The next morning, I noticed my wedding ring was missing. I left for work thinking it had just been misplaced around my house. Throughout the course of the day, I began to fear the worst and I believed it came loose in my baseball mitt and when I removed the mitt in the outfield a few times, it must have fallen into the grass. I called Dan Sullivan at the Parks and Rec office to see if anyone might have found it and gave it to him. He told me that no one had turned it in but he and his crew would look for it while they were out of the field during the day. Several people mentioned it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
My husband and I searched a particular area of the outfield on a few occasions and never found the ring. During the next softball practice on Thursday, I continuously looked for the ring. I was starting to feel like it was gone for good. That was until Friday afternoon when I got a call from Dan asking me what my ring looked like. I couldn’t believe it. Someone actually found it in the outfield where we had searched for hours. That special someone who found it was Abby Barnewold, a fourth-grader at Oxford Elementary School. Her team practiced on the area of the field right after our team did on Thursday night. She looked down and just saw it lying there. She turned it into her coach, Mr. Dinges who in turn gave it to his wife who contacted Dan and got the ring back to me.
While it was missing for those three days, I wondered if it was already melted down or had been sold. I knew I would get it back if the right person found it. The right person did find it. I can’t thank Abby Barnewold enough for giving me back my wedding ring. I also want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Dinges, Mrs. Barnewold, and Dan Sullivan for all making sure my ring was safely returned.
I will cheer for Abby throughout the softball season, even when she scores a run against our team. I really admire her honesty and caring spirit!
With great appreciation,
Michelle Gordon
Oxford
The May 13 edition of the Oxford Leader touched upon crucial issues in a letter to the editor about the ‘detached and autocratic management style? of our school leadership – and a column that pointed out the importance of choosing a ‘gadfly? for a replacement on the Oxford Board of Education.
A practice of blocking dissenting voices pushes us further from democracy and keeps domineering discourse cycling through what Max Weber called the ‘bureaucratic machine,? an increasing problem in our educational system.
I’ve lived in Oxford for many years, been involved in thecommunity, and seen it change in various ways. My children received their primary educations here, with many positive experiences. However, I was also run through the mill of our school district’s bureaucratic machine, where I experienced its silencing process.
Several years ago, Oxford High School administrators falsely accused one of my children, who had never been in trouble, of what they called a serious ‘incident.? In a bizarre twist of events, my son was unjustly blamed, in his final year at OHS, of breaking unwritten and ambiguous ‘rules? that were subject to the biased interpretation of administrators. Ironically, the same type of altruistic behavior that my son had displayed with that ‘incident? won him many college scholarships and awards for community caring and leadership.
I confronted school administrators over the ‘incident? because I felt what they did was wrong. When I questioned the accusations, some school administrators decided to set an example with my child, to teach ‘others? to fear doing anything that could possibly mitigate their autocratic authority, rather than admit they had prematurely jumped to conclusions and made a judgmental mistake because they didn’t really ‘know all male teenagers,? as they claimed.
When I showed the administrators how they had erred, they tried to cover up and settle the matter by intimidating my son into signing a paper that held him responsible for what had transpired. I refused to allow my son to ‘assume responsibility? for their mistake and then be punished by serving a series of detentions. In addition, I followed the process that was defined in the ‘Student Code of Conduct? book and first briefly brought up the matter at the end of a School Board meeting, proposing changes be made in our school to ensure such ‘incidents? were not be repeated. I assumed some action would be taken but my case was ignored.
In response, numerous other OHS students threatened to rebel against the situation because they were well aware of what went on at school, with the ways ambiguous bureaucratic ‘rules? were sometimes concocted and unjustly enforced. Someone even called a major news network in an attempt to inform the public about abused ‘authority? in our education system. I received phone calls from Oxford parents who said they supported what I did because they had experienced similar problems with our school administrators, superintendent’s office, and school board.
In response to the challenge, the high school principal and Oxford Schools superintendent’s office threatened to increase my son’s punishment, from detentions to a suspension or possible expulsion, unless I submitted to their demands. They wanted me to sign a false statement, which could have kept my child from getting into a top university for biomedical engineering, something he had diligently worked for. I refused. They also demanded that he receive counseling through a professional private psychologist or church for an unnamed ‘problem,? though in another correspondence they readily admitted he was an ‘exemplary student.? That infuriated me.
I responded by calling a psychologist who had worked with youth for 20+ years. He asked me specifically what my son needed counseling for. I didn’t know because administrators wouldn’t tell me and suggested he ask our administrators for a response to that question. Rather than specify the ‘problem? or ‘incident? in writing, school administrators suddenly decided my son didn’t need to see a psychologist after all, but they would not drop the case.
OHS teachers, who knew my son well and wanted to see the situation corrected, spoke up in his defense, putting their jobs on the line. Suddenly our teachers were silenced and I was told that a ‘gag order? had been placed on them by a tax-funded school attorney. The situation grew worse and when I insisted on a formal hearing with the school board, they responded by suddenly canceling a scheduled meeting.
After months of dead-end frustrations, I informed the administrators that I had called the ACLU for advice and the situation came to a close. Throughout that time, I was baffled by how administrators managed to maintain a fa’ade, toot their own horns by selectively informing the public about what a ‘good? job they were doing, claiming they were ‘invested? in the welfare of all Oxford students.
That situation forced me to face something I might have otherwise not believed. There are crucial underlying reasons why problems in our educational system don’t get resolved that are tied to that ‘detached and autocratic management style.? I don’t take recent ‘incidents? in our school district lightly, including the unjust dismissal of Coach Laidlaw, another individual who was known for ‘caring about others,? as well as others who are run through the mill and students that are being ‘pushed out? of our schools if they don’t submit to a bureaucratic machine that selectively focuses on ‘competition,? at the cost of ‘caring.?
I know that one of the roles of highly paid administrators is to keep such a bureaucratic machine going, even if it is a major source of problems in our society. I also know that we can’t solve unacknowledged or unchecked problems. Secrecy and silence are a way of brushing dilemmas under the rug, where they compound until they explode. I feel the ‘diversity? that has been preached in superintendent Bill Skilling’s so-called ‘new direction,? in regards to our schools, needs to be applied to our School Board. Otherwise, ‘diversity? is nothing more than empty rhetoric in a ‘do as I say, not as I do? culture.
A ‘know-your-place mentality? doesn’t produce leaders, which Skilling likewise claims to promote, as least not the type of leadership that I feel our community and country needs, especially in these trying times. That type of fear-producing/promoting mentality has actually caused many serious problems in our ‘global economy,? problems I had studied in my graduate work at UM and continue to research. If we aspire to make real ‘change,? we need to specifically address problematic management styles and involve diverse voices, including those of dissent, which can ultimately allow us to make more informed and ‘educated? choices about a system that is failing an increasing number of our citizens.
Ewa Jankowiak
Oxford
I read the article in last week’s Leader titled ‘Choose a ‘gadfly? to replace Tombrella? and I was extremely disappointed in the way the editor addressed the Oxford Board of Education.
While I understand that not everyone is going to agree with all decisions made by the Board, I feel that it is very important to support the leaders of our school district because they are doing what they feel is in the best interest of our children.
I am currently a student in Michigan State University’s College of Education and there is research to support the Board’s idea of the three A’s (Academics, Arts, and Athletics); research shows that students succeed more when they are involved in extra-curricular activities and there are certain things, such as team work, that are better learned on the athletic field or in the arts than in the classroom.
Also, while intergrating students who are not residents of the Oxford Community can be a challenge, our teachers and administrators are equipped to help all students learn to the best of their ability. School of choice presents more opportunities for district growth and allows the school the chance to receive more funds from the state.
These extra funds help to provide the higher standard of education that Oxford parents expect of the district. Research also shows that overall student development is greater when there is more school diversity; this can be achieved through school of choice.
I have attended board meetings, have listened closely to topics that are discussed and have also personally met with Dr. Skilling.
I strongly disagree with the editor’s assumption that the Board is ?’so eager to do whatever the superintendent wants, one that praises him endlessly and seems to live to please him??
Oxford is fortunate enough to have a Board and superintendent who are able to work closely with one another; this shows that everyone is on the same page and ready to move Oxford Schools forward.
In one of my College of Education classes, the special ‘Best Schools in Michigan? that featured Oxford Community Schools was shown in hopes that future MSU graduates will take the example set by Oxford, and the two other schools, and strive to become model teachers.
It is my hope, that while not everyone may agree with the Board and the superintendent, they realize that Oxford is very fortunate to have concerned community members giving their time to better the education of Oxford students.
This editor is not giving credit to the positive things the Board is doing, the right direction they are moving Oxford Schools in, and he does not understand that colleges are preparing future teachers to push their students in the direction that Oxford is headed.
Caitlin Weiss
Dear editor,
The Clarkston School Board just wasted $ 44,000 of taxpayer funds on the recent May school election where less than 15 percent of the eligible voters participated. Compare that low turnout to the 74 percent of registered voters who came out for the November, 2008 elections.
Did the Clarkston School Board learn their money management skills at the Pentagon or from Congress?
The vast majority (75 percent) of the other school districts in Oakland County have moved their school elections to take place when other elections are scheduled. But here in the Clarkston School District, a majority of the Board Members offer lame excuses as to why we need a ‘special? election while we issue layoff notices to teachers and staff.
Taxpayers should contact the current School Board members and demand an election date change to coincide with other elections. But you may have to call long distance to reach them at financial training sessions in Washington, D.C.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear editor,
I have been a resident of the Clarkston area for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve seen a considerable amount of change to the historic and once charming Village, some good and some not so good.
Unfortunately, the current insult to the town’s visual appeal is the seemingly never ending mural project.
After reading the artist’s defense of what she calls a ‘history painting,? in the May 6 edition of The Clarkston News, I can only place this Surrealistic eye sore in the same category as the ugly graffiti found on freeway bridges.
She speaks of the hallucinatory images as ‘metaphors for life on Main Street.? This is certainly not the Main Street envisioned by most Clarkston residents and visitors.
These pathetic allegorical references are all too transparent attempts to imitate the bizarre images of Salvador Dali, who once said, ‘I’m not strange, I’m just not normal!?
The artist’s derisive insult in reply to Mayor Arkwright’s statement that ‘people would prefer something a little more understandable? was simply that ‘Yes, and we could all strive for more mediocrity in our lives too.? I suspect that the vast majority of those contemplating her work would strongly agree with Mayor Arkwright.
Clarkston businesses are suffering and it’s residents are experiencing difficulties in these tough economic times, but instead of something that would be an attraction to visitors and an asset to the residents of the town and it’s historic architecture, we’re getting the grotesque imagery of a narcissistic, Dali wannabe.
Hopefully, her ‘patron? will take the appropriate action to rescind her commission, remove this monstrosity and give the opportunity to someone with a real sense of art and craftsmanship.
Someone who can portray an esthetically pleasing image of what Clarkston is really all about … its beauty, its history, its dynamic vitality and the energetic spirit of its residents.
Richard Uhrick
Independence Township
Dear editor,
Our troop decided to tackle plastic bottle recycling at our school, as our service project this year.
From October 2008 through April 24, 2009 our troop has recycled approximately 2800 bottles. We really feel like we made a contribution to our community and the world.
We will continue this project next year, however, we still recommend using refillable water bottles.
I would like to give a big thanks to the girls Emma Barnes, Anne-Marie Dargay, Kierstin Dwire, Alison Ferer, Sydney Jensen, Emma Lohmeier, Kalei McLennan, Meghan Piana, Olivia Sampson and Gabrielle Vollrath and my co-leaders Dawn McLennan and Beth Lohmeier.
Megan Ferer
Leader, Girl Scout Troop !3094
Dear editor,
River day is June 13 and the Clarkston Watershed Group will be once again working in Depot Park and by the mill pond to enlarge and enhance our Rain Gardens as well as working to improve some of the stream sides of the Clinton river.
We can use help and also are hoping a few Green-orientated folks will donate $5 per plant to help expand the rain gardens.
You can sent a donation to the City of the Village of Clarkston with a note designating the donation to the Clarkston Watershed Group. Hope to see you on June 13.
J. James Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We want to thank all the citizens of Clarkston for, yet again, making sure that a Clarkston icon goes on. SCAMP will happen again this summer because of you.
Today was our Walk & Roll for SCAMP. It was a huge success!
You could have been: one of the walkers, one of our many wonderful volunteers, one of the sponsors for a walker, a board member who showed up to make sure every aspect of the event was covered, completely and safely, a neighbor who, so graciously, allowed people to park on your lawn, one of the many people who made sure the park was as clean when we left as when we arrived, one of our sponsors who make sure the event is profitable, a Pontiac Civitan who served hotdogs for who knows how many years now, a City of Clarkston Police Officer or an Oakland County Sheriff, or someone responsible for the weather.
Whatever your role, we appreciate you.
We will host a few more fundraisers this year and we can’t tell you how grateful we are to be working so hard. Everyone in this town who can, is.
You keep telling us how much you appreciate what a wonderful program SCAMP is and we will keep making sure it happens.
The sun was shining on Clarkston today. It was nice to see so many of you in the park. If you can, we would love to see you again.
Sincerely,
Clarkston SCAMP Board of Directors
Dear Editor,
My daughter attends Pine Knob Elementary and last week for Earth day they learned about the importance of keeping the earth clean. They also picked up garbage around the school.
On Friday morning I took my daughter to school but beforehand we stopped at the local Tim Hortons on Sashabaw and Maybee.
Next to the Hortons is a small vacant lot that seems to have collected some garbage over the winter. My daughter Camryn looked at me and said Mom do you think we could come here and clean up the garbage?
I was so overwhelmed that she said that. I was so thankful that the schools are showing the importance of Earth Day. So this past Sunday we headed over to the open lot next to Hortons and picked up the garbage.
Our next cleanup will be an area we noticed on the corner of Dixie and Maybee Road. We enjoyed cleaning up the area and will continue to clean up areas we notice may need it.
I just thought this was a great story to share with the local community. My daughter is 8 years old and I again appreciate how they are teaching the importance of EarthDday and what it means.
Suzanne Dahlerup
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In his letter “Neo-con letter missed point” April 29 edition, Mr. McGowan summarizes for us why liberals are so wrong on most subjects they speak of.
We absolutely do need a tax payer revolt to stop funding the great big pig known as our federal government. Our so called leaders are ruining this great nation by bankrupting the public treasury and we haven’t even dealt with the coming Social Security mess. We can not tax and spend our way out of a recession.
The only solution to Obama’s policies will be ever greater taxation on the productive elements of our society; further dissolving our ability to create the capital needed to power the engine of our economy.
Wealth is not created by a nation, nor is it a nation’s to distribute. It is created by individuals working hard, saving their money and building successful enterprises.
Say what you will about President Bush and the Iraq War; let the facts speak for themselves. Our country has not been attacked since 9/11 and the Iraq War has been won. His failure is in not standing up to Congress and policies causing this downturn in the economy.
Yes, it is too much government that has caused this mess and more government, i.e. Obamanomics, is going to make it much more difficult to overcome if not much worse.
The Fair Housing and Credit Act passed by Jimmy Carter’s administration in the 70’s was bolstered by the Clinton Administration’s desire to see more home ownership of low income citizens.
In order to justify their position with the banks, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were created by the government to buy risky mortgages, freeing banks to loan ‘liberally’ to just about anyone who asked.
President Bush and some of the Republicans in Congress recognized a massive problem looming and tried unsuccessfully, 17 times, to put a stop to Freddie and Fannies failures. It was liberal Democrats in Congress who objected to these efforts.
For proof, google Chris Dodd or Barney Frank, both liberal Democrats in Congress and Freddie or Fannie.
To make matters worse, liberals in Congress will not allow our country to have an energy policy that makes sense. We need all forms of energy – nuclear, coal, natural gas, wind, tidal and electric.
The socialists in Congress want to ham string our industries with even more legislation called ‘Cap and Trade.? The is insanity.
The only reason for this is to take more money out of hard working business owners hands to fund the expansion of the federal waistline. Anyone who really thinks this is about ‘climate change’ is naive beyond explanation.
I’m just a simple business man but, I know one thing – when over half of our population thinks they will be taken care of by the other half; and the other half realizes the harder they work the more they have taken away from them – our nation is in a heap of trouble.
Todd Messer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In his letter “Taxpayer storm is coming,” April 15 edition, Mr. Turzanski condenses much of the discredited Neo-Con political platform into a tired desideratum.
He seems to be encouraging a taxpayer revolt against a congress and administration that are attempting to save our citizenry from the disastrous polices of Bush and his cronies.
Administration back-to-work and energy saving projects, such as high-speed rail systems, are ridiculed ? even though their cost is chickenfeed compared to the billions of dollars spent on an unnecessary and unjust war in Iraq.
And only those actually or ideologically in the pocket of Big Oil can say with a straight face that Stateside drilling can solve our energy crisis, in either the short or long run.
What’s gotten us into the current economic crisis has not been too much government and taxes.
The real problem has been bad government, with tax money wasted on an immoral war, and interest on our national debt, ballooning from imbalance of trade (especially from foreign oil).
More problems have stemmed from no government at all ? the lack of investment banking oversight, a virtual absence of viable alternative energy programs, etc.
Along with his fear mongering, and snipes and jibes at actual governmental problem solving, Mr. Turzanski’s letter strikes that note of patriotic self-righteousness we so often hear on Fox “Noise” ? the rightness of Rightness.
He implies that folks who don’t hold with the past administration’s jingoistic platitudes are less patriotic than he is.
Perhaps he didn’t notice the forest of progressive political signs on his neighbors’ lawns during the last election, or the results of those elections. Or perhaps he did, and that’s what prompted his diatribe.
Tea bags hanging from his hat and flag pin firmly in his lapel, while invoking our Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill or Rights, and, surprise, our military personnel, Mr. Turzanski avers that “our government has waged war on the American people.” I agree with him. Only he’s eight years too late in saying so.
Bob McGowan
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I wish to extend my condolences to Hank Tarzanksi. I feel so sorry for this man, having to struggle through life being so terribly afraid. It must be stressful to live in such constant fear.
Hank, try to develop some self confidence and courage in yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask God for a little help along the way. I am sure you will be able to overcome your fears.
Good luck.
Judy McConnell
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I want to thank the firefighters of Independence Township for their work Saturday, April 18 on Deer Lake.
A member of the Deer Lake Property Owners Association had just launched his boat, and was tied up at his dock when smoke began to appear from under the engine cover. The smoke turned to flame and he abandoned ship.
We called 911 and shortly thereafter, a large crew of firefighters arrived with foam and high pressure water hoses to extinguish the fire, now fully involved, including the dock.
Several younger firefighters waded into still very cold water to pull the now burned to the waterline hulk near enough for Beyers Towing to pull the boat onto a flatbed. The firefighters used absorbent booms to contain pollutants as the boat was loaded.
The boat was in perfect shape and well maintained. A probable electrical short could be responsible for the fire. It was just leaded with 30 gallons of high test fuel. The whole event could have turned out much differently had the response not been as timely and professional.
Thanks again to the Independence Firefighters.
Most sincerely,
Robert Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It seems the illustrious school board is another agency bent on wasting our money.
They are the ones who voted to keep the elections in May when they could have moved them to coincide with other elections.
Now, we have to spend $20,000 plus to vote or not vote for a single person who is running unopposed for the school board. That person is going to win the seat whether we want them or not.
It sure would be nice if someone ever took the taxpayer into consideration. How is this going to help one single student get a better education?
–Sherry Curtis
Dear Editor,
I wanted to say a huge thank you to Lake Orion High School’s thespians for giving senior citizens a great
day of entertainment with the production of The Sound of Music.
What talent. There were so many people involved from the folks that put on the brunch to the bus drivers and everyone in between. Thanks seems like such a small word, but it means so much.
–Sharon Waite
Dear Editor,
Congratulations Lake Orion High School on your NCA accreditation!
Job well done on meeting NCA requirements and getting fully accredited for five more years in the following areas:
~~Leadership & Governance of LOHS – that ‘exceeded expectations?
~~GAP program – that ‘exceeded expectations?
~~Block scheduling and elective choices that contributed to the ‘uniqueness of LOHS and make LOHS an amazing school, this community should be so proud of this school.? All of the quotes are from the chairperson of the NCA committee that visited LOHS two weeks ago.
Congratulations on your production of The Sound of Music. It is one of the best productions I have seen at LOHS. Our family has had the privilege of attending the last 13 spring musicals.
I am so proud of all of you. Everything was very impressive; the scenes, the acting, the singing, the pit, the crew and the directing. We are so fortunate to have such a great performing arts center and programs, as well as talented students and teachers.
Thank you LOHS for sharing these incredible talents with our community.
—Karen Appledorn
Dear Editor,
What a fabulous dress rehearsal on Wednesday performed by the Lake Orion High School. The Sound of Music cast and crew put on the performance for the third year in a row as ‘brunch? for area senior citizens. This is what ‘community? is all about! Awesome!
For those of you who missed it, put it on your calendar for next year. We have such great talent in our Orion young people!
–Doug and Jill Bastian
Dear Editor,
I cannot believe the lame excuses for tabling the request by Sue Boatman for district elections to be held with general elections in November at a cost savings of up to $44,000 per election. It’s a no brainer decision.
I can tell you why, in my opinion, they do not want to act on this.
For years, the board has observed the low turn out, or apathy, of the voters during single-issue elections. The board knows they can better control the elections by pressuring all the PTA, teachers, and employees of the district to make sure to get out and vote.
Of course, it’s in all of their best interest to do so. The apathy of the voters in the past was caused from repeated single-issue elections being brought back up again and again until passed.
I feel the large turnout of voters in the November general election is a better representation of the voters and does not let the board stack the election in their favor. In my opinion, the board should not even have a choice.
The cost savings and larger turn out of voters alone should make this mandatory by the state.
So voters, get out and vote and don’t let the board take advantage of your apathy and remember those who are so loose with your tax dollars.
I see no plans in the current budget cuts that include this $44,000 savings. What a shame! We, as voters, should put pressure on the board to insure those changes.
Larry J. Morgan
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would like to offer my sincere apologies to Independence Township’s newly elected Trustees. My recent opinion regarding the new Township Hall purchase fiasco should have specified that it was the old board of trustees that is to blame for all of the problems that newly elected trustees are stuck with today. Including the ill-fated decision to purchase a new town hall.
New trustees, especially Neil Wallace and David Lohmeier, have been working diligently to try to stop many of the policies practiced by our previous board of trustees. For that, this taxpayer is extremely thankful.
Unfortunately, old board members still remaining continue their spending sprees, while fighting new board members? calls for accountability and transparency in our local government. Our newly elected board members deserve your support in their attempts to stop the un-controlled spending in Independence Township.
Meetings are at the new town hall on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. Those fighting for accountability and transparency in Independence Township government deserve our support!
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Short and Simple, a Big Double Thumbs up to the planning commission and the direction they are heading in reviewing the greenways plans and taking classes. Very Pleased indeed at this sign of wisdom!!!
Tammie Heazlit
Hydrogeologist,
Environmental Scientist.
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Watershed Group has made major improvements to Depot Park and plan to expand these efforts this year focused around River Day, June 13.
There will be many activities and a big effort to expanded the rain gardens in the park and on the lower Mill Pond.
Anyone who would like to buy some native plants to help can send $5 per plant to the City of of Village of Clarkston with a memo designating it for the Watershed Group.
The plans for the group include expanding the effort into the upper area of the Clinton River and working with waterfront owners to improve our water shed.
So , let’s get behind this home grown effort. Hope to see you on River day.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Normally, people look to the government for help, but now it’s the government we need to be rescued from.
Programs being forced on us by our president went from millions to billions to trillions, spending money on mice in California, a train from Nevada to Disney World, and a study on how to make a pig not smell like a pig, with our money, our childrens money, and our grandchildrens money.
And now, our president tells us that we will have to make further sacrifices and it will be ‘painful? at times, but that the Utopia is ahead of us, and be patient. Now this also comes from a president who had our entire Congress sign a bill that no one was allowed to read, and he and Pelosi and Reid changed it after it was signed in, and not only do Americans know nothing about it, but every answer coming is generic and tells us nothing.
Rumors of global currency replacing our money, rumors of an American Union that combines Mexico/America/Canada as one big country, and rumors of global confiscation of guns, but rumors of mandatory electric cars are no longer a rumor.
Our government hires the CEO of AIG and fires the CEO of GM. Rumors of our government taking over banking are no longer a rumor, and taking over the auto industry is coming true.
The people already know we can stop our dependence on ‘foreign oil? by using ‘American oil,? simply by drilling here in the U.S., but our government has to pacify their environmental lobbyist group, so they can continue getting millions in future campaign contributions. The American people know how to solve many of the problems, but our government isn’t listening!
The people have now begun to fight back, since our government is ignoring us like a child that is told to ‘go away.? Thousands, if not millions of people have now decided to get their attention with Tea Parties on tax day, April 15. The local one is here will be in Lansing, and since the liberal media refuses to acknowledge it, email and Fox News got the word out.
Millions of people in other countries find it hard to believe that the American people are allowing our government to destroy what we, as a superpower, have achieved, since the creation of our U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and our Bill of Rights.
I could just imagine the look of disbelief that our soldiers will have when they return from fighting for our freedom, seeing that the America they left will not be the one they come home to.
More and more American people are now realizing and acting on the reality that we, the American people, have to fight back against our government against tyranny, like our soldiers are fighting against the terrorists who want to crush our freedom, just like our own government is doing.
Just as our government has waged war on the American people by their actions, so will we, the American people, fight back by forcing our elected officials, our government criminals, to pay the price for their crimes against America………on election day!
Don’t worry, Congress, our storm will be much bigger than yours!
Hank Turzanski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
None of us is happy about the economy, but some of us are less affected by it than others.
Our challenge is to give of ourselves so that others, who need it, may benefit. One way to do that is to volunteer ? our money, our energy, our time ? to service groups, churches, agencies, shelters, and food pantries.
When you volunteer you are giving something back to your community by lending a helping hand to people and organizations. What you may not realize is that volunteering also benefits you as an individual.
There are many good reasons to get involved in the community, including learning something about yourself.
The world is not a perfect place, and many people, animals, places, and communities need help. Governments and professionals try to meet everyone’s needs, but it’s impossible for them to do it all.
This is why people become volunteers: because they can make a difference where someone or something needs help. If people never help each other and only care about themselves, the world becomes a crueler, sadder place.
But when we volunteer our time, money, or talents, we help make our planet a better, happier home where people work together to make life easier for all.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The purpose of this letter is to protest the need for a Lake Orion school election in May.
I just received my absentee ballot for the election on May 5, 2009. To my dismay, the only item on the ballot is to vote on one school board member. And only one candidate wants to run ? Jim Weidman. I commend Mr. Weidman for wanting to continue to be on the school board.
I was told by someone in the township clerk’s office that because the school district insisted on having the election in May, the school must bear the entire cost of the election. The election would be free to the schools if they had opted for a November election.
Orion Township indicates they will be sending Orion schools a bill for $20,000 to $25,000 for conducting the election.
Oakland County will send the district a bill for $7,000 ? $8,000 for preparing the ballots and other chores.
I’m aware of other letters to the editor leading up to the election and the school board’s motive for a May, rather than November, election was to only have intelligent, interested people voting on school matters. It appears we need intelligent, interested school board members who spend that $27,000 to $33,000 of taxpayers? money on textbooks and computers instead of frivolous elections.
I will vote for Jim Weidman only if he commits to steering the board to November elections, instead of wasting taxpayer money and school resources on May elections. I’ll await your response, Mr. Weidman.
–Don Hickmott
Dear Editor,
On March 4, The Lake Orion Review printed an article ‘Village police: ‘no valid license on par with drunk driving?? in which Police Chief Jerry Narsh wanted to fine ‘criminals? who are driving on a suspended license the additional costs of arresting, booking and processing their cases through the courts. These instances are being compared to drunken driving.
Are you kidding me?
First of all, most unpaid traffic tickets can result in a suspended license. Why would someone not pay their traffic tickets? Struggling to pay rent, keep the lights on and food on the table does not leave a lot left over for paying a high traffic fine.
Our laws and ordinances have also made it possible to have your license suspended for such ‘criminal activity? as not having a cat from the Humane Society neutered. In January, one village resident was ticketed for having a litter of six-week-old pups. He did not possess a kennel license. This was a $90 fine, which left unpaid would suspend his driver’s license.
In this area, where there is no mass transit, you really have no choice but to drive on your suspended license in order to get to work, the grocery stores, schools or doctors? offices. In short, to survive.
The point is this: we should not allow the local authorities (village councils or over-ambitious police departments) to criminalize normal citizens in order to generate revenue for the general fund.
Once the local police decide that a resident is a criminal, it will cost you.
–Colleen Jewell
Dear Editor,
I want to thank the Orion Township Board of Trustees for effectively hiring Lisa Sokol as the Director of Parks and Recreation.
Congratulations Lisa!
If anyone deserved this position, it is Lisa. She’s the most honest, caring individual I have ever met in my entire life. She has the dedication, knowledge, and leadership that I so admire.
I hope Lisa has a long successful career in the community she loves so much.
–Denise E. Turner
Dear Editor,
Amazing! Just three months ago, the Lake Orion School Board unanimously approved All Day Every Day Kindergarten with an annual price tag of over $1 million dollars while totally ignoring the fact that they were currently operating with a deficit budget.
Now they are suddenly concerned about finances!
The decision to eliminate the Kinder Plus program will result in an annual loss of over $462K of district revenue.
In addition, the cost of hiring the 8.5 teachers required for the All Day Every Day Kindergarten program is more than $552K each year.
This makes the total cost of the ADED Kindergarten program over $1 million dollars annually. Now these same people are talking about ‘tightening the belt? and further budget cuts.
What a joke.
~~Ruthanne Abbott
Dear Editor,
Reg: series on recent fish kill in Lake Waumegah:
I live on lake Waumegah. It is unfortunate and dishearting what occured with the fish dying in our lake.
Yes, I said lake. Because that is what it is. A beautiful private place where my family spends all day enjoying in the summer.
From my standpoint, the board, including Mike Trout, is doing their best to acknowledge the problem and rectify it.
Why do we waste time pointing fingers? Why do journalist like Laura Colvin find it necessary to slander people that are only trying to help?
She is she sensationalising, and making her own assumptions for eveyone to read.
The lake is there to stay. It will be used again as it was before. The truth will come out as to what caused this fishkill. People can believe what they want.
From the articles I have read, it is a natural occurance that has already been reported by three lakes in Oakland County.
We can speculate until the cow’s come home but some people need to keep that to themselves. I personally am only interested in the facts. We need to work together and quit pointing fingers. In this case it is not doing any good.
Julie DiCea
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Re: ‘Schools set to cut staffing, programs,? March 25 edition:
Again, what about pay freezes for employees and paying more for insurance benefits? Many of the children’s parents do not have health insurance and have taken pay reductions as a result of the economy.
We need to stop taking away from the students!
Gina Miller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Open letter to Coach Danny Fife:
Your team’s success has adorned the front page of local newspapers for weeks and now it’s time to hear from the families in Clarkston who appreciate what you have done for this community.
I can count on one hand the number of people I have known in my lifetime who have dedicated their heart and soul to their craft to the extent you have.
You are one of the reasons we moved to Clarkston 21 years ago and why we raised our family here.
Without your leadership and dedication, the essence of what makes Clarkston a great place would be sadly lacking.
Coach Fife, you are a great inspiration to this community and have served as a sterling example of what an athletic director, baseball coach, husband, father, and citizen of clarkston should be.
You are truly blessed to have the physical skills, coaching talent, dedication and determination to make men of the boys who enter the doors of Clarkston High School. I have always respected you and hold you in the highest regard.
Thank you for your selfless commitment to all the families in this community.
Go Wolves!!
Benson, Dawn, J.J. and Joel Lange
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
My husband and I recently received our absentee ballots in the mail for the Lake Orion School District election that takes place on Tuesday, May 5.
Guess what is on the school ballot? Only one whole candidate who is a current member of the board. If this is not a waste of postage, gas, time and our tax dollars, then I don’t know what is.
Our School Board President Bill Walters admitted that the public wasn’t invited to participate in a public discussion of whether or not to place the school elections on the general elections. He and the other board members seem to think the general public should just pay their servile taxes and keep their peasant opinions to themselves.
Never mind saving $36,000 per election that could be better used for the purpose of educating the children. Or, the fact that within the 28 school districts in Oakland County, Lake Orion is one out of only seven hold-outs retaining their costly May elections.
The school board is in charge of how the children are to be educated and help with teaching responsibility. If this is their example–wasting money and disrespecting and ignoring those who pay taxes–our children are in big trouble.
School Board President Walters called the May elections, ‘The price of democracy.?
Well, Mr. Bill Walters, I like protecting and retaining my individual rights under our ‘limited republic.? Mr. Walters? further insults and demeans those who dutifully register to vote by stating, ‘people would vote blindly, if they vote at all.?
Well, I know how I am going to vote for all of those on the school board that supported the May elections. I’ll keep voting until I vote all the bums out. I’ll reserve the tar, feathers, as well as the rail.
Thank you John Counts and Megan Hess of The Review for keeping us informed. Please re-print a reminder as requested by Carol Roughton for each and every board member election of how they individually voted on Feb. 18th at 8:45 in the morning. Then we won’t be voting ‘blindly.?
By the way, unlike the Orion Township Board of Trustees and many other public agencies that publish minutes of their meetings on-line, this is what you will find on the school board’s website, ‘The minutes of all board meetings are available at the Superintendent’s Office at 315 N. Lapeer Street, Lake Orion, after approval at the following Board Meeting.?
Gosh, do you think that they consider this a cost saving measure?
–Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your recent front page article regarding the absence of a skate park in our community.
Thanks to the fine work of our Township Recreation Department, Orion Township is regarded as having some of the finest soccer and baseball facilities in Oakland County. It is terrific that so many children in our community have the opportunity to participate in the well-run soccer and baseball leagues for which Orion Township is known.
But as we all know, not every kid in our community is interested in soccer or baseball. Teens and pre-teens who are interested in dance, like my daughters, or karate, like my son, have dance studios and gyms available to them in our community. We have football fields, basketball courts and tennis courts. We have a pool at the high school, ski hills nearby, and playgrounds throughout our community. But we have no place for kids ? and there are hundreds of them in our community ? whose passion is skateboarding.
We say we want the children in our community to drag themselves off of the couch and away from the TV, computers and video games and get outside.
But if their interest is skateboarding, we give them no place to go. They end up in parking lots, on sidewalks and on the streets, using their own plywood ramps and homemade rails. This creates safety issues for them and headaches for property owners and law enforcement officials.
Having a skate park in our community will provide these kids with an enclosed, designated, safe place to go.
I know that there are people who will say that times are tough and that the township should not be spending money on this kind of thing. I believe that, in these challenging economic times, infrastructure improvements like this one are precisely the types of improvements upon which our resources should be focused. Recreational amenities like this bring real value to the community and benefit a significant segment of our population ? kids and parents alike.
In my mind, this project is similar to the amphitheater project, but with a different demographic in mind. The amphitheater will be great, and I have no doubt that many families and seniors in our community will enjoy concerts there. But for hundreds of teens and pre-teens, a skate park is the one recreational amenity truly missing in our community, one for which they have been asking for for years.
Many families in our community are struggling. People are losing jobs or seeing their hours and paychecks cut. Their home values are so far underwater that they are starting to sprout coral.
When times are tough and people are struggling to pay their mortgages and utility bills, the first things to be cut are discretionary expenses ? in particular, entertainment and recreation expenses. Kids who went to camp, or went to Cedar Point, or went on family vacations last summer will not be going this summer. For a cost of a few dollars per household in this community, we can build a skate park that will provide recreation, exercise and entertainment opportunities for hundreds of kids in our community. They will have a place to go that is safe, that gets them off the couch and out of the house, and gets them out of parking lots and off of streets throughout our community.
To their credit, the prior township board tried bringing this project to fruition, with funding to be provided by a private developer. Unfortunately, that funding has now fallen through. I believe that it is time for our community to move forward and it is up to the current township board to try to find a way to make this happen.
–Mark Crane
Orion Township Trustee
Dear Editor,
I wanted to write a note of appreciation to the Orion Township Fire Department’s Stations #1,2,3 and 4 for responding so quickly to my 9-1-1 emergency call.
I have always had admiration and respect for firefighters, which has increased with my recent experience.These guys are truly heroes!
I am so grateful to live in an area where emergency services are not compromised in this dire economic environment.
Thank you!
–Laura Bringman
Dear Editor,
I would like to commend Coach Steve Roberts, the varsity girls basketball team and Pilar Mazur, second grade teacher at Paint Creek Elementary.
My 8-year-old daughter, Maddie, has not missed a varsity girl’s basketball game this season, home or away. Each morning in school, she would talk to her classmates and her teacher, Mrs. Mazur, about how proud she was of her Dragons.
The class had a career day where they were to dress up for ‘what they wanted to be when they grow up.? Maddie dressed up as Courtney Zott, one of the varsity players.
Her speech was all about how when she ‘grows up,? she wants to be just
like Courtney. When the Dragons made it to the playoffs, Mrs. Mazur,
knowing I worked at Lake Orion High School, contacted me about wanting to have the second graders write letters to the girl basketball players as a literacy
project for her students.
I contacted Coach Roberts and he was thrilled and accepted the request. The second graders wrote letters to the girls
and the letters were delivered at their first pre-game playoff dinner.
The girls were excited and extremely honored to have the second graders look up to them. As the girls kept winning, the second graders kept providing letters, shamrocks and good luck pieces to their favorite Dragons.
Of course, the kids thought the winning streak was due to the motivational pieces they were providing.
On Wednesday, March 25, the team came to Mrs. Mazur’s second grade class to read books and play basketball with the kids. When the Dragons walked into the room, the second graders felt like they were in a room full of Oscar nominees. It was precious to see how the kids idolize and look up to their Dragons.
Thanks again to the girls varsity basketball team for being a class act on and off the court. In addition, thanks for being such positive role models to our youth. I could only hope that, one day, my daughter turns out as well as each and every one of you on the team. Hats off to Mrs. Mazur and Coach Roberts for making my daughter and the other students dream come true. You are truly amazing!
–Michele Novak
Dear Editor,
With all the bad economic news around us, I’d like to point out some good news. There really are people and businesses thinking of others. As a relatively new non-profit organization, Love INC of North Oakland County is still building a support base and I am thrilled to thank Gary Novicoff of Big Lots in Waterford and Tony Bataglia and the staff of Palazzo Di Bocce in Orion. Their support of Love INC in its outreach to people in our community hit hard by the tough times here will have a ripple effect of aid and hope.
Big Lots donated over $6,000 worth of furniture to our ministry and many of the pieces have already found homes where people had been sitting or sleeping on the floor. Palazzo di Bocce in Lake Orion was the site of a successful fundraiser to underwrite our operating costs which keep our household goods, furniture and clothing ministries open.
–Sandy Weaver
Dear Editor,
We need to dredge the two Clarkston Mill Ponds because they are the jewels of our Village!
The sediment that is building up in the ponds is decreasing the beauty of our ponds and we the people of Clarkston need to stand up and protect them. Possibly, we could get money for the dredging from the federal stimulus plan, since dredging would put a lot of people to work and inject cash into our economy.
We could also have fundraisers and benefits to raise money to help pay for the pond to be dredged. This is a very important issue that needs to be taken care of regardless of where you live in the Village.
No one wants to look over from the Old Town Cafe and see a giant swamp looking back at them.
If we do not dredge, in time the pond would revert to being a swamp. It is an investment for our future and the future of the city!
Vanessa Myers
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
My wife and I had the opportunity to hear the Clarkston Children’s Choir perform on Tuesday, March 17. This is a volunteer choir of children ages 9-10 in the Clarkston schools. The elementary teachers volunteer their time, the children practice in the evenings and parents purchase shirts for the children.
This is certainly an attribute to your community and I was surprised to hear that only one organization in your town has the children perform for them and that is the Optimist Club.
I would think that other service organizations, churches, etc. would enjoy their performance and perhaps someone should contact the school system to learn more about this wonderful program in your community.
Thomas C. Shumaker
Toledo, father of Gwen Stewart, Clarkston Community Schools music teacher
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank the American Legion, Independence Township Fire Department, Masonic Lodge, Bill Wint, and everyone else for helping with Harold’s funeral.
Norma, Debbie, and Terry Goyette
St. Clair
Dear Editor,
I am a member of the Clarkston Rotary and in February of this year, I was fortunate, along with fellow Rotarian Jeff Lichty, to fly to the Caribbean island of Grenada on an eye care mission.
The trip was a joint venture with VOSH, Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. The primary mission of VOSH/International is to’facilitate the provision and sustainability of vision care worldwide to people who can neither afford nor obtain such care.
In December 2001, the VOSH organization partnered with the World Health Organization and pledged to eliminate preventable blindness by the year 2020. And Rotary’s mission is to work along four avenues of service, one of them being international service.
This trip took seven doctors, one optician and nine lay people to provide eye glasses for the people of Grenada. It was the tenth anniversary of the trip to this tiny island.
I was actually on the first trip in 2000, and it’s what hooked me on Rotary. I saw the power of Rotary; how when a tiny club in a poor country teams up with Rotary clubs in a larger country it can bring help to the people of their land.
For this trip, the Clarkston Rotary donated $1000 which was matched by our Rotary district (52 clubs) to buy some reading glasses and non-prescription bifocals and to make ‘specials? for school children for whom the team couldn’t find a suitable match from our collection of donated glasses.
Over the course of a week, we were able to see 1150 patients. We dispensed 700 pairs of prescription glasses, 650 pairs of readers and bifocals, and 250 pairs of sun glasses. The doctors on our team made 90 medical referrals for cataracts, retinal problems, and glaucoma.
We saw almost 400 school children, and the doctors either gave sample medicines to or wrote prescriptions for 75 patients.
It was a wonderful experience, and the opportunity to go to the Caribbean in February for a ‘Vacation with a Purpose? is one of the joys of my retirement.
Mary Sloan
Independence Township
Wednesday, March 18 we saw one of the most famous operas performed at the New York Metropolitan Opera, Puccini’s ‘Madam Butterfly.?
We did not go to New York to visit the world’s most famous opera house, nor did we spend hundreds of dollars for tickets or travel.
Believe it or not, we saw this extraordinary live-feed performance on a giant screen at the Oxford 7 Theater.
The impression was far superior than attending the opera itself in New York because one saw close-ups and the action was televised from various angles.
During intermission, we could see the scenery being changed and elaborate work back stage, as well as personal interviews with some of the star singers.
What a superb opportunity and pleasure.
A couple of weeks ago we witnessed the same set up of another famous opera by Donizetti. ‘Lucia di Lammermoor.?
These events were very poorly attended because they lacked publicity and also perhaps there isn’t great interest in classic opera by our local population.
These performances take about 3-1/2 hours because of scenery changes between the acts.
However, this would be a wonderful opportunity to acquaint some of our older high school students with the wonders of classic music, in contrast to some of the musical experiences they are subjected to that are definitely substandard.
I am referring to Mr. Zowie’s article in the Feb. 25 Oxford Leader about the poisonous noise and ‘headbanging? that pretends to be ‘music.?
I hope that Superintendent Dr. Skilling and curriculum manager Mr. Schwarz will note this article.
The Oxford Cinema manager was very much interested to extend group prices.
Last but not least, it would behoove the Oxford Leader to have someone of their staff attend one of these performances and report on them so that perhaps more people will avail themselves of this offer.
Henry H. Gleisner
Oxford
LOHS robotics team programmed for success
Dear Editor,
Recently, the Lake Orion High School Robotics team competed in their second event of the year. The team traveled to Pittsburgh to compete with other FIRST Robotics teams and proved to be a tough competitor. Paired with a team from Maryland and Ohio, the Dragons came in second place and brought home the silver medals. I watched a webcast of the event from my dorm at the University of Michigan and was impressed by the show the Dragons put on. Other FIRST alumni here commented on the outstanding performance of the Dragons too. Congratulations Team 302!
This is the fourth silver medal the Dragons have earned in the past three years at eight events. The team has become known as a reliable partner and formidable opponent that shows a constant level of excellence in FIRST regional events.
The next competition for the LOHS Robotics team begins Friday, March 27 and ends on Saturday, March 28 at Troy Athens High School. This competition will be a display of some of the best teams in Michigan and is sure to be exciting. I encourage the community to attend and cheer on the Dragons.
For more information about the FIRST Robotics program or the competition at Troy Athens, please visit www.usfirst.org.
–Heather Wilsher
Team 302 alumnus
Dear Editor,
Swamp Waumegah,
Notice the title? It’s a swamp, not a lake. I recall a township meeting several years ago where the majority of the citizens in the area did oppose the “augmentation well” and the artificial raising of the water level.
I stated several years ago and will state it again today… “Waumegah was never meant to be a lake.”
The way I understand it, this was originally a “wetland.” The farmer who originally owned the land dammed it up to create a watering hole for his livestock.
Same old story…some developer sees water, does not matter how deep or what type of bottom it has, he calls it lake frontage, starts building a subdivision around it and the rest is history?
Several years ago, home owners complained about too much mud at the shoreline and not being to walk out to the water?
Now what do you have…they are complaining because the water level is up and their beaches have disappeared? Quit whining about your beaches. What about the fish and surrounding environment?
I do feel sorry for the folks who originally opposed the “water level raising idea” as the rest of us did several years ago. It is quite a sad mess when you consider the affect on the environment and the helpless fish that perished.
Typical of how some folks can only think of themselves and not the mess they created! Fortunately, there are folks out there who are truly concerned and wish to preserve the area in a “natural way.”
Bottom line, and this old saying is quite appropriate in this case, “it does not pay to fool with Mother Nature.” A sad lesson indeed.
Signed,
A concerned citizen who respects God’s green earth.
Mark Stesney
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I just recently read another very rude letter regarding the mural on the side of the building in Clarkston.
When our daughters were young and they would tell us about someone being rude to them at school or wherever, we would tell them, “Ignore them, they’re just jealous!”
So, maybe these people, who I presume are adults, are jealous because they don’t have the artistic talent that this woman obviously has. I hope this talented woman can let these rude remarks slide out of her thoughts and that she doesn’t lose confidence in man/womankind!
And, you, who find the time to be rude – take a deep cleansing breath and take a look around. Spring is about to be sprung – life is too short to be unkind. Be kind one to another!
Deborah Stuart
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
My name is Taylor Thorpe, and I am a 2008 graduate of Lake Orion High School. I am aware, as well as much of the community, that Todd Dunckley’s administrative contract may not be renewed for the 2009-2010 school year. I feel as though this would be a terrible mistake for the sake of the entire community, and am writing to show my support for Mr. Dunckley.
I have been attending Lake Orion Community Schools since kindergarten, and I want you to know that as I look back on my experience in this wonderful district, I have nothing but positive memories, especially from my four years at the high school.
I now attend Grand Valley State University, and when conversing with my peers about our high school experiences, there is never a time I walk away from the conversation feeling as though Lake Orion High School was not the best high school I could have possibly attended.
I feel as though I received an exceptional secondary education because Lake Orion required excellence and provided us the tools to achieve exactly that. You may not hear many positive things about the Career Focused Education (CFE) program from high school students, and I would not have held this opinion exactly a year ago, however CFE is an outstanding program that I am greatly thankful for now that I am attending college. Lake Orion students have a leg up on the competition because of the CFE program; I feel as though I am way ahead of my peers because I know very firmly what I want to do with my future and how to achieve those goals, which I give credit to CFE for.
I am aware that Mr. Dunckley had a large role in creating this program. Lake Orion’s academic excellence would not be held to such high standards as it is today without Mr. Dunckley and the creation of this program, for example.
My question is: has the school board taken into consideration what the students want?
They say they have, however, they haven’t asked them. We are taught to be strong individuals, to make goals and work towards them, to achieve greatness, and put forth our strongest effort at all times. It is spoken of, so frequently within the community, that students of Lake Orion are exceptional academically and as members of the community.
The board speaks about Mr. Dunckley not ‘fitting Lake Orion’s vision,? and I know they have been questioned on what exactly this vision is, so I will not ask to be informed again.
I am, however, aware that Lake Orion’s mission aims, ‘to promote an educational environment which enables students to achieve their potential and contribute to society.? Isn’t the board contradicting this mission? Do not look at the students then, as feeble children whose voices are not worth being heard, because they do not have big degrees, or because they are not considered adults in the government’s eyes, and therefore must not know anything. The students are active members of this society, and the school board has a job for the students.
The board is inhibiting the students? freedoms and efforts and voices. I urge the board to lift this oppression you are showing the students and community, and allow their voices to be heard, and consider what it is that they have to say.
I was grateful and proud to call Lake Orion High School my second home, because I felt I was in a place where I mattered as an individual, and I attribute this to Mr. Dunckley’s administration.
He is a great person, who truly cares for each and every one of his students; he is doing his job, he is there for the right reasons. I have a younger sister currently attending the high school, and a younger brother that will be there in two years, and I would like them to have the same positive experience that I had.
I stand aside several other former and current students in support of Mr. Dunckley.
I urge the school board to please consider the students and the consequences they would suffer as a result of their actions.
–Taylor Thorpe
Dear Editor,
I read with interest your article, ‘Angel Center’s fate in limbo,? regarding the Moceris? plea to rezone the Ehman Center from residential to mixed-commercial use.
When the Moceris purchased the Ehman Center recently, they knew the building was zoned residential.
And if they had done their due diligence (which I am certain they did), they also knew that the previous owner, Wendy Patton, had tried for years to have the building rezoned, but to no avail.
The facts that the Moceris ‘are becoming familiar faces at the Planning Commission meetings? and that they ‘have integrity? are not reason enough to grant a rezoning.
I applaud the Planning Commission’s resolve to adhere to the existing zoning and on their insistence on specifications for use-allotment.
If the Moceris wanted a building for mixed-commercial use, they should have purchased one zoned for that, and left the auction bidding for the Ehman Center to parties willing to utilize the building as already zoned.
Worse case scenario, the Moceris could sell the building.
Shouldn’t be hard to do – they purchased it for a song.
–Veronica Johnstone
Dear Editor,
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Clarkston High School performance of ‘Footloose.?
Once again, dedicated directors, Mr. Tice, Mrs. Rasegan, Mr. Lewis, Ms. Seaman, and Mr. Haverkate have taught and guided these wonderful students to produce an incredible show.
This production, however, is much more than ‘the show.? It is an opportunity for every student involved to grow as an individual in self-confidence, in discovering and expanding their abilities and in appreciating each other’s talent.
It is an exercise in team work and learning the difficulties required to produce a quality, positive product. These kids are not only gifted, they are hardworking and dedicated, and in this effort, they develop a bond of friendship that is long lasting.
They truly deserve applause beyond the auditorium.
Thanks also belong to the school administration and parents who support the productions ? knowing this is a good thing for the kids ? and for our community.
In these difficult days in our economy, what an uplifting evening it was to see this stellar performance. It makes me feel like dancing!
Forever a fan,
Bev Territo
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you so very much for your piece on Celiac Disease (‘No gluten allowed,? March 4).
Myself, my two daughters, my father, brother and two cousins have the ailment. It is, obviously, a genetic condition and the symptoms can be so vague.
As your article stated, 97 percent of those with the disease remain undiagnosed. Awareness of Celiac is so paramount and I thank you for such a great article.
Kudos to Beth Lohmeier and the Dinner Divas! Living gluten free can take you on new, lively paths that lead to great fellowship. Bon appetit without the wheat!
Kimberly Fanelli
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’m writing regarding the Parks and Rec. Survey Story, Clarkston News, Feb. 26, 2009. As a long time taxpayer in this township, I once again find myself having to speak out.
I believe the board of trustees needs to re-think the validity of the results of it’s current Parks and Rec. survey now being conducted and not consider it when planning our Parks and Rec. future.
A survey that is meant to determine what future programs the townships taxpayers must fund should call for the participation of Independence township residents only. Not, Auburn Hills, Waterford, White Lake, Springfield, Orion and Brandon Twps. or anywhere else, for that matter. Those communities should not be allowed to participate in a survey that may determine the fate of Independence Townships Parks and Rec. programs, it’s funding or our millage questions. They do not pay taxes here.
If citizen input is really the motivation for the Parks and Rec. Master Plan survey, then why wasn’t the survey mentioned in the 2009 Independence Township Parks and Rec.Winter Guide that was just mailed out to every Independence Township resident?
A condensed version of the survey surely could have been included in the guide for residents to fill out and mail in if they so desired.
But surprisingly, no mention of this important survey or it’s website link is ever made in the Parks and Rec. Guide.
Only verified township residents should have been allowed to participate. Leaving township millage proposal questions that were already answered at the polls up to those not paying taxes here is rediculas!
I call on the board of trustees to be vigilant in their duty by making sure that this survey is not used in the future as a justification to ignore the wishes of Independence Township residents again.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Your article and editorial opinion on the open space issue, as published Feb. 25, are correct but may give the wrong impression to some.
It is true that an additional tax millage was defeated, and also true that elected representatives should abide by the will of the people and other democratic principles.
However, it is also true that 7,809 voters in Independence Township were willing to pay additional taxes for open spaces and I think it is reasonable to assume that many others are also in favor of open natural spaces even if not willing to take on additional taxes at this time.
The reasons for having open natural spaces are now well documented and becoming clearer every day as the country plans on spending billions of dollars on infrastructure improvements, many of which would not be necessary if we had only planned better in the past. So while I agree with your assessment on the issue of a millage, let’s not forget the reason the issue was raised which was to help protect the natural benefits we have and the very reason many of us live here.
I don’t believe that is opposed.
I invite everyone who is in favor of preserving and protecting natural open spaces to become involved in local activities and events. The North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy (www.NOHLC.org) has been involved with this for over 30 years, was started in Independence Township, and has events and meetings all year round. Same for the Clarkston Watershed Group (CWG@villageofclarkston.org) which works with NOHLC and others in the Village of Clarkston and surrounding Independence Township to improve our lakes, rivers, streams and overall water quality.
The Clinton River Watershed Council (www.CRWC.org) has numerous educational and volunteer activities along the entire Clinton River. Oakland County Parks and Recreation (248 625-6473) has an ‘Independence Green? event on March 21, 1-2:30 p.m., at Independence Oaks Lewis Wint Nature Center. Register in advance and the county representatives will show you exactly where you live in the green infrastructure plan.
So while we should all abide by the democratic principles on which this country was founded, let’s not lose sight of the goal to maintain and improve the land and water around us. Get involved and we will all see the benefits.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston City Council, CWG co-chair , NOHLC secretary, and active with county Parks, and Planning and Economic Development
Dear Editor,
In the debate about the open-space proposal, the arguments against were essentially focused on the wording and management of acquired properties being conducted by the NOHLC, so it would be reasonable to assume that at least a certain amount of those who voted against, did so based on these concerns.
This does not translate that the populous is against open space, just that they had concerns regarding how the proposal was presented. Therefore, conducting an inexpensive survey that investigates the attitudes towards the concept is insightful and responsible to the citizens it serves.
Other arguments against were easily proven to be uninformed. I can think of no better way to spend an early summer morning than gliding silently in my kayak amongst the cattails, photographing wildlife and the vast array of stunning flowers that thrive in these important ecological environments. Similarly, cross-country skiing in such settings is good for my heart on multiple levels. In our very own Independence Oaks, just the mention of ‘Ted Gray? excites me, as it is one of the most thrilling downhill runs I’ve been privileged to experience anywhere, and finishes on a lovely boardwalk through a wetland.
Supposedly the County Greenways Plan was the reason this proposal would be redundant, yet not only is this plan unfunded, but an open space proposal is the perfect mechanism to achieve this goal. Equally, preservation of open space was recommended in a report submitted by the Clinton River Watershed Council and adopted in our Mater Plan, something perhaps Mr. Wagner might want to remind himself of, despite his conflict of interest.
And finally, there are those pesky environmental issues that keep cropping up. There is a direct cause and effect relationship to financial expenditures associated with lack of protections and foresight. Pricey examples exist in our community now with both the required dredging of the Mill Pond as a result of sediment and debris accumulation and the Storm Pipe Collapse (NOT a sewer line) that was initiated from a sediment plug. Both are resultant from storm water runoff carrying increased sediment loads associated with impervious cover, and lack of ongoing preventative measures and maintenance.
There is overwhelming evidence regarding the impacts that unmitigated development has on a watershed, and quite frankly, this community up until now, has done little to address these issues. Preservation of open space remains the most cost effective management tool available and historically increases property values. Data supporting these statements is widely available.
Perhaps we could have an open public debate where documentation is provided to support statements made by either side. I know I can back up every claim I’ve ever made several times over. When the facts are on the table, wide reaching support will be found.
Tammie Heazlit
Hydrogeologist, storm water/sediment and erosion control specialist
Independence Township
I guess my ‘facetious? comment about the non-Chinese version of the school website just won’t die.
The fact that it continues to bug people after 4 weeks must mean I hit a nerve. So in explanation, my point is not that we shouldn’t have our students learning Chinese, but rather the constant references to it week after week in the Leader and school publications is just tiresome.
Aren’t we accomplishing anything else? Have we nothing else to brag about doing for the Oxford schools? Aren’t we doing anything significant with math and science?
Have we taught our children enough about these subjects, that we can now devote an hour a day to Chinese language and culture classes, while including a paragraph about it in every article about Oxford Schools?
Kerry Scott
Oxford
Dear Editor,
Glad that you wrote the article and editorial about the school elections.
Their ‘know what is good for us? attitude is typical of people with a little bit of power. I’m sure with this article they will hear more from us peons. We have lived in Lake Orion since 1990 and there always seems to be some drama going on with them.
Keep up the good work.
–Steve Wallace
Dear Editor,
Thank you, Megan Hess and John Counts, for your article and editorials exposing the Lake Orion School Board’s questionable motives and practices in wasting Orion taxpayer money.
Misters Gutman, Gritzinger and especially Mr. Walters, should be embarrassed regarding their statements in your article.
Walters? comment about ‘blind? voting by Orion residents if the election is moved to November is outrageous and an insult to everyone in the township.
The school board’s objective should be to provide ‘value? (benefit divided by cost) to our citizens. There is no added benefit in having May elections and it flies in the face of democracy as it is intended to be exclusionary (based on past spring voting statistics).
It is sad that Orion voters are apathetic in turning out for May elections, but should the school board take advantage of this?
It is also mind boggling that the state legislature, when passing a law to move school elections to November, inserted a clause allowing local school boards to vote to keep them in the spring.
The key issue here is that the school board relies on the fact that only 10 percent to 15 percent of registered voters turn out for spring elections, so they can mobilize their minions and carry an election (school board or millage) by a mere 6 percent to 8 percent majority of registered voters.
John and Megan, keep up the heat on the school board. Publicize when the next board meeting is and encourage residents to attend to express their dismay.
Until the board votes to move the election to coincide with general elections, please join with us in not reelecting any incumbent or voting favorably on any millage proposal.
–Tom and Sue Sanna
Dear Editor,
Some terms need to be clarified in regard to the efforts of the Lake Orion School Board to continue with May elections.
According to the article in the Lake Orion Review, the board believes moving school elections from May to November was an effort to ‘pinch pennies,? whereas I consider it as a means to ‘save taxpayer dollars.?
The board should remember the taxpayer ? after all we are the people who elected them to oversee the wise expenditure of school funds. There is nothing wise about using $36,000 for two elections per year where one would suffice.
Mr. Bill Walters explains that spending the extra money is ‘the price of democracy.? Considering that the school board did not hold a public hearing on the issue so residents could express their feelings indicates to me that democracy is the furthest thing from the school board’s collective mind.
Furthermore, the board obviously has no respect for the taxpayer’s ability to vote intelligently since Walters opined that ‘people would vote blindly, if they vote at all,? for school issues in a November election. It appears Mr. Walters has a very poor appreciation of exactly what democracy means.
It is time residents of Orion Township become acutely aware of the names of the present school board members so in the coming May election, those members will be relieved of their positions in favor of citizens who appreciate democracy and the value of taxpayer dollars.
One November election for all Orion Township issues is a no-brainer. Saving taxpayer dollars in the midst of a severe recession should be the goal and objective of every elected public official.
–Mary Ann Ryan
Dear Editor,
I believe the only reason the school board wants to have elections in May is because they know they’ll get fewer voters than if we voted for our school board during general elections in November, like most school districts.
Thus, policies and people are approved without any real community oversite. Despite obviously disingenuous arguments that school board issues will be ‘buried? and ‘politicized? in November elections, there is simply no other explanation for wasting ‘anywhere between $11,000 and $36,000 to run May elections.?
Boardmember Bill Gritzinger’s suggestion of cutting back on the number of polling places will also result in fewer votes cast. When School Board President Bill Walters feels wasting the taxpayers? money is ‘the price of democracy? and a ‘valid use of the money? and reducing the number of polling places is actually considered as a costcutting suggestion, what other conclusion can we come to?
I understand The Review printed the story on Feb. 25th because the vote to keep May elections took place Feb. 18th, but I strongly suggest a reprinting of the article right before election time. I would also like to see a breakdown of how each boardmember voted at their ‘Tuesday 8:45 a.m.? meeting.
Then we’ll know which ones to vote out of office when the elections are held (again) in May.
–Carol Roughton
Dear Editor,
Recent letters to The Review from one Parks and Recreation Committee person charge the paper with flawed reporting.
But this letter writer also ignored facts: documents and photos of the Friendship Park, six-figure, unnesessary mess.
And where was the support from the rest of the committee?
A document from the parks and recreation staff acquired through the Freedom of Information Act was signed showing a vote of no confidence in their supervisor.
The letter writer further stated Will Wilsher and I were suing the parks director: this is blatently incorrect and wrong. It is not ‘small town politics? as he claimed, but our taxpayers deserving the answer to such a huge expense that should have been avoided.
–Burke Cueny
Dear Editor,
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, I attended the event to hear Sen. Carl Levin tell the senior citizens at the Orion Senior Center what to look forward to in their ‘old age.?
Sen. Levin showed up 25 minutes late and first gave discussion to the media out in the hallway. He finally was introduced to the 100-plus seniors waiting in the chairs (where they had been sitting for well over a half an hour.)
Mr. Levin’s first remarks were about the stimulus bill that President Barack Obama was about to sign in Denver, Colorado. He then told us how much it would help the Detroit auto industry. His comments concluded that the auto industry became so successful because our ability to lead the world, to a point where it could not compete because of foreign countries backing their auto companies. That is why the federal government has to assist (takeover) them in staying above water.
The audience then started asking questions about all the waste in the stimulus bill (a bill he said he never read, but voted for anyway.) He told senior citizens they spend their money taking care of their bills and probably wouldn’t agree on how they spent their money either.
I don’t see people writing blank checks to anyone or any organization they know nothing about!
It is so like government to spend our money because they know how to spend it!
Mr. Levin needs a good haircut and a decent-fitting suit. He did not look like the senators I’ve seen on TV. He was asked about the pay raise he voted for himself (no money problems for those in Washington) and other issues about our economy, none of which he answered well.
I believe Washington politics are the biggest problem for our country! Most politicians only care about themselves and we taxpayers are ignored.
Most newspapers have lost subscribers as they do not report the news. They fill their papers with advertising. Who really wants to read advertising? Same with radio and television. Even Rush Limbaugh’s one hour show only has about 33 minutes of Rush. Infomercials rule a large segment of network TV and what programs they do give us aren’t worth watching.
–Rich Harrison
Dear Editor,
I have read several of the letters regarding the two families who have children with autism in the Lake Orion school district. Several of those letters have cited the superintendent calling the district ‘exemplary?. As a student who has taken both classes in education and a class in education law, it is hard for me to understand how a district can consider itself ‘exemplary? when it has neglected to provide an adequate education to a very important sector of its student population. It is my belief that a school district should be graded not only on its test scores or facilities, but on the quality of education that it provides to each and every student in the district.
Certainly, the superintendent is correct in saying that the district should not rest until it meets the needs of every child. These letters suggest the district is not, in fact, meeting the needs of every child. It is my hope that everyone in the community will take the opportunity to follow up on the offer of the district and ‘grade? it with these letters in mind
–Lindsay Haewski
Dear Editor,
How I’m nervous these days about so many things: job uncertainty, education costs for my daughter, the future of the Detroit automotive industry.
I watch Detroit City Council drama on the 6 o’clock news and am grateful I don’t live in a community where government officials wheel and deal for personal gain.
Who am I kidding? After last night’s Orion Township Board meeting, I now need to add another item to my laundry list of concerns. Orion’s new Township Supervisor, Matt Gibb, is ‘passionate? about commercial development in Orion Township. He feels it will save Orion from future treasury shortfalls. In the past, we’ve been inhospitable, he says, and turned down big boxes and national chains like Lowe’s, Holiday Inn and P.F. Chang’s (recession-proof businesses, Mr. Gibb?).
With dollar signs floating in his eyes, he extols the value of supporting commercial development in our small community. New business, Mr. Gibb, will compete with the existing businesses. More empty retail space is in our future, Sir, like it or not, but your plan may hasten the demise of the existing retail stores that are already struggling to survive this economic upheaval.
The supervisor’s first test has come. CVS drugstore wants a rezone at the NE corner of Baldwin/Maybee roads.
They want to relocate from the Kroger plaza to the corner opposite a Walgreens drugstore. They want a drive-thru window too. They want to help our ‘underserved? community buy drugs and liquor more conveniently.
The residential population in Orion has ‘shifted? to the south of their current location, they say. They say our five-year-old Master Plan is flawed. They want to help us. And if we don’t help them, they will take their drugstore and leave forever, harrumph!
A blighted corner, an anxious developer and a shrinking tax base may be the formula for saturating a narrow intersection with retail development residents cannot support. To allow this development on this corner ignores the current zoning and the Orion Township Planning Commission’s recommendation, betrays the residents along Maybee Rd, east of Baldwin Road and lastly, once again, throws residents along Flintridge Road to the traffic wolves.
How else will residents from the east get to their CVS on Maybee road?
Mr. Gibb, Orion Township is what it is; a bedroom community enduring a very tough economy. Perhaps there will be budget issues in the next few years. There isn’t yet. You still have a surplus. ‘Are we growing, or are we stagnant?? Gibb asked in a recent Lake Orion Review article. ‘Attracting new business is on the forefront of the new supervisor’s agenda,? the story said. ‘We need to change the mentality,? Mr. Gibb was quoted. ‘We have to think more strategic and more aggressive.?
Newsflash, Mr. Gibb: Retail development in this economy isn’t going to grow Orion Township.
This type of development taxes our municipal services like police, utilities, roads; and minimum wage jobs don’t support families.
By the way, Orion is ‘urban? enough for me as it is. Is it too small for you, Mr. Gibb?
–Melissa Attinoto
Vice-President Rolling Meadows Homeowners Association
Dear editor,
We all need to focus on the critical issue here. Jobs in the USA. We cannot afford to keep closing plants and cutting jobs.
HP/EDS just cut salaries across the board to all employees so they could save jobs. I don’t see anyone other large companies taking this approach?
When are these companies going to realize that cutting jobs is not necessarily the best way to cut costs? If people don’t work, they don’t contribute to the economy?
We have got to figure a way to keep our factories going while we transition away from our dependency on auto production.
We need more diversification in this country. Maybe these same auto plants could be converted/transitioned to producing other goods such as mass transit vehicles, windmills and so on.
GM used to build buses and electromotive engines for trains at one time. Remember “GM truck and Coach”?
Bottom line we cannot afford to lose our “manufacturing base.” Next thing you know we will buying our “arms” from other countries.
I don’t know about you but I don’t care to see Russian or Chinese built aircraft being launched from the decks of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan.
Thanks for listening.
Mark Stesney
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston School District must have plenty of surplus funds since a majority of the School Board members recently voted to ‘table? a motion to combine the special school elections in May with the already paid-for general elections in November.
According to the Oakland County Clerk’s Office, the Clarkston School District could have saved approximately $44,000 this year by making this move.
Clarkston School District is one of only seven of the 28 school districts in Oakland County which have not made the switch to November elections in order to save taxpayer funds. Are there producing oil wells on school district property which eliminates the need to save $44,000 per election?
Five board members felt further study was needed. Why? It has been four years since Michigan adopted a law permitting election consolidation.
With 21 Oakland County school districts already having made the switch to November elections, how much more investigation is needed? Unless the real goal of the five Board members is not to table and study but to postpone the switch indefinitely.
Some of the tabling board members say that if combined with general elections, education issues will get lost on the ballot. Please give us voters a little more credit. Using this distorted thinking, is a majority of the School Board advocating a special election for judges and another for township officials and still another for state offices? Why not? We could call it the Election Workers Full Employment Stimulus Plan.
I hope the taxpayers in the Clarkston School District will express their opinions, pro or con on this switch, to our elected School Board members.
It is not just the amount, up to $44,000 per election, that could be saved that is the issue. It is the fact that we are not taking the easy steps to save money when we know that much more serious cuts will be required as far less funds become available from Lansing.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Our family has lived in Clarkston since the summer of 1987. We raised our children here, we voted here, our great friends are here.
About six years ago, our son Ian enlisted in the service right out of Clarkston High School. He lived through the horrors of 9/11 and it marked him, probably a little more than the rest of us and he felt compelled to serve his country.
In December, his service completed, he decided to move on with his life and now is preparing to go back to college later on this year. Over the holidays, Ian was driving his truck in the deep snow around Clarkston and our neighborhood and despite a nifty yellow S-10 four-wheel-drive Chevy pickup, he found himself in a ditch as a result of ice and snow and avoiding a stalled car in the road.
Friends and neighbors tried to help, but he was stuck. And as a product of trying too hard with his valued Chevy, he damaged the four-wheel-drive transmission. Iraq sand in a Humvee is a long way from winter in Michigan.
So to for Ian are memories of little league soccer in Clarkston where the local dealerships paid to sponsor little ones that kicked and missed at balls and populated Clintonwood Park like a Norman Rockwell painting etched in the memory. Iraq is a long way from people and businesses that are the fabric of what we call Clarkston. It is a way of life that one can take for granted but is worth serving and dying for.
Well, Ian had the Chevy truck towed to Bowman’s at the corner of Main and Dixie Highway knowing this could be an expensive fix.
He could smell hot transmission fluid and his truck could only run in reverse. At the dealership, they gave him a range of costs and it took his breath away. It was not that the estimates were not fair. But soldiers do not get paid much for risking their lives.
And they don’t have much saved when they get out and start over. But the Bowman folks saw the paratrooper logo on the back of the yellow Chevy truck and asked him about his life. And before long, they knew a little bit about him and his service to the United States of America, to Michigan, and to them.
But the important part of this story is that they called him today and told him that because of his service to our country, they were not charging him for much of the cost of the repair.
You know, I don’t take much credit for the man that Ian has become ? credit his mother, credit the Army, and this place that we call Clarkston, Mich.
But I can tell you, one young Army veteran is thankful for a place called home and a Chevy dealership called Bowman that continues to serve this community and goes out of its way to be a vital part of the fabric of things, even in tough times. And so it’s easy to see why I love soldiers, Clarkston, and Bowman Chevrolet.
Bruce W. Edwards
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We’re about 10 kilometersfrom the centre of Melbourne and an hour away from all fires.
It has been absolutely heartbreaking for all Victorians, especially those of us in Melbourne. It’s a small city, three million, and everybody knows somebody who is directly affected.
The death toll has been sitting at 181, but will reach 300 in the next few days. There are collapsed community buildings, and the metal roofs have been too hot to lift off. The Country Fire Authority, police forensic investigative unit, and army reservists are going step by step up streets, clearing the dead from the streets and cars, sifting through homes on that stretch of street, and then moving on.
It’s an absolute horror. Terrible and indescribable and heart-wrenching. They estimate one million domestic and native animals have died. Horses are found with burned feet and mouths and no eyelashes; dogs are found standing on the side of the road, shaking; koalas and wombats, who don’t move quickly at the best of times are being euthanised by the dozens.
The RSPCA put out a call for vets and veterinary assistants, who are doing surgery and euthanising animals in make-shift ‘field hospitals?. They are desperate for domestic and native animal supplies and food. There is nothing for horses, cattle, goats, llamas and sheep to eat; no grass, no hay. Hans and I went out yesterday and bought huge bags of cat and dog food, and wildbird seed.
My daughters and I have piled up towels, sheets and blankets. Our friend Renny, who has the biggest SUV, is driving around picking it all up and taking it to the RSPCA for distribution.
They are talking about tertiary effects of the bushfires, people sitting at home crying in front of the television, who are trying to cope with the enormity of the situation; about the 000 operators who took countless emergency calls, and heard people dying; about the CFA and army reservists who are sifting through rubble, looking for bodies, and finding families of four, five and six huddled together. People in wheelchairs who couldn’t get out; young children and babies whose mothers tried to protect them with their bodies.
So much twisted metal, and shells of cars, and melted everything. Thank you for thinking of me. We are shaken, but safe.
Nikkii Baker
Melbourne, former Independence Township resident,
Ed. note: Donations can be made to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, www.dhs.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal, or www.ourcommunity.com.au.
Dear Editor,
There appears to be some confusion as to when the last day is to pay winter property taxes.
Generally the last day is Feb. 14, but this year the calendar has given those last minute tax payers a break.
Because Feb. 14 falls on a weekend and Monday, Feb. 16, is a legal holiday, the last day to pay your winter taxes without penalty and interest is Feb. 17, 2009.
The taxes must be received in the treasurer’s office by 5 p.m. No post marks will be accepted. This is the last day to pay business personal property taxes without penalty, as well.
All winter and summer taxes not paid by this date are considered delinquent, but can still be paid at the Township Hall, with penalty and interest until 5 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2009.
On Tuesday, March 3, all remaining delinquent taxes will be turned over to Oakland County. Taxes for 2008 will no longer be accepted at the township as of March 3, 2009.
If you have any questions regarding your 2008 taxes, please contact the treasurer’s office at 248-625-5115.
Curt Carson, treasurer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In regards to ‘Township set to pay per flush,? Jan. 28 edition:
Hopefully Ms. Linda Richardson, director of Department of Public Works, can accurately charge residents of the township for their water and sewer use.
The Department of Public Works has done a poor job so far, shown by the accumulation of millions of extra dollars, which it recently loaned to a different township account for the purchase of the new, overpriced Township Hall.
No increase would be necessary in our water/sewer bills for years to come if the DPW would have used the millions of excess funds collected to pay down the increases coming from Oakland County.
It doesn’t seem right that DPW is considering raising our bills, after having found it had collected too much money over the years, which it loaned for a pet project completely unrelated to DPW specific issues.
It would be good to know if DPW could have anticipated the upcoming county rate increases, before allowing the supervisor and general fund to plunder its DPW specific reserves.
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Letter received through our website, Clarkstonnews.com.
Dear Editor,
In your recent article “Trustees struggle with bid approval process”, Jan. 14, an interesting choice of words were used by an Independence Township official regarding the bid approval process for the controversial new Independence Township Hall.
Newly elected trustees were met with resistance when questioning the bid approval process for renovations at the new township hall building.
Surprisingly, one long time township official exclaimed: “To bring it up at this point,(the bid process) I don’t see any useful purpose in it. We have purchased that building, we are going forward with it and to second guess what we did doesn’t serve any good purpose. If anything, it was rather divisive.”
Even after the township hall purchase fiasco, some officials still don’t seem to get it. Like or not, the money that “We” spend is the property of taxpayers and the use of “our” tax dollars is always subject to scrutiny by the public and “our” elected Trustees. Those that continue to believe otherwise have no place in public service.
Against our wishes, “we” bought that building and “our” elected representatives have every the right to ask questions about how “our” tax dollars are being spent at any point in the process. Especially considering that “we” voted down previous millages for a new town hall.
When township officials met in a closed session to purchase a building with “our” tax dollars that are now being mortgaged from the taxes that were collected from “us” for water and sewers, “our” input and questions about the purchase were secondary to the wishes of township officials. Now it’s not okay for our elected representatives to ask questions either?
Apparently some still think that there is no good time to ask questions about how tax dollars are being spent in Independence Township, even when they are being asked by our own elected officials.
When public policy discourages questions from our own elected officials, I’m reminded of the saying, “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
To those elected officials still asking questions…I hope your determination to protect the public is not discouraged by the outrageous comments made by those that have chosen to ignore the wishes of the people.
Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
I appreciate the opportunity to present some facts and my view on the bond proposal.
In the first issue of the Wildcat Review, October 2008, published by the Board of Education Dr. William Skilling wrote ‘Please know we provide this strategic plan for two reasons, one so that you know the plan, and two SO YOU CAN HOLD US ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PLAN. AS PUBLIC SERVANTS, WE NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT, ACCOUNTABLE, COMPETENT, AND PROVIDE STEWARDSHIP FOR THE RESOURCES AND RESPONSIBILITIES YOU HAVE ENTRUSTED US.?
Today the Oxford School District (you and I) have an existing debt of $90,145,000. Yep, that’s 90 Million but not the whole truth. The 90 million is the existing principal. You and I still owe the 90 million plus interest of $46,181,660 for this borrowed money. Our tax obligation today is $136,326,660. The commas are correct’That’s $136 Million!!! We have cosigned for this loan with our property.
Let’s look at the math presented in this bond issue. But first, please reread the CAPITAL print above. This is so simple that one can get tripped up so, let me lay a foundation example.
* To start let’s assume you purchased a home for $100,000 @ 6.16% for 30 years. Over the course of that mortgage you will pay back to the bank the $100,000 principal you borrowed and $119,000 in interest for a total out of pocket expense of $219,000. That’s 119 percent interest over the course of the contract. Simple math.
* Now let’s use the same formula on $70 million (bond) @ 6.16% for 30 years. We would pay back the $70 million principal and $83,850,083 in interest for a total out of pocket expense of $153,985,083. That’s 119% in interest over the course of the contract. Again, simple math. Now logic would say that you add the $136,326,660 (existing debt obligation) and $153,985,083 (from this example) together and we would arrive at a figure of total taxpayer obligation. Not true. Let me explain.
Because we are not making any payments on the principal (70 million) for years, the interest is just added to the debt until we start paying down the present day obligation.
($90 million owed today) The taxpayer (you and I) are going to pay interest totaling $158,238,648 on this $70 loan. That’s 226% in interest over the course of the contract!!! Now add the 70 million (bond) plus the interest, you and I, are obligated for a debt of $228,238,648.
* Bottom line if this bond issue goes forward we are cosigning to borrow 70 million dollars and pay back $228,238,648. Now add the two bold numbers above and you get a lean against our homes of $364,565,308.
Now please reread the CAPITAL print above.
The ‘Sell?.
Please don’t insult me any longer by repeating that this ‘Was Community Driven? This has been a slick full color marketing campaign for the agenda of the Superintendent and School board from the beginning. Granger Construction was hired by the School Board in January 2008. By law a district is required to ‘Involve board members, citizen committees, staff members, etc. and use consulting services, if necessary.? Please visit their web site at www.grangerconstruction.com and you will become aware of the ‘sell?. Go to their special divisions ‘Bonds? and read the testimonials from other schools. They will walk the school board through the preparation of the bond the marketing to the tax payers, set up a web site to ‘sell? the bond through the ribbon cutting. Then after a successful marketing Granger will be the construction manager on the project. Granger Construction will not only manage but has crews to do certain types of work. Granger Construction will realize $4,500,000 from this project. Now that’s motivation to ‘sell? this project. Also visit the slick web site (www.oxford2009.com) Granger designed for the ‘sell?. It is no coincidence that the first reported word of this bond proposal appeared in the November 12 issue of the Oxford Leader, yet the board submitted the application the end of October. It’s no coincidence that the election is being held in February an off election date. It’s no coincidence that the board allowed no debate prior to application. It’s no coincidence that the Superintendent is giving the ‘sell? at all the PTO meetings, teacher meetings, and you and I are even paying the bus drivers to sit and listen to the ‘sell?. It’s no coincidence that the ‘sell? is only that the 7 mills will not change. It’s no coincidence that no one is talking about the World/United States/State of Michigan/Local business financial calamity. They ‘sell? that we can expect to go through three to four business cycles which means recessions during the life of this bond. Last week the CEO of General Electric said ‘this is not a cycle, this is a game changer?. Ask the leaders of the big 3 soon to be the medium 2, or UAW or the small shops in Oxford if this is a game changer. Ask the State of Michigan who can’t figure if we are going to be 500 million or a billion over budget. Ask the foreclosed, once home owners in the district. Ask those who can’t sell their homes to leave town to find work. Ask those sitting on the edge hoping their jobs continue. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation and one of only two states that lost population last year. Just turn on news, watch TV or read the paper, watch the debates by financial experts and get a grasp on the economic reality.
Please reread the CAPITAL print above.
Today Forward?
I would like other elected officials that were voted into offices to look out for our interest to come forward and be heard. Look at the math, the state and local economy and take a position. We hired Brad Jacobson to fend off the state or county should they make demands that are unreasonable. We hired the township boards to look out for our property and welfare of our local community. They are tasked with protecting our interest be it fire protection, road maintenance, a company wanting to erect a cell tower or a property debt increase. It’s incumbent upon all these elected officials to study the facts and take one of two actions. Send a letter to the Oxford School board and either 1) Endorse this bond as a great investment in the future and promote the debt/tax increase at this time in our history or 2) Ask the School Board to put this February election off and not ask your constituents to vote until we see what direction our economy is going. By taking no position the voters can only assume agreement with the bond. With the genius we hired in Washington printing money like confetti, mortgaging the next two generations into poverty and living in a State on the verge of bankruptcy, in a community dependent on a broken auto industry and business closing or deciding not to build in our community because of the economy, property values dropping 20%’If that were not enough we now have to defend what we have left of our largest investment. A loan promoted by an independent government agency with the power to call an election supported by marketing experts and sending out full color Wildcat Review with half truths and omissions of facts and the taxpayers are footing the bill. That Dr. Skilling and his board have the audacity even ask us to vote yes and are satisfied with us paying 226% in interest on a $70 million loan and cosigning a total debt of over a quarter of a billion dollars is an outrage.
We lose nothing to wait one year and revisit the proposal.
The numbers are fact. The opinions are mine. The future is ours.
Tom Garretson
Dear editor,
Regarding ‘Contemplating Cuts? article on Jan. 28th, 2009.
As a parent of a 1st grader and 5th grader at Pine Knob Elementary, I am surprised that the School Board is listing field trips as a possible cut. How can they cut programs that they are not funding?
For the last six years that my children have been in the Clarkston School District, the PTA’s/PTO’s have been paying for the cost of transportation and admission costs for our children’s field trips. This year our PTA has allocated $12,000 of our budget to cover these costs. Our PTA’s and PTO’s have worked tirelessly raising this money with the support of all our parents.
It is distressing to me to see that our School Board will even consider cutting a program that they are not funding!
Nancy Farrugia
Pine Knob Parent and PTA member
Dear editor,
In reading last week’s front page article regarding the school budget cuts (“Contemplating cuts”), I was struck by one item on the list of proposed cuts: school field trips.
The Clarkston School District does not pay for school field trips, at least not at the elementary school level. My children have been attending school in Clarkston for eight years and the Clarkston School District has never paid for field trips during this time frame.
Field trips are paid for by the PTAs and PTOs at the various Clarkston elementary schools. Money, in the amount of approximately $10,000-12,000, is raised through parental fundraising efforts at each school to finance school field trips every year.
I don’t think our Board of Education will save any money by cutting a budget line item that is currently at zero. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that such a budget cut makes no mathematical, practical or common sense.
Sincerely,
Anne- Marie Williamson
Independence Township
Dear editor,
The editorial ‘drop steps to help school budget? highlights some of the misunderstandings there are about school funding, local teacher contract negotiations and reality on the ground in our schools.
First, the district had a budget surplus last year exceeding $1,000,000. The cumulative budget surplus commonly called fund equity is over $14 million.
In addition the district holds several properties, One that cold be a future school site, Reese Road, and two others, on Maybee Road and M-15, that have limited potential for the district.
The values of those properties are part of the bottom line wealth of the district. So although the future funding for all schools is uncertain, we in Clarkston can rest assured our schools are not in serious financial peril any time soon.
Knowing the financial condition of the district, you would have to wonder why the school board directed the district to give pink slips to 40 teachers.
The answer would seem to be an abundance of caution. Of the 40 pink slips, only one position was actually cut caused by reduction offerings not budget related.
Clarkston schools gained students last year, increased class sizes, and reduced classroom support personal, all changes that strengthen the district’s financial situation.
The step salary schedule is used to compensate teachers incrementally for the experience they bring to the job. In Clarkston, a teacher earns one step each year of service for 16 years when they reach top pay.
‘Merit? is determined by ongoing evaluations. Clarkston has a formal process for evaluating teachers for continuing employment or removal.
The negotiated increase (this year 1.5%) is applied to the schedule to attempt to keep pace with inflation ? essentially, a cost of living increase. The negotiated increase has traditionally been less than the inflation rate as teachers have negotiated to minimize cuts in health benefits.
Actual teacher salaries have not kept pace with inflation in the decade I have been involved in negotiations.
We go far beyond ‘just showing up? to provide our students with exceptional educational opportunities. The collaborative bargaining group made up of administrators and teachers know as ACCORD has led the district through difficult times with great success.
Clarkston Schools maintain high academic standards, beautiful facilities, and quality after school programs. Have no fear we are not on the bailout bandwagon just yet.
Scott Banks
CEA Vice President,
ACCORD team member
Dear editor,
We discuss government. We complain, We shake our heads. What can we DO?
May I make a suggestion? Get a little involved. Ask a few questions. Stop talking to ourselves and communicate with those that can ‘DO?.? Our elected officials.
Here is how we do it. It is called citizen scrutiny. You can attend board meetings without leaving your home. Comcast broadcasts every meeting on the first and third Tuesday, channel 10 and 20, 7:30pm every month right there in your own living room.
Yes sir, plop down in the old Easy Boy and participate in Independence Township government. But you say, I can’t miss Seinfeld! No fear, CPAC rebroadcasts meetings everyday 1 p.m., on channel 10 and 20.
Do what I do, I DVR it and watch when I want. Now what to do with all this scrutiny.
E-Mail! Let your officials know how you feel. Each has an e-mail address: Supervisor David Wagner, Dwagner@twp.independence.mi.us; Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen, Svanderveen@independence.mi.us; Treasurer Curt Carson, Ccarson@twp.independence.mi.us; Trustee Larry Russo, Larryrosso@aol.com; Trustee David Lohmeier, David.Lohmeier@onstar.com; and Trustee Neil Wallace, Newall@aol.com.
Tell them how you feel. You can write one letter and CC (carbon copy) everyone on the board. This is a powerful stuff folks? use it well.
Here is a good place to start. How did I, i.e. a taxpayer, purchase a new Township Hall and not know about it’my fault, I obviously wasn’t listening.
Not only did I buy a new Township Hall but I am also spending $800,000 on renovations. $800,000? Eight hundred thousand dollars here,eight hundred thousand there, before you know it we’ve spent a bundle of bucks.
Here are some of the questions that should generate opines. Mr. David Lohmeier at the January 6 meeting, asked why no bids were taken for the remodeling project.
Mr. Wallace suggested the board should be reviewing such costs. Thanks to Mr. Wallace and Mr. Lohmeier for asking important questions.
Mr. Gibbs in 1/14/09 The Clarkston News questioned ‘I find it remarkable that the township supervisor is quoted saying the township has its financial house in order, when they just squandered a substantial sum on a new Township Hall, which is twice the size of the existing facility, at a price far greater than market value, not to mention they have taken a township property off the tax rolls.?
I don’t agree with Mr. Gibbs recall suggestion since two of the board are newly elected and did not participate in the Township Hall purchase.
Questions need not be attacks,but merely the pursuit of information that sometimes lead to effective solutions. Now it is your turn let the board know how you feel. Sit back, relax, flip to channel 10 and see how your vote is doing.
The Clarkston News has a email address too ? Clarkstonnews@gmail.com.
Paul Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
One of the most outstanding features of our English-American legal system is the development of the trust. It sets it apart from all other legal systems.
Ordinarily, if a person owns a piece of property, whether it is a house, car, or sum of money, the property has the benefits of use, enjoyment, and interest income. It also has the burden of maintenance, risk of loss, and prudent investment.
A trust is a situation where you separate the burden from the benefits by giving one party the benefits and a second party the burdens. If someone holds the property in trust for someone else, a whole new set of rules apply. He must care for the property far more prudently and carefully than one would his own property.
The first rule is full disclosure: where is the property, how did one use it, what are one’s future plans, has he gone outside the stated purpose of the trust? One cannot serve two masters. He cannot benefit from his handling of the trust property.
As far as I’m concerned, all of the ‘bailout? money handed out by the federal government is trust money. All of the fiduciary requirements of a trust are invoked. The ‘bailout? money does not belong to the banks, brokerage houses, or insurance companies to do with as they see fit. The recipients of the ‘bailout? money hold it in trust for the beneficiaries.
Gerald E. McNally
52nd District Judge, retired
Dear Editor,
I wrote a letter titled, ‘Poor service lost business for G.M.,? Dec. 10. In that letter, I lambasted General Motors? warranty program.
I complained about under-performing heated seats in my new Chevy Impala. The letter was sent to corporate headquarters for General Motors and Lear Corporation, the seat manufacturer, and others. It was a last ditch plea for help.
I am happy to say the global seat manager at Lear Corporation and his vice president and chief engineer received the letter. They called me and said they would do whatever was needed to correct the problem and make me happy with their seats.
They were the first to contact me. They arranged to pick up my car and had it for several days. They repaired it 100 percent and to a new higher spec, where it should have been to begin with. They delivered my vehicle to me washed and full of gas.
I also received a follow-up call the next day to make sure I was completely satisfied. This is far from normal for a vendor to do this, but they did it.
Great job, Lear Corporation and executive managers! You have exceeded my expectations by raising my seat temperature and lowering my blood pressure.
Roger Diederich
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Regarding ‘Church would give parish space to grow,? Jan. 14 edition, I was a little surprised how quickly the newly elected Springfield Township Board made their decision.
There really wasn’t any subject debate. This article makes it seems like the development is small. I guess if you buy enough land any development size could yield a small percentage as stated in the article.
What about how close St Rita and Our Lady of the Lakes churches are to this proposal? Fifteen, maybe 20 minutes?
So much for the Archdiocese following through on their statements about not wanting to contribute to urban sprawl.
Mike Younger
Davisburg
Dear Editor,
To paraphrase Ronald Reagan ? ‘Mr. Sherman, tear down this wall? … or just paint over it.
Mary Himburg
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Over the past few weeks I have been reading the letters from area organizations expressing sincere gratitude for the wonderful donations received over the holidays.
It is difficult to put into words the appreciation felt by all of us at Lighthouse Emergency Services and the people we assist throughout the year.
We have benefited from food and non-food donations, seen an increase in volunteerism, and had countless groups and individuals call to inquire about and meet whatever any special needs our agency has during not only the holidays but also the other months of the year.
So, although the words are simple, please accept our ‘thank you? for all that you do to help ? whether it is helping Lighthouse or any other good cause, I hope that you realize that you are making a difference, a very positive difference in the lives of many.
Connie Stapleton
Lighthouse Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I find it remarkable that the township supervisor is quoted saying the township has its financial house in order, when they just squandered a substantial sum on a new Township Hall, which is twice the size of the existing facility, at a price far greater than market value, not to mention they have taken a township property off the tax rolls (‘County exec lays out economic forecast to township officials,? Jan. 14 edition).
The treasurer says the board ‘is very big on watching our expenses,? but now they have a very big new expense in the form of debt service payments back to the Water and Sewer Department for the cash to buy the new township building.
Was the board just a spectator to this decision? Too bad the trustees were careful about this spending decision, and just watched the township spend tens of millions of dimes on the new facility.
I am sure that if the woeful economic predictions are correct, township officials will come to us saying they have done everything possible to rein in expenses, and need to raise taxes or police, fire, parks and other resident services will have to be cut.
Hopefully, residents in our community will recall this decision to buy a new Township Hall at an above market rate price, and recall the elected decision makers as well.
What in the heck is the township going to do with a building that is twice as large as the existing facility? Maybe the supervisor will try to grow the township government to fill the new space?
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Last month, I noticed the Oakland County Sheriffs Office was on guard again. They had a seat belt sting set up on Sashabaw Road, north of Maybee Road, with a spotter car in the median and five or six pursuit vehicles lined up in the access lane to the Kroger shopping center.
This seems to be a tremendous waste of resources devoted to seat belt usage, particularly in light of the verbiage that came from Lansing when the seat belt law was changed a couple years ago.
If my memory serves me well, we were assured this type of enforcement would not be used. The change of law was to meet Federal standards, but in most cases enforcement would remain the same, where a ticket for not buckling up would only be given if you were pulled over for another offense.
This day and and the OCSD big show are particularly galling, because it was the first day of physical therapy for my broken ankle at the Clarkston Medical center that afternoon.
When I arrived to park, I was unable to make good use of my newly acquired handicapped parking permit because all the spaces were occupied, half of them by cars with no permits! I ended up parking at the very back of the lot, and hobbling in with crutches from there.
On Dec. 9, I encountered the same thing. Five of the 12 spots were occupied by vehicles with no handicap permit. One of the five was someone just waiting for another to exit the medical center. It also seems that each time I have gone to Kroger, the situation is similar.
I propose Sherriff Bouchard use his troops to enforce laws that are there to protect or make life easier for others; not sit, lined up along some thoroughfare, waiting for an easy mark to come along who in all reality is not going to harm anyone other than him or herself.
In closing, I urge all readers in agreement with me to contact your legislator and urge them to change the seat belt law back to the previous status, where you needed to be stopped for another violation in order to receive a seat belt violation.
James Ferrand
Independence Township
Editor’s note: Click it or Ticket seatbelt enforcement campaigns are funded by a grant from the Traffic Improvement Association, a non-profit group based in Oakland County, according to Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Enforcement zones are determined using the association’s traffic-analysis.
“No warnings are given. If you’re not wearing a seatbelt, you get a ticket,” said Lt. Gordon Pizzini, Oakland County Sheriff’s Road Patrol.
TIA distributes about $300,000 to police agency members around the county for overtime, funded by the National Highway Trafic and Safety Administration. Its purpose is to maintain compliance with the seatbelt law, about 90 percent, Pizzini said.
‘It’s the right thing to do,? he said. ‘Seatbelts keep people in their seats ? we see a lot of death caused by ejection. And they protect people from airbags’ full force.”
Dear Editor,
My daughter Taressa was on her way home to Ortonville, from a job interview in Southfield. In passing through Clarkston, on Main Street, her car completely quit working. She was barely able to coast her vehicle into the nearest parking lot. Turns out it was Clarkston Brake and Muffler Service, on the corner of Clarkston Road and Main Street.
They were very good to her and got to repairing her car right away. They had to replace the serpentine belt, another belt, and changed the oil/filter/etc.
After replacing the parts and getting her car running again, they took it for a test drive to see what may have been the cause of the obvious problem. They learned there were other more extensive and expensive problems to repair, beyond what they are able to do there.
When I called to find out the total cost of our bill, I was amazed when they said, $50. They said, ‘we know how it is in these hard economic times, and the other repairs you may need may be expensive, so we are not going to charge any labor, we are only going to charge you what the materials cost us.?
I am truly amazed, WHO DOES THAT THESE DAYS??? These people never met us before, they are getting nothing out of their good deed. They did this out of the kindness of their hearts.
This moment, I believe in miracles. God bless them.
Sincerely,
Nina Irwin
Ortonville
Dear Editor,
My first letter was perhaps too sarcastic, so I abandoned that and told myself that I didn’t have all the facts. Without all of the facts I shouldn’t even be writing this, but guess what? Every time I drive through Clarkston ? there it is, this giant wall of who-knows-what? Facts or not, you have to wonder what’s going on with the painting.
Surely it isn’t art, for if it is, the eye of the beholder needs glasses. I would think that a town mural should conjure up light-hearted feelings of welcome and community, not display creepy, dark, hideously disfigured trees from some childhood nightmare.
At a time when Michigan holds the title as the economically worst state in the country, with the worst taxes, a major unemployment problem, rampant crime, and an acute inability to maintain its roads, then maybe this dismal artwork is intended as a glimpse into our bleak future.
Then again, perhaps it is just a poor attempt at vandalism. If that is the case, then I applaud their courage, but still strongly suggest passers-by look the other way when driving through town. There is a nice plastic owl on the roof across the street. It is there obviously to keep the pigeons company. Although it holds a subliminal message of a carnivorous predator, it is a far better welcoming sign than the Clarkston Rockwell.
Harvey Sarkisian
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Several businesses and families in the school district showed their support for Lake Orion High School students by giving donations for Challenge Day week December 8 through 12, 2008. The largest donor was Waste Management Systems of Auburn Hills, who presented students organizing the Challenge Day events with a check for $10,000 to start the process this year.
Challenge Day is a powerful, high-energy program for adults and students meant to increase personal power and self-esteem, to shift negative peer pressure to positive reinforcement and to eliminate teasing and bullying. The program is designed to accommodate 100 new students per day with 25 returning students and 25 adult assistants. The Challenge Day personnel must travel to Lake Orion, have accommodations while here for the four days of programs and all the participants are fed each day.
Many businesses and families donated money and food for the four days and they are; Visiting Angels, Reynolds Family, Hock Family, Doescher Family, Fender Family, Pote Family, JLM Wholesale, Little Caesars, Strategic Partners by Design, Tubby’s of Lake Orion, Quiznos on Broadway, Golden Meadows Photography, Plastic Systems, Powers Distributing, Chris Potvin, Hastings Family, Forced Air Systems, Hollywood Market, Janet Wolverton, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
The students and adult assistants that participated in Challenge Day had an emotionally awakening and satisfying experience. One senior citizen acting as an adult assistant said, ‘I am amazed at what some of these kids live with everyday and they still come to school.?
Several veteran students participated in the Challenge Day program for the second time because, as one said, ‘This changed my life last year.?
‘It is the goal of Lake Orion High School to have Challenge Day programs every year,? said Michelle Novak, a counselor at the school. Novak went on to say, ‘We want every freshman to have gone through the program before they graduate.?
–Barbara Shea Pote
Dear Editor
On behalf of the Lake Orion Rotary and Etiquettes Edge, we’d like to thank those businesses who participated in our 2008 ‘Gloves for Good? fundraiser. Waterproof gloves collected were donated to the Lake Orion Boys & Girls Club for needy children. At Dolecki Chiropractic, Jamie Felix, State Farm Insurance, Lake Orion Senior Center, Oxford American Legion, Oakview Middle School, Lake Orion ACO Hardware, Tesori Gifts, Tire Warehouse, Tool Sport & Sign Elements and Lake Orion Self Storage.
–Pamela Barc, Lake Orion Rotary
Dear Editor,
I want to take a minute to say how much we appreciate the consistent coverage which The Review has shown to community groups, and particularly to Boy Scout Troop #128!
Troop 128 which is chartered by St. Mary’s In-The-Hills Episcopal Church, has submitted several pictures and articles, and The Review has always been generous in including these submissions.
One of our Scouts, Kyler Plackowski, was able to earn his BSA Press Corps award when his article about the Storm Drain Cleanup was published, and we have a second Scout, Alex Pletsch, who is working on his Press Corps award.
I am aware of several of our Scout families who learned about The Review through our internal troop announcements about articles – and many of these families have subscribed to The Review.
We see this as a win-win situation … our Scouts are recognized for the community service they perform, and The Review is recognized for their outstanding coverage of local and community news, and increased their subscriptions!
We look forward to a wonderful 2009, with more Scouting and community news in The Review!
Donna Davis-Daisley Troop #128, Lake Orion
Dear Editor
I read with amazement the letter writer who thought increasing kindergarten to all day was a bad idea. Obviously, you live on a planet far from ‘reality,? much like the average Michigan Education Association member.
It is a fact that our kids spend one of the lowest amounts of time in a classroom among all first-world nations, which might explain why so many of our children drop out or graduate with a skill set that renders them unable to compete in a global economy.
A 2003 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study, revealed that children in the United States spend 1,303 hours in school, both getting instruction and engaged in other activities. Compare that to China (1,742), Japan (1,593), and Korea (1,442) and it becomes clear why so many visas are given to representatives from these countries to work in America: since there are few Americans qualified to do the technical jobs of tomorrow.
Our kids spend the most time in leisure than those of other countries, with an average of 11.8 hours devoted to activities other than learning, as opposed to countries like Japan (8.7), China (8.8), and Korea (8.8).
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the Lake Orion community, and especially Pugh’s Party Store, for the support given to us during our annual Fishing for Families in Need event that was held on January 10.
Pugh’s was able to collect 1,000 pounds of bulk canned and box goods that was donated to Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac.
To see the smiles on faces when we showed up with the donations made the whole event worth doing again.
We had over 120 people at the event this year, and Teri from Lake Orion’s ONTV even showed up to interview us.
Bass Pro Shops was a giant help, and even quite a few of our friends from LSCN.net pitched in to give all they could.
Next year we hope to make it bigger, and get alot more community involvement.
A big thank you to all who were involved.
–Michael H. Vines
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to give the staff and members of the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union a huge thank you as they continue their tradition of providing Christmas for CAYA children.
With the shaky economy, I was uncertain if all of the nametags would be taken from the Christmas Giving Tree, but fear not, the caring members and staff opened their hearts and wallets to demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas. It is not about what you are going to receive, but what you can give to others.
One of the most rewarding presents this year is a family financial situation and home life improving dramatically, thanks to the generosity of a couple who gave much needed bike safety accessories to a young man.
With his new lights, he can keep his job and ride his bike safely in the dark back and forth to work, plus do the family shopping. His new rear bike rack allows him to store his purchases securely in the attached storage bag ? no more juggling bags on his handlebars.
These accessories are truly a lifesaver in bad riding conditions. This family has no car, so they depend on the young man riding his bike everywhere to purchase what the family needs.
Tears were also brought to a mom’s eyes as she picked up her hospitalized son’s only Christmas Wish ? a bike.
Thank you, Clarkston Brandon Credit Union, for caring about CAYA children.
Joyce Bleim
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In 1980, David Rockefeller was the speaker at the Detroit Institute of Arts? corporate luncheon. During a telephone conversation, I mentioned he would be speaking in the museum’s Rivera Court.
‘Where,? he questioned?
I knew he could take a bit of ribbing, so I said, ‘you remember Diego Rivera? He did a mural in New York but it was torn down.?
He laughed and said, ‘don’t rub it in.?
He set aside an hour in his schedule to study this world famous work.
All art should cause discussion. Often the remarks are lively and sometimes heated. This should be one of the artist’s objectives. As Martha would say, ‘it’s a good thing.? Don’t make too much or too little of this work, just enjoy the process and learn from it.
If not enough people or enough of the ‘right? people like it after it is completed, it can be painted over or torn down just like the Rockefeller family did to their Rivera Mural years ago.
Boris Sellers
Independence Township
Your follow-up article regarding Kalloway’s gift cards was much appreciated.
First, it is good to know that there are upstanding businesses in the area that will do what is best for the customer. And, I appreciate their ethics.
Second, I AM sorry that Kalloway’s is closed. As your first article reported, it is sad that the eonomy has been so hard on so many. I do feel bad for those who lost their jobs AND for those people who used their hard earned cash to buy gift cards (like the young man who purchased the card for me and his father).
Now, I would like to comment on Mr. Lepak’s quotes in both articles. I find it very suspicious that he did not know he was going to have to suddendly close his business.
He must have known that he was delinquient in paying his property taxes.
The first article was written only days after Kalloway’s was closed. At that time, the article said that there were parties that may have interest in buying the property. If there were no intentions to close the business, why is there someone in line to buy it already. (We will just assume it is just the hot real estate market.)
Again, if there had been no intention of closing, why does there exist plans for an alternate location and for the next business.
While it is understandable that he was not positive that he would have to close the business until 12/28, he did know that it was a possibility.
If it is true that he cares so much for the comunity in which he has done business for the past 8+ years, he should not have even chanced cheating hard working partons out of their money. He too knows how tough times are, correct?
Finally, when he realized on 12/28, per your article, that he was closing, why did he not notify people using their gift cards that day. Please reference Kalloway’s website. The second gift card complaint states that on 12/28, a customer used their card and was not informed that they were not going to be able to redeem the remaining amount on the card.
Mr. Lepak can cry innocent, but that is not the case.
It appears clear that he sold gift cards when he knew he would not be able to stay in business.
Times are tough for everyone. Mr. Lepak needs to stand up and do the right thing and provide a way for those who purchased gift cards to be refunded or compensated.
I hope for further positive updates.
Stephany Boegner
Editor’s Note: Please see the story on page 3 of the print edition, as well as the story online, for more information on the Kalloway’s gift card situation.
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to say thanks for a story well done on Jim Ingram’s death.
Jim was a special friend of Morty’s and I at the paper in previous years. Keep up the good work.
Ellen Carlson
Former Lake Orion Review owner
Dear Editor,
My name is Wendy Yearwood. My family and I live in Lake Orion. My eldest daughter, Ashley, is in second grade at Paint Creek Elementary School. My youngest daughter, Riley, will be attending Paint Creek Elementary in the Fall of 2009 as a kindergartener.
Let me start by stating, although I am not in favor of, and feel very passionate on the subject of an all day, everyday kindergarten program. I will keep my thoughts short, simple and to the point.
I consider myself an active parent and the first I heard of the all day, everyday program was through a friend who has a friend working at the Board of Education. I would hope that the school board is not trying to keep this issue ‘off the radar?. This would not allow the parental feedback that I feel this issue deserves. I would like to think the integrity of the board would not be compromised by the increase in government funding the all day, everyday program would bring to Lake Orion Community Schools.
I attended the December 10, 2008 board meeting hoping to hear an open discussion regarding an all day, everyday kindergarten program. To my disappointment, the board seemed pre-determined to begin the program in the Fall of 2009. Have there been any ‘advertised? open forums for parental feedback? Has the board sought input from several parents of incoming kindergarteners?
I must say, as a taxpayer and a mother of an upcoming kindergarten student I am very disappointed in the preparation we have been given as parents. This is an extremely drastic decision without preparing parents and more importantly, young, upcoming kindergarten students. At the December 10 meeting there was mention of the ‘tremendous support? for this program.I find that interesting, considering every single parent of a preschooler that I have approached personally regarding an all day, everyday program, was completely unaware of this change so soon as the Fall of 2009.
Many parents I have spoken with feel that had we known earlier regarding the possible Fall of 2009 plans, we would have completely changed our child’s four year old preschool plan. As stated in the December 10 meeting, a solution for parents that felt their child was not ready for the all day, everyday program was to send them to the Pre-Kindergarten program at the CERC building. In my opinion, along with many other parents? opinion, this is a completely unacceptable solution to a very serious issue.
I realize I will not change the direction of the State of Michigan on this topic. However, I do feel as parents we need more lead-time to prepare our young children. I received my oldest daughter’s kindergarten information much earlier than January or February of the year she would be attending kindergarten. At the December 10 meeting the topic of all day, everyday kindergarten was mentioned as becoming an ‘Action? item for the January 14 meeting. How can this even be considered possible in allowing parents to make their voices heard? Kindergarten Open Houses begin the end of January. This is a completely unacceptable timetable for preparing our children and schools.
My suggestion would be to put the plan in motion now for a Fall of 2010 School Year. This way parents and schools can prepare children in 2009 for the 2010 School Year change. By doing this, we are putting our children, the future, first. I realize many things in this world are done for the purpose of money. Please, since Michigan has not mandated this law yet, put our children first and allow parents to prepare for this drastic change.
I ask that the school board not implement the all day, everyday kindergarten program until the Fall of 2010. Many of us feel this is truly in the best interest of our children, which ultimately is what the school board should represent.
~Wendy Yearwood
I read the letter to the editor from the Barretts in the Dec. 24 edition of The Review on autism and have experienced the same pain.
My wife, two kids & I live in Lake Orion. Our daughter is 6 years old and attends Orion Oaks Elementary. She is neurotypical, meaning she does not have special needs. We are grateful for all of Mr. Kaplan’s efforts and the great team he has assembled at Orion Oaks.
Our son is almost 5 years old and lives with autism. Our son began Early Intervention with the Lake Orion district since he was 18 months old, with minimal improvement. At the age of 3-and-a-half our son was medically diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was at this time, we asked the district to re-evaluate our son to align his educational diagnosis with his medical diagnosis.
After a heartwrenching and painstaking 155 day evaluation / placement process (that is legally supposed to take 30 days) the district decided to keep him in his current class and placement. We had hoped that he would be placed in an appropriate program and receive services designed specifically for autistic children.
With disbelief, we took matters into our own hands and pulled our son out of the public school system and enrolled him in a private Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at the Early Intervention Center in Southfield, Michigan.
ABA has volumes of peer reviewed research that document it as the most successful intervention for children with ASD. Our lives changed within a month of our son attending the private ABA center. Things he ‘could not do? or ‘may never do? were vanishing in front of our eyes.
He would look, when you called his name; He would get into the car on his own; willingly take a bath; and sit in his chair while eating dinner.
ABA is a miracle!
My wife and I had a brainstorm in July of this year. ‘Why not incorporate ABA into public schools, so all kids in need could benefit from what our son has experienced at the private placement??
We have talked at length with the school administration in regards to incorporating a true ABA program into the public school arena, which would benefit a lot of special needs kids (not just ASD) in the district. Besides the immediate impact, it would prepare this district for the future, as numbers of children facing autism are of epidemic proportions and increasing. It has been reported that autism affects 1:150 children, 1:94 boys. Therefore, based on the size of the Lake Orion school system, there are roughly 50 children in the school system with autism alone.
Five autistic children will enter the Lake Orion school system each year. Five families will be looking for help from our district each year. These numbers only reflect ASD. With an in-district ABA program, kids currently misplaced at various out of district programs could be brought back to the district, saving funds.
A true ‘win-win? situation’right?
Apparently, this administration sees it differently. The administration did agree to our request of increased 1:1 (student:teacher) services, but insists on using an eclectic teaching method, the same as the one used previously with my son, with little improvement. The district has hired a part-time ABA Consultant, but will not commit to correctly establishing a robust ABA program. Experts in the field of ABA recommend that the ABA program be administered and monitored by a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). If you are unaware of what ABA is, it is a methodology that has been around for more than 30 years. It is a proven science of evaluation / programming / testing / probing / charting / and teaching a child with special needs, all done in a specifically defined way. Peer reviewed research has been conducted on ABA versus a variety of teaching methodologies, including eclectic, concluding that ABA is the most effective.
It is recommended by the U.S Surgeon General as the preferred intervention for ASD. Our district administration prefers to avoid our suggestions and our probing questions and continues to use the districts attorney to intimidate us in hopes that we will ‘give up and go away?. My wife and I have filed a ‘due process complaint? against the district in violation of the IDEA Act and Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Unfortunately, it is sure to cost all of us thousands and thousands of dollars. We cannot retain an attorney and will allot our limited resources towards our son’s future, to insure he has one. We have been given no other choice and refuse to give up on our son. Obviously, we would rather see the district spend district monies (our tax dollars) on an appropriate ABA program for special needs kids that could benefit from it.
The district and the school board need to use the exact same rationale (evidence-based) that they used for implementing ‘All Day / Every Day Kindergarten.? I know that the school board is not knowingly ignoring children with special needs, but are simply ill-informed by the district administration. I have witnessed prominent members of the school board say in board meetings ?’that we must be attentive to the real needs of students and not just follow what has been practiced for the last 100 years,? and, ?’we must do the right thing for all kids,? and ?’we must put kids first,? and, ?’kids will achieve to the level of bar we set for them’high or low.?
I wish this to be true, but it has not been the case for my son. Let us make the Lake Orion Community Schools system a Blue Ribbon exemplary one for every child living in the district, and make this district ‘the school of choice? for all families that are looking towards the future. Insist this district be the leader, not the follower, and eliminate the need to poll neighboring districts on what they are doing or have done in regards to autism. Autism, Special Needs, and caring parents are not going away any time soon. To quote a hero of mine, Henry Ford, I leave you with this thought: ‘Whether you think you can’or think you can’t, you are probably right.?
Mark & Pam Kroll
Does anyone remember Greg Gilbert? A graduate of Lake Orion High School, he lived on Pontiac Street in Lake Orion and was a guard, #60, on the football team, and pitcher-shortstop on the baseball team.?
He now owns, and has for years, the Seney BP and Party Store. The shelves are pretty barren from lack of business this year; the store now closes at 6 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. It’depends heavily on snowmobiling, and is really dead.’Mostly only locals.’Most of the motels and places of business in the Seney-Munising area are barren.
Even in Calumet, where conditions are excellent with 124 inches of powder or packed with 9.5 inches of snow on ground. Trails groomed and in excellent condition. Old abandoned railroads are sometimes difficult to traverse.
Anyway, I just returned from Keweenaw where conditions are also excellent. I stayed at the Northgate Motel outside of Calumet with four trucks hauling trailers.? There were plenty of watering holes, overnight parts-and-repair and eating places.
We then stayed at the Centennial Cabins in Centennial, MI, just outside Calumet in a complete mini-home. There was a brand new living room, Dish Network TV, full bath, complete kitchen-stove, full refrigerator with freezer, sink, plenty of hot water. There was a double bed bedroom, a pull-out couch in the living room and plenty of room for trailer and sleds outside. The roads were well-plowed daily. In all, 4 houses out of 10 were being used.? Reasonable rates…check it out.
As we traveled in our search for a home in the great north woods-Calumet, MI in the Keweenaw; I stopped to see Greg Gilbert. We gassed up at $1.89 per gallon.
Greg looked good and is conquering his diabetes and weight problem with a special food supplement and vitamin program based on fish oil.
However, business in this once thriving snowmobiling haven just down from Grand Marais and west of Newberry is bad. In the time we were there, there were only two interruptions for customers and a couple of? hang-out locals.?
Greg’s place is unique in that he also has a gift shop and museum with every type of animal one can legally trap or shoot on display. He also has every kind of? tanned fur on display, and groceries, all at reasonable prices.
Many of the local motels we passed as we went through towns were all empty…sad.? Marquette, home of? Northern Michigan University, seems to be thriving. They even have a Target there…wow!?
L’anse, Baraga, Houghton/Hancock, however, leave a lot to be desired. I know it was vacation for students, but most of Michigan Tech’s students are from far away places seeking engineering degrees and do not leave during breaks. Also, they are there for the Ice Carnival coming up and preparations are being made for that.?
We were in Centennial for over a week and it never stopped snowing. Temps ranged from the 20s to -8 with wind chills of -25.?
But as my son traversed Little Mac in Houghton and traveled to Sidnaw and Trout Creek, he and his wife said the trails were excellent. The snowbanks in villages like Chassel, Laurium-home of George Gipp, Dollar Bay and Lake Linden are packed so high that it is sort of dangerous to pull out from a street or stop sign.? One has to edge out to look for oncoming traffic. The locals travel by stoplights for safety.?
The depth of snow is unbelievable, yet at one diner we were the only people in the place for lunch for over an hour.
So service in pit stops is excellent and the food delicious…especially for pasty lovers.? Only one fast-food place north of Hancock. Consequently, the dishes are unique, standard, hot and delicious.
Of course, for the gamers, there is the casino at Baraga, Christmas and the Munising area.
I know the kids are going back to school, but if you can take the time and want snowmobiling in the finest sense, you should make the time and effort to make it to ‘God’s Country,? as the Keweenaw Peninsula is known.
Donn Hoganson,? former Dragon teacher, coach, announcer, field house manager and DJ on patrol?
Dear Editor,
The 5th Annual Stuff-a-Bus Campaign hosted by Clarkston Community Schools Bus Drivers was a huge success!
Thank you so much to Dr. Roberts and Kevin Bickerstaff for approving this event, Craig DeLlowe, Tom Harmon, Alan, Taylor & Alan II Burnham, Darlene Welch, Scott & Noah Dunavent, Juanita Gilbert, Colleen MacLeod, Sherry Carpenter, Theresa Kraft, Randy Hendrix, Mike Morris, Eric Berry, Frank Carone, Denise Fairgrieve, Sue Cox, Janan Horne, Diane Hodson, Julia Keels, Samakka Shabazz, Paul Edwards and WLQV 1500 AM radio station, Tina and Jessica Fay, Karen and Olivia Kondrat-Wieler from Girl Scout Troop 13220, Tina and Sabrina Layton, Trevor Harris, Erin and Eric Gates, Charlie Robinson and Betty Anderson who also had a party & asked every guest to bring a donation for Light House, Kroger on Sashabaw Road and manager Blaine Tweed who personally donated $300 worth of groceries to start us off and made frequent announcements in the store all weekend letting customers know we were there, Sandy Egres from “Sign’s By Tyke” for updating our signs every year free of charge, The Clarkston News, and of course the community above all for their generous donations.
We had a very stuffed bus & almost $450 in cash, checks & gift card donations. It was wonderful to get so much support for this project.
Tammy Layton
Clarkston Community Schools
Transportation Department
Dear Editor,
The Independence Township Senior Center hosted 65 seniors with a holiday party on Dec. 17 in the Carriage House.
With sponsorships from Elmhaven Manor, Karen and Don Kayko, Right at Home, Samaritan Care Hospice, and Sheldon Medical Supply, the center was able to provide a delicious ham lunch and gift bags for everyone.
Some of the gift items were donated by Clarkston Pharmacy, Elmhaven Manor, Oakland Eye Care, Oxford Bank, State Farm Insurance-Dave Smith, and Clarkston Specialty Healthcare Center. Attorney Dana Wilson donated a beautiful Christmas cake.
Each party goer got to chat and banter with Santa and have a picture taken.
Margaret Bartos, director
Independence Township Senior Center
Dear Editor,
In a recent letter to the editor the author was critical of Independence Township Board member Neil Wallace, accusing him of being negative and grandstanding. I disagree with that opinion.
One of the many reasons I voted for Neil Wallace was because of a promise he made during his campaign that he would vigorously pursue a policy of transparency regarding issues for which the Township Board was responsible.
That policy supports a belief that citizen participation in government is important and knowledge is critical to that participation.
Providing citizens with open and accurate information should be part of our elected official’s duties. Neil Wallace was in fact providing valuable information.
I support trustee Wallace in his policy that the public has a right to know.
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’d like to say, people, wake up.
The mural on the 5 S. Main Street building is a work of art. Were Dali and Picasso paintings considered great art in their time? I don’t think so.
You know what? Controversy is what people remember. It’ll put Clarkston in a class by itself. People will come to see and park and probably shop in the lovely Village of Clarkston.
Mr. Jim Sherman Sr. is to be congratulated for recognizing talent.
Sure, it’s taking time, but anything great is worth waiting for. I’ll be waiting and hope to be at its unveiling.
Michelle Tynan should be proud of her work. It’s a monumental accomplishment.
In conclusion, ‘Merry Christmas? and ‘God bless us everyone.?
Lillian Machowski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
GM warranty’what does it mean?
Ten years ago I leased a GM product, a new Pontiac Bonneville. It came with chrome wheels. All the wheels started pitting after a few thousand miles. A zone office representative inspected it at a Troy dealership and said it was due to bad car washes and not as a result of bad plating. As an engineer, I know the pitting was due to inferior plating.
As a result of that attitude of no help or relief from GM, I stopped buying or leasing GM products for 10 years and switched to Chrysler with outstanding results to date.
Now in 2008, I purchased outright a 2008 Chevy Impala LT with luxury interior, which included heated leather seats. Wanting to support our domestic car industry and my relatives at GM, I felt I needed to do this. What a mistake. The heated seats in this car will not come close to GM’s own heat spec for proper temperature.
After dealership, zone office, and Lear Corp. and GM seat people reviewed this condition, their joint opinion is ‘all the cars are like that? and ‘it is what it is.? I, again, have been offered no help or relief in this situation.
If GM wants to survive, they better take care of their customers or they will lose it all. It is not rocket science to know enough to take care of your customers if you want returning business. So far, I am dismayed at how lackluster I have been treated as a customer who wants to do business with GM.
When I was in business, my motto was ‘I will exceed your expectations.? So far, GM is not even meeting mine. I feel customer service has not improved in the 10-year lag between my Bonneville and my Impala. Will I consider another GM product or recommend one to any of my contacts? What do you think?
Word of mouth advertising is on of the most important things any business can have regarding their product and service. GM apparently doesn’t get it. ‘Sell them now and forget them.? Is this the motto for future survival?
This type of arrogance is why the foreign brands have made the inroads in market share. They engineer it better, build it better, and stand behind their product with their customers.
Roger Diederich
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
It is with a grateful heart that I want to thank the residents of Ortonville, Brandon and Groveland townships and nearby residents for their outstanding support of the blood drive at the Ortonville United Methodist Church on Nov. 28.
We collected 43 pints of blood. We had 53 people try, and there were seven first-time givers, which is awesome during this cold and flu season.
As a result of everyone’s effort, there are 129 patients in local hospitals in better health or alive because of their gift of life – blood.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Our community certainly helped make a difference here in our corner of the world. We will be helping make a difference again in the spring.
Our next blood drive is already set for March 13, 2009. Please mark your calendars now so that you can make it a lucky day for someone in need – because only you can make blood.
Blood cannot be manufactured and is needed every day for cancer patients, accident victims, and premature newborn babies on life support.
Betty Wotring
Ortonville United Methodist Church
Dear Editor,
The mural is not going away any time soon, so Clarkston we might as well look at the positive.
We should be proud Michelle Tynan has already made this mural a regional attraction: a beautiful poem was written about it, high school seniors and wedding couples take their portraits in front of it and the mural is even on Craig’s List!
I am sure these people are admiring her best work, so far, and not mocking it. We should embrace Mr. Sherman for chopping down the trees along the parking lot so we could have a better view, because I am sure he didn’t do it to be spiteful.
When we hear people degrade the mural, we need to tell them to not be so small minded, that this is not Mayberry, because I am sure it is not what Ms. Tynan meant when she blogged about Clarkston.
Now that the tarps are gone we don’t have to tell people how nice Ms. Tynan was for providing tents for the homeless because I am sure the tarps were not meant to keep the public away.
Finally, when people ask us why is it taking so long?
Be compassionate and remind them that a project this size takes longer with an artist who uses tiny brushes because I am sure it has nothing to do with motivation or capability.
Let’s hope Mr. Sherman and Ms. Tynan truly believe this is art because I am sure it is not meant to be an eye sore.
Cameron Hahn
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In regards to the mural on the wall of the Clarkston News building, we have both spent over eight years at the college level in studies that included art, art history, architecture and urban design. We have travelled extensively in North America and Europe studying and enjoying architecture and always visiting museums and art galleries. We have had the unique pleasure over the last 30 years of working with some of the finest architects and designers in our area, and in our country.
Through all of this, we have never heard anyone praise or request a plain beige or gray wall and we are certain no one went out of their way to see one. We are by no means qualified to be either experts or critics on art, but we do hope Mr. James Sherman, Sr. and Ms. Michelle Tynan continue on with their effort and create something great.
With all due respect to our neighbors and friends, there are more than enough plain walls in the world and we hope Clarkston will encourage everyone to do better while refraining from attempts to legislate “good taste.”
We recommend everyone read the Wikipedia entry for Maurice Sendak’s, “Where the Wild Things Are” or perhaps read the book. It is only 10 sentences.
Cory and Robyn Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
After watching the first meeting of the township Board, I was glad I voted for Neil Wallace. The fellow who wrote the letter last week must have been watching a different board meeting. I saw Mr. Wallace expressing legitimate concerns over specific issues such as the township hall purchase and overuse of closed meetings to conduct public business. He made good, positive points about the hiring process. After the closed meeting, he made both motions in clear language and the entire board agreed.
Finally, I think he was right to object to the supervisor’s proposed raises for elected officials in these tough economic times. It was as he said, ‘callous.? In fact, the vote was unanimous against the raises. Even the supervisor voted against his own proposal. I guess he agreed with Neil.
What we got that first night was the kind of thoughtful approach to public business all board members should have.
Sincerely,
Linda Donkerbrook
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
After watching the Independence Township Board meeting live last week, unlike some others, I wasn’t disappointed by the remarks of new Trustee Neil Wallace.
It’s good to see that some of the rubber stamps of the past are now gone. But as expected, it didn’t take long for those that were accustomed to past board members to start complaining about valid questions coming from new board members.
Though I have not always agreed with Mr. Wallace in the past, it’s good to see we have new trustees on the board that are willing to ask questions and act in the best interest of those that they serve.
The actions of past and present board members warrants a new board that is diligent in asking all of the valid questions publicly before making decisions.
Inconsequential “informational meetings” held after the fact to make amends for trustees who didn’t ask those questions in public is what should not be tolerated by residents. Chastising board member’s for asking questions is ridicules.
I saw no negative remarks by Mr. Wallace directed at Supervisor David Wagner. Instead, what I saw were very valid questions that should have been asked and needed to be publicly answered. In a healthy Democratic Republic the only “negative” question is one that is never asked.
What should not be tolerated by the citizens of this township is a trustee who is afraid to ask those questions. I voted for a “trustee” to look out for the public’s best interest, not their own.
If some residents don’t like to see their elected officials questioned in public and believe it is “disrespectful” for trustees to question each other, then I think they have become to accustomed to having their “rubber stamp trustees” and they must now feel that their agenda is threatened.
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
During the month of October, November, and December, students at Sashabaw Middle School were involved with an Academic Service Learning Project for Lighthouse North of Clarkston and Pontiac.
Academic Service Learning connects what is being taught in the classroom with a service project to the community. SMS students were able to make academic connections through math, language arts, global studies, exploring engineering and art. Additionally, they learned the importance of giving back to others during this holiday season. More than 1,200 stockings were stuffed and delivered to Lighthouse North on Dec. 12, 2009.
We would like to give a big thank you to our Sashabaw Middle School parents, teachers, secretaries, paraprofessional staff and senior citizen volunteers from the Independence Township Senior Center that helped us to cut, sew, and decorate stockings for our Lighthouse North Stocking Project.
Plus, we want to thank all who donated items and monetary donations for this project. Donations were given by Oakland County Health Division Clerical and Admin, the Oakland County Drain Commission, Meijers, Inc. of Waterford, Dr. Prudhomme DDS, Dr. Rick Baker DDS, Dr. Christina Joslin DO and Carnwath Excavating.
Thanks to our community partners and the Learn and Serve Grant, SMS was able to make a difference this holiday season!
Sue Wilson
District Learn and Serve Grant Coordinator
Clarkston Community School District
Dear Editor,
From the volunteers and recipients from Neighbor For Neighbor, we would like to thank readers and The Clarkston News for all of the donations. It truly has made the holidays a happier time for everyone involved in our program and we appreciate the help so much.
Thanks again Clarkston!
Neighbor For Neighbor Volunteers
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
We were really surprised to see another article complaining about the mural. Although we don’t live in the village, we have lived in the township for nearly 40 years.
The mural in our eyes is a beautiful work of art. It is awesome to see it evolve. The conversations that erupt trying to visualize the finished canvas bring excitement. When the painting first started, we saw windows, tree, people on a park bench with horses. Then a staircase appeared, making us wonder what would be next.
To see something like this mural existing within a town known to be very conservative is nothing more than a depiction of what America is all about. That is two very different points of view coexisting. Kudos to Mr. Sherman for allowing the artist, Ms. Tynan, to portray her talents for us all to see.
Good art is always controversial and as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Bob and Carrie Giaier
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
What blight on the beauty of the City of the Village of Clarkston to be the site of a failed attempt to dramatize the north side of an historic building at the Southwest corner of Main and Washington Streets.
What began as an enhancing perspective painting on a wall, carrying out the characteristics of the building, has deteriorated into a bizarre combination of unique visions. All this has taken three years, and it is still not done.
What a pity!
The painting is the talk of the town — none of what I have heard is complimentary.
Either the painting on the wall should be representative of that which the city approved, or it should just be painted over.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank everybody for their support, and the amount of labor put into the party for our daughter, Lindsey Friend.
We want to send a special thanks to the super effort put in by teens and young adults who worked at the benefit. They undoubtedly have excellent parents.
A nice gentleman said to Lindsey, ‘Wow, you have a lot of friends.?
In response, she said, ‘I guess I do.?
She is such a wonderful girl and we are so glad to still have her even at a reduced level for now. She is outstanding and returning to her magnificent self, thanks to the benefit. We are now in the midst of finding three therapists to aid in her full and complete, if not advanced, recovery.
The community, teachers, and our parish have been, and still are, such a marvelous help, we know now we do not need to worry as much as we used to.
Thank you to everyone who helped, including Sue Rea and Debbie Kuenzel, close friends who put together the benefit, Knights of Columbus, Clarkston News, John Bailey, Gozdor family, Clarkston Chiefs, Waterford Corsairs, Darin Brandt, Waterford Courts, Mr. B’s restaurant, Forsters Car Wash, Cherry Hill Lanes, Clarkston Auto Wash, Audio Book World, Coach’s Corner, St. Daniel Church, John Foster Dentistry, Belle Visage, Show Offs party face painting, Empire House, Teknicolors Paint Store, Tiny Tots Golf School, Pytel Veterinary Clinic, Simon Watt Painting, Easter Seals, More Than Hair, 24-7 Limousines, Gregg’s Catering, Rudy’s Grocery, Detroit Skate, Caterpillar Heavy Machines, Shawn Snow, Blaise Henry, Jimmy Wojo, Corey family, Mansur family, Rodgers family, Keller family, Smith family, Fun 2 Designs, Addis family, Dellinger family, Roaan and Fields Dermatology, Clarkston Eagles, Grace and Martin Hesse, Burke Building Supplies, Kleuer Kreations, Andiamo, Klebba family, Cale family, Decoster family, Goss family, Smith family, Waller family, Sharkey family, and Bernard family.
Apologies if we’ve missed anyone. You can blame David if we did.
David Friend
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
After watching the Independence Township Board meeting on Comcast TV last week I was disappointed by the negative remarks of new Trustee Neil Wallace.
I had assumed that any personal grudge against the supervisor would have ceased after the election and a dedicated and respected board would go about their business of running the township.
To grandstand at a televised public board meeting with negative remarks obviously directed at the supervisor was uncalled for and should not be tolerated by the citizens of this township.
Each member of this new board was elected by township residents and should be given the respect their position entitles. If Mr. Wallace or any other elected official has a gripe or another agenda it should be taken up with the individual personally and not by grandstanding on cable television.
Bob Brown
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I think it is wonderful Clarkston News stepped up to help fill food pantries for families in need.
But you are not helping the working people to be able to drop off their donations. I work from 7:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m. in Troy. I don’t even get home until 5:30 p.m., on a good traffic day.
How am I supposed to help by bringing food if you close at 5 p.m.? Could you stay open one night so people could drop off food items? Could you open for a few hours on Saturday?
This is the same with Lighthouse, only open until 3:30 p.m. I would like to help, but I can’t be there during ‘normal business hours.?
Jackie Baxter
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The following is a letter sent to Rick Wagoner, GM chief executive:
I watched in morbid fascination, the Dec. 4 Senate Banking Committee hearing regarding the bridge loan request by the three U.S. automotive companies and feel compelled to express my most heartfelt admiration and gratitude to you both.
While Senators Richard Shelby and Bob Corker sought to push veiled agendas, you both remained calm and resolute especially in the face of inflammatory questions, misrepresentations and sarcasm. You both lead by example and exhibit integrity, intelligence, pragmatism and dedication.
I pray that you are allowed to continue in your present positions for, although a daunting responsibility, you are our industry’s best hope.
Since 2001, the U.S. auto industry has been an extremely difficult place to succeed. No amount of money could be worth the stress, aggravation and family sacrifices you must endure, so I conclude that it is the passion and vision within that keep you leading this ship during the ‘perfect storm.’ For myself, my extended family, and the welfare of the country, please continue the battle.
Very sincerely,
Cheryl McNeil
Independence Township
P.S. Please forward this to Mr. Gettelfinger, as I was unable to determine his e-mail address.
Ed. note: Cherl McNeil called to say she received an e-mail back from Wagoner thanking her for her support and promising to continue to do his best.
Dear Editor,
In my opinion the streets are plowed much too often.
In my neighborhood, for instance, the road is plowed when covered with as little as two inches of snow and then very liberally salted down!
With sensible driving, I think we can deal with at least four inches before plowing is required.
Chuck Robertson
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I recently stumbled across a website on the internet that lists contributors to the “Obama for America” campaign.
On that list was ‘Clarkston Schools.? No state was listed, but so what. If it was Clarkston, Mich., is there anyone in Michigan who thinks giving our tax dollars to a political campaign for any reason is OK?
I give my hard earned tax dollars to Clarkston Schools in good faith that these dollars, already stretched to their limits, will be spent on education, not some cigarette smoking, teeth-whitening, hot-air bag who will ultimately never do anything for anyone but himself.
If it wasn’t Clarkston, Mich., then it’s still not right.
So on the advice of the great comedian Bob Newhart, JUST STOP IT!!
David Hopkins
Independence Township
Last week The Oxford Leader served us a double shot of Superintendent Skilling. ‘Our man in China? and ?…$90 million school bond proposal in February.? With just a cursory review of these two articles I came to the conclusion that: 1. (China) He needs to pull his rickshaw to the side of the road for a reality check and 2. ($90M school bond)
Well…you lost me at, eight tennis courts, 1,500 spectator seats and artificial turf.
That’s my view and I’m sticking to it.
Tom Garretson
Oxford Township
Editor’s Note: The bond proposal was scaled back to $70 million and some preivously mentioned items were put on hold. Please see story on page 1.
Dear Editor,
As chairperson of the Clarkston Expo, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the participants of this annual event. It is estimated that over 1,000 people discovered the value of the local businesses at the Nov. 13 Expo.
Given the current economic environment, it was a pleasant surprise to see the positive interaction of local service providers and their potential customers in this venue.
A successful event of this size owes thanks to many people, including the Clarkston area residents who came out on a beautiful Fall evening to discover the value of our local businesses.
Thanks to the Expo Committee: Donna Bullard, Steve Hyer, Carolyn Parcha, Carol Peters, Bill Burr, Angie Logan, Jim Motley, Helene Guella and Tammy Ullyart.
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors: The Clarkston News, Clarkston State Bank, LaFontaine Automotive Group, IGD Solutions and The Oakland Press.
Thank you to our Hospitality Sponsors: All Saints Cemetery, Canterbury on the Lake, Fountains, Impressive Type, Oakland Eye Care, Oxford Bank and Susan’s Hallmark of Holly.
Special thanks go out to Bordines for the use of their hand carts, Changing Places Moving and Storage for transporting the hand carts, Oakland Tech Center for the delicious culinary delights and TEAM Rush for helping exhibitors with booth set up and Expo tear down.
As always, thanks to the Chamber staff Penny Shanks, Val Henderson, Geri Batt, Teri Robinson and Trisha Donaldson for their support, talent and time to help make this an outstanding EXPO.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to showcase their services to the Clarkston community. In return the community embraces the occasion to support these area businesses with their loyalty and patronage.
Susan Fryer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Every few years, we experience the retirement of a very large number of dedicated public servants; this is one of those times. The following officials have moved on:
Sharron Catallo, Art Pappas, Nancy Strole, Dan Travis, Collin Walls, and Jim Wenger.
Each, in his or her own way, has given time, energy, and commitment to the betterment of our community. May they enjoy their days away from the daily municipal challenges.
And, may they serve as examples of what every community needs: generous and voluntary involvement in our community by neighbors; that is what helps make this such a wonderful place to live.
I wish them well!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
With the lone voice of a retiree, this responds to those against the open space millage who now in victory sarcastically crow that those defeated are still left to donate their own money.
Those who supported the millage are people of good will who appreciate the beauty and utility of open space. Instead of sarcasm about their private donations they should be thanked.
Those voting against may have unwittingly affirmed ugliness and denied a legacy to future generations.
Thomas K. Bullen
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In the Nov. 5 Jim’s Jottings (‘It’s hunting season, and I’m hunting for words?), Jim Sherman Sr. referred to thousands of public relations professionals as ‘spin doctors.?
As one of those public relations professionals who practices and resides in Clarkston, I would like to change the misconception of a reputable profession and perpetuate the truth.
In October, hundreds of international public relations professionals were guests of the Detroit chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
These guests came only after an extensive vetting process that included other major cities. Detroit won.
This international conference brought more than $1 million to the metro Detroit area and put the spotlight on a city that needs positive public relations, and an economic infusion. Guaranteed there was no ‘spinning? taking place. In fact, use of the word will draw quick correction from public relations professionals who are essentially being called untruthful communicators.
Public relations professionals who have achieved accreditation by the Public Relations Society of America follow a Code of Ethics that emphatically require open, honest communication. Therefore, the headline you quoted, ?’honesty key to city’s recovery,? exemplifies professional ethics, regardless of the former mayor’s desire to comply until reporters exposed the deception.
Just a few facts indicate the magnitude public relations have on the world:
In the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 200,000 public relations practitioners, with professionals in nearly every for- and not-for-profit organization.
The 20 largest public relations agencies generate in excess of $2 billion in revenues annually, and the rest of the industry generates another $1 billion.
Approximately 250 colleges and universities in the U.S. and many more overseas offer a public relations curriculum or degree program, including WSU, EMU, CMU, and OU.
Referred to as the ‘conscious of the organization,? a true public relations professional demands truth and transparency in all communication at the risk of losing his or her job.
PR professionals should always be advocates for those we represent. But in the PR business, all you have is your reputation. And if you lie, you lose it. Mark Twain once said, ‘tell the truth. It will amaze your friends and confuse your enemies.?
Accredited public relations professionals are ethical leaders in their organization’s communication ? it is the fundamental value of what we do for a living, if we don’t tell the truth who will?
Yes, Jim, honesty is the key to respect and self worth, not to mention the right thing to do.
Cande Tschetter
Accredited in public relations
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Although I am a supporter of the township getting new offices and facilities, I believe that reliance on the appraisal is a complete sham to determine the price.
As a commercial realtor today, and having worked in real estate for the last 15 years as a residential developer, land acquisition director for a very large local home builder, and real estate financing consultant for mixed use projects across the country, I have had to relate this sad fact to dozens of local clients over the last 3 years.
‘Cost has no relationship to market value.?
There are scores of projects across Oakland County which are going back to the banks, and I am sure that if the township government were to scratch a little at the surface, by contacting the mortgage lien holders ? aka, banks ? of some likely buildings/projects in Independence Township, they would find that there are mortgage holders and property owners who would like the opportunity to work out a deal out.
Did the township contact the bank which holds the lien on the property which it is buying? Hasn’t it been mostly vacant since it was constructed?
What about contacting local banks to see if they have properties which are entering the foreclosure process?
When I heard that the township was paying some price of $200 + per square foot for office space in this market, I was afraid that they would try to justify with a partial appraisal.
State licensed appraisers offer three methods of determining value, reproduction costs being one.
The income approach and comparable sales are the second and third legs of the estimated value stool.
What did the appraiser say about comparable sales for the space, since there is a proposed $800,000 move and buildout budget? What lease rate, CAP rate and vacancy factor did the appraiser use for the income approach?
Did someone in the township request the licensed appraiser not perform the second and third legs of the appraisal stool?
Unfortunately, these are tough times for our community, and it is likely that tough times will continue for a while.
Why should our township government pay some jacked up price for office space, and try to camouflage with a partial appraisal.
I believe that the township needs a new municipal buildings, especially one that conforms with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but this smells like a deal made in a back room, which out going politicians are trying to jam through without public support or public examination of the options.
Oh yeah, that is what is happening.
I recommend that someone think about the possibility of reconfiguring the former Farmer Jack and pharmacy space at the corner of Sashabaw and Waldon.
Maybe a 15-20 year lease would justify reconfiguring the space, and being the anchor tenant in that older center, like the former grocery, would have significant advantages to the lease rate.
Sincerely,
Jeff Gibbs
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Last week at the Independence Township Board meeting, Supervisor David Wagner and the board reported due diligence in regards to the purchase of a building for a new township hall is nearing completion. In addition, they recognized a large number of us in the community protested the manner by which negotiations were handled.
After listening to our serious criticism voiced during the October meeting, why would they just acknowledge our concerns, express regret, but not act? They owe our community more at this juncture!
The township board reported the Fuller Co. appraisal came in just under $4 million. This is understandable since they used a ‘replacement value approach appraisal,? which usually secures the highest valuations.
Moreover, it didn’t fit the circumstance. The township is not building a new hall. It is purchasing an existing building that never achieved full occupancy.
What should have been requested and provided, and is still needed, is a market value appraisal.
I only ask that the board seek for our community an appraisal that fits present circumstances and enables us to determine whether we are getting fair value for the public’s moneys. This is necessary to clear suspicions circulating about this transaction.
Sincerely,
Sharon Hurlbert
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Walking is good for your health, it’s good for the environment and it saves on gas money.
We love to walk to town and support the local merchants, and always encounter many other folks walking, riding bikes, jogging, etc.
However, in past years when it snows, many walking paths, and sidewalks of businesses and homes are not shoveled. The snow melts and refreezes making it hazadous to walk.
I encourage township, village, businesses and individuals to keep walks shoveled this year so we can all continue walking throughout the winter months.
Blanche Meloche
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Opposing the recent Green Space Proposal is the first occasion I’ve had to participate in the political process from a level lower than I had anticipated. Many claims made in a recent article by Ms. Heazlit continue that trend to a level lower (‘Water issues continue no matter millage vote result,? Nov. 5).
I quickly found it quite disturbing to witness how a false “plethora of complex information” was being used in support of this proposal. Many very significant quotes in support of this proposal were misleading and were easily and quickly found to be false.
Each appropriate question asked of the group was met with more deliberate “misquotes” meant to mislead “uniformed” voters. I quickly found that “self-informed” individuals who questioned the facts from this group are “somehow compromising their ethics and are considered sinister in their intent.”
In hindsight, they now claim “There may have been some imperfections along the way,” but “The truth is that these individuals (NOHLC) are informed on issues that most citizens choose to remain ignorant about.”
“Imperfections?” “Ignorant?”
I applaud taxpayers who voted no and paid attention to many of the self described “insignificant misquotes” that were being used by the group as a basis for a tax hike that was so extremely flawed that facts and laws quickly became secondary to the proposal’s approval.
In the end, if presenting the facts to voters and questioning a group that believes they are “informed on issues most citizens choose to remain ignorant about” is considered “mudslinging,” then informed voters now have confirmation that voting this flawed proposal down was the right thing to do.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Citizens Against Taxes
to Buy Vacant Land
Dear Editor,
Even though the open space and water conservation ballot measure was not approved, citizens should know that NOHLC is still firmly committed to preservation in Independence Township. We have not waivered on this commitment for 37 years and we won.t give up.
Nearly 8000 voters were ready to invest in a greener community- even in tough economic times.
They made the connection between preserving land and clean water. They understood the urgency and there is no turning back.
We.ll need to work harder to educate a few thousand more voters on the value of this small investment to ALL citizens.
We need be sure citizens understand the real threat and the potential cost to all of us of contaminated groundwater- no hype just the facts.
We need to make sure municipal officials have a vision for how public finance of conservation can be successfully managed (it is being done in other townships) so we and they can reassure the citizens that everyone will benefit.
If we had conducted voter exit polls, I will bet we would find that passion for conserving water quality and keeping nature nearby crosses party lines, gender lines and income lines. It.s a non-partisan issue.
If you voted ‘Yes?, thank you. If you wished you had done more, email me at mail@nohlc.org.
We will keep you informed about local green issues. And we will enlist your support for initiatives- public, private or both.
If you voted ‘No?, look down the road to what you want our community to become and let.s work together to find what we want in common.
The hard working, honest citizens who brought you Independence Goes Green believe the more you know, the more you will want to Go Green.
Katie Anderson
executive director
North Oakland Headwaters
Land Conservancy
Dear Editor,
Working on the recent Green Space Proposal is the first occasion I’ve had to participate in the political process from a more elevated involvement.
I found it quite disturbing in how facts can be manipulated and character of individuals maligned via rewriting of initially innocent statements.
Tom Pytell is a veterinarian, and I provided him and others, including those in opposition, with a plethora of complex information that supported this proposal with scientific reasearch, public policy, laws from local to federal levels, and specific local information and issues active in our watershed.
This complexity spurred an insignificant misquote that was spun to be a deliberate attempt to mislead voters. Rather than become self informed of the true issues and focus on ‘if not this proposal, then how else might the issues be dealt with economically? the opponents chose instead to remain so uninformed as to not even know the appropriate questions to ask, and so got exactly what they were looking for, confirmation of what they wanted to believe.
And then the spin was taken further, and attempted to portray those behind the proposal in the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy as somehow compromised in their ethics, sinister in their intent. The truth is that these individuals are informed on issues that most citizens choose to remain ignorant about, but are in actuality extremely important.
Because of their knowledge, they took the initiative to do what should be done at the local government level, and prepared an open space proposal to help protect our surface and ground water quality and quantity. There may have been imperfections along the way, but nothing that didn’t originate from pureness of heart and goodness of intent. Tom Pytell, Jim Reed, and the entire NOHLC are some of the finest individuals I have ever had the opportunity to work with, and I consider them everyday heroes among us, that every citizen should recognize and give praise to.
I do not know how the election will turn out, but I do know Independence and Clarkston do have watershed management issues that must be dealt with responsibly or the associated expenses will quickly mount. Citizens living around the Mill Pond can attest to the price tag in excess of a quarter million dollars, for addressing the sediment and debris accumulation in the upper pond. The rate of this accumulation will increase as impervious cover increases upstream, and the new Beaumont facility will be a big contributor to future sedimentation.
It’s not just water quality, it’s water quantity, biological imbalances, increase in erosion, increase in sedimentation?.and according to the International River Institute, with 20 percent of the worlds freshwater supply, Michigan’s program is ‘woefully inadequate.?
All the mudslinging in the world will not change the facts and any ‘scare tactics? that may have been perceived were actually real fear ? mine, if this community doesn’t wake up quickly and change the way we do ‘business as usual.? Proactive vs Reactive.
Tammie Heazlit
Hydrogeologist, Storm Water Specialist
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I commend the Independence Township Board for allowing residents to voice an opinion on most any topic.
The focus at the Oct. 7 meeting happended to be in regard to the purchase of a new Township Hall. This board should be praised for doing due diligence in solving a long overdue need without raising our taxes.
Several persons voiced their approval of the purchase. In my estimation, the board did the right thing at the right time.
This topic has been a discussion for years on previous boards with no results. Our present board stepped up to their responsibility and got the job done when the opportunity presented itself.
We elected the board to act for us and do what is right for the township and that is just what they did. They made the right decision to purchase and we should all be thankful.
We will have a new Township Hall at a fraction of the cost of a new building and with no additional tax required by residents.
Bob Brown
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you! The community got behind its local land conservancy and helped make our 2008 Wild Night Out Swamp Stomp an overwhelming success despite uncertain economic times!
Our sponsors, Art Concepts, Beaumont Hospitals, Clarkston Allergy & Asthma Clinic, Clinton Womens Healthcare, Coats Funeral Home, Complete Automation, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, McLaren Healthcare Village at Clarkston, Nancy & Wayne Strole, Oakland Community Credit Union, Sue and Don Topping, Washington Management LLC along with dozens of advertisers and auctionnable item donors and generous guests all contributed to a prosperous evening.
The hard-working committee, ably and energetically chaired by Carolyn Wood for the second year produced a bog inspired event that received rave reviews from all who attended. Committee members Joan and Del McCrary, Phil and Ann Dutton, Bob and Joanne Inskeep, Pete and Laura Moreau, Lois Robbins, Nancy & Wayne Strole and Don and Sue Topping deserve hearty kudos for their tireless work.
Our partnerships in the community sustain our organization and are truly valued.
Katie Anderson
Executive Director, NOHLC
Dear Editor,
I write to you today not because I want to but because I have to. There is a very strong possibility that my husband and I won’t be able to pay our property taxes this year. I tell you this because I vehemently believe that as voters you should know who you are voting for.
We have been financially devastated by the economy. Perhaps some of you who are reading this have had the same adverse affect as well. I pray not.
I tell you this for several reasons. First and foremost, I am intimately aware of the struggles so many of you are going through and I am acutely aware of what the city’s financials are.
We are in unprecedented times. As the great Winston Churchill said: ‘You cannot win a war by sitting still.?
Our war is the battle of falling revenue, declining property value and residents that are losing their homes.
We must not sit still. According to L. Brooks Patterson, property values will not stabilize until the year 2013 at the earliest. Translated, that means our revenue coming into the city may continue to decline.
The recommended reserve fund for a municipality (savings account) is 10 percent. Our city is running at two percent this year.
That is unacceptable. But we can correct this.
Our former council members and mayor have laid a wonderful foundation for us to build on. It is very simple, we have to spend less than what we bring in. And since we know that our revenues will be falling for the next four years we have to cut our costs.
Two things that I have been privileged enough to be on the ground floor of will help us to alleviate some of the stress: Main Street Oakland County, which is designed to help our downtown district. And most recently, MITTEN, a consortium of municipalities, school districts and hospitals that purchase in bulk to procure better rates.
Clarkston is a wonderful place to live. Now more than ever, we need to embrace each others talents, enhance what we have and not be afraid of adversity.
I am running for reelection as a councilmember. I don’t know what the future will bring for my family but I know that this town is our home.
I have great faith that my family and our city will emerge from this economic calamity stronger, wiser and positioned for strong economic growth.
I hope I will be able to do more for the city but I will need your support.
Warmest Regards,
Kristy Ottman
Clarkston
All you hear on TV and read about in the news is how bad people treat people. You hear about thieves that beat up old men, about child abductions, about how governments, communities and families cheat and steal. What you don’t hear very often is the good and honorable things that people do for each other. I was so moved by the good and honorable deed that was done for my father, that I was compelled to write this.
My father recently lost his money clip while doing his daily running around. This money clip contained money, his driver’s license and his credit card. You hear so much about people charging on cards and stealing identities.
My father went and got a new license. He then started what he dreaded the most, calling the credit card company. He is older, can’t hear very well, and hates the systems that make you push a half dozen numbers until you can talk to a real live person. He knew he had to bite the bullet and make that call to see what damage was done. He expected the worst. To his surprise, the credit card company had been called by someone who had his money clip, and the card had been cancelled. They gave him the name, address and telephone number of the person who called to cancel the card. Much to his surprise, the person lived just a few short blocks from us. My father called and made arrangements to get his money clip.
My father thanked the man and his wife and offered a reward, but the couple refused. He struck up a conversation with them. He was told that the man who found the money clip at the local gas station was 94-years-young and his bride a mere 87.
My father, being a proud member of the American Legion, asked the man if he had ever served in the armed forces. The man said, yes, he served and was a prisoner of war for two or so years during World War II. Just think, this man could have found the money and taken it. I’m sure that money is tight for this couple as it is for most of us in Michigan–but he didn’t. He did the honorable thing by trying to locate the owner. Not only that, but he went above and beyond by canceling the credit card.
I got to thinking: I owe this man I never met more than just one big thank you. I owe him another for serving our country in a way that very few of us will ever experience. So, this letter is to say thank you for being such an honorable man and courageous veteran. On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, I know I will say a special prayer for this man who gave so much for his country and is still giving in his own way.
Thank you so much, Mr. Bilpuch, of Lake Orion.
–Carol Leavens
Dear Editor,
During my 52-year business career in Detroit, I personally knew and worked with a great many bankers who were with Standard Federal Bank, LaSalle Bank, National Bank of Detroit, Comerica Bank and Pacific Savings Bank. None fit the profile J. Austin Murphy, Professor of Finance at Oakland University, described in his letter on Oct. 22. where he claimed that bankers are poorly educated, elitist and that ‘monkeys could run a business better.?
The bankers I personally knew were well educated, excellent managers, good citizens and community leaders sincerely concerned about their customers urging them to accumulate savings for financial security and to achieve debt-free home ownership.
Mr. Murphy stated the mortgage foreclosures are just the tip of the iceberg with respect to our economic problems. The major cause of our economic crisis is the result of the political decision back in the 1990s to force banks to loosen their lending rules to make home loans to poor people. Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, which were set up and run by the Democrats, were then authorized to approve these risky loans. The collapse of Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac was the monumental disaster triggering the mess our economy is in today. High energy prices, mark-to-market accounting rules and Wall Street greed also played their part in creating our current financial crisis. But Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were not the tip of the iceberg’they were the iceberg.
Congress caused this financial crisis and it was completely preventable, but Democrats blocked every effort to get out of it in a timely manner. Sen. Christopher Dodd and Rep. Barney Frank, both Democrats, denied there were any problems with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and blocked every effort by President Bush, Sen. John McCain and other Republicans to set up a regulatory agency to watch over and control these two entities. Fred Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae and a Democrat, made $90 million while running it into the ground. He should be prosecuted along with Sen. Dodd and Rep. Barney Frank for their corrupt actions that damaged the prosperity of all Americans.
Murphy advocates the nationalization of bankrupt financial institutions and other large corporations as it would enhance the efficiency and productivity of the U.S. economy. He obviously does not believe in our free market economic system. Is this what he teaches his students?
–Ernest W. Baker
Dear Editor,
It disturbs me that two letters, Oct. 15, imply Mr. Dan Travis and Mr. Neil Wallace should resign from office because they expressed dissent and disagreed with the board’s decision regarding the new town hall.
Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are inalienable rights in the United States and a cornerstone in our democratic government. To quote Voltaire: ‘I [may] disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.?
Mr. Travis and Mr. Wallace were elected by Independence Township residents. They represent interests and viewpoints of citizens and should express these opinions in township meetings. We elected them to speak for us and represent us in our local government and that is exactly what they have done in this instance. The fact that these men are passionate in their beliefs does not mean they are incompetent, unstable or unable to serve.
Just as the letters? writers had the right to voice their opinions, Mr. Travis and Mr. Wallace also have the right. An open forum of discussion should be encouraged in our government and in the press. Both sides of an argument should be heard and respected. We should not remain silent if we disagree; we should not follow our leaders blindly without question.
I’m certain I am not the only person who does not wish to live in a community of one opinion, where freedom of speech is discouraged and those who dissent are discredited.
Sincerely,
Anne-Marie Williamson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As chair for the 2008 Taste of Clarkston, I wanted to thank all those involved in putting together the most spectacular Taste of Clarkston event we have ever had.
First, I would like to thank the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Taste of Clarkston Committee, which worked extremely hard finding sponsors, recruiting volunteers, promoting the event, and recruiting restaurants, as well as chamber staff who worked tirelessly to make this event happen.
Next, our partners, Independence Township Parks and Recreation and the City of the Village of Clarkston. Our partners handle the logistics for setting up and tearing down the one-day event on a Sunday, and I wanted to express our appreciate for them taking time to help make this event happen.
I also extend my appreciation to the almost 350 volunteers who ensured everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience. I hope our volunteers had fun and had an opportunity to enjoy the event, and I hope you appreciated the large amount of people making sure everything was clean, orderly, and safe.
The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce coordinates the Taste of Clarkston in an effort to promote our local business and our entire community. We want to build awareness of what Clarkston has to offer across our entire region.
We very much appreciate our sponsors. We try to provide a high value experience to all of our sponsors, large and small. Each year, we try new things to showcase our community and our businesses more effectively, and I hope we continue to provide a high value experience to all those involved.
Finally, I want to thank the thousands of people who came out and really made our event successful. We try to make Taste of Clarkston a true family-friendly event with something to offer for all ages.
Thank you for spending your Sunday with us in downtown Clarkston. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and I hope the community is looking forward to next year.
Steve Hyer
Taste of Clarkston Chair
Dear Editor,
I think it would be mistake for Clarkston to outsource snow removal.
Bob Pursley and his crew have done a world-class job over the years. The plow goes by as I pick my morning paper and does so every snowy morning. Bob is on part-time salary and gets no overtime. His crew is the same crew who mow Depot Park and helps with all parades, special events, and normal day-to-day maintenance. It may be hard to keep these valued city employees without the snow plowing duties.
However, the city does need to watch its pennies. Our tax base is shrinking. Next year tax revenues will go down about 2 percent. Due to Proposal A, about half of the homes will actually have an increase in tax, but the other half will decrease so much overall tax revenues will go down. Most of us who have been in our houses for 10 years or more will pay more taxes.
Another reason to conserve cash is the increasing debt payments for street and water project.
The payment schedule was determined years ago and required payments change every year. The payment schedule starts to increase dramatically four years from now and reaches its peak five years after that.
The original thought was increasing home values would keep the millage assessment required for the payments manageable. The millage this year was 4.51 mills, but will be a full mill higher in four years and as much as two mills higher at the peak. Of course, a swift reversal of real estate values would alter that estimate.
I would suggest one easy way to save taxpayers? money would be to revert to having Oakland County Sheriffs? Department cover the midnight shift. This worked nicely for many years and was a lot cheaper.
The Clarkston police force has done a great job, but our city is too small to afford them.
Steve Wylie
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Independence Township has become Dependence Township, with the board depending on you to ignore their conceit and audacious behavior. Instead of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we have government of the planner, by the developer, for the banker. Laws can be broken easily and rules brushed away like annoying flies waved away at a country picnic.
Like the giant educational establishment pushing a millage, the township board has used cunning and guile, subverting the electoral will of taxpayers to self serve.
Expect a Super Wal-Mart coming to a large parcel near you. As your property value plummets, expect your taxes to go up. Funding an out-of-control township will be expensive.
Rob Namowicz
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I appeal to candidates to resist negative advertising. That advertising tells us nothing about you. To some, it might imply uncertainty you can win based upon your own character and accomplishments. Or, that you don’t believe voters can accurately survey the field of candidates and make their own choice.
It’s helpful to list by name support groups and individuals backing your candidacy. To broad-brush list unnamed groups, police, doctor, scientists, clergy, etc., tells us nothing. To cite specific policies or goals helps. Your own motivation for running for office, in your own words, helps.
And please don’t hide linkages between your local supporters and supposed ‘independent? evaluation and endorsement groups.
So, what do you say?
‘Here is who I am. This is what I’ve done. These are people and groups who have given their names in my support. I promise to do my best to accomplish this, this, and this. I ask for your vote.?
It’s that easy!
Sincerely,
Bill McGuire
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Judge Fortinberry is running for re-election and a young lawyer has taken her on.
I am an attorney, former police officer, and former assistant prosecutor, who works with some regularity in the 52-2 District Court, in front of both Judge Fortinberry and Judge Kostin.
I watch Fortinberry take time ? she has a standing rule that no defendant under the age of 21 can enter a plea to any crime without a parent or guardian present and agreeing to the plea ? with citizens to explain the law, courtroom procedures, and consequences of criminal behavior, on a regular basis.
She initiated the Sobriety Court, on which I am a founding member, which has an astounding success rate. After four years in existence has had but one recidivist.
She regularly holds court, not made-up cases, but actual docket calls, at all of the district high schools. Following regular court session, she answers questions from students explaining the court and its role in the community.
She extols the opinion that the people who regularly use the court, defendants who commit crimes, should pay for the court ? and her fines and costs reflect that. The court should not be funded by law-abiding citizens, but rather those who exhibit aberrant behavior in the community.
I have witnessed more times than I can count occasions when she would leave the bench to set up mental health alternatives for defendants for whom the regular criminal law sanctions of incarceration would just not work. She always returns to the bench with an intake order somewhere, but not the Oakland County Jail.
She has the endorsement of police agencies in the district as well as township supervisors. Why? Because she does the right thing. The community is a safer place because of her.
Her opponent is a foreclosure, collections, and bankruptcy attorney, just eight years out of law school. He actually said in response to a query by the panel moderator at the Oakland County Bar Association Forum regarding his apparent limited experience that he had handled between 3,000 and 5,000 cases in eight years. I am not making this up. Trust me, when you focus on home foreclosures and enforcing creditor’s claims against citizens, it might be possible. So?
Regarding media attention to the removal of her opponent’s campaign sign from one of her supporter’s private property, with the property owner’s permissions, again, so what? You don’t think for a minute it was caught on tape by accident, do you?
and finally, the article in the Reader’s Digest listing her as one of the worst judges in the country. No one from that august publication ever contacted the judge, her staff, court administrator, or director of the State Judicial Tenure Commission for any input. And as you might guess, the article bears a not-so-surprising similarity to what you can find on Google.
Fortinberry did what she did, and she was publicly sanctioned by the JTC.
She’s a great judge, a former prosecutor, and mother of three boys. She knows what she’s doing and has paid the price for her literary indiscretion.
To insert a young, inexperienced attorney in her place just because the blood scent is up would do a serious disservice to the community.
Alan Reiner
Rochester
Dear Editor,
Up until now my co-workers and I have stood silently by and have watched her opponent’s many attempts to attack Judge Fortinberry’s charter and professionalism as Judge at th e 52-2 District Court. In my 30-year career as an Oakland County deputy sheriff I have had a lot of cases, in a lot of Courts, in front of a lot of Judges. I have also had numerous cases in front of Judge Dana Fortinberry, not only during all six of her years as a 52-2 District Court Judge, but also previously when she was a Magistrate in the 52-2 and also the 52-3 District Court. I have never seen Judge Fortinberry be anything but fair and professional, and treat everyone that comes before her with courtesy, respect and compassion. I am also very pleased to say that I have also seen Her Honor not hesitate to jail repeat offenders, or criminals that prey on our community (especially the elderly) to protect the citizens she is elected to protect. And where I come from, you can’t ask for more than that!
That’s why so many of my fellow Law Enforcement Officers and I are supporting Judge Fortinberry’s re-election. (in spite of what our Union Board tells you). But you don’t have to take my word for it- just ask any cop working the streets in the 52-2 District Court area. Or even better yet, take a few extra minuets on Election Day and talk to one of t he many of us in Law Enforcement that will be working the polls (off duty) in support of the re-election of Judge Fortinberry. In closing, I would like to add that normally we in Law Enforcement try to stay neutral, but some times you just have to say ‘enough is enough!? and stand up for what’s right.
Wayne Cobb
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I used to marvel the drive from I-75 north on Sashabaw Road every October when those forests of towering hardwoods would be ablaze in autumn colors. Now Sashabaw is over congested with traffic and lined by stores, restaurants, and other businesses.
I miss those trees, which is why I’m supporting the Independence Go Green millage proposal. This is not the best of times to be proposing a millage but the cost is small, $1.05 a week for the average home in Independence Township, and the need is great.
The millage itself would generate about $7.5 million a year and matching grants could elevate that to as much as $15 million. A fund like that could be used to purchase conservation easements guaranteeing open land in the township, whether woods, wetlands, or undeveloped shoreline on a creek or lake, stays that way.
I just want to see a little more of the natural world in the place where I spend most of my days. To me that’s a bargain at $1.05 a week.
Jim DuFresne
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I question the numbers tossed around in this push for a .45 mil property tax to protect ‘green spaces? in Independence Township. Supporters keep referring to a percentage of imperviousness, claiming 20 percent now, and once we reach 25 percent, all sorts of expensive remedies will be enacted.
The idea that one fifth of our land is already impervious to precipitation sounds like science fiction to me. Looking around the township I see all sorts of open spaces, Pine Knob, Oakhurst, and Fountains golf courses, marshes, lakes, and swamps, county and township parks and cemeteries. There are also many homes sitting on lots in excess of one acre.
I find it frightening there is a tax proposal asking for almost twice what I pay for the entire Oakland County Parks system, golf courses and all, with no verifiable documentation and no system for using monies if it passes.
We are not being told which properties are needed, thereby reinforcing my suspicions that these monies will be used to buffer and enhance properties of those within the in-crowd. Please prove me wrong.
James Ferrand
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I have over thirty years of courtroom experience as a litigation lawyer in this county, the last 10 here in Clarkston, right next to the 52-2 District Court. Being retired now, I can speak my piece without caring very much what judges think; however, I do care very much what they do.
As my 89 year old father would say, the answer to your question is found in what people have done in the past. Well voters, day in and day out, Judge Dana Fortinberry has shown herself to be a pretty darn good judge. Patient, willing to listen, an excellent knowledge of the law, some common sense ? all good things. Here’s the best. She really does care about the people, especially the young people, who come before her. Without that, everything else is not nearly enough. Thank you.
Tom Rabette
Rochester Hills
Dear Editor,
I urge my fellow voters to vote for Judge Dana Fortinberry because what matters is her conduct in the courtroom. As a lawyer, I have had the opportunity to observe her on many occasions and see that her conduct is exemplary. She is attentive, even-tempered, thoughtful and considerate of those who come before her.
Like so many other lawyers who share these observations about Judge Fortinberry, I have been practicing law for several years and have had the opportunity to observe many judges.
Simply put, as a judge in the courtroom, she has served our communities very well. She deserves to be re-elected, but more importantly we deserve to have Dana Fortinberry as our local judge.
Sincerely,
Gina Schmidt
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
We are please d to endorse a special candidate Mr. Joseph G. Fabrizio, for Judge of the 52-2 Court. As residents in his district, and as your former Township Clerk, we believe Mr. Fabrizio possesses the qualities needed to be an outstanding judge’civility, respect and ethics.
Mr. Fabrizio has successfully litigated thousands of cases and in so doing is well regarded by his peers and judges. Please vote November 4
to restore public confidence in our local judiciary (turn your ballot over to non-partisan)’VOTE FOR CHANGE-FABRIZIO FOR JUDGE, 52-2.
Joan and Del McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
After reading retired Judge McNally’s letter, Oct. 8, he fails to list any qualifications Fabrizio has to become Judge. It’s obvious that McNally still holds his out-of-touch far left wing views as he did while on the bench.
Judge Fortinberry has brought justice back to the 52-2 District court, something it greatly lacked during McNally’s tenure. Judge Fortinberry is impartial and rules on each case based on facts and evidence.
Judge Fortinberry has the support of law enforcement because she is fair and honest.
Do not allow the court to return to the days of liberal ‘McNally Land.? Vote for the only Qualified and experienced choice Judge Dana Fortinberry on November 4, 2008.
Alan Kitzens
Clarkston Police Officers Association
Dear Editor,
As election season crescendos to a close, we’ve seen an abundance of ads and debates for the candidates whose names will appear at the top of this season’s ballot. But when it comes to elected officials that will directly serve our local community, research becomes all the more important. And it goes a long, long way.
From the controversial ‘sign gate? during the primary election for 52-2 District Court, to recent flyers I have received from each candidate in that race, there seems to be a thread of consistency in this campaign. The winner of the August primary, Joseph G. Fabrizio, continues to speak about the issues and his qualifications, while the incumbent, Dana L. Fortinberry continues to walk in the shadow of the same scenarios she was censured for in 2006. This community deserves better: Judge Fortinberry needs to be voted out.
The grass roots campaign Fabrizio has undertaken to ‘restore public confidence? in the local court has gained steam, and given voters in the district hope at the same time. Fortinberry’s follies have given Fabrizio more than enough to work with in this election season -from censures to signs- yet I have not read a single quote from the challenger that disparages Fortinberry for what is on the record as fact. I challenge you to listen to the recorded messages left on your answering machine from the incumbent’s campaign and read the flyers you have received from Fortinberry and say the same.
The bottom line is this: the Code of Judicial Conduct governs how a sitting judge must act. Canon 2A very simply states that, ‘A judge must avoid all impropriety and appearance of impropriety,? and, ?’accept restrictions on conduct that might be viewed as burdensome by the ordinary citizen.?
Yet incidents like ‘sign gate? indicate that Fortinberry still does not get it. What started with the censure and Reader’s Digest articles continues today. Public confidence in the local judiciary is hereby eroded.
Thankfully, we can bring this all to an end in November.
So I urge you, voters of the 52-2 District of Northwest Oakland County, please consider your vote carefully when casting it for judgeship this November. Is this the way we will carry out the resurgence of Michigan and Oakland County? Behind a judge that clearly cannot avoid controversy?
Please vote for Joseph G. Fabrizio on November 4th, and restore public confidence in the local judiciary.
Sincerely,
Ryan Guzal
Independence Township
Dear Editor
Recently, a letter appeared in the Lake Orion Review that accused State Rep. Jim Marleau of being in favor of taxes. In my ten years of serving Orion Township I have rarely met someone who has been such a leader against higher taxes and government waste.Here are a few recent examples that come to mind: Marleau has helped lead the fight in Lansing to assure our property taxes do not increase while our home values are going down.
Marleau was the first to bring to our attention the need for government transparency via a state budget Web site.This idea has since been adopted by a bi-partisan coalition that involves many of our state’s leaders including Rep. Marleau and Attorney General Mike Cox.
Marleau voted against the recent income tax increase and the new Michigan Business Tax.’In fact, Marleau has never voted for a tax increase because he believes that if it cannot be done with the $44 billion the state already has, then we simply cannot afford it at this time.
As for his introduction of a new bill that would allow special assessments for private road maintenance to be based on a pro rata frontage or a per-lot basis: this is NOT an attempt to create a back door for new taxes. This bill only applies to special assessment districts that are requested via a citizen petition to the township. Rep. Marleau introduced this bill at the request of citizens, like myself, in his district.
Those that are paying attention know Rep. Marleau is a fiscal conservative.? Every time a new state budget fiasco arises and my taxes go up to cover the damages, I find myself thinking, ‘If only we could have more responsible people like Marleau in Lansing.?
–John Steimel
Orion Township Trustee
Dear Editor,
I respectfully would like to offer additional context and perspective to Mary MacMaster’s letter published on Oct. 8 in the Lake Orion Review regarding legislation proposed by Representative Marleau related to road improvement Special Assessment District (SAD) rules. The proposed change in legislation would serve residents living on private roads by allowing greater flexibility in the manner in which road maintenance SADs are assessed.
The current law only allows assessments on a front footage basis.’When
private road maintenance SADs are assessed that way it can create an unfair
distribution of cost.’There is an imbalance in the tax/benefit for neighbors with irregular shaped or corner lots.’Compare a lot with narrow road footage but a wide back to a lot with wide front footage but narrow back. These lots might have the exact same acreage, but would be taxed very differently under the current law.’The tax would be disproportional while the benefit of properly maintained roads would be equally received by each property in the SAD.
Our neighborhood in Orion Township, Sunset Hills, struggles with this reality.’In Sunset Hills, the private road SAD law as written would have resulted in an extremely unfair assessment.’As a result, in seeking our current SAD, we had to use another law completely.
In many cases, SADs are not initiated by the government. They are initiated by the communities themselves, as a way to fairly administer the costs.’The proposed change in legislation does not add a tax to all owners on private roads, it simply allows greater flexibility should a SAD be put in place, so that the result can be more equitable.
–Nate Butki
President, Sunset Hills Neighborhood Association
Dear Editor,
The bailout of corporate America that began with the Federal Reserve pumping money into the financial sector in the summer of 2007 has been continuing, with trillions of dollars utilized to subsidize the irresponsible and incompetent bankers already. The last week, the U.S. Federal Reserve expanded the scope of its bailout to large corporations, which are to receive $900 billion in loans with no questions asked.
The mortgage foreclosures are just the tip of the iceberg with respect to the economic problems in the U.S. There are $62 trillion in the credit default swaps that banks and other corporations have contracted to carry out and that present a grave risk to the world economy because they invested into them without common-sense valuation and risk analysis. Their gambling contracts make simple bets on debt defaults of various kinds, but are called credit default swaps to avoid common sense government regulation. The rocket scientists who designed and traded these instruments have no idea what they have created, and their statistical models used to price and manage the risk of the bets are absurd at best. These mathematical wizards with no understanding of the real world are natural products of the most ‘elite? U.S. business schools.
The cause of the failure of corporate America can actually be attributed to poor education. Most of the leaders of the financial institutions and many of the other large corporations are graduates of ‘elite? business schools where they are taught to exploit other humans, who are reduced to mere statistics to be manipulated, or machines in the system. These business leaders have no grasp of reality or ethics, and their computer programs that are based on advanced mathematics are grounded in unrealistic assumptions. Their decision-making processes therefore have a disastrous foundation. Monkeys could run a business better.
Nationalization of bankrupt financial institutions and many of the other large corporations is therefore not only justified, but would also enhance the efficiency and productivity of the U.S. economy. Another simple policy that would greatly benefit U.S. business would be to enforce laws on short stock that is never delivered. Such illegal naked shorting, which is largely undertaken by hedged funds (and allowed by Wall Street and the government regulators appointed by the Republican administration), has destroyed hundreds of billions of dollars of innovative smaller firms in the U.S. Finally, the great rocket scientists of Wall Street could be offered courses that reeducate them in the superior power of the human brain and human nature, if for no other reason than to enable them to reclaim their humanity.
–J. Austin Murphy
Professor of Finance, Oakland University, Orion resident
Dear Editor,
In the debate Oct.15, Sen. Barack Obama made two comments to which reasonable voters should pay close attention.
Firstly, Sen. John McCain asked him how he could possibly vote ‘present? on the Illinois Senate ‘Born Alive? bill, which would make it illegal to withhold medical care from an infant who was born alive despite an attempt to abort him.
Sen. Obama replied that he voted ‘present? because it was already illegal. That was an outright lie. Not only was it legal, but a lawsuit between Illinois Christ Hospital and one of its former employees revealed that it was routinely practiced.
The second comment of concern regards Sen. Obama’s response for voting against a bill to ban partial birth abortions. He said he voted against it because there wasn’t any provision for the health of the mother.
People of good conscience can disagree about abortion, but when an elected official distorts his reasoning regarding why he votes a certain way, then he or she can’t be trusted.
–Carol Roughton
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Farmers? Market has just finished its 12th and last market Saturday in 2008. The fourth year. A poetry of people. An inoculation against the monotony of fear that arises in this kind of an economic climate. A mosaic of local currency. Hard work and fun.
Each Saturday, I watched and I listened to the sounds we make as a community. That scrappy piece of asphalt we are so grateful to have available to us ? thanks, Bob and Ed ? has turned out to be absolutely perfect and now has a few more stories to tell.
Young children and old wagons provided contrast. The river and the backdrop of town provided history. Women hurrying along with armfuls of flowers provided beauty ? thanks, mom.
Louise of Kinetic Systems, riding down to market on her bike, reminded me of the agricultural importance of a bicycle ? yes, I know we’re in Clarkston, but across the globe, because of the bike, farmers can feed one another ? thanks, Louise.
The consistency of a small rooster added something to the air that helped combat the state of that river, which we hope to improve soon ? thanks, Bob Rosencrantz both for the rooster and the river suggestions.
The music of drum beats, keyboard keys, and dulcimer strings made some want to join Traci in her gnocchi-shouting that traveled across the river and deepened the mosaic ? thanks, Traci, I’m not sure we’ve ever had gnocchi for breakfast until now!
This year, the market attracted and held over 40 growers and artists. People in Clarkston came and shopped. A lot of money changed hands within the village limits. Our crowd numbers were outstanding with over 1,800 people coming down to shop within four hours one Saturday in early August.
Across the Saturdays this year, we moved over 14,000 people through the farmers? market. This farmers? market is working.
Our volunteers are people with strength of character, lightheartedness and time to carve out here and there to help make this market happen. Their presence made the market run smoothly and happily. Many thanks to each of you who stepped in and stayed ? you are irreplaceable and a joy to be with.
Our farmers are already asking about next season. Perhaps many of you are as well. Planning is underway for year number five and what that might bring. There is an interest many growers have in beginning earlier than July. Keep close to your Clarkston News and your downtown area for more information during the winter months.
We will be composting our website soon and growing a new variety. If you are fluent in website design and advertising and wish to contribute to the market in this way, let us know.
The Clarkston Farmers? Market is a registered non-profit in Michigan, established in 2005. We are supported by people making donations. We are affiliated with Slow Food Detroit, Project for Public Spaces, Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance, Local Harvest, Forgotten Harvest, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan State University and the many area farmers who bring you themselves and your food.
Thank you for a great season, enjoy winter and see you next year.
Anissa Howard
Clarkston Farmers? Market
www.clarkstonfarmersmarket.org
Dear Editor,
After attending the Independence Township Board meeting, Oct. 7. I commend the current board for ‘investing in our community.?
Courage as quoted by Harry S. Trumman ‘Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.?
Like I mentioned that evening, I was 15-20 years younger than the median age of the attendees. I, however, voted for millages related to a senior center and public services. I understand all of us our under economic pressures, but I am willing to make minute sacrifices to enhance the community where I reside.
I think the board member who abstained from voting on the new township hall should resign immediately. It is your job to be informed on the agendas before you, and vote yes or no. Not turn your back and frag your fellow board members that is a travesty.
Lastly, the incoming board member who flew into an uncontrolled wild rage at the completion of the public hearing. I would hope the board would at a minimum, recommend anger management counseling, or have him evaluated for competence to hold public office.
I have also reviewed former video footage of previous meetings and observed the same attention getting tactics from the same individual. Albert Einstein said that insanity ‘is doing the same things over and over again expecting different results.?
Respectfully,
Kenie Rittenhouse
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing to your paper regarding the “wall” of graffiti that is displayed on the north side of your building.
This I presume has gotten some attention lately from what I’ve read on occasion in your paper. I’m not sure what the “artist” is trying to portray with these graphics but it makes no sense to most people that I’ve had conversation with about the “wall.”
Can you or your paper try to describe what this represents? It looks as if it is one level above some of the art I’ve seen on the side of rail boxcars as they pass at the rail crossings.
Regards
Jerry Grzywinski
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Independence Township Senior Center’s second annual transportation fundraiser held at the new Fountains Golf and Banquet on Sunday, Sept. 14, was a great success despite the rain and winds.
All in attendance enjoyed the delicious food prepared by Kip Tracey of Nina’s Comfort Food, great service provided by Fountains staff and entertainer Gary Kolody.
Thank you Honorary Chairman Dr. Tim O’Neill, and Co-Chairmen Dr. Michael Baker and Dr. Robert Burns for helping us raise funds for this essential program for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Last year the senior center vehicles drove 63,141 miles making 7,405 trips. Twenty percent of the rides were for persons with disabilities under the age of 60.
Bucks for Buses has earned $10,324 to date thanks to generous sponsors and donors.
Sponsors were Mc McLaren Health Care, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, Canterbury-on-the-Lake, Clarkston Medical Group, Beaumont, Davita Total Renal Care, Michigan Center for Orthopedic Surgery, American House-Oakland, Mercy Home Care/Cranbrook Hospice, Roeser Dental Associates and Oakland Eye Care.
A special thanks to the Bucks for Buses Committee: Colleen Burke of Lourdes Senior Community, Joanne Ries of Sunrise Home Health Services, Nancy Wasilk of Home Instead Senior Care, and Brenda Marino of Clarkston Medical Group.
Margaret Bartos
Senior Center Coordinator
Dear Editor,
Less than two months after lecturing the township on what is ‘undemocratic,? The Clarkston News shrugs off the dramatically undemocratic conduct of the lame duck township board in which they went behind closed doors without any notice to overpay for a new township hall for which they will have to make $800,000 in remodeling improvements.
It is absolutely ignorant to say there is still a job to be done and issues to be voted on. This was not an emergency. And it will have long-term, lasting and significant effects on the township. Moreover, it is apparent that not adequate consideration was given to this proposal.
If we needed yet another demonstration that The Clarkston News is unreliable, irresponsible and irrelevant to any important policy issues in this community ? last week’s editorial gave it to us in spades (‘Kudos to Clarkston Taste,? Oct. 1).
The only folks I know who think this was a good decision are those that will be enjoying their new offices in the township hall/palace.
Sincerely,
Joe Glaser
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
After watching the Independence Township Board meeting Oct. 7, it became clear to me that one of our newly nominated trustees, Neil Wallace, should not take his seat on the board in November.
For approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Wallace, knowing the board meeting was being televised, criticized very stongly the leadership of Supervisor Dave Wagner, who the voters of Independence have elected in the primary to serve another term.
It was obvious he has a strong dislike of the supervisor and that it has become personal. I do not see how Mr. Wallace can function as a township board member with such feelings.
His remarks were an embarrassment to the residents of Independence Township. It would be in the best interest of the board and the township for Neil Wallace to give up his board seat and resign before taking office in November.
Bob Brown
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am amazed that former Clarkston Judge McNally could lend any credibility to an endorsement (‘Fabrizio has Judge McNally’s vote,? Oct. 8). The Clarkston court under his leadership was constantly under attack by community groups.
Judge Fortinberry and Kostin have brought integrity and justice into their community by doing something about alcohol and other drug related crimes, and the same holds true against domestic assault.
The manner in which the relationship between Judge Fortinberry and Judge Kostin began is very unfortunate. It appears as though they have been mature enough to put it behind them and work together.
The evidence of this is that Judge Kosin is supporting Judge Fortinberry in this race. Voters should do the same
Trisha Anzures
Pontiac
Dear Editor,
I support Judge Dana L. Fortinberry for re-election as judge of 52-2 District Court of Clarkston.
As a practicing attorney, I have had the privilege of appearing before various judges serving the 52nd courts during the past 20 years. I have found Judge Fortinberry to be among the finest of this prestigious group.
Judge Fortinberry serves her constituents in an excellent manner. She is fair, courteous and knows the law well. She enforces the law, protects society, and protects the rights of defendants.
The youth of the community have also learned from this judge. She is very involved with the youth of the community and cares that they receive all necessary education to make right choices in life. Her involvement in the community is evidenced by the many awards she has received for public services.
In these difficult times, it is important we as citizens do not forget to vote for proven leaders. Vote for the re-election of Judge Fortinberry on Nov. 4.
Respectfully submitted,
Steven A. Drakos
Lake Orion
We have a subdivision in our community that was developed about twelve years ago. The houses and condominiums are on private streets that have not been finished by the developer. We have numerous streets that are private in our community, and need to be improved and maintained. These roads need to be maintained so we have access for our maintenance and emergency vehicles. The last thing we need is more streets that are substandard that the people won’t be able to maintain.
There has been a complaint leveled at the Orion Township Board to force the developer to repair and finish their roads. A member from the association presented their grievances to the board on Oct. 6 in regards to the unfinished roads, drainage and a vacant basement foundation that has been open for over six years. After addressing the board with regard to my inspection on the complaint, I stated that the roads may need to be totally redone to meet current standards. I stated as elected officials, they have a responsibility to the people in our community to force developers to finish their projects regardless of the economic hardships we are suffering. One of our board members indicated that it is not Orion Township’s responsibility to chase down these developers and make them finish their projects. First and foremost, elected officials have a responsibility to the citizens in our community to oversee any and all development that takes place in our township. To consider any less than that, you aren’t upholding your job as the supervisor.
–David Hodges,
Candidate for Supervisor
The news media is starting to reveal Sen. Barack Obama’s involvement as an organizer of Acorn’s voter registration task force, which is under federal indictment for illegal and strongarm tactics. Obama’s long relationship with unashamed terrorist, Bill Ayers, and his wife, Bernadette Dohrn, of the infamous Weather Underground, has surfaced. Obama now distances his friendship with Ayers. Ayers? hosting Obama’s launch as an Illinois senator at his home, and Obama’s relationship with Rev. White is also an embarrassment.
The Associated Press has been unable to find Obama’s thesis or graduate papers from Columbia University or Harvard Law. What is Obama afraid of? His poor judgement and association with radicals is being exposed. Is he a scary unknown?
Has the Democratic Party informed its followers of this candidate’s affiliations? Or is it just a learning experience, growing up with ultra-radicals who, of course had no influence on his current thinking?
–Burke Cueny
Dear Editor,
I just want to thank Jim Reed for letting all Independence Township residents know that the Green Space millage is not needed (‘Millage supporters tout land, water preservation,? Sept. 17). He said Independence Township already has a Greenways Plan in place.
I have spoken to a few citizens of the township that have been impacted by the Greenways Plan. Mt.Zion church had to buy property that must be used and kept as open space. This property is on Maybee Road and is going to have volleyball courts, baseball and soccer fields.
Bridge Lake properties bought property on Waterford road and had to leave some acrage as undeveloped and agree to never build upon it. The State Farm – Financial Planning building on Dixie Hwy. had to leave wetlands untouched. You can walk behind this building and see the wetlands. These are just a few examples of the Greenways plan.
Mr. Reed claims the Fountains is a great example of how they have saved open space for active recreation. But he negleted to say that in order to use this open space you must pay for a round of golf. Costs: from $12 to $26. Sounds like a tax on top of a tax.
Are we going to have to pay to use every piece of open space recreation that “we the taxpayers are going to be buying with this proposal”?
This new tax is unnecessary and unneeded because the township has and is implementing the Greenways Plan! Please let the township do what we already pay them to do, and stay out of my pocket!
Lori Powell
Independence Township, 24-year resident
Dear Editor,
There has been some hoopla made by Mr Henry Woloson regarding a quote referencing 25-percent impervious cover recently. He was unable to uncover any regulatory requirement simply because there is none.
This does not invalidate the gist of what Tom Pytel claimed (‘Township officials back millage proposal,? Oct. 1)
When a watershed reaches 25 percent, it would impact the ground water recharge, but not necessarily in a universal quantifiable manner. Where the confusion comes in, is that the greater the increase in Impervious Cover, the greater decrease in watershed health.
Once it exceeds around 25 percent, water quality reduction will be quantifiable. It might be 24 percent, it might be 26 percent, depending how the watershed was managed during urbanization.
Typically, 25 percent IC translates to ‘non sustaining,? and that triggers requirements to meet ‘total maximum daily loads? of whatever the contaminant is (are) at issue.
We live in the Upper Clinton River Watershed, and in 2000, a study conducted by the Clinton River Watershed Council (crwc.org) found that Independence Township was at 17 percent IC. The Center for Watershed Protection (cwp.org) considers optimal management to include 100-foot riparian buffer zones, set backs from rivers and lakes, protecting all wetlands, and utilizing low impact development or smart growth techniques to minimize impact to the greatest extend practicable. It has many recommended ‘best management practices? one of which is preservation of open space.
Currently, the Upper Clinton River Watershed, the headwaters, is in excess of 20 percent IC. Historically, despite good intensions, Independence has not practiced optimal watershed management. Wetlands have been filled in, reconstructed, minimized, and riparian buffers are supposed to be 25 feet, but frequently get variances. This increases potential for greater impact at lower IC.
The storm water program that Independence has just received a permit under is a federally unfunded mandate with serious consequences for non compliance.
Linda Richardson recently complained regarding the cost of outfall sampling. She is right, it is both expensive and unfunded. It has been difficult for municipalities all around the U.S. to conceptualize that they are being permited and held to similar standards as industry. Municipalities are generators of ‘non point source pollution,? contaminated storm water runoff, the single greatest impact to water quality nation wide.
Municipalities in a watershed that is in excess of 25 percent, will likely be non sustaining and have to comply with requirements for additional sampling to determine TMDLs. They will also have to comply with stricter management requirements.
These are permit conditions and can be enforced with expensive fines. For a township almost entirely contained within a subwatershed, they could result in specific discharge limitations, with which they must abide. This, can become increasingly expensive, and is usually addressed through the development of what is called a ‘storm water utility?.
Mr. Woloson kicked me out of his public meeting where I hoped to explain this to him, so he could understand how supporting open space actually had the potential to reduce costs down the line.
I hope all citizens will realize that prevention is significantly more cost effective than mitigation after the fact, and that they will support the open-space initiative on the November ballot. For more information, visit the websites mentioned, and please attend one of the public meetings planned to explain in more detail the benefits and workings of this initiative.
Tammie Heazlit
Hydrogeologist
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
All of ‘Jerry’s kids? in Clarkston and Waterford join me in expressing thanks for the successful MDA Clarkston/Waterford Lock Up at Clarkston’s Outback Steakhouse on September 18, 2008.
The event was fun for the local jailbirds who generously volunteered to serve for MDA. Everyone worked hard, calling friends and business associates to raise over $13,000 in charitable contributions to benefit the local programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. A great big ‘Thank You? to the Outback Steakhouse for sponsoring this event.
Thanks to the community leaders, teachers, business owners and others who made the MDA Clarkston/Waterford Lock-Up an outstanding success. Area families will continue to receive comprehensive medical services at the M.I.N.D. clinic in Farmington Hills. They will also benefit from MDA support groups and summer camp. Equally important, the Clarkston/Waterford Lock-Up and other MDA events represent real hope by helping MDA fund more than 400 scientific teams seeking treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases including research at University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
Sincerely,
Sheree Askew
MDA district director
Dear Editor,
The Taste of Clarkston was an enormous success, not just because of the great food, but because of the incredible breadth and degree of cooperation and coordination by so many public and private organizations and businesses.
So many people were able to see what the Clarkston Area is all about, thanks particularly to the Chamber of Commerce and its members.
Visitors passed a promenade of historic homes on the way to a small, but vibrant, downtown, populated by over 100 booths of various types, with two areas set aside for children to play. Residents and non-residents mingled and shared greetings with old and new friends. Music filled the air. It was like an old fashioned country fair!
This is what Clarkston taste’s like.
With such a taste, is there any wonder about the area’s exciting future in such challenging times? Perhaps some day soon, we can have the additional enjoyment of walking to a Clarkston Center for the Performing Arts and a Clarkston Historical Museum in town.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The volunteers of the Clarkston Farmers Market want to thank all the shoppers who come out every Saturday morning to the enjoy visiting the farmers, seeing old friends and making new friends, and just enjoying the day.
As we come to the close of the Farmers Market for 2008, a reminder that we still have to more Saturdays before we end the season.
Oct. 11 will be the last market day. If you need pumpkins, now is the time to purchase them.
Again, thanks for your comments and we will see you next year.
Clarkston Market Volunteers
Dear Editor,
The 34th annual Art in the Village was blessed with wonderful weather, enthusiastic volunteers and many new and favorite artists this year!
The Clarkston Community Historical Society Board of Directors extends heartfelt thanks to the 100 volunteers who donated their time to this event. Additional thanks to the City of the Village of Clarkston, Boy Scout Troop 199, Smith’s Disposal, Frank Latimer, Ann Mizusawa, Gini Schultz, Lydia Strnad and Mason’s Cedar Lodge #60.
Thank you to the thousands of community members who came out to shop, fill up on goodies provided by many local community groups, listen to music showcased at the gazebo and indulge in fall’s treat of cider and donuts.
Proceeds from Art in the Village support the Clarkston Heritage Museum, our community’s treasure trove of local history, housed in Independence Township Library. For another month you can catch Dearly Beloved: Clarkston Courtships and Weddings, an exhibit that will give the visitor an opportunity to attend several different Clarkston weddings from very long ago without having to R.S.V.P. or sit with your relatives!
In November a new exhibit will be installed focusing on what a Saturday in town was like for the Clarkston farmer a hundred years ago. This exhibit will continue into next Spring.
This fall the historical society, together with the Independence Township Library, will present two free programs to the community: A beginner Genealogy Workshop on October 25 and a more advanced Genealogy Workshop on November 15. Call the library to register, 248-625-2212.
Thanks again to all who helped ensure another successful Art in the Village!
Sincerely,
CCHS Board of Directors
Jennifer Arkwright, Debbie DeVault, Jonathan Smith, James Schultz, Bart Clark, Kelly Crawford, Alma Goldner, Kim Huttenlocher, Glenida Olafsson, Toni Smith
With the very real and glorious prospect of a man of multi-cultural ancestry leading our nation, I am reminded of my college years in the early ?70s when I met, fell in love with and married a black man.
Not popular during that period, or considered acceptable to date (and especially marry) someone outside of ones culture, I developed a sort of defiance that I would carry into later adulthood. How bigotry and hatred are nurtured has always been a big mystery to me. I’d always considered it unthinkable to inflict pain and grief on another simply because the hue of his or her complexion was a bit different than mine. Actually, I found the differences to be quite beautiful and intriguing.
As the years went by and my relationship with my husband progressed, I became exposed to the harsh reality of the great division of cultures and began experiencing the injustices that come with stepping outside of the norm. Excluded from weddings, shunned from certain social circles and subjected to various other indignities, I found myself becoming a bit resentful towards those inflicting the hurt.
Not quite sure what caused others to behave in that manner, I began to find myself drawn to free thinkers who in turn found themselves gravitating towards me. Life suddenly took on a new meaning and became this wondrous place to be.
Blessed to have been raised by extraordinarily open-minded individuals, I was given the gift of compassion, curiosity, and acceptance early on. My father, a former symphony conductor and violinist who later became university professor, brought us to the United States from Europe and encouraged his children to get to know people of diverse backgrounds, to appreciate their customs, learn about their culture, and enjoy their rich heritage and history.
Never was that more apparent than during a trip to Paris, where my sister and I, then in our mid teens, were pursued by two young men from Africa. A bit alarmed at being followed by strangers from a culture we were so unfamiliar with, we called to our father, who was walking a few paces ahead of us. He turned, introduced himself and invited his new friends to a nearby cafe for refreshments and animated conversation. Life would never be the same.
Many years into my relationship with my husband, our first child was born, a beautiful, rambunctious little boy. My father would beam with pride as he’d whip open his wallet to share, sometimes with perfect strangers, photos of Nicholas.
This same overwhelming love was shown Stefani, an exquisite little girl who came five years after Nick.
Prejudice, although rarely spoken about, seemed a very real concern to my father. After his death, as I was going through paperwork, I found a journal he kept of a family trip to Europe. In it, he expressed fears that his grandchildren would be mistreated because of their mixed ancestry. With great relief, he was able to document that it hadn’t happened.
During high school, my son did, unfortunately, suffer tremendous heartache at the hands of certain classmates. There were times he would become despondent, not understanding why he was being singled out. I stood helplessly by as he insisted on handling the situation himself and, in time, he learned to handle himself quite well. He overcame the adversity through his quiet inner strength and strong faith.
He embarked on a successful career after college. Thankfully, throughout his formative years and later on, he received support of his teachers, neighbors, family and friends. Their influence had been crucial.
My former husband grew up in a very similar environment. His mother, an intelligent, God-fearing woman, instilled in her five children the same beliefs my parents instilled in us.
At family functions my heart swells with pride when I look around the room at my beautiful son, daughter, nieces and nephews and their children, an incredible combination of the African, Asian, American-Indian and European cultures that have been woven so beautifully together. Our families, although originating on different continents, have become one.
My father passed away three years ago. He so wanted to live to see the day this country would be united by a president of multi-cultural ancestry. He’d have been delighted to witness his dream finally realized. With this dream comes the possibility that this country will, once again, become the land of opportunity, the land of promise and hope, a place where all things are possible.
Life is enriched by the diversity of people – people of varying backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. We should enjoy our similarities, but at the same time, embrace our differences, for that is how life’s lessons are learned. We are not the black race or the white race. We are the human race.
Annette Thomas is a resident of Independence Township.
Dear Editor,
Recapping reasons voters should pass the open-space millage: we all depend on ground water from either township or private wells. Saving open space and wetlands will help protect quality and quantity of water available for the future. As more areas become impervious, less water is there to recharge our ground water and more contaminates enter our surface water.
Setting aside open space will help preserve the rural character of our community, which we all value, and also provide more recreational areas for our use. We can reduce congestion and pollution that follows from more development.
Many national studies support the economics of saving open space. A full report, ‘The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation,? is available at Independence Township Library. It clearly details those benefit s as well as the environmental values of land conservation.
As many of our neighboring communities have recognized, saving some of the best features of our landscape is well worth paying for and will benefit all future generations.
Remember – once it’s gone; it’s gone forever!
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It’s unfortunate the Township Board didn’t take the time to check the facts before voting to put the open-space tax hike on the Nov. 4 ballot. If it had, I doubt it would be before voters now.
The responses that I have heard from officials both publicly and privately is that ‘there will be no land acquired for active recreation of any kind.? Parks and Rec. Director Mike Turk confirmed that in last week’s Clarkston News, ‘I’m sure that we would recommend buying land that consisted of very little or no maintenance.? So township officials said ‘land will not be acquired for active recreation.? So why is it in the proposal?
More deception: ‘Protection of water is also in the proposal.? But just last week in the Clarkston News, water and sewer Director Linda Richardson said she ‘doesn’t know where the Independence Goes Green group got their watershed statistics from. It’s not anything that has ever been brought to our attention as part of the upper Clinton Watershed Group. It (the 25 percent impervious statistic) is a statistic I have not heard and I don’t believe anyone in the upper watershed has either. The township meets federal mandates concerning storm water runoff.? So township officials have said there are no township water problems. Why is it in the proposal?
The township board publicly backs this tax hike proposal even though it’s not needed and is not honest with voters. Can we expect monies from a dishonest proposal to be used honestly? I believe the events of the last few week have answered that question. Township officials consider surplus tax dollars as slush money better spent than returned to taxpayers.
In today’s hard economic times, I’m disappointed the board would ever consider a tax hike proposal when we HAD a surplus at the time. With so many people in the township struggling to keep their homes and with so many homes in the township now sitting empty, I believe the board has shown it is out of touch with realities of the hardships facing township residents.
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Reader’s Digest’s August 2006 issue reported Dana Fortinberry one of the worst judges in America. We deserve better. I urge you to vote for Joseph Fabrizio on Nov. 4, non-partisan. Joseph Fabrizio came in first in the August primary by a substantial margin.
Dana Fortinberry’s campaign literature claims to have all the endorsements of law enforcement agencies endorsing for district judge.
This should make the blindfolded Lady Judge wince with disappointment. Fortinberry does not just want Lady Justice to peer under the blindfold ? she wants to tear the blindfold completely off.
Most things political are done with the expectations of a favorable response in the future. Dana Fortinberry has traded away all of her neutrality and impartiality for law enforcement’s endorsement.
With so much law enforcement support, it is impossible for her to be neutral or impartial. She is really a police officer disguised as a judge. Again, I urge you to vote for Joseph Fabrizio on Nov. 4, 2008.
Gerald E. McNally
52-2 District judge, retired
Dear Editor,
We’ve lived in Independence Township for 37 years and have retired here. We raised our sons, Bob and Mike, here.
Much of the land where they could play as children has since been developed. We plan to support the Open Space and Recreation millage and urge others to join us. The small amount of tax involved is a big investment in the future quality of life in our township.
We plan not to be ‘penny wise and pound foolish.? Our personal yearly investment of $55 will be a small cost for a big gift to all our grandchildren.
Bob Walters
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the article on the front page of The Clarkston News, Sept. 24, which described the Independence Township Board’s decision to purchase a building to be used as the board’s new home.
Considering the current economic climate in both Michigan and the nation as a whole, where people continue to lose jobs, default on tax and house payments and eventually lose their homes, I find the board’s action insensitive at best and irresponsible and incompetent at worst.
It appears the board is either out of touch with the economic realities of the community or they are fully informed but do not care. The fact that the 45-minute discussion and subsequent vote of approval were held in closed session points to the latter.
I must, however, commend Trustee Dan Travis for refusing to participate.
If there is so much money in the General Fund that people are complaining, why not earmark some of it to assist those in need in the community, or perhaps designate some amount for the purpose of lowering taxes.
Looking ahead, how will the Board pay for ongoing maintenance of the building and grounds, and debt servicing of the loan from the Water and Sewer Fund?
I can only assume the necessary funds will come from future tax revenues from Township residents. However, if revenues are insufficient to meet the needs generated by this decision, and unless operating fund money is found elsewhere, residents should anticipate the board will find it necessary to institute a tax increase to fund the ongoing expenses associated with this ill-advised move.
The taxpayers of Independence Township should remember this decision the next time these Board members seek elective office.
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I’ve always found it amazing how much louder the voices of the disgruntled ring than those of the contented or pleased.
Recently our township grasped the opportunity to purchase a piece of property appropriately located and very well suited for a new township hall. They didn’t have to raise our taxes to do so, and it is long over due.
Yes, the board did move quickly, but that doesn’t mean that the decision was rash, or that it was, “sneaky”; as implied by the disgruntled.
I believe the board was well prepared and acted prudently.
I have assisted elderly citizens who couldn’t make it up the multiple flights of stairs to pick up their absentee ballots, or pay their water bills. Our township hall should be barrier free, and our new one will be!
I have spoke to many who feel it was a good decision, and I hope that they too will speak up in support of the board who is working to serve them, and not listen to the seeds of distrust being planted by the disgruntled.
Diena Martin
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing to congratulate you and The Clarkston News on the integrity, courage, and commitment to free speech demonstrated in your editorial, ‘Inquiring minds need now more than ever? (Sept. 25).
Freedom of speech is at the core of any democratic society ? without it, no other freedoms or rights can be assured. Freedoms of speech and expression go hand-in-hand with freedom of access to information, and when authorities jeopardize one of these, they endanger them all.
Hats off as well, to the district employees and parents who stood up and refused to sit idly by or be silenced.
To Dr. Robert: While it is true that ‘freedom of speech does not protect one from libel,? it is equally true a valid defense to both slander (spoken) and libel (print) is truth.
Marke D. Gilbert
?86 Clarkston High School grad
Director, Michigan Volunteer
Lawyers for the Arts
Detroit
Dear Editor,
Our township officials never seem to learn. How could they make an impulse buying decision especially in these economic conditions with a new township hall.
It was like going to the mall just looking around and see a clearance sale on something and deciding to buy it, without thinking about whether it’s the right thing to do. Or if it’s even in the budget.
I agree with Trustee Dan Travis and was right to leave the closed session. Independence Township Board should of never made this decision purchasing the new township hall for $3.5 million without spending more time on it then a 45 minute conversation.
Or including the people in the decision making.
They also assume that they will sell the old township hall to subtract the costs of the new building. Just like so many people in this community that cannot sell their homes because of interest rates, the economy and the mortgage bailout issues.
If we had that much surplus, then why are our water bills still too high? Why can’t we have a board that is responsible for the township to make decisions like reducing our water bill? Or give us a property tax cut or credit?
They also spoke of not going out and asking us for more money for the project so why involve the people. Did they forget where they got this money to begin with? Don’t we still have a say in this? Is this legal?
Lots of questions with no answers.
Why are we standing here and taking this? We need a board of trustees that listen to the voice and be the voice of the people.
Jim Altene
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Twice voted down by the people, a new township hall has been contrived through covert machinations.
Like several other recent capital projects, money materialized where there seemingly was none. Surprise and Shazamm!
This board is adept at using excess funds as it pleases. There is too much money in Independence Township coffers. It sloshes around like water in a sinking rowboat. In the worst economy in decades, the board decides to bail out a local commercial landlord.
Who do they think they are, Congress?
Rescind this deal and rebate our overpayments. Now!
With great sincere indignation,
Robert Namowicz
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I just read the article written about our subdivision.
I have lived in Lake Waldon for 11 years. I think it is terrible when things are written in the paper which seems very one sided.
There are a lot of people who don’t want the mailboxes because we cannot afford it. There was a poll mentioned in the article. If there was a poll, our street was not included in it.
The board is trying to do their job. These are decent people who are volunteers. They have been slandered themselves, and no one seems to have that in the paper.
How can you accuse someone and put their name in the paper like you did with Chris Cook when there is no evidence? You just slandered someone who is doing everything he can for our subdivision.
Since the new board has been in place, we actually have some funds to do things we are supposed to get done.
So please, next time you write an article, check the facts and get both sides. We have a great subdivision and hate to see the way some people are using the paper to try to get their way.
Grace Topham
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing in regards to the September 24, 2008 issue of The Clarkston News. We were proud to see a picture of our son in the Milestones column along with a brief description of what was taking place in the picture. You see our son is PFC Joshua Cole, and he is the soldier pictured in the article.
When we’saw this picture, even though it was only the back of his head, it made us truly excited. Since we have not seen him since April when he was home for two weeks of R&R, and because do not have a lot of contact with him in regards to his condition, any picture or information about him that we are able to obtain is extremely important and treasured by us. Joshua has been in Iraq since December of 2007.
Although Joshua is scheduled to finish his tour in February of 2009, and then return to his home base at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, we miss him greatly each day and pray for his safe return home. We would like to say thank you for giving us this small but priceless gift of his picture which made our day.
Since it is our desire to be in Hawaii on that most exciting day to welcome him and the other soldiers home to the United States, we are praying that God will make the dream financially possible so that we can be there. We cannot wait for him to be out of danger and safely back on U.S. soil. Thank God for men like our son Joshua and the countless others who willingly fight for our freedom.
Thank you again,
Jack and Karen Cole
Proud parents of Joshua Cole,
Holly
Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to Judy McConnell’s letter to the editor, concerning her Obama sign (‘Obama sign’s back,? Sept. 17).
I would like to respond ONLY because she wants to blame him, “you know who he is.”
Had she attended the council meeting where campaign signs were discussed, she would have blamed “her”, or ME, who complained we had seen enough campaign signs in our city, especially since we had no campaignable issues in our city and that we had been deluged by nearby communities signs, except for judges.
Our ordinances clearly state campaign signs can only be placed 60 days before elections.
I personally don’t care whose signs are up. I do care, however, that she did not respect OUR ordinances.
If you do not like our ordinances, change them. Attend council meetings.
Since I seem to be the only public who regularly attends these meetings, I will save you a seat. The police showed up at your door because I complained. That shows the opinion of one can be realized if you are the only one!
Follow your candidate’s lead. Be a community activist. The translation of the preceding sentence was “be active in your community.”
Teresa Coventry
Clarkston
P.S. Apologize to him, “you know who he is.”
Dear Editor,
Why do supporters of the $ 7.5 million open spaces tax feel obligated to use scare tactics and distort facts about this proposal (‘Millage supporters tout land, water preservation,? Sept. 17)?
There are no ground or storm water problems that are going to require ‘the township to fund costly storm water management plans? as a leader of the tax supporters warned in a previously published letter because township land is supposedly close to being 25 percent ‘impervious to water filtering down to groundwater, due to concrete and asphalt.?
An email dated Sept. 15, 2008, from a consulting engineering firm stated: ‘We are unaware of any mandates being triggered when an area becomes 25 percent impervious on either the storm water or from the well head protection perspective.?
Given the current economic conditionswith Michigan again reporting the highest unemployment in the nation and the financial markets in turmoil, how can anyone justify this duplication of the multiple property taxes we already pay?
Supporters claim this tax hike will only cost ‘one Starbucks a week? and since young people go to concerts, there is obviously plenty of money for this tax increase.
How arrogant to assume that everyone in the township is as fortunate as they are. If supporters of this millage increase are looking for places to spend their money, they should make a tax deductable donation to the non-profit organization promoting this proposal and leave the rest of us overtaxed property owners alone.
Finally, when did Independence Township become a dictatorship where Freedom of Speech is denied?
A leader of the proposal supporters was recently quoted in the newspaper saying, ‘If they (opponents) don’t want to spend tax money, then why do they want to live in this community. Go live on the back end of Alaska or the Yukon.?
More misrepresentation. We opponents of this proposal have never been opposed to all taxes, just this duplicate tax being promoted during tough economic times with incorrect information.
Because citizens exercise their Constitutional right to ask questions, they should be banished to a gulag in Alaska?
No need. No accountability by a non-elected group. No provisions for long-term maintenance. Please vote no on Nov. 4 on the open spaces tax.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On Sept. 5, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi accepted the invitation from her archbishop, the Most Rev. George Niederauer of San Francisco, to discuss church teaching on abortion and other topics.
Ms. Pelosi’s appearance on Meet the Press sparked a public dialog on these issues.
This is not the only huge step made by a leader of the Catholic Church.
On Sept. 9, Pope Benedict XVI is also to be congratulated for nominating three women biblical scholars and three other women specialists to serve as experts at this October’s Synod on the Word in Rome. This, too, is clearly a first.
Perhaps his Holiness is reacting to the outcry he encountered from the faithful of his flock ? 18,000 postcards and emailed requests were sent, leaders of religious orders spoke or wrote personal letters, and bishops and cardinals wrote expressing their support for female biblical experts to serve as consultants at the synod.
I would like to think that when the pope observed the strong, capable women here in the U.S., on his recent visit, they were too much to ignore.
Maybe he is beginning to realize Catholic preaching and reflection on the Word, amongst other things, needs to reflect gender balance.
Sincerely,
Marianne Bernard
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you to The Clarkston News for printing my letter to the editor which proved to me that freedom of the press is alive and well in Clarkston.
I did not have much hope of my letter being printed at all in a newspaper serving a community so decidedly Republican but I was happily surprised to find this not the case at all.
I commend The Clarkston News for its willingness to print all views.
I received a wonderful response to my letter and as a result have made contact with many in Clarkston who believe it imperative we elect Barack Obama our next president of the United States.
Marilyn Parke
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Clarkston community for their outpouring of support of the First Annual Angels? Place Race.
Over 200 runners and walkers and over 50 volunteers came out in the pouring rain to participate in this event. Because of the success of this race, adults with developmental disabilities will benefit from the programs that Angels? Place provides.
Without our event sponsors; St. Daniel Catholic Community, Saturn of Clarkston, Easter Seals, Smith’s Disposal, The Print Shop and all the other local support from other companies and individuals, this race would not have been possible.
It was such a great experience to watch the community from governmental agencies to individuals work together along with us to support this worthy cause.
We have lived in Clarkston for the last 20 years and have enjoyed everything the community has given to us. The support of the Angels? Place Race was just another example of the generous community we live in!
Thank you very much!
Maggie and Paul Maxwell
Independence Township
There are pictures that represent what bikers, joggers and walkers have to endure along our roadways.
I sent several pictures of just two items, the needles and syringes along with the women’s panties but I stopped at sending the pictures of the condoms.
Not only do we have to watch out for cars and just normal trash, but these other obstacles are highly dangerous in the realm of disease.
Now I know a lot of you are saying, ‘Why don’t you just run on the Village sidewalks or the Polly Ann trail??
Well, when you’re training for a marathon or preparing for the Crim 10 mile in Flint, you need a bit more different terrain and longer distances.
There are a LOT of people in the Oxford area who do run significant distances like I do and we have to avoid these hazards on a regular basis.
So elected officials, please continue to investigate ways of financing these SAFETY paths so our children going to the splash pad next summer and those who want and need the longer walking and running paths don’t have to put up with these extra hazards along our roads.
Larry Banachowski
Oxford
Dear Editor,
It is incredible that some are against the ‘mother and apple pie? millage for preserving open space in our township.
This is for investment in something solid for a change, woods and fields for our grandchildren to enjoy instead of shopping centers and more concrete. These dollars can also be stretched with matching state grants. There isn’t much open space left so that time and dollars are of the essence.
Did you know the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy subsisted on donations for over 30 years and has already conserved many acres in our township? The NOHLC was originally called the Independence Land Conservancy, which was founded in our township and was one of the first land trusts in Michigan. They need and deserve your help.
Many say they moved to our township because of its natural beauty, but then weep when developers convert it to something else. Now is your last chance to do something about it.
Government has a way of spending money on things that go up in smoke. Not so, however, with a conservation easement to protect open space.
Vote for the open space millage. Your grandchildren will thank you someday.
Thomas K. Bullen
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am responding to Marilyn Parke’s letter (‘Where’s the Obamamania,? Sept. 10) to let her know that she is not the only petunia in the Clarkston onion patch!
However, I do think that I may have the one lone Obama bumper sticker within a 25 mile radius of the city. It is my greatest hope that the American people will not vote for McCain and a repeat of the last eight years, a hope they want something better.
In my years, I have never known Michigan or the United States to be worse off than they are today. Obama is a leader who is not mired in the past. He is an innovative thinker who welcomes challenging view points and who is willing to cross the aisle to work the issues out.
If we don’t start uniting our country things won’t ever change. Obama is a strategic thinker and he is a master of harnessing the innovative and creative thinking of our youth’the youth that is going to take us into the future.
Einstein said,’The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.?
There is debate over whether McCain is a representative of change. What one cannot debate is Sarah Palin on the record of change.
When asked how she felt about the Bush Doctrine, anticipatory self defense, she fumbled as she didn’t know what it was. She admitted that she has never met a foreign head of state and that she just got her first passport last year.
This is a woman who scares me. John McCain chose her at the last minute with very little knowledge of her. He has admitted to making rash and regrettable decisions in the past. Are you willing to live with this mistake?
Obama has pledged $50 billion in government loans to the car industry, John McCain, half that much. Obama was one of the people speaking to Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and encouraging him to resign and to plead guilty.
The UAW stated Obama’s views on trade and health care match theirs and would be beneficial to the car industry. They also pointed out that McCain appears not to care where the vehicles end up being built.
This is not good news for Detroit, which has lost a record number of jobs and is now considered the poorest city in the nation.
In this day and age of computers and internet access, there is a plethora of information available daily on these candidates. We all need to know our facts and to make an educated choice on Election Day. It is my hope that our country truly votes for change so that we can begin to heal this fractured nation.
Aimee Baker
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
I, too, feel like a ‘lonely little petunia in an onion patch,? wondering, ‘Where’s our Obamamania?? (Sept. 10 edition).
We need to speak out and count! I believe it was my yard sign Marilyn Parke saw ‘as she drove along Main Street,? but soon after I placed it in my yard, a ‘concerned Clarkton citizen,? whom I won’t name, but he knows who he is, called the police on me.
Two of Clarkston’s finest showed up at my door and apologetically pointed out I was violating a city law and there had been a complaint.
Political signs cannot be placed more than 60 days before the election.
There is ‘our Obamamania!?
I marched in our July 4 parade waving a banner and proudly wearing my ‘Obama Mamma? shirt. I agree with Marilyn completely.
If folks want to continue this jobless and miserable economy, if folks want this pointless killing to continue, if folks are pleased with the current situation of our country, they will vote for McBush.
Folks who earn more than $300,000 per year will vote for McBush. As for me, my Obama sign is back in my front yard. Please help me as I support and vote for Barack Obama.
Judy McConnell
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Lonely little petunia in an onion patch, ever feel like one?
In the last election, I noticed something I had never seen in all the years I have been voting, a slate comprised entirely of one major political party, the Republican Party.
Until that time, I had not realized the extent our community is being underserved by not having a representative who may be able to offer perhaps another viewpoint. This uneven representation gave me pause and I began thinking of the upcoming presidential election.
Is it possible my town and neighbors are satisfied with the direction the current administration has taken our country as well as the promise of a candidate who has voted with it 90 percent of the time, assuring more of the same? Does my community accept the lies Americans were given for going to war? Are they ignoring the fact we, the United States of America, allowed the torture of prisoners? How can they accept the twisting of executive power by this administration for the purpose of not having to testify before Congress?
The economy, especially in Michigan, has failed miserably. Job loss and poor oversight of the mortgage lending industry have had many lose their hold on the American dream of home ownership.
Oilmen in the White House have allowed and encouraged our continuation of dependency on oil. More of the same, you may be sure it will be if McCain is elected.
I have tried to find others in Clarkston who share my concerns and have not been able to find a gathering of those who believe a new direction for our country is imperative, There must be others in Clarkston and surrounding areas who question the wisdom of continuing the policies we have lived with for eight years.
Where are they hiding? Are they hiding, or just timid about showing themselves in a community only able to produce a slate of one party? Perhaps it is the length of the primary that has some waiting for a more appropriate amount of time before the election to show their support. The time is growing short and the need for your support is now.
A glimmer of hope which put a smile on my face came just the other day as I drove along Main Street; I saw a yard sign of support for Barrack Obama for president, then another at the end of my court sprouted. Perhaps there are more petunias than I know.
I have just ordered my own yard sign so before the election I may be able to coax out of the onion patch some other petunias.
If you wish to join me in helping to cultivate a garden of others who would like to help bring about change by supporting Barack Obama, please contact me by emailing MaParke2u@hotmail.com.
Marilyn Parke
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary would like to thank all of people who attended the annual Labor Day parade.
Beautiful weather, enthusiastic children watching fire trucks, floats, classic and antique cars, and zany clowns wandering down Main Street all added to the day.
We appreciate all of the parade participants that took time out of busy schedules to take part in Rotary’s 68th annual sponsored parade.
Rotary looks forward to seeing all of you at next year’s Labor Day.
Thank You From The Clarkston Rotary Club
Joel DeLong
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The last day to pay summer property taxes without penalty is Sept. 14. The exception to the rule is if Sept. 14 falls on a weekend or legal holiday. Sept. 14 falls on a Sunday this year, making Monday, Sept. 15, the last day.
Winter tax bills will be sent out by Dec. 1. The last day to pay winter property taxes without penalty is Feb. 14. The exception to the rule is the same. Feb. 14 falls on Saturday, plus, Monday, Feb. 16 is a legal holiday. The last day to pay winter taxes without penalty will therefore be Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Jim Wenger, treasurer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Clarkston ? what a wonderful place to live!
The Labor Day Parade was grand. It was enjoyable, well orchestrated by the Rotary Club, and well managed by the Clarkston Police Department (as well as Oakland County deputies and Independence Township EMS).
Speaking of the police department, we want to thank them for trying to improve our property protection by attempting to close our garage door one midnight. Normally, we close it and lock the door between the house and the garage; that night we did neither.
Also, what a beautiful site to go downtown and see the very pretty flower boxes maintained by the Clarkston Area Farm and Garden Club. They are a labor to be loved.
Now, there are many issues and challenges the city needs to meet. But, is there a better place to live?
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
This letter is regarding Robin McKenzie’s letter to the editor in the Aug. 27 edition of The Clarkston News (‘Large classes unfair?).
I too am a parent of a fifth grader. Three years ago, our son was part of the redistricting Clarkston Schools did to alleviate overcrowding at the elementary schools. We were switched from Bailey Lake to Pine Knob.
That year at Pine Knob, there were four classes of his grade, the following year, 3.5 classes of his grade, and now this year there are only three classes!
We are also at 30+ students per class with no teacher aide. How did this redistricting help? Throughout the district, only a small number of kids had to switch schools.
Was the traumatic upheaval of these students worth it when we still have such overcrowding?
The Clarkston News was diligent in following the redistricting developments of three years ago and I would like to see a follow-up story to see what it really accomplished.
Regards,
Adrienne Lynch
Independence Township
(We’re on it! -Ed.)
Dear Editor,
A current ballot issue is the Independence Township ‘Green Tax? to purchase desirable local natural land for conservation, both for the present and long term.
We favor this very timely and economical approach to enable all citizens to help preserve our fast diminishing and irreplaceable natural resources right in our own area.
We live in an area of intense land development, and water and energy consumption. All of us are now seriously thinking more ‘green? in everything we do ? to save and conserve for our own future and our children’s and grandchildren’s future.
Those who oppose this very minimal tax state there are other ways to save land and they ask, why should I pay to preserve land in someone else’s neighborhood?
Our answers from our own personal experience: most all land saving resources, whether government funded or private, also require seed money to start the process. And we all pay ever more in taxes for the costs of increased goods and services in the next new or enlarged subdivision.
So isn’t this green tax indeed an excellent small investment in future planning? To save some remaining prime land now as well as reduce the cost of ever more infrastructure?
It has become a proven method as more and more foresighted communities both nationally and in southeast Michigan go ahead with similar means to save our invaluable open land.
As for ourselves, we have been residents of the Independence Township community for almost 50 years and participating members of the North Oakland (Independence) Land Conservancy for 20 years.
In that time, we have permanently set aside in conservation easements our own homestead property, and not just for our own benefit but also so others in the area may enjoy walking, seeing animals, nature, and open space.
If you do not have land of your own to conserve, or even if you do, please join in this effort at a very minimal cost to save for future generations.
It is a best investment we as individuals can ever make. We are reminded of a large sign seen in one of our vast and still sparse western states. By only changing that other ‘M? state to ours, it would read, ‘Michigan’s Land: When It’s Gone, It’s Gone!?
Thank you for reading our position on this.
Sincerely,
Tom and Loraine Hall
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
To all the onlookers at the Labor Day Parade, I want to thank all the people who got out of bed then waited on the streets to watch our parade.
The clowns had a great time CLOWNING around. In the confusion of the day I forgot to get some pictures of myself to prove that I was as silly as I was.
If anyone has pictures of the clown with the crazy hair and toilet paper from her shoe I’d love a copy. If you have some please call me 248-625-9741 to make arragements.
Cudo’s to the Clarkston Rotary for the great parade and all those who cheered us on.
Mindy DeLong
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I agree with JoAnn Van Tassel.’A public meeting should be held on the matter of the proposed $11.6 million dollar Public Safety Complex.?
As she was quoted in the Wed., Aug. 27 edition of The Review, ‘The water and sewer fund is not funded by the taxpayers. It is a business that is funded by the users of that system and I just wonder if the users of that system are fully aware of what this township board is considering.?
Her statement made me wonder who exactly will be?’the users of that system? and why has the township board already spent $70,000 to hire an architect for a project that has never been approved by any of ‘the users??
I totally disagree with Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, who seems intent on pushing this agenda through with what’s left of his term.?
I can’t imagine what my husband would say if I insisted that we begin an extremely expensive but unnecessary addition to our home now, even though we can’t afford it, simply because ‘The longer we wait, the higher the cost will likely rise!?
–Carol Roughton
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to you about a very irresponsible act by our very own Lake Orion Schools Transportation Department.?
The week before Labor Day, we received a letter from the Transportation Department stating the pick-up and drop-off times of 8:08 a.m.’and?3:58 p.m.?
My son’s first full day of kindergarten, Sept. 4, just so happened to be his first time riding a bus to and from school.?
Through the conscious effort of one of our neighbors (thank you) my wife was notified that the new drop-off time would be at?3:29 p.m.?- a full 29 minutes sooner than we were instructed to pick him up.
Just for a moment, picture yourself being 4 years old, on your first day of kindergarten, coming home on the bus and neither Mom nor Dad are there to pick you up.’Then the terrible fear sets in.’Where is Mom or Dad? Will I ever see them again?’Then the bus pulls away from your neighborhood with you still on it.
As soon as I heard of this, at 1:40 p.m., I phoned Webber Elementary and asked to speak with the Principal, Mrs. Sarah’Manzo.’This was the first time she had heard of this and asked for my phone number,’stating she would contact the transportation department and call me back.
I received a call from James Farrand, from the transportation department, at 2:37 p.m. stating ‘that yes, indeed, there is a computer software glitch, and that they have a policy’to handle this situation. There would be no child dropped off if there is no parent there to get them.??
What type of policy is put into place to terrify a 4-5 year old child, when human error is to blame?’I asked Mr. Farrand to call all the’other parents’this ‘glitch? is effecting and inform them of the situation. Mr. Farrand told me ‘that would be an impossible task, and the children will just stay on the bus until their parents are reached.?
This infuriated me.’I immediately called Webber Elementary and asked for Mrs. Manzo.? I was told she would call me right back.’Mrs. Manzo called me back to thank me for bringing this to her attention, and that she had informed her teachers, and called the parents that had children on that bus route already.?
Seems like it wasn’t too ‘impossible? a task when you get people who actually care for the welfare of our children involved, Mr. Farrand.’I was asked by Mrs. Manzo to call the woman in charge of transportation, Jillynn Keppler.
I phoned Mrs. Keppler and, of course, she had heard about the problem, and I was told that ‘she was sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused me.?’What kind of a response is that?’Who is going to be held accountable for not proofreading the letters that were mailed to the parents, to ensure their accuracy?
I informed Mrs. Keppler that I had already started writing a letter to The Lake Orion Review to inform the citizens of the community of just one of the inefficiencies happening with our tax dollars.
So Mrs. Keppler, and the transportation department, I challenge you to respond to The Review next week so we, the citizens, can see what you are doing to make sure this will never happen again.
–Michael H. Vines
Dear Editor,
Visiting Angels, America’s choice in homecare, has joined forces with Desert Angels to provide ‘heavenly? support to our troops! Throughout the month, Visiting Angels will be collecting letters and goodies to send in care packages to our brave servicemen and women overseas.
We are asking for your help to let our troops know that we are thinking about them. We invite you to write a letter of support or encouragement to an American soldier who needs a smile. Letters from home are a treasure, reminding our soldiers that the American people care and are thinking about them.
We will also be collecting goodies to send in ‘Miracle Boxes? to our heroes overseas. Some ideas of things to include would be bags of hard candy, pocket foods (such as beef jerky or granola bars), lip balm, travel-size toiletries, magazines, batteries, squirt guns, Nerf balls, or even toys for the soldiers to give to the children that they meet.
Monetary donations to Desert Angels are also appreciated, as each care package costs $10.95 to mail through the U.S. Postal Service.
Please feel free to drop off your goodies and cards at any of our Lake Orion donation locations including the Orion Township Public Library on Joslyn Road, Orion Senior Center on Church Street, Crittenton Medical Supply on Lapeer Rd., Orion-Oxford Boys and Girls Club on Waldon Road, Sign Center on Baldwin Road or Unity Church of Lake Orion on Baldwin.
We have also added a donation location in Auburn Hills at The Quality of Life Center / Adult Day Health Care on Cross Creek Parkway.
You may call Visiting Angels at (248)693-6567 for more information or with any questions. Please also visit the Desert Angel at www.thedesertangel.org.
The Lake Orion Visiting Angels office, serving most of the Oakland County area, can be reached at (248)693-6567 or via email at visitingangelsss@sbcglobal.net.
–Sandra Stewart, RN
Director of Visiting Angels
Dear Editor,
Now that Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is again running for the above-mentioned position, on the Republican ticket, I would like to share a little nostalgia, going back to Feb. 20, 1977, on the ‘Lou Gordon Show,? when Gordon had as his guests then County Prosecutor Patterson and Chairman of the Michigan House Judiciary Committee Paul Rosenbaum.
The topic was Proposition D, which was a ballot proposal to do away with time off for good behavior for convicted felons. At the time, Patterson was in favor of it, Rosenbaum against it.
Then, to everyone’s surprise, Lou Gordon brings up a letter written to then Michigan Department of Corrections Director Perry Johnson from Patterson, requesting parole for a convicted murderer.
Patterson’s reply to Gordon was, ‘I wrote that letter in exchange for this person’s testimony, which would convict somebody who was more guilty.?
Then, Lou Gordon replied, ‘But, Mr. Patterson, under your own plan you wouldn’t be able to do that, sir!?
Even back 31 years ago, L. Brooks Patterson, in my opinion, was the same then as he is now, a double-talking, ‘flip-flopper,? something the people of Oakland County don’t need as their executive.
It would be a real zoo here in Oakland County if L. Brooks Patterson is reelected to that office.
–James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston High School Football ‘Rush for Food? committee would like to thank all who helped make this 11th annual community service event a success.
On Aug. 22, approximately 200 members of the Varsity, JV, and Freshman teams came together to collect non-perishable food items to help stock the pantry at Lighthouse Emergency Services in Clarkston. The high school teams were assisted in their efforts by the Clarkston Chiefs Football Association who held a personal and paper drive.
The teams collected and sorted approximately 4,000 pounds of food and paper/personal products. This total set a new record for the event beating last year’s record by 100 pounds.
Special thanks go to Joe Lunghamer Chevrolet and GMC, Complex Tool & Machine, Inc. and Sports Creations for funding the pre-event dinner for the players. Our thanks also go to the Clarkston Athletic Boosters, Clarkston Chiefs and Springfield Twp. Kroger’s for donating supplies.
The committee would also like to thank the CHS football coaches for their support, Lu Ann Stohrer ? CHS Athletic Secretary for her assistance, the CHS custodial staff, the football players who gave their time to assist those in need in our community, and the homeowners who generously donated to this food drive.
Sincerely,
Nancy Harvey, publicity chair
CHS Football ‘Rush for Food?
Dear Editor,
The Springfield Township Library finished another successful Adult, Teen, and Children’s Summer Reading Program!
We would like to thank those who provided prizes and sponsored programs: Friends of the Springfield Twp Library; Chelsea Rawe; Angie Mozer; AMC Theatre of Auburn Hills; Oakland County Health Department; Steve & Barry’s; Meijer’s of White Lake; Best Buy of Waterford; Avanti Salon & Spa; and Palace Sports & Entertainment.
Springfield Township Library
Dear Editor,
Most Independence Township voters I speak with feel they are already grossly overtaxed in these tough economic times.
They are opposed to the new ‘Open Spaces Tax? which is on the November, 2008 ballot.
The proposed 10 year (initially) tax is a duplication of: township taxes we pay to maintain our parks; the .25 mil tax we pay to Oakland County for their park system, including several in or near our Township; .25 mil tax we pay to the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority for the close by Indian Springs Park and others, and state taxes for huge Michigan recreation areas in the nearby townships of Waterford, Orion, Brandon, Groveland, Holly, Oxford, Oakland and White Lake.
The special interest non-profit group which is promoting this new tax already receives substantial parcels of wetlands and other property for which donors get tax deductions on their State and Federal taxes.
Apparently those favorable tax breaks are not enough and now they want all township taxpayers to contribute to their organization.
If this tax passes, what will happen at the end of 10 years? The township will be responsible for maintaining the purchased property without the additional revenue. We no longer have lifeguards at the Township’s Baycourt Beach due to budget shortfalls.
Is our local economy projected to improve that much by 2018 that we can afford to take on the maintenance obligations without the guaranteed revenue?
Citizens Against Taxes To Buy Vacant Land is a local group formed solely to oppose the ‘Open Spaces Tax.?
We respectfully ask for a NO vote on this proposal as being not needed and not wanted given the current economy.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am one of the individuals that began the ballot initiative in Independence Township for Green Space and Well water protection that will be on the ballot this November.
It is a 0.45 mill proposal to raise 7.5 million over a 10 year period. I wanted to address some opposition that has risen to our efforts. Not because there is opposition, but because I want our motives to be clear to the voters.
The members of my committee are happy when Green Space is preserved anywhere in the world, not just our Township.
I am just as joyous when the Trust for Public Land built Mildred Helms Park in New Jersey as I am when tracts of rainforest are preserved in Brazil or areas such as the new Lutz Park donation in Livingston County of 300 acres are acquired.
My goal is to think globally and act locally.
We also realize these are tough economic times. I have seen girls come to try out for softball teams without the money for the Parks and Recreation entry fee.
On the other hand I have witnessed the hysterical cash flow surrounding the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana Concerts on their visits to Clarkston.
The truth is there will never be a ‘good time? for Millage increases, but this proposal went before the Township Board and they supported it unanimously. Our professional poll shows this Township will support it.
It takes money to get Grant money. I receive the reports from the Natural Resources Trust Fund that allocates money to communities for Parks and Green Space acquisition in this State. A community needs 25 percent in order to obtain 75 percent of the money.
Many people have been generous in this ballot effort but I have yet to see a local Conservancy raise large funds to acquire prime environmental parcels. I read of communities all across the State obtaining Trust money because they have their 25 percent seed money and I find myself wishing that they were local projects.
We would use every dollar raised by the ballot proposal to acquire matching dollars from this fund when possible, to do this the Township must be involved in the application process. I believe this occurred with the acquisition of Bay Court Park.
And finally, in the year 2000, the land surrounding the Headwaters of the Clinton River Watershed was 17 percent impervious to water filtering down to groundwater, due to concrete and asphalt.
When it reaches 25 percent, that’s it! Groundwater no longer recharges, according to hydrologists.
We will have to acquire our water elsewhere, and, I am told, federal mandates will then be triggered, forcing the township to fund costly storm water management plans.
These proposals are not for me or for the committee. Give me a break! Although it will increase property value and lower taxes in the long run, this proposal is for the future.
We are obligated to save our land and water for generations to come.
Thomas Pytel
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Thanks so much to Marilyn Parke for motivating me to write the letter I have been meaning to write all summer and spring (‘Mural needs finishing,? Aug. 20).
I agree with her completely about the atrocious ‘mural? facing all residents and visitors to our ‘historic? village. Didn’t we spend many dollars to ‘spruce? up our village with sidewalks, flower containers, benches and the like? Aren’t we interested in complementing the charm of our village? Don’t we want to capitalize on the delightful old buildings in our village?
If so, why in the world do ‘we? tolerate this amateur, dark, Salvador Dali-ish mess? It goes on and on and over three years never seems to improve, end or be erased.
Hooray for the artist and her efforts, but couldn’t she further her career somewhere else? Please, will concerned others encourage this madness to stop?
Thank you.
Judy McConnell
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
To everyone who bought duck race tickets
And helped our great cause
Your generosity was overwhelming
So today we’d like to pause
And say ‘thank you? for your help
It was a success, thanks to you
You’ve helped our programs help our kids
And strengthened our communities, too
–Orion Area Youth Assistance
–Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance
Dear Editor,
The latest embarrassment to Detroit occurred at the Democratic Convention in Denver when Monica Conyers’decided that her assigned room was not up to her ‘princess standards.?’Thus her entitlement attitude kicked in and a police confrontation ensued.?
Nice going, Monica!’The Detroit Chamber of Commerce thanks you for giving people another reason to boycott our city.
Newspaper accounts’about the meltdown occurring in the city often make mention of this being ‘a once proud city.?’Frankly, what with all the scandals going as far’back to the Coleman Young administration and now a city council that puts ‘The Three Stooges? to shame, it is difficult to remember when, in fact, it was a ‘proud city.??
As we travel around the country and even in various parts of the state and’utter the word ‘Detroit? as our origin, people cover the ears of their offspring and attempt to wash our mouths out with soap – a sad commentary.
Kwame Kilpatrick is wearing a tether, which restricts his travel.’Monica Conyers should be fitted with a Hannibal Lecter mouthpiece to restrict her from babbling.’In her own words:?’Do it!’Do it!??
Conyers, as many will recall, demonstrated her sense of deportment and civility and uttered those words’at a council meeting’along with referring to President Kenneth Cockrel Jr. as ‘Shrek.?? Having seen that movie, I think Conyers has a shot at’assuming the’role played by Eddie Murphy – the donkey.
In golf, an errant shot is rewarded with a Mulligan – an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start over.’Detroit needs a Mulligan.?
Removing the mayor and the entire city council and then ‘teeing up? again with a new roster may just be the answer this city needs to rise from the depths of despair.
–Bill Kalmar
Dear Editor,
As a parent of an Independence Elementary fifth grader, I am very concerned about the class sizes for this grade level.
This class had 4.5 teachers in the 2005-2007 school years and in the 2007-08 school year we had four teachers with class sizes at 28-29.
This was tolerable but not an ideal condition.
With the recent layoffs we have been told we will have 3.5 teachers for this same number of students and class sizes of 34. This is totally unacceptable when fifth grade classes in other elementaries in the district are as small as 24 students.
There should be an equitable size of classes throughout the district. It is unfair to both the teachers and the students to have such a large class size.
We need another teacher to fix this inequity by rehiring a laid off teacher or transfering a teacher from one of the schools with low numbers – they can then deal with a split class for a year as this class has for several y ears.
Our children are our future and fifth grade is a crucial year as students set their study habits for the middle and high school years.
Robin McKenzie
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Yes, it’s me again, that fuddy-duddy from Tallahassee, Fla., still on fire about the rural ‘flavor? of downtown Clarkston.
I submit that heavy traffic zipping through town destroys the pleasant sights and sounds of this quaint little village.
The speed limit is 30 mph, with some vehicles going much faster. Permit me to offer a solution.
Since it is too late to ‘redirect? traffic around the town, I suggest a strict enforcement of a 20 or even 15 mph speed limit on Main Street for all vehicles from Washington on the north to Waldon on the south.
The police should monitor this section regularly and issue tickets, no exceptions, to offenders.
This seems a small price to pay to maintain the integrity of this unique hometown spirit.
Jim Moore
A Clarkston fan
Dear Editor,
On July 29, 2008, the Michigan Stars 10 and Under Fastpitch Softball Team and their families headed to Bloomington, Ind., for the USA ASA 2008 10U Fastpitch National Tournament to compete with 34 of the best 10U teams from across the country.
We wish to thank all of the businesses, and family and friends for the contributions that made this awesome trip possible. Thanks to: Dr. Annette C. LaCasse, Dr. Bryan G. Thomas, Michigan Orthopedic Rehab, S.M. Vitale/G.A. Vitale, Parks Production, Pete’s Coney Island, Michigan Orthopedic Rehab, Clarkston Book Center, M-15 Family Medical Center, Dr. Bayis, Bridge Lake Marker, Morgan’s Service, Salvatore Scallopini, Make and Kari Messina, Dr. Schuyler V. Hamill, Avnet, Cowan Chiropractic Clinic, Rita Albert, Jan’s Finishing Touch Nail Boutique, Terri King Salon, Schmansky family, Clarkston Family Dental, Kroger stores on Sashabaw, Dixie Hwy., Davisburg, and Troy, Bonnie’s Hallmark, Cherry Hill Lanes, McDonalds on Dixie Highway and in Troy, Davisburg Subway, Subway-Jim Canny, Matt Yurkie, Snapple Beverages, Ridley’s Bakery/Caf?, Lisa’s Confection Connection, and the M-Den.
Thank you also to those who supported our flower sale, car wash, bottle drive, and pin sale. You all helped to make 10 little girls? dreams come true.
Mark Pingston
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I don’t know if you can put this in your paper, but I would love a Big Thank You to go out to Mr. Mike Williams, a construction worker out on Sashabaw and Clarkston Road in Independence Township.
My dog got out of the yard and was wandering out on the road and he took her to the pound where we retrieved her a few hours later.
Allie is 14-years old and we just moved here about a month ago. She has her dog tags, but did not have on her collar that morning.
Thank you!
Arlene Badgley
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
If you live in the Clarkston area and have a swimming pool in your backyard, do yourself a favor and get familiar with John Bokor at Independence Pool and Spa.
At the beginning of the summer, I was having a hard time finding someone nearby to help me with my pool. I was lucky enough to learn that John had just opened his store in the Old Farmer Jack shopping center at Sashabaw and Waldon.
My dream of having a swimming pool in my backyard was far from a dream until I met John. He is a natural at figuring out pool water chemistry and he is even better at good customer service.
I was at my wit’s end trying to figure out a cloudy water mystery that kept coming back and he was as determined as I was to find a solution.
My pool problem became his pool problem and I can’t thank him enough for going above and beyond typical ‘customer service.? Even though he works everyday, Sunday to Sunday, he came troubleshooting after hours and solved a three year mystery.
Thank you John! My family is grateful for your good old? customer service that is rarely seen these days.
Janalee Grainer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Another incredible Depot Park Playground work day carried out by Clarkston Rotary in action.
The play structure the Rotary donated is all assembled, and being enjoyed by area children.
They also gave the final coat of paint to the engine, caboose, and truck. The last two pieces of equipment will be installed on the Rotary’s next work day, and will be in place by the time you read this.
Clarkston volunteers are the greatest!
Thank you so much, Rotarians!
Gini Schultz
Friends of Depot Park Playground
Dear Editor,
To my new family, my real family, thank you for taking me in. And this is also to my original family, and I use that term loosely, who decided after so many years that they did not have time for me any more because they added more humans to their house or are moving or some other lame excuse.
And I do refer to that former abode as house because a true home would not have dumped me for such ridiculous reasons. Some of my other friends have also been dumped for other dumb reasons such as ‘we are moving and can’t take you with us or you’re too big or too old and to much trouble to care for??
For many years I was always there for them, good and bad days, wagging my tale, snuggling up to keep them warm, giving them all the love and attention possible. And this is how they show their appreciation?
Think about it. You write this story about what a great loving and caring pet I am and post it on a bulletin board or on the web (web, is that like in webbed feet?) trying to unload me on someone else? Do you realize how traumatic this can be? I don’t think you do.
I have many friends who have never fully recovered from being ‘dumped.? You take away our security and leave us depressed and unwanted.
Hopefully someone will take us in but some of us remain ‘scarred? and develop personality issues.
You wouldn’t dump one of your human family members if you were moving or added another one would you? Then why do it to us?
I guess you did do me a favor. I am now with a real family who truly loves me and we will all grow old together. So guess what’you lose!
I am giving all my love to my new family and together we will create many wonderful memories.
In closing…if you can’t commit, just keep walking buy and don’t even consider me or one of my friends to move to your house. We would rather sit and wait for someone who truly wants us then be picked up on whim by someone like you! And you know who are.
Thank you for letting me vent. I am one of the lucky ones and now in a wonderful home!
I always like to finish on a positive note and this is right from the heart from all my friends who are in loving homes, thanks!
You are the true definition of a human and God bless you all! Got to go now’my family needs me’we are going for walk! Need my leash, don’t want to get lost or run over! I made a deal with kitty, he is staying behind to guard our home and I will play with him when I get back. Woof!
Mark Stesney
Independence Township
Just when we were getting very discouraged when more organizations were opting out of our ‘Every Student with a Backpack? project for our needy children because of previous commitments, The Oxford Leader, its employees, and readers came through again.
It is with a deep sense of gratitude that we thank you and the paper for your participation in this worthwhile effort. Your donations were not only exemplary, but spectacular!
Many backpacks were collected and some were even filled with all the school supplies necessary for the first week of school and beyond.
Again, thanks from all of us at Oxford-Orion FISH.
Oxford-Orion FISH
Dear Editor,
Dave Hodges: lifelong Orion resident; knows the community; expert on construction and what it costs to build; not an attorney or a wealthy businessperson; knows what it’s like to get your hands dirty with hard work.
I believe Dave Hodges is the best person to be the next Orion Township supervisor!
–James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
The Darci Seipke Benefit Fund would like to thank all those that participated in our recent Thunder Road Class Car Show at Olde World Canterbury Village.
Although it was a small show, 25 cars, it was an event that we hope to make into a huge annual event.
We brought in approximately $800 for the day, and have booked next year’s event for July 26 on the grounds of Canterbury Village again. Watch for information in future issues of The Lake Orion Review.
Also, a big thanks to Jennifer Vezina, Parks & Recreation – Orion Township, for allowing us to ‘Smash the Car? at the Big Rig Gig.
With the help of Buckhorn Towing, donating the car, we raised just under $300 towards Darci’s medical expenses.
Darci is doing well and has been told by her doctors that dialysis will not start until the end of the year, which gives us more time to hopefully get a kidney first.
Watch for our next event, the second annual Craft Show at Canterbury Village on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, or to have an application mailed to you, contact Pam at (248)721-1647.
Thanks again to all those that have participated in our events, your prayers and thoughts and our marvelous doctors.
–The Darci Seipke Benefit Fund
Dear Editor,
Approaching my third year of watching the garish graffiti being perpetrated on the prominent wall facing anyone entering Clarkston, I must protest.
Many atrocious forms have been put before the public in the name of art. However, the atrocity being forced on Clarkston residents in the form of this mural assaults the senses on a regular basis and is hardly compatible with the old world charm of downtown Clarkston.
If you have ever visited a very large city and have had the opportunity to view an inner city’s rundown neighborhood, it isn’t difficult to find at least one wall mural meant to make the dilapidated condition of the surroundings seem more appealing. It doesn’t work.
The conditions of the surroundings are not lessened. In the case of the Clarkston mural, it demeans the beauty of the natural surroundings as well as the historic buildings it mistakenly is meant to beautify.
While I can appreciate the intent of the artist and the person commissioning its application, it is time to put an end to the project, admit a mistake, and return our beautiful historic downtown to its former beauty.
Marilyn Parke
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The recent viewpoint from a self appointed ?40-year ombudsman? is a disservice to Independence Township taxpayers and to the men and women who strive to make Clarkston a better community (‘Township has good leadership,? Aug. 13).
Self-aggrandizing, mean-spirited name calling cheapens all of us and The Clarkston News. Why was this letter printed?
The election is over. We have who we elected. Thanks to those leaving the board for their service. Our new board is now expected to carry on the tradition of working together for the best interest of the township and its citizens. I look forward to it.
Zac Bell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Does the local newspaper exist to serve its readers or its advertisers?
Your paper’s recent primary election endorsement opinion clearly demonstrates that advertisers and their money are the driving force for The Clarkston News; not readers and not the community.
The obviously result-driven piece was strained and illogical; it would have flunked a 10th-grade civics test. It was not in any sense worthy of our community and was not a service to the readers.
More than 60 percent of the cities, villages and townships in Oakland County have professional management assistance. Yet no one suggests they are “undemocratic.”
In fact, a recent story in The Clarkston News reported that township managers in Oakland and Delta Townships served those communities quite well without any interference with the democratic process (‘Maybe a manager,? July 16).
But for the other purposes of its advertisers, The Clarkston News attempted to forever condemn Independence Township to be without professional management assistance.
So, no matter how complex government becomes, no matter how large the budget; no matter how significant the blunders of amateur government officials, we will be at the mercy of a township managed by whoever happens to get elected every four years ? whether or not they are qualified to manage.
There was another slate in this election of candidates endorsed by the current supervisor. Their agenda was to make the township government a “doormat” for the whatever approach to development.
It is apparent that The Clarkston News served its advertisers’ interests by using the administrator issue as a mere device to bolster the chances for the prospects of the current supervisor’s slate.
This can be confirmed by reviewing the names of the contributors to the current supervisor’s campaign in his financed report filed at: courts.oakgov.com/cfrs/iCommitteePortal.php’iCommitteeID=5764.
Moreover, many of the contributions seem to be unethical, as the current supervisor accepted money from outside developers and those providing services to the township.
Fortunately, the voters were not fooled by this nonsense. The current supervisor was able to pull only one of his candidates into office.
Only two board members who have a substantial salary to protect do not “see” the wisdom of professional management assistance. The majority of those elected do.
Now that’s democratic.
Judy Cole
Independence Township
Editor’s note: As those candidates who advertised with us but did not receive our endorsement can testify, and vice-versa, purchasing ads was not a factor in our decision.
Dear Editor,
I was going to wait awhile before writing another letter to the editor as I recall a reader once complained you print too many from certain people.
However, given your response to my letter (‘A cold day in August,? Aug. 13), and recent political events in Clarkston, I felt I could not wait.
I respect your opinions and responses and only wish that we all could have these types of discussions prior to elections.
In any event it looks like we both got what we wanted. For you, the “slate” did not get a majority and, in my opinion, the Township Board will be diverse. Perhaps my choice of the word diversity was not the best, as it seems what constitutes diversity can be a matter of opinion.
Perhaps “lack of choice” is a more appropriate way to express what I see as a growing problem with elections in our area.
There were only “Republicans” in the primary election, essentially deciding who will represent Independence and Springfield townships.
In Clarkston, it will be even more meaningless as there is no primary and it now appears that there will be no opposing candidates.
With the official announcement by Mayor Sharron Catallo, after the filing deadline, of not submitting a petition for re-election, and only four petitions filed for four open positions, our local city representatives may again gain office with little fanfare, no formal announcements, no opponents, no campaigns, no discussions of any issues, and no other choice.
This is what happened in the city’s last election. If history repeats itself this November, every single council member in Clarkston will be there without opposition and without any choice by those they represent.
All those serving and running are good people and should be congratulated for being willing to spend the time it takes, as well as putting up with me, but there should still be a choice. Knowing why someone is there and what they stand for, debating issues, and having a choice in who represents you are good things.
It is unfortunate that these standards of democracy are disappearing and it seems there is little happening that will change this trend.
Editor, I agree with you completely on this point, it is chilling.
Please keep publishing opinions and a thank you to Sharron Catallo for everything she has done for this City and all I am sure she will continue to do.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I would like to send out a huge thank you to the teachers, aides and buddies that participated in SCAMP this summer!
My sons both attended and had such a fantastic time. I was thoroughly impressed with the program and everything it provided for my children.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen another summer camp that does so many activities with the kids like swimming, boating, field trips to parks, the fire station and Dairy Queen.
Everyday my kids came home and had lots to talk about and be excited for. Most importantly, I was impressed with the level of care my children received.
They were in groups B and C and I got the impression that the staff genuinely cared about my kids. My experience with most summer camps has been that the kids are supposed to play and the adults just stand around and watch.
The best thing about SCAMP for me was that the counselors really engaged with the kids, played with them and spent time talking with and getting to know each child.
I can’t say enough about SCAMP and can’t wait (neither can the kids) for next summer!
Jill Leider
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank the following organizations for donating to our 2008 Tons of Trucks Event.
These 23 organizations and individuals were gracious enough to donate their time to bring out their cool trucks and unique vehicles. Without their support, this event would not be possible:
Sponsors Smith’s Disposal, Clarkston Auto Body, Lowrie’s Landscape, The English Touch, and ABC Tumblebus, as well as Van Horn Concrete, George’s Towing, Woods Construction, CHS’s Robotics Team, Dick Niazy, Cassen’s Transport Co, Clarkston Union/Caf?, Independence Township Senior Center, Independence Township Fire Department, Terry Shelswell, City of the Village of Clarkston DPW, Independence Township DPW, Independence Township Safety Path, Oakland County Sheriff’s Marine Division, Oakland County Sheriff’s Independence Substation, ATF, and Michael Katchka.
Last but not least, we would like to extend a special thank you to the Yesteryear Tractor Club for bringing out their antique tractors for a display and providing two wagons for hay rides!
Sincerely,
Independence Twp Parks and Recreation
To Village Council,
I just hung up with Joe Young after a heated conversation regarding the sidewalk project that you are planning.
From what he tells me, you are proceeding full swing with this sidewalk project but ONLY on Pontiac Street. That the other streets involved in the initial plan would be reviewed and possibly changed. He went on to say that there are plans for removal and replacement of trees along this planned route.
Joe assured me in this conversation that the trees on my property would NOT be affected and I certainly hope he wasn’t paying me lip service. I will be watching closely.
Now, let me be the first to commend you all on completely ignoring the residents of Pontiac St. their wishes. Even a signed petition denouncing this plan from seven of the nine affected residents had no impact on your determination to this sidewalk plan. Scrambling for justification to proceed you cited that the school really needs sidewalks on both sides of the roadway.
I guess it doesn’t matter that this school was there longer than most of us have been alive and that no other village council before us saw the need for them, so I thank you for this incredible insight. How could so many forefathers not have noticed this omission? I don’t see it, sorry. I have 16 years of watching school kids there.
These sidewalks will benefit not one of them. They are driven in buses and dropped off at the door to school and for those who don’t take the bus? Parents drive the majority of them. It’s an elementary school. And there is a sidewalk on the very side of the street the school is on.
Look where the sidewalks are near the high school. They’re on just one side of the street. And it’s the side the school is on. Well why isn’t there a sidewalk on the east side of that road? Do you not care about the safety of high school students there as much as you do on Pontiac St? Or could it be that it’s a Township area and you can’t dabble in their business.
I’m curious. Because if it is that then it’s not at all about the safety of our kids it’s just politics.
Thank you too for the plan to cut down trees for this project. Lord knows we can’t have mature trees at the side of the road screwing up the horizon. Thank you for the dog waste that inevitably comes with sidewalks.
And the trash. And the increased liability insurance, and maybe even an increase in my taxes because you feel you’ve improved it. Thank you for all of this. Thank you too for ironically re-evaluating all the other streets on the initially proposed project and proceeding with the ONLY portion that has been widely protested. That was a brilliant move.
Thank you for ignoring my invitation for you to discuss this with my neighbors. Thank you for pretending to know exactly what is best for us. Thank you for yet another opportunity to horse up my yard with workmanship that I will most likely have to go back and redo to make right. FYI you have a long history of inferior workmanship on projects in my yard, this will be yet another to have to deal with.
And thank you for letting Mr. Young field all the phone calls that are really meant for you. He repeatedly tells me that all he does is work for you (the council) that you are his boss. What he fails to realize is that I am his boss. And as a taxpayer, I am your boss as well. But you ignore me. And you ignore my neighbors. And I won’t forget it. Nor will they.
Before I go, I’d like to wish each and every one of you an experience like this sometime in your life. I hope a bulldozer threatens your privacy and the esthetics of your yard and property. That your unified appeals to city officials go unanswered, utterly ignored. I hope you are left frustrated and unnerved. Just so you can someday feel how you have left the seven of us here on Pontiac Street to feel.
Disgustedly,
-Bill Savage, Oxford
Dear Editor,
I recently received an e-mail from a friend that contained a questionnaire from Congressman Sander Levin asking on what priority level we based various issues. Such as, Iraq, health care, federal spending ? to name a few. There was also a box to add our personal comments. Following were my comments to the congressman.
I want to see our Congress take us out of the Federal Reserve System that is run by a group of private bankers. Put us back onto a sound money system that is backed by GOLD & SILVER. It is mandated in the U.S. Constitution that Congress is, ‘To Coin Money.? That means that our MONEY is to have an intrinsic [real] value, which is gold and silver.
It is because of all the debt and interest owed on that debt the Federal Reserve has created inflation. Our money is now based on, ‘the faith of the people.? We have lost that faith and have been pushed into a $10 trillion dollar debt. We are the largest debtor nation in the world and that debt is weighing heavily on this generation and future generations to come. Printing paper and calling it money with nothing to back it is ludicrous. How do you measure and weigh paper dollars compared to weighing gold and silver?
We have lost our sovereign protections due to the enormous debt and fiat money. Our Founding Fathers warned of having a Central Banking System ? run by the Feds and International Bankers and look where it has taken us. Loss of manufacturing, jobs, security and the devaluation of our money. No more. Our Congress sits back while Rome (the U.S.) burns.
Remove us from the Federal Reserve and the greedy private bankers. As the saying goes, ‘those who hold the money [gold], hold the power.? Give the power back to the people so that they are no longer serfs to Chase Manhattan, et al.
If the Feds can just keep printing paper dollars ? why not just print enough to pay off the debt? Why not just take the Feds out of the equation and have the treasury print us out of debt. Hand it over to the banks and say our debt has been paid off with fiat, paper money? Sound idiotic? Well, so is the fiat money system that has led us down the path of monetary destruction.
What is your plan to get us out of the $10 trillion dollar debt? How do you plan to pay it off??
All of our tax dollars are going towards paying the interest on all of the U.S. debt that is increasing by leaps and bounds, while our ‘money? is losing all of its value and increasing the costs of goods, services and our ability to compete with other nations.
What is your answer if not to take the so-called ‘Federal? Reserve System out of the equation and putting us back into a sound money system?
I’ll let you know if I receive a response from Congressman Levin’s office.
–Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
Though I don’t welcome the congestion and inconvenience, Baldwin Road is LONG overdue for widening.
–Jessica Mardlin
Dana Fortinberry was in the primary for reelection and now is up to run this November.
I cannot believe this woman, who displays no morals and was named one of the worst judges in the United States, was supported by the people in her district.
Her behavior is very troubling and unethical. She had the audacity to infer that a wonderful attorney, Mr. Kostin, was involved in the death of his wife.
Her motive was to discredit the new wife of this attorney who was running against her. Then just in July she was caught removing her opponents’ signs.
What are you voters thinking about?
This woman has no morals and shows no respect or integrity for her position as a judge. She abuses her power and needs to be voted out now.
People like her should not have this kind of power; it is dangerous. She already has gotten away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. The Supreme Court only publicly reprimanded her; she should have been prosecuted.
What are you people thinking? Judges are supposed to be above reproach and display ethical behavior.
Dana Fortinberry mocks her robe and degrades her position as a judge. Is that the type of person to uphold the law; when she can not even obey the law herself?
It is time to clean up the Clarkston court and vote her out. A new judge is needed to bring back integrity and respect to the Clarkston District court.
Who does she think she is to dishonor her court and colleagues? What are you people thinking? Start thinking and do the right thing; vote her out.
Yvonne Riccardi
Milford
Dear Editor,
I never wanted to give the public the impression that I want to take my time working on art projects (‘Clarkston calls for mural completion ? but good art takes time, artist says,? Aug. 6).
Any work takes time if you don’t have adequate resources. My hope with my comments in the article Phil Custodio wrote last week was to inform the public why this project has taken the time it has, and make an appeal to the community to help with resources for a timely completion this year.
I made several inquiries to the Village of Clarkston from January to April 2008 concerning scheduling a zoning board meeting for permission to post my signs.
I attended a City Council meeting in January to get information about how to proceed with an appeal since the council’s view was that they wanted my sign to come down.
The council was advised not to make a motion and my argument was deferred to another board by the city attorney. The city attorney informed the council I had 90 days to apply to be heard by a zoning board.
A meeting was scheduled with the zoning board in April.
I was on a business trip to Indianapolis and was driving back the morning the meeting was scheduled, for 7:30 p.m. I checked my voicemail at 4:30 p.m. that day and I had a message from the city manager that the meeting was canceled.
I resumed part time work on the project in Clarkston that month, April, and left my sign posted. I ordered another sign with updated information concerning website information and blog about the Clarkston News Building Mural project because many calls were being received by the Clarkston News office manager concerning the project.
I had been working on and just competed a website I designed specifically for the purpose of informing the public about the project.
The additional sign was an effort to help inform the public, and callers, about the project.
To date, there is no official motion against my signs, only negative opinions of a few members of the council, or perhaps all of them. I think it’s inappropriate for members to discuss this matter in the court of public opinion if there is not going to be a ruling at the city council level to ask me to remove a sign.
To Council member Kristy Ottman: The advertising I may enjoy for these signs is incidental. My greater goal is to have a means of communicating with the public concerning the project I’m working on, so please don’t compare my signs to a sandwich board.
I’m also interested in learning why I have to pay for an appeal. I am confused whether my issue is being heard as an appeal, or merely being deferred to another board. This seems to be an appeal.
However, it’s inapposite to the situation since there has been never been a motion or ruling on the matter. I thought due process was a right.
Why is the Village of Clarkston publicly condemning my project and simultaneously publicly complaining about the signs I have posted, currently my only means of communicating about it with the community?
Everyday while I have worked on site in Clarkston, people have approached me or complemented my work as they pass or drive by. In light of recent criticisms from the officials in the community it has been easy for me to forget about my supporters because I have been so busy defending this project.
I have really felt beaten down by the effort it takes to try to make something successful in spite off all challenges that seem to come from every direction. Thank-you to all those who have been so supportive.
For more information about the Clarkston News Building mural project please go to myspace. com/drawingboardstudios.
Michelle Tynan
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The overwhelming generosity of supporters at this year’s golf outing far exceeded the expectations of The Clarkston Foundation’s annual fundraiser held once again at the beautiful Oakhurst Golf and Country Club.
Participants enjoyed a full day of golf, including breakfast, lunch, a steak dinner and more. Clarkston Community School students of all ages will benefit with scholarships and programs offered to enhance learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom in science, math and performing arts.
Thank you to everyone who participated and who volunteered to make this year’s event a huge success!
Janalee Grainer
Clarkston Foundation
Dear Editor,
Congratulations to Fino’s Family Restaurant for having the courtesy to establish a smoke free restaurant, across from KMart on Dixie Highway in Waterford.
Not only is it healthy to eat there but the food is excellent and reasonable. I urge everyone to try it.
Thank you, Fino’s.
Dolores Smart
a satisfied customer
Dear Editor,
On July 26, we were visiting family in Lake Orion for an open house when my husband couldn’t breathe. Our son called 911, and they responded in just a matter of minutes, putting him on oxygen immediately.
Everyone acted very professionally, got him stabilized, and transported him to Beaumont Hospital in Troy.
The two with the ambulance made sure both he and I were okay before they left to return to their station.
I want to thank everyone from the Lake Orion Response Team and let them know how much we appreciate the service.
Lake Orion, you have a great crew and they are in our prayers. A huge heartfelt thank you.
–Mr. and Mrs. Richard Peareso
Dear Editor,
I just wanted to extend my deep heartfelt gratitude, and THANKS to all the numerous wonderful Orionites who did so much for me during my campaign for Orion Supervisor!
To my campaign manager & wife, Dee thanks soooo much! To the numerous Orionites, and LOHS students working community service hours who supported me with kind words, signs, literature labeling, and mailing preparation, Thanks!
To the many homeowners groups, and their elected representatives, thanks! To all the good folks in Orion I met during my door-to-door campaign, thanks for all your kindness!
A special THANKS to current Orion Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, and his wife, past Supervisor Colette Dywasuk, whose support meant a lot to Dee & I!
My team & I ran a very clean, up-tempo campaign. I stayed true to my strong family values, worked very hard, endured a lot of gossip, did not complain, and while not a ‘W? on election day, at the end of the day the team & I can be, oh, so proud of all we accomplished together! I walk away from this campaign with my head held high, and with the profound knowledge that I did my best, and there is no shame in that!
–Daniel Myslakowski
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the people in our community that came out to vote in the primary August 5, 2008.
Also, I would like to thank those that worked at the polls and let’s not forget the long hours they have to put in to complete the election. Last but not least, thanks to the people that cast a vote of confidence for me to be the next Orion Township Supervisor.
When elected on November 4th, I am looking forward to working with the residents in our community, the newly elected board and the township employees.
It is important that we remember as a nation, our responsibility to vote for the candidates that will work for us; and those elected not forget the people that elected them.
Don’t forget to vote on Nov. 4, 2008.
Thank You.
–David F. Hodges
Democratic Candidate for
Orion Towship Supervisor
Dear Editor,
Orion residents, thank you for allowing me a few moments of your time to greet you and your family as I visited your neighborhoods and shared in community events.
There are many wonderful and caring people living in our community, and I am truly grateful for your support and vote of confidence in the primary election.
I understand it is an honor and trust to represent you, and as your Orion Township Clerk, I will work to ensure your voice is heard.
Working for the township for the past 20 years has fostered a lasting commitment to serve you with excellence.
–Penny Shults
Republican Candidate for
Orion Towship Clerk
Dear Editor,
As a regular reader of The Clarkston News, and an occasional contributor to the opinion page, I was very dismayed by your editorial opinions for the upcoming primary election.
Everyone’s opinion is a personal matter, but your timing and reasoning are certainly questionable.
To publish your opinions less than one week before the election, in a paper that is only published once a week, denies everyone the right to respond for or against your selections or to even provide timely comments about your reasoning.
I thought one of the main purposes of the opinion page was to encourage discussion and to have a free exchange of ideas and opinions. You often ask for this in your paper but now that can’t happen until after the election.
In a similar manner, you rejected all the candidates for Independence Township who favor a manager for that reason only, even after you state they have done a good job while in office.
You even argue that elected officials will turn to a long term manager for guidance instead of voting on their own.
If that were true, why would you ever support an incumbent for office?
It is sad that Springfield and Independence Townships are already limited to only Republican candidates, so why do you want to limit it even more?
We need greater diversity in office not less.
The whole idea of having seven elected officials is to have diversity and opposition so that all ideas are presented and discussed and everyone is represented, whether they are in the majority or not.
Perhaps if you encouraged more diversity, not less, there would be more open discussion and more people would attend meetings feeling they too were represented.
As your reporters know all too well, that is not what is happening now.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
It seems like just yesterday, actually 20+ years now, that I was teaching my kids how to ride bikes.
At the time, helmets were not the in-thing, but I pushed to my kids the safety aspects of wearing the helmets and obeying the conducts of a responsible bicyclist.
Now, 20 years later, and a current motorcyclist, following the laws of the road help to keep me alive every day. What I am concerned with is an observation with the vastly increasing number of adult bicyclist the following:
? A huge majority of riders now wear helmets ? it’s now cool as well as safe;
? Many organized bike clubs in the township show an ever increasing amount of adults and children riding for pleasure, exercise and just family fun ? that’s fantastic; But the big concern is this. . .
? Some adults seem to forget that leading by example means to know and obey traffic laws.
I can’t tell you the number of adult bicyclist with helmets, coordinated outfits, expensive bikes, and all the accessories known to man, go flying through intersections, stop signs, lights, etc. with apparently no regard for the law.
Unless it has changed since I was a kid, I thought that bicyclist were required to obey traffic laws, yields and speed limits.
I’ve been passed by bikes in downtown Clarkston while doing the speed limit. I always yield the right-of-way to bikes, but to see a growing number of adults and riding clubs with some members completely disregarding traffic signals is a concern of mine.
I’m not saying everybody is guilty of this, but on any given Saturday at M-15 and Clarkston Rd., Holcomb and Main, Allen Road and Oakhill and many others, huge groups can be seen ignoring the laws of the road.
For those of you who obey the laws, I thank you for setting a good example for others. For those of you this disregard the laws, maybe the training wheels should never have come off.
Over 20 years ago, the helmet influence from adults finally sunk into our kids and parents, and now maybe it’s time to teach them the rules of the road, and som e adults too! Just think what type of drivers they will become if we don’t.
Gary Metzger
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
What is happening to our community?!
Each year we celebrate Independence Day with a variety of activities, and one very popular one in particular ? The Fourth of July Parade.
Do people realize what this day of celebration is all about? Should we start out this day with a mini history lesson?
I must be behind the times to think that we are celebrating the acts of our forefathers who fought for our freedom and independence.
Now we are celebrating airborne confections!
I was appalled at the parents of two young children who were sitting behind my family at the parade. The adults, throughout the entire parade, screamed at and for their children to receive as much candy and party fare as possible.
‘Yell for candy, stick your hands out, wave at the candy throwers, run, get it, grab it, run in between the floats, candy over here!?
My 8-year-old daughter even looked flabbergasted and she of course enjoys receiving the treats, but she failed to act the heathen as so many spectators were.
Am I suggesting that there should be no candy at any Clarkston parade?
It may be a nice idea, especially when the patrons completely trashed the streets with litter, but instead, could we have one side of the street reserved for people who wish to enjoy the parade and the other side of the street can be allocated for the ones who all but molest any one holding a bag of tootsie rolls?
Tammy Layton
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I would like to know who’s actual opinion you are referring to, the person who wrote this article (‘Experience needed to replace outgoing Springfield officials,? July 30)?
I feel it is totally unacceptable to base one person’s opinion this way, making it look like every person working for your paper has the same opinion.
The same holds true for ‘whoevers? opinion it is for Independence Township candidates (‘For the people, by the people, we oppose manager revamp,? July 30).
Karyn O’Neill
Davisburg
Editor’s note: The Clarkston News? editorial board includes reporters, editor, and publisher.
Dear Editor,
On Saturday, July 18, our office once again benefited from a wonderful food drive sponsored by the Clarkston Youth Assistance Mentors Plus.
Our pantry shelves were beginning to look pretty bleak and are now filled with foods that your group collected from area residents who took the time to help Lighthouse one more time.
The commitment made by the mentors and youth is so much appreciated as our agency counts on this food drive each July to replenish our food supply.
Thank you to all the volunteers and donors that made this another very successful food drive!
Connie Stapleton, manager
Lighthouse Emergency Services, Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am very fortunate, most of all to be alive. And, I am fortunate for the generous love, prayers, and support given to me by my dear wife Arlene, my family, my friends, and my neighbors.
I am pleased to report that I am making progress toward full recovery, thanks to everyone.
I hope to return this caring shown by others by continuing to volunteer my time toward the preservation and improvement of our community, God willing.
Thank you!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am writing as a very discouraged American due the township’s disregard of our country’s flag.
At any governmental meeting, our American flag is supposed to appear on the right side of the main speaker. Watching last week’s Orion Township Board of Trustees meeting, the flag was placed to the left of the supervisor. That’s not proper procedure and a disgrace on the governmental level.
My husband fought for our country, and to him, as well as many servicemen and women out there, our flag represents a great deal of importance and deserves proper treatment. If we don’t respect the American flag, what do we have left to respect?
My husband and I have brought this to the attention of the township on several occasions, with no response. Someone needs to take charge and make sure our American flag is properly displayed.
–Betty McDowell
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the following people and organizations for their support of money and goodies to send to the troops overseas over the past years: Cathy Campbell, and her family, from Orion Marine Center in Lake Orion; The VFW Post of Lake Orion; Kiwanis Club of Orion and Oxford; Good Shepherd Lutheran School; Unity Church of Lake Orion; and the employees and the great customers of the Lake Orion Post Office.
I would also like to thank the Oxford National Honor Society members for helping at the packing parties this past year.
I will still need all of your support and donations this coming fall and winter as I will be mailing packages again starting in October.
Each package costs $10.95 to mail, and that does not include the items in the box. Donations are always accepted and can be dropped off at the Lake Orion Post Office. A list of items needed can be picked up at the Post Office. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call me at the post office at (248)693-8369, ext. 17.
If anyone has a soldier in the war zone, please bring in their address and photo, and I will send them packages. The photo will go up on our Heroes board in the lobby of the post office.
I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. A few packages we send every month to the soldiers is the least we can do to show our appreciation for them risking their lives for our freedom. I don’t make any money doing this. I have been doing this for over five years now and will continue to do so. I feel honored to be able to do this for our soldiers.
–Charlotte Cito
Operation Guardian Angel
Dear Editor,
On Aug. 20, 2008 at 7 p.m., at Children’s Park, in downtown Lake Orion, once again the ‘Tom Allport Big Band? will perform, I believe, another fantastic concert.
From what I have heard of this 17-piece band, it’s nothing short of sensational.
If you are a fan of big band jazz, then you should treat yourself and come out and get hip to the jive that will send you, as Cal Calloway used to shout back in the 1940s.
We no longer have Count Basie, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, or Jimmy Wilkins around to supply us with this great music.
Thank goodness we have Tom Allport in this area, once you hear this group you’ll see what I’m writing about.
The sound of the Tom Allport Big Band says it all. Come out Aug. 20 and dig the sounds.
Or as Lawrence Welk use to say, ‘Thank you friends, a wonderful, wonderful, a one-and-a-two!? and the band played on.
–James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
I was pleased to see the excellent float, God Bless Our Troops, in the Independence Day parade.
It was created by the Mesquite Creek restaurant staff. But I was a bit disappointed to see just Tony Vitale, general manager of Mesquite, marching beside the float in the photograph published July 9 (page 2A). Without Scott, builder of the float, marching beside him.
Sponsorship takes money; workmanship takes muscle.
Scott and his crew labored long and hard to build the float.
True, Mr. Vitale ‘sponsored? it, but Scott and his crew created and constructed it, piece by piece. And it was labor of love. How do I know? Because Scott lived next door to me and the ‘makings? of the float sat in our backyard.
I watched, every day, as Scott and crew constructed the frame, installed paper flowers by hand, covered the float with a tarp when rain threatened, treated it like crystal, and worked their butt off to finish it in time for the parade.
Jim Moore
Clarkston, visiting for the
summer from Tallahassee, Fla.
Dear Editor,
The Optimists made my optimistic hopes a reality on Saturday, July 26.
The new Whorl merry-go-round in Depot Park was donated by the Optimists. They not only donated it, they assembled it, put new tires on the truck, and sanded, steelwooled, and cleaned rust off the train engine, caboose, and truck. Then, they painted primer on the train and truck.
A yeoman’s job by the almost 20 men and women from the Optimists.
Ace Hardware, along with Joe Wauldron, donated primer and paint for the project. Coco Pizza, Curt Catallo and Ann Stevenson donated great pizzas for the crew’s lunch. John Morgan donated the tires for the truck. Tom Middleton wanted to know if I had called AAA to change them!
This is the greatest community!
On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Rotary will be having a workday, installing more equipment as well as painting the train and truck.
With deep gratitude to the community,
Gini Schultz
Friends of Depot Park Playground
Dear Editor,
We (The Mardlins) would like the community to know that there are families living in this neighborhood. Children play and people live. We should not be subjected to a late night drive-thru because that’s the only buyer the property owner can get.
The township was fair in our minds. They have the right to put conditions on approvals and that is exactly what they did. Unfortunately the Township has a very difficult task of trying to do the best for the community and we respect and appreciate their position in keeping the residents in mind when they limited the hours of operation.
We have small children in the neighborhood that need their rest & sleep, not to mention us adults that work & need sleep.
We don’t need to hear a drive-thru speaker, crew leaving for the night, cars in and out of the parking lot, cleaning crews coming in and out, dumpsters being emptied, delivery trucks coming and going, smells from oil & grease, rodents getting into the trash, etc.
I’m a parent, but I can still think of one reason why I would patron a fast food restaurant (especially drive-thru) that late in the evening. That is not the type of crowd that needs to be drawn to an otherwise residential neighborhood on the east side of Baldwin Rd.
We understand that it’s the last undeveloped corner of I-75 & Baldwin, but we need to be developed as a whole, not pieced out leaving residents there to suffer.
I would never purchase a home that close to a Taco Bell (or other fast food late night drive-thru establishment), I certainly don’t want one next to me now.
That is what I’d like the community to know. They need to know that our house is less than 20 feet off of the property line in question and that our home is elevated higher than where the development will take place and the standard buffers will simply do nothing to help us.
We’re not trying to be difficult, we’re trying to provide a safe environment for our family.
–Gary & Jessica Mardlin
Dear Editor,
The salaries of Independence Township’s supervisor, treasurer and clerk, a matter of public record, combine to a total of $211,623.25. In regard to the deputy supervisor’s salary, we do not have a deputy supervisor!
I don’t know what their benefits add up to but I doubt very much that it puts the number anywhere near $450,000. How did they get that number?
It seems to me that it is at best an erroneous figure, and quite possibly one that is intentionally misleading. The notion that a municipal administrator could be hired with out any additional staff additions also brings questions to mind.
Is this person going to be a one-person show running our township, or is he/she realistically going to need an administrative assistant? Did they include the cost of benefits in addition to the salary requirements of a municipal administrator when they did their math?
It is true, we do already have professionals advising the township board in legal, planning, engineering, investments and accounting, and they are doing a wonderful job. Take a look at the health of our community compared to the surrounding communities; we are growing in spite of the overall downturn of Michigan’s economy.
If the job duties of the proposed municipal administrator would be “very much like the deputy supervisor, whose job is now vacant,” as stated by the slate candidates Shelagh VanderVeen, Dan Travis, and Jeff McGee, and our township is currently operating, then why do we need one?
I agree consistency is much needed, and that is why I will be voting for the incumbent Dave Wagner for supervisor. I also feel that our community would benefit by improved communication and cooperation between department heads and board members.
That is why I will be voting for Joseph Lawrence for township clerk, and Curt Carson for treasurer, all hard- working individuals willing to do a full time job.
Diena Martin
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Independence Township can hire a professional municipal administrator to assist them with the much need assistance of the day-to-day operations’at no additional cost.
The recent letter challenging that was wrong because it compared apples to oranges.
The cost of the current supervisor, clerk and treasurer is $360,000.
This includes all their benefits, car allowance, etc. Counting in the cost of the recently abandoned position of deputy supervisor, the total is $450,000. The base salary for a top notch professional administrator would be approximately $105,000; with benefits the cost would be about $140,000.
Dan Travis, Shelagh VanderVeen and Jeff McGee, candidates for Independence Township’s offices of supervisor, clerk and treasurer, respectively, have also signed a pledge to cut their compensation to more than pay for the cost of a professional municipal administrator. The total compensation for all three will be less than $150,000, combined, meaning a minimum savings of $160,000.
Clearly, with the professional advice we deserve we will get the savings from the efficiencies of government we need in these tough economic times.
The Dan Travis group has also pledged to eliminate the cost of one of the most significant benefits of all. Currently, an Independence Township supervisor, clerk or treasurer who serves two full terms is entitled to medical benefits for them and their spouses for the rest of their lives. They will eliminate that; another substantial savings for the township.
Those trying to preserve the status quo are solely interested in preserving a job for the current supervisor. So they are willing intentionally inflate the cost and to say anything to confuse the issue; even incorrectly saying there will be other hidden costs like having a deputy. But with a professional, a deputy will not be necessary.
My candidate for treasurer, Jeff McGee, wouldn’t make that same mistake. He is the only candidate in the field who is qualified on ‘day one? to handle the financial affairs of Independence Township.
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I want to strongly encourage the residents of Springfield Township to support Laura Moreau, in her campaign for the office of Springfield Township clerk.
As a member of the Springfield Township Planning Commission, I have had the privilege of working with Laura during the last two years. In her role as Planning Commissioner, Laura is dedicated, engaged, prepared and has a vision of how Springfield Township can best manage the growth we will experience in the years to come.
Laura is also very interested in the quality of life we enjoy as residents of Springfield Township. She is an advocate of dedicated open space within residential developments, and has supported efforts to minimize the environmental impact of new development in our community.
As clerk, I know Laura will draw on these qualities not only to manage the daily challenges that face the township and the clerk’s office, but to serve as a steward for our community and the character that makes it such a great place to live.
Dean Baker
Springfield Township
Planning Commission
Dear Editor,
Shelagh VanderVeen is running for re-election as Independence Township clerk and she has my enthusiastic and unqualified support.
Shelagh has been an effective public official in her job as clerk and has proven herself to be an independent thinker and one who is not intimidated by the evolution of technology in her field.
Under her leadership, the Township Board now has paperless agendas and paperless packets through the utilization of new technology. This increased staff efficiency and resulted in cost savings as well.
She is low key and soft spoken, but does her job to perfection. Every election in Independence Township, since she has been elected clerk, has been conducted flawlessly.
Finally, I like Shelagh VanderVeen’s quote, ‘I’m not running to get a job ? I’m running to get a job done.
You go girl.
L. Brooks Patterson
Oakland County executive
Dear Editor,
I have known Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen for several years and have had many conversations with her regarding her strong commitment and dedication to the community of Independence Township.
In recent years as clerk, she has proven herself a independent leader but still able to maintain a team spirit for the benefit of the township.
I believe a vote for Shelagh VanderVeen is a vote for integrity, honesty, and thoughtful leadership for the next four years as clerk of Independence Township.
Esther Skibowski
Indepedence Township
Dear Editor,
We are writing to encourage Independence Township voters to please join us in voting for Curt Carson for Independence Township Treasurer on Aug. 5.
We know Curt to be an honest and forthright person who works well with others and has the core values and attributes we consider essential to the position of Treasurer. He possesses the necessary business background, has been involved in countless community organizations and will be a visible and approachable contact person.
Curt is a good listener and negotiator and we b elieve he will keep a careful eye on the Township’s investments. He has the vision to make the Township more efficient and is dedicated to providing the level of service we expect without increasing taxes.
Vote Aug 5th!
Karen and Harry Manvel
Indepedence Township
Dear Editor,
I am pleased that Neil Wallace is once again running for trustee in Independence Township. His service as trustee on the Township Board, 1996-2000, was exemplary.
As a member of our community he has worked diligently to support senior programs, fire and life support systems, safety paths, and orderly growth initiatives.
For almost 30 years I have witnessed first hand his unwavering dedication to our community. He has sacrificed his time and given us his energy and talent in making our community a better place.
Catherine Rush
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Phil Custodio’s ‘Maybe a manager” article (July 16) greatly heightened my interest in the upcoming elections and, more importantly, the objectives of those running.
I have read the profiles of candidates as well as other ‘letters to the editor? endorsing certain candidates for treasurer.’If I’m not mistaken, all the candidates for this position with exception of Jeff McGee, are local real estate agents.?
Now, I’m not intending to make light of the current real estate environment, and while I always relay on licensed realtors to handle all my real estate needs, I do not see how those skills transfer to the position of treasurer. Is it a fluke that this many realtors are running? When the real estate market comes back, how quickly will they look to get back into that lucrative career?
The question I ask is whether each of them truly has the best interests of the community in mind or are they simply looking for a temporary career??
Jeff McGee’s credentials appear to significantly outclass all the other candidates by a long shot.’He is presenting real issues relative to the municipal administrator.?
I think McGee and the group of candidates he is aligned with really do have the best interest of our community in mind and with the current economic conditions. It is critical that we, as a community, elect the most qualified people.
They will all be getting my vote in August and I support their plan to reduce their wages and hire a highly qualified manager.
Paul A Brown, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Lynn Medical Instruments Co.
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In approximately three weeks we will be voting in the most important election for our local government in the 43 years I have lived in this township.
The reason it’s so important is for the first time, a group of citizens have banded together in what they call a ‘slate.?
If they can get four members elected, they will control the Board of Trustees. This, of course, means they control the direction they want the township to take. Primarily, they believe a township manager should be hired to direct all township affairs.
They have some very good candidates. In fact, I will be voting for two of them.
I don’t believe a more efficient government would exist by placing our elected officials on a part-time basis.
I suggest to those who believe as I do, vote for no more than two of the members of the slate. This would assure our having at least four members who would not have an allegiance to anyone or any agenda.
Regardless, please vote.
John Thomas
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Over the course of one-and-a-half years and five township Planning Commission meetings, many Independence Township residents repeatedly voiced their opposition toward Beaumont building their development within residential neighborhoods.
Without question, the majority of those present at the meetings were opposed to Beaumont’s proposal.
Residents of Deer Valley, Brookstone, Cranberry Lakes Estates, Cranberry Pointe, Deerwood, as well as residents near these areas, felt Beaumont’s proposed building site was invasive upon the surrounding homes and feared that the development would have an adverse effect upon the value of their properties.
At the April 10 meeting, a petition with names over 350 residents was submitted to the commission. The petition stated residents opposed rezoning of property for Beaumont’s intended use.
Additionally, residents felt Beaumont’s proposal would bring about an increase in traffic, create an environmental degradation of the property and surrounding land, and increase the noise and light pollution that threatens the unique character of the Clarkston community.
Inspite of the resident’s efforts, the Planning Commission approved Beaumont’s conceptual site plan and request to rezone property that previously was zoned residential OS2.
Four of the five members who supported the Beaumont proposal are now seeking a postion on the Township Board. Those members are Curt Carson, Cheryl Karrick, Joseph Lawrence, and Sam Moraco. I believe that members of the Township Board should represent the voice of the majority of the people of the township. When you go vote, please remember to cast your vote for people who will represent the majority.
Ron Zeeman
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Springfield Township voters have a unique opportunity, Tuesday, Aug. 5, to elect a new township leader.
Our son, Danny O’Neill, is pursuing to lead Springfield Township citizens through the next tough economic years without compromising your great, pristine, pastoral and vibrant community. He is apprised and committed to continued excellence of our fire, police, health care, educational and transportational needs.
I know he is best suited to continue the great expectations of your future. Our families have invested years and in some cases a lifetime in this community and Danny will be the best choice for our future.
Please remember to vote for Danny O’Neill.
Dr. James and Mikel O’Neill
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Independence Township Voters ? Dream a Little! Our own State Representative from our own township! Dan Kelly! What a great vision! Think of the benefits in being able to call someone in Lansing who knows us, our needs and our community. When funding issues arise, when special projects and financing are available, who will Dan Kelly think of first ‘Independence Township.
Dan Kelly has the background and education to speak for us. Dan has served us well on the Township Board, the Lake Boards and the Planning Commission. He has innovative tax cutting and tax saving ideas for Lansing.
Dan Kelly is a family man with values we expect and trust. He is a conservative and pro-life
He has the endorsement of our current, highly regarded State Representative, John Stakoe. Remember to vote for our own man in Lansing! Dan Kelly for State Representative.
Joan McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I have been so disappointed with the disrespect that those campaigning for Dan Myslakowski have shown our community in the past weeks.
They seem to be placing signs wherever they feel like it, without regard for the ordinance, or more importantly the rights of the property owners.
Several well-respected members of our community have had to contact him to remove his signs from their property, repeatedly.
This ordinarily wouldn’t bother me enough to write, but the last straw was when a sign was placed, without any apparent knowledge of whose property it was, right outside the window of Debbie Gibb’s office. No permission, the sign simply appeared over the weekend.
Mrs. Gibb didn’t deserve the insult and neither does our community.
Now I see the signs of Matthew Gibb disappearing, and Mr. Gibb, a leader I have long watched, listened to, and respected, likewise does not deserve that type of politics.
I encourage all of your readers, and all in our community to watch the candidates forum your paper hosted with ONTV, as well as the Chamber of Commerce Forum, and the upcoming Orion Area Concerned Citizens debate on July 24.
Those sessions give only a small glimpse of the magnitude of Matthew Gibb’s leadership and knowledge of the issues facing Orion now and in the future.
Many of us in Orion have already been touched by the compassionate reason and fair minded leadership of Matthew Gibb. He is absolutely the right choice for Orion Township Supervisor, and I am so excited to be casting my vote for a real leader and friend to this community.
–Bob & Molly Wise
Dear Editor,
We would like to say thanks to Alice Young for all her help with’tax advice to our family in a time of need.?
Alice in so honest and trustworthy, we would count on her for the years we’ve known her personally, and the continued gifts she’brings’to the township of her talents and expertise as Orion Township Treasurer.?
A vote for Alice Young is a vote for the township.
–Kathy?& Michael Wieland
Dear Editor,
On August 5, we will have the opportunity to select the next Orion Township Supervisor. I encourage you to vote for Matthew Gibb.
I have served with Matthew on various boards and committees and have found him to be a reasonable person who has the best interests of the community at heart. I believe that Matthew brings the best balance of professional and governmental experience to the position.
He is passionate about Orion Township and will provide the leadership and direction that is needed to move Orion forward.
On August 5, I will be voting for Matthew Gibb as the Republican candidate for township supervisor. I urge you to do the same.
–Michael J. Gingell
Dear Editor,
Friends, neighbors and pharmacy customers, which I have served for over 15 years at the corner of Baldwin and Waldon.
Mary and I are writing this letter to let you know that we are enthusiastically supporting Dan Myslakowski for Orion Township Supervisor.
Dan has been very active in our community for over 20 years. He has also been elected and served as Macomb County Commissioner. He has been recognized and endorsed by the Macomb County Taxpayers? Association for being fiscally responsible.
Additionally, Dan has over 25 years of experience in managing people and multi-million dollar budgets.
Dan has the experience, integrity and dedication to best serve our Orion community.
The choice is clear. Please join us in supporting Dan Myslakowski for Orion Township Supervisor on August 5.
— Frank & Mary Grannett
Dear Editor,
Taxes seem to be the biggest expense we have. There are sales tax, luxury tax, inheritance tax, ticket tax, fuel tax, plus the evils: property tax and income tax.
Why do I say the property and income taxes are evil?
Well, look deep down into how the tax laws for the above-mentioned are written. If you don’t pay your income tax you then become a criminal and, in many instances, the government will fine you and send you to prison. And if you don’t pay your property tax, the government comes and seizes your property and throws you off, regardless of if you own the property free and clear.
You know this nation could generate more money by not taxing your income and property, but you see, regrettably, this United States is run by the super wealthy, greedy, two-faced politicians, who only care about one thing: themselves!
Oh yes, our two U.S. Congressional representatives, Joseph Knollenberg and Mike Rogers fall right in that group, as far as I’m concerned.
Just check out their track record in Congress and you’ll be surprised how they have sold us down the river, like Judas did to Jesus Christ, for two pieces of silver.
People, we better wake up because Mao Tse-tung, former chairman of Red China, said in 1949, ‘We will take over the United States of America and we won’t have to fire a shot.?
Keep on what you’re doing in Washington, D.C., Knollenberg and Rogers, and you’ll make Mao’s prediction come true.
–James B. Delavan
Dear Editor:
I am writing in support of Springfield Township Trustee candidate Judy Hensler. Judy is a very organized and analytical individual with outstanding leadership qualities.
Judy has applied these qualities as an organizer and active member of the Dixie Lake Homeowners Association and elected to the Board of Directors. She also has been appointed to the Dixie Lake Improvement Board. She has proven over and over her dedication and commitment to the residents of Dixie Lake.
August 5th will decide the government of Springfield Township for the next four years. A vote for Judy Hensler will help insure Springfield Township will head into the future in the hands of an enthusiastic, hard-working, and dedicated citizen.
Sincerely,
Mike Gregory, President
Dixie Lake Homeowners Association
Dear Editor,
It is with pride that I write to inform the residents that Donna Clancy is the person most qualified to be the Clerk for Springfield Township.
Donna’s expert guidance and attention to detail working with many of Michigan’s universities to pass their accreditation process is just what we need in the clerk’s position. She has experience working with elected officials to assure safety and quality programming for many large events in downtown Detroit.
Clancy is currently the Executive Director of the North Oakland SCAMP Funding Corporation and has the support of the Board of Directors who recognize the value of her integrity and leadership in meeting the needs of this program. Springfield Township will, from Donna’s seasoned leadership, teamwork attitude and vision for excellence.
There is no better choice for Springfield. I support the election of Donna Clancy and encourage everyone in our township to vote on August 5th for the most qualified candidate of his or her choice.
Claude Trim
Former Supervisor of Springfield Township
Former State of Michigan Representative
Dear Editor:
In the race to succeed me as Springfield Township Clerk, Laura Moreau stands out among the crowd of candidates vying for this position.
Long before she decided to run for Clerk, Laura demonstrated — by her actions — a strong commitment to the Springfield community. Whether leading her homeowners’ association, or representing her neighbors in presentations before the Township Board, or in her current position as a member of the Springfield Township Planning Commission, Laura has shown herself to be a thoughtful and energetic problem-solver who is not afraid to tackle tough issues on behalf of Springfield residents and the beautiful community she has come to cherish.
My decision to retire after 16 years as Clerk and four years as Trustee was difficult. But once made, my decision to strongly support Laura Moreau was very easy: because she is, by far, the best and most qualified candidate for Springfield Township Clerk.
Sincerely,
Nancy Strole
Springfield Township Clerk
Here we go again. A new political season brings out the animals. Signs everywhere you look. Everyone wants your vote. You see names over and over again. From Township board to County Commissioner to Supervisor to Treasurer to State Representative, these are all political machines that turn on and never turn off. Some never get out of the system. We support them with salary and benefit entitlements forever. Then their family members get involved because it’s turned into a family business.
Dan Kelly wants to change all of that. He actually has a job. While he is working hard at his job, he participates in local politics so that you and I don’t have to. He will protect us citizens from bad policies. He doesn’t, and will not, participate in ‘IOU? politics where the concerns are whether lobby groups will give money for the next re-election campaign. He is truly a citizens? guardian that we can trust as a State Representative. Make this year’s vote for one of our outstanding citizens.
Shivajee Nallamothu,
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
When the voters of Independence Township cast their vote on Aug. 5, they will have elected the township board members at that point.
The November election will be just a formality. It is very important that voters take a very good look at the candidates running for trustee, treasurer, clerk and township supervisor.
There is a group that calls themselves a slate, meaning they are running in unison and have the same thoughts and goals in running this township. This is not what the township needs.
We need individual thinkers who can say no when necessary. I do not believe this slate of individuals will give us that option. When they were interviewed by Jeff Decker on Comcast recently every one of them urged voters to vote for each person on the slate – they named each person.
I hope that voters will take a very hard look at ALL the candidates. There are some very good ones running that are not on the slate.
We need individuals who will stand up to what they personally believe in and what is best for the township. I don’t believe this slate of candidates will give us that option.
Bob Brown
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Donna Clancy is running for Springfield Township clerk. Everyone in our area knows who Donna is.
Not only is she the outstanding executive director of SCAMP but she is the 2007 Clarkston area Citizen of the Year.
How lucky we are that Donna now would like to share her expertise, enthusiasm and experience with us! Donna’s platform is ‘preserving our future? with smart growth, wetland conservation and safety as her main issues. She wants to move Springfield Township forward but at the same time keep the beautiful ‘up north? feel for which most of us moved here.
With her integrity, her foresight, her commitment to teamwork and her strong organizational skills, Donna has the background, ability and vision to accomplish the goals needed to move Springfield Township forward.
Carol and Joe Mazzeo
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
As someone who has lived in Springfield Township for over 72 years, including serving you for 16 years as a state representative and four years as township supervisor, a good share of my life has been spent working to make Springfield Township the beautiful place we enjoy today.
My other priority was making sure that government did not get too big or expensive.
Recently, I met Springfield Supervisor candidate Mike Trout. I could tell immediately that Mike cares deeply about Springfield Township and the people who live here. With the retirement of the current supervisor, it is extremely important that we elect someone who has experience in managing public organizations.
I am impressed with Mike’s qualifications for the job. As deputy director of Bishop Airport, and director at Detroit City Airport, Mike Trout has dealt with many of the same issues a township supervisor must handle on a daily basis’everything from planning and zoning to facilities maintenance, budgeting, and public safety. He also is a professional planner with a Master’s degree in public administration.
I am most impressed, however, by Mike’s approach to government and his philosophy of putting the taxpayers first, and keeping government as small as possible, while being accountable to the people and responsive to real problems.
Claude Trim
Former state representative, former Springfield Township supervisor
Davisburg
Dear Editor,
Moraco is our Man! Elect Sam Moraco as trustee, Independence Township. Sam has served our township as a diligent, informed, conscientious planning commissioner for five years.
This year, he is the chairman and he conducts the meetings in such a way to give the general public every chance to express its views. He is fair and polite to the petitioners, the consultants, his fellow commission members and members of the audience.
Mr. Moraco has attended almost every class offered to the planning commissioners and has attained Master Citizen Planner from the Michigan Association of Planners.
Everyone in the community has heard about Sam Moraco’s amazing job at the new Senior Center. He was the main contractor on the building and had his friends and fellow tradesman give of their time and talents to bring it in at the lowest price possible.
Now we have a safe, clean new space for the senior citizens to use. Thank you, Sam Moraco!
Do you read Hour Magazine of Detroit? See the version highlighting the McCord House. Another rescue job by Sam Moraco!
He purchased the McCord house, barn and property when it was in total disrepair. The Moracos completely renovated it and brought it back to its 1800’s splendor using the original materials. There is a beautiful barn being restored at this time.
These buildings are of historical significance in Independence Township and he should be complimented on it by all who appreciate this township, its history and its ambiance. If you see it, you will see it has been a labor of love.
All of the above was being done while Sam Moraco owned and operated his own small business. Working hard everyday to make it in this economy, but still giving to the community and serving the taxpayers. Isn’t this the type of person we want on our Board of Trustees?
Delbert and Joan McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am new to this beautiful community of Independence Township, two and a half years. My wife and I purchased our home next door to Curt Carson, who is running for the office of township treasurer.
In this short time, Curt has shown he is very community minded and wants only the best for its citizens. He has helped my wife and I get settled here with the least amount of difficulty. He’s a take-charge person with a solid background in finances.
He is a good family man who has the right stuff. He has, and will always be, looking out for the best interest of Independence Township.
Donald J. Blais
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I just received some literature asking me to vote for Dave Wagner, Independence Township supervisor, and I ask, ‘why should I,? when he cannot even answer my request for information on a complaint I filed?
On May 28, 2008, I filed a complaint with him about the Waterford Hills Race Track, in accordance with the ordinance and requested the results of the complaint.
On June 18, 2008, I requested the results of the complaint again, and of this date, I have not had a reply.
The least he could do as a common courtesy is to answer my request.
James K. Conway
Independence Township
Ed. Note: Dave Wagner said he responded to noise complaints from Mr. Conway in the past and continues to monitor the situation.
Dear Editor,
On behalf of Clarkston Athletic Boosters, I want to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the continued contributions of Drs. R. Abraham, M. Baker, D. Moscovic, T. O’Neill, D. Machnacki, L. Baylis, Clarkston Medical Group staff, Kevin Walsh, and Stephanie LeBeau. Specifically, we wish to thank you for the time and professional services you donated to the recent student athlete sports physical benefit event.
Your donation of time and professional services to provide 200 sports physicals to our athletes was a direct contribution of nearly $4,000. The proceeds from this event will directly impact our athletes and the programs they participate in.
The contributions by such kind and generous volunteers are a solid reminder of why it is so great to live in this community. Thank you for your continued support of our student athletes and volunteers.
Sincerely,
Keith M. Clement, president
Clarkston Athletic Boosters
Dear Editor,
With the retirement of four-term Springfield Township Clerk Nancy Strole, Springfield voters will elect a new clerk from five candidates at the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 5, primary.
As a Springfield Township resident, I know how tirelessly Nancy worked to protect our irreplaceable green spaces, focus development in appropriate areas, and just as important, provide efficient and responsive public services. Now more than ever, the township needs qualified people with the character and determination to stay the course during these challenging economic times.
That’s why I believe Springfield Township should elect Republican Laura Moreau for Township Clerk on August 5th.
Laura is currently serving on the Springfield Township Planning Commission. She has a solid resume, from her education to her history of active neighborhood and community service. She is, in my opinion, the most qualified candidate to represent our community in this important office.
Remember, Aug. 5 IS the election. The number one vote getter will run unopposed in the November general election. Laura is the only candidate to receive the endorsement of Nancy Strole to succeed her as clerk.
Neil Willson
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
As a current member of the Independence Township Board of Trustees, I thought it appropriate to share my views on the issue of a township manager which I oppose in the form suggested by a group of candidates.
The concept was first posed to the Township Board some two years ago by Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen, and supported by Trustee Dan Travis, who are now current proponents of the plan and members of the “slate” trying to get elected on this single issue.
The plan appeared to be designed to force this change upon the people of the community by a mere vote of the board, as if it were just another routine agenda item. I vehemently opposed this end run, arguing that a change this significant to our form of government needed to be voted on by the people at a general election. As I investigated the plan (or lack thereof), it became apparent that the idea was wholly deficient in many respects and that the cost savings were illusory.
We were told that Delta Township was the model for a “manager”, a community with 6,000 less residents than Independence Township. But when I investigated the alleged “cost savings”, I was amazed to find that rather than saving money as claimed by Vanderveen, Delta was spending $350,000/year more on its “manager” than our Township did merely on its supervisor as Delta still has a full time clerk and treasurer along with the manager.
Following the publishing of the Oakland Press’s editorial article confirming the lack of any meaningful plan, Vanderveen and Travis dropped the idea since it became clear that other members of the board were no longer going to support such an idea.
Now it’s back, and nothing has changed, except of course the wild charges that the sky is falling, township employees are unresponsive, and only through hiring a manager can we handle the complexities of modern government, all of which is untrue which is confirmed by the many accomplishments of the Wagner administration over the past four years, including increasing budget surpluses, building of a senior center without the need for a millage, and others.
Still, after two years, no facts have been brought forward to support the exaggerated and unfounded claims of saving money which reminds me of a saying that my father used to say that “when government says its going to save you money, watch your wallet.”
As your current township trustee, I say this, the people of our community need to have the flexibility and dependability of three full-time administrators that are beholden to the voters and that can be voted out of office if they are not responsive to the community.
We should all expect to be able to visit the Township offices during business hours and meet our elected officials and not be told they are out selling real estate, golfing, or working their real job.
Inherent changes to government should only be accomplished by a vote of the people in a general election so as to assure the community that as a whole it is agreeable. For these reasons, I oppose the idea of a township manager as contemplated by the “slate” and I urge the voters of the community to vote against those candidates who support it.
Charles Dunn
Independence Township Trustee
Dear Editor,
As much as Dr. O’Neill has done for our community, he is wrong about our local election this time (‘Reasons against manager idea,? July 9).
First, the current supervisor has not given us surpluses in our budget. Moreover, we should not have surpluses. We should either spend the money or lower taxes.
We now accrued a massive slush fund of $5,000,000, an amount that far exceeds what the Michigan Township Association recommends.
Spend it or return it.
Currently, a majority of the board has decided to hoard this money with a vague designation of future possible capital improvements. Be wary of politicians with excess cash.
Furthermore, Dr. O’Neill is wrong about the very real value of obtaining the assistance of a professional municipal administrator for day-to-day operations.
Until recently, we had a deputy supervisor, so the administrator would not even add one person to the board.
In addition, this administrator will actually cost us less because of the reduction in compensation pledged by candidates Dan Travis, Shelagh VanderVeen, and Jeff McGee. Finally, the efficiencies of having a professional on board will save us money in the long term as well.
In another letter (‘Township doesn’t need ‘czar,? July 9), Mr. Neumark suggests that this current board has not allowed any major developments. However, the McLaren project is more than twice the size of the big-box proposal that was defeated because of citizen pressure, not the current township board. Development, big and little, continues rapidly throughout the township.
The proposed administrator will not be the czar, as Mr. Neumark suggests, but will give the citizens of Independence Township a professional township administrator specifically educated and trained in municipal management.
As an employee of the township, the administrator will report to the Township Board and therefore indirectly to the voters, or be removed from his position.
As the township grows it is only in our best interest to have a professional consultant to advise the Township Board in these increasingly complex matters. Just as many people have financial advisors to assist them in personal financial matters, The township needs to seek similar assistance.
Independence Township can no longer afford to be run by those who don’t have the proper level of municipal expertise. Our community has grown to the point where we must accept this next level of professional support.
The township must continue to look toward and embrace its future. A vote for Dan Travis, Shelegh VanderVeen, Jeff McGee, Bart Clark, David Lohmeier and Neil Wallace is what is best for our community’s future.
Sincerely,
James Williamson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
After over 30 years in Clarkston, I finally feel prompted to express an opinion other than to thank the community for supporting one of our Rotary projects.
Every election year, the Independence Township electors have a choice of several good, qualified candidates for local political office. This year is no different. I am acquainted with all of the township candidates, many of whom are good friends. I admire their willingness to put up with the expense, aggravation and sometimes some political criticism. It is always a difficult choice for me.
However, we have a new twist this year. Six candidates calling themselves ‘the slate? are collectively running for all of the township offices: supervisor, clerk, treasurer and trustees. They have joined together with a dedication to bring professional management to the township and downsize some of the elected positions.
The township is a $27,000,000 enterprise and professional management makes a lot of sense. I am definitely for anything that will give the residents more in the way of services for the same or less tax cost.
There are several other qualified candidates running as individuals. I’m sure they are capable of doing a good job. However, to bring about changes that will result in good professional management for the township, we need a team of elected officials who are dedicated to make this happen.
I am supporting Dan Travis, Shelagh VanderVeen, Jeff McGee, Bart Clark, David Lohmeier, and Neil Wallace.
I hope the township electors will give them their consideration and strong endorsement.
Sincerely,
Mike Spillum
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you to restate my position regarding personal health care benefits obtained through the township. I have paid for all of them.
The supervisors? backers, Mike Clark and Rudy Lozano for well over a year have abused their speaking privilege in nearly all Public Comments opportunities during our Township Board meetings. They have implied some wrongdoing on my part and on the part of other board members allied with me. It has been an orchestrated effort to damage me personally and our campaign to defeat he supervisor in the Aug. 5 primary elections.
The Township Board directed our attorney to investigate many months ago and he responded that there was no wrongdoing on my part. In fact, the supervisor also took advantage of the same heath care coverage. Asked and answered.
The public should be made aware of my long held philosophy that part-time trustees do this work as a community service component of their good citizenship.
Trustees do not receive health care benefits paid for by the township.
Indeed, in the years prior to my seeking office, part-time trustees did receive township paid benefits for health care and were enrolled in a pension fund.
In point of fact, Rudy Lozano as a trustee was himself a beneficiary of these programs. This was a major campaign issue for me in 1980 and 1984. I believed these were totally inappropriate ‘perks? for part-time elected officials to receive.
During my second term, I was able to gain enough support from the Township Board to end these programs. On my motion, the 5-2 vote ended these egregious perks for part-time trustees.
Asked and answered.
Dan Travis
Independence Township trustee
Dear Editor,
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to thank all those who participated in the 15th Annual Golf Outing at Springfield Oaks Golf Course on June 13.
The following Sponsors, Prize Contributors, and Volunteers helped to make this fundraiser a huge success. On behalf of the Clarkston area families we serve, we thank you!
Tournament Sponsor: John Bowman Chevrolet Inc.;
Golf Cart Sponsor: Clarkston Community Woman’s Club;
Hole In One Sponsor: Chuck Fortinberry Clarkston Chrysler ? Jeep;
Golf Outing Committee: Jim Wenger and Joe Wauldron, co-chairmen; Anita Demster, Marian Emery, Cassandra Goulding, Merelyn Mallett, Pat Shepanek, Kathryn Mcvean;
Volunteers: Gini Schulz, Tami Bloom, Brian Shepanek, Dan Fromm, Ann Dutton, Roberta Smithson, Steven Demster Jr., Nick Lum, Dona Morden, Pat Glowzinski;
Program and Tickets: courtesy of The Print Shop;
Plaque: donated by Classic Trophies;
Signs, donated by More Than Signs;
Exclusive Hole Sponsors: Judge Dana Fortinberry, Lisa Hendricks-Real Estate One, Merrill Lynch Bloomfield Hills, Munder Capital Management, Oakland County Credit Union, Ross Controls;
Shared Hole Sponsors: Chase Plastic Services, Inc., Hubbell Roth and Clark, Inc., Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Oxford Bank ? Clarkston Branch, Eagle Eye Inspection, Inc., Kieft Engineering Inc., Bruce P. Mercado D.D.S., P.C.;
Prize Contributors: Brioni, Carl’s Golf Land, Clarkston Auto Wash Company, Clarkston Medical Group, Clarkston Union, Deer Lake Backcourt Restaurant, Flagstar Bank, Fowler Real Estate, Great Turtle Toys, Lisa’s Confections, Meijers, Oxford Bank ? Clarkston Branch, Pine Knob Golf Course, Pine Knob Wine Shoppe, Sally Kabani, Springfield Oaks Golf Course, Tenuta’s Food Lane, The Bird Feeder, Town Center Auto Wash, Village Apparel, Waterfall Jewelry, Weingartz; and
Monetary Donation: Larry and Pat Shepanek, Steve and Anita Demster.
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance
Dear Editor,
Endorsements are potentially important in judicial and other elections, as supposedly influential and unbiased quasi-public organizations will hopefully lend their considered, and researched opinions in the form of an ‘endorsement of approval? in order to influence the voting public as to their candidate of choice in any particular election based, hopefully, upon their evaluation of all the candidates in the race.
While this submission is not directed at my incumbent opponent, she is claiming the following endorsements in her campaign: Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Command Officers Association; Police Officers Association of Michigan; and Michigan State Police Troopers’Association ? Groveland Team.
I was not contacted by any of them.
It appears that what we have here are at least three potentially influential organizations who have decided to lend the credibility of their membership to an incumbent candidate, without even considering the existence, comparative integrity, quality, experience, or competence of the three other qualified candidates in the race.
So what are these quasi-public endorsements worth? In my opinion…little to nothing. They are apparently without any form of inquiry as to the candidates and the real issues and any real due diligence is conspicuous in its absence, but I’m sure you will decide for yourself on Aug. 5.
This is an extremely important race for the citizens of the 52-2 District, Clarkston and surrounding townships, and I encourage you to be fully informed as to who you want judging you, your family, your business, and your friends for the next six years.
Mark W. Lyon
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Voting in a local election can be difficult if you don’t know most of the candidates. It can be hard to understand from the mailers what each candidate’s real priorities are, and even harder to know how effective that candidate will be at serving the community.
Here’s my tip to those of you who don’t know for whom to vote: try John Steimel.
I endorse John Steimel because he showed up at my house one day, well before election season, to try to understand some problems in my neighborhood. He didn’t promise anything, but wanted to know what was happening. He took the time to ask about our complicated and challenging private road issues. And when we explained it (no small task!), he got it.
Since that initial meeting, John Steimel has attended our neighborhood association general membership meeting, an association board meeting, and has remained in contact with our association board as we have sought to develop a comprehensive solution.
He did his own research and suggested creative options to help us achieve a result. It is clear to me that he is smart and capable of ‘thinking outside the box.? He has given up many hours of his personal time to work with us. He has been accessible and supportive to our goals.
It seems to me that this is just what we want from our local officials ? someone who takes the time to be involved and helpful.
–Tracy Jensen
Dear Editor,
Last week in Orion kicked off with a long-awaited controversial supervisor’s report on just what happened at Friendship Park.
Our Supervisor, Mr. Dywasuk, reported that the illicit dumping at Friendship Park was truly a mystery, no one knows were the fill came from, no one knows how it happened, and the Parks director is missing.
I do believe our supervisor will ask the board to put Scooby’Doo on a retainer!
The rest of the week was energized by our local Orion Township candidates going from one fundraiser to another.
It’s like brief glimpses into the future where you’re witnessing the next four years of issues being exposed right before your eyes.
Night after night the same people mingling about, shaking hands and talking about change.
As one candidate, whom I shall refer to as the ‘Intimidator,? enters these events, the buzz of excitement and hope for the future quickly turns to silent despair. The mingling crowd fragments into groups and the whispers become deafening, reminding me of my junior high school lunchroom.
Then, as if this was a poorly scripted horror movie, the Eagle Valley Landfill representative returns from the abyss of community abandonment and joins with the ‘Intimidator? and company.
The ‘Intimidator’s? group begins to move towards the smaller groups, the smaller groups ever so cautiously scatter, and the entire setting becomes ever more subdued.
So why has this Eagle Valley representative, whom I shall refer to as ‘KK?, been spotted all over our community this year handing out money? ‘KK? has also been promising contributions to all the candidates.
Which candidates will be accepting these monies? Which will refuse them?
History has a tendency of repeating itself and the 1991 landfill expansion benefited individuals more than the community, and those individuals are candidates once again.
Apparently there are some major issues coming – so do you want to complain after the damage is done, or do you want to do something about it before it happens?
The August 5, 2008 primary is huge for the people of Orion Township and the Village. Which candidates will endorse the Eagle Valley Landfill Expansion?
Will the Village candidates have the majority on the Township Board?
What about the 72-inch water main project that will be run down Silverbell between Adams and Brown Road?
And, don’t forget about the needed Police and Fire millages.
We all know times are tough, and tough times require a board that’s willing to work together.
Orion Township already has a scarred past when it comes to diplomacy, you can make it better or you can make it worse.
It’s up to us to vote on August 5, 2008.
–Joseph Geraci
Dear Editor,
Phil Custodio’s ‘Maybe a manager” article (July 16) greatly heightened my interest in the upcoming elections and, more importantly, the objectives of those running.
I have read the profiles of candidates as well as other ‘letters to the editor? endorsing certain candidates for treasurer.’If I’m not mistaken, all the candidates for this position with exception of Jeff McGee, are local real estate agents.?
Now, I’m not intending to make light of the current real estate environment, and while I always relay on licensed realtors to handle all my real estate needs, I do not see how those skills transfer to the position of treasurer. Is it a fluke that this many realtors are running? When the real estate market comes back, how quickly will they look to get back into that lucrative career?
The question I ask is whether each of them truly has the best interests of the community in mind or are they simply looking for a temporary career??
Jeff McGee’s credentials appear to significantly outclass all the other candidates by a long shot.’He is presenting real issues relative to the municipal administrator.?
I think McGee and the group of candidates he is aligned with really do have the best interest of our community in mind and with the current economic conditions. It is critical that we, as a community, elect the most qualified people.
They will all be getting my vote in August and I support their plan to reduce their wages and hire a highly qualified manager.
Paul A Brown, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Lynn Medical Instruments Co.
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As candidates for Independence Township’s offices, we propose to hire a professional municipal administrator to assist us in the day-to-day operations of our government.
Our township, with its multi-million dollar budget and modern complexities is at the point in its evolution where we need someone who is educated, trained, and experienced to deal with the complexities of modern government. This can be done at no additional cost by reducing the township’s total cost of $450,000 for supervisor, clerk, and treasurer and for deputy supervisor.
This change can be done without any other staff additions and will provide much needed consistency, as well as efficiencies that will save us money in these tough economic times.
We already have professionals advising us for legal, planning, engineering, investment and accounting.
As with these professionals, the board will remain in full control of the township and will be responsive and responsible to all citizens.
This administrator would be very much like the deputy supervisor whose job is now vacant, except the administrator will be specifically educated and trained in municipal management.
In order to accomplish this important step forward, we three candidates or the offices of Independence Township government each pledge and agree by this writing to the reduction in compensation determined by the township board to provide the compensation for the administrator at the time of the hiring. Some of the functions of these offices will necessarily be turned over to the administrator.
However, each of us will remain fully engaged, fully involved, and fully responsible to the citizens of Independence Township, devoting all the time necessary to serve this community.
Dan Travis, candidate for supervisor
Shelagh VanderVeen, clerk
Jeff McGee, candidate for treasurer
Dear Editor,
Before the first of the year I made a decision not to seek another term as treasurer of Independence Township. I weighed several options, and decided to publicize my intentions so as to encourage a wider field of candidates for the office.
Four people turned in their petitions for treasurer by the deadline in May. The candidates are Curt Carson, Sandy Dubre, Jeff McGee, and Cheryl Karrick. All four are running as Republicans. No Democratic candidate filed. The winner of the Aug. 5 primary will become the next treasurer. In fact, there are no Democrats running for any of the elected positions for the Independence Township Board of Trustees. The Aug. 5 primary election will determine who sits on the next Township Board.
My endorsement goes to Curt Carson. I have found Curt to be a sincere and hard-working individual. Curt’s concern for and interest in the community has been evident in his involvement in several community organizations and the Planning Commission.
I believe Curt could perform the duties of treasurer and board member well. Keeping an open mind and being prepared are attributes Curt has shown to possess. Curt can work with people holding differing viewpoints to build consensus.
Vote on Aug. 5.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Please join me and our family, Aug. 5, in voting for Dave Wagner for township supervisor, and Charlie Dunn, Larry Rosso, and Mark Petterson for trustee.
Dave has turned our township around in a very adverse economy, given us a surplus of $300,000, $600,000, and $650,000 the last three years, and rebuilt the senior center at a savings of $250,000 without a bond issue of several million dollars.
The fire department is well funded and one of our ‘nation’s designated best fire departments,? due to be expanded this fall. Orco and big boxes are gone, legal bills are under control and truly Dave’s promises have been kept and exceeded.
As regarding the plan to change to township governance from elected to a township manager, I’m opposed for three reasons.
Number one, it’s going to create a larger government, removed from the voters. Secondly, it will cost more. Third, it should be a ballot initiative, voted on only by the electorate, not an elitist board that knows more than we the people.
Dr. James O’Neill
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the letter ‘Group would help township? (June 18). The letter writer speaks of a township manager who will assist the Board of Trustees in running Independence Township.
Let me correct him. The manager will not assist the board. He will be running the township, as the board abdicates its responsibilities to the voters and chooses to go ‘part time.? Secondly, the manager will not be responsible to the voters, only to the seven persons who hire him, and mainly to the person who will be the kingpin of the board, whom I believe will be none other than Mr. Neill Wallace.
This manager will answer only to his bosses and will carry out only their wishes. As voters, we cannot allow this to happen. It sounds good to have an ‘assistant,? but we will not be assisted by the manager. We will be at his mercy in township affairs.
The writer also decries advancement of developers into our rural township. Well, in four years, our trustees, led by our supervisor, has not allowed major development to come into our township.
The only developments have been the shopping areas along Sashabaw, very much a part of our master plan and the 20/20 design. We now have a Krogers and a CVS we can utilize for shopping, a couple of new restaurants and carryouts, and a beautiful boulevard. Where is the big box?
To be truthful, our Board of Trustees has stood guard to make sure this type of development has not put its foot down in Independence Township.
The kind of leadership we have is the kind we need. We do not need a ‘czar? to run our township for a large paycheck. I am voting independently, and not for a slate, to stand watch over Independence Township.
Fred Neumark
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Recently, in a letter to the editor, we read of a ‘group of individuals? running for Township Board ‘to stem growth, i.e.: Beaumont Hospital and any other big endeavor that might be forthcoming? (‘Manager idea wouldn’t work,? June 11).
One of the above-mentioned individuals, Neil Wallace, has been a principal leader of Citizens for Orderly Growth since 1987! He and other members of that group, including Bark Clark, Dan Travis, Jeff McGee, David Lohmeier, and Shelagh Vanderveen, have worked diligently to protect the beauty and character of Independence Township by making sure the Master Plan is respected and followed.
Our town has grown to be a multimillion-dollar business. As new challenges arise, more expertise is required to ‘oversee? the day-by-day operations of the government. Efficient management demands well educated, experience, and full time dedication to detail. A well-run business saves time and money. There is no condensed version of excellence, and all means necessary shall be used to achieve it.
True, ‘this new slate wants to hire a professional full-time manager.? And yes, ‘keep the supervisor, clerk, and treasurer.? As they have stated, ‘our candidates for the full time elected offices have all agreed that they will reduce their duties and compensation to make this happen, so there will be no increase in expense.?
Responsible voters want to know the candidates they choose will have experience, dedication, be well educated, and most importantly, know their limitations.
I’m confident, after meeting these people, listening to their plans, and realizing the extent of their services to this community, they can be assured of my vote.
I hope you will get to know these candidates and support them on Aug. 5.
Mary White
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Twenty-eight years on the Independence Township Board ? 28! Twenty-three years on the Independence Township Planning Commission. A long list of civic involvement in our community, any one of which would label him a good citizen. You might say Dan Travis has done his bit for us; I would. And I would say he owes us nothing.
But now he is offering us even more; to take us to the much needed next step in our evolution as a community, a better, less expensive, more consistent and responsive way to run our Independence Township government ? the assistance of a professional municipal administrator for the township’s day-to-day operations.
This will free the supervisor, clerk and treasurer to focus on their statutory duties and, more importantly, to concentrate on better policies, processes, and long-term planning. This will not only serve us well in these tough, financial times, but on into our future growth.
One more time, Dan Travis is guiding us by a simple principle: ‘What is best for our township??
It’s all decided Aug. 5. It’s your decision if you vote. Vote your best interest; vote for Dan Travis for supervisor.
Neil E. Wallace
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We need to keep Dave Wagner ? don’t believe what you’re hearing.
We had a surplus in the budget in 2006-2007 out of which they built a new senior center, but also had close to a $600,000 surplus in the 2007-2008 budget.
Vote for Dave Wagner on Aug. 5.
Rudy D. Lozano
Independence Township
Elections are drawing near and it’s time for change. We need people that have accomplished tasks that maintain welfare, safety and security for the residents of this township and have a proven track record. Helen Barwig has worked diligently and non-stop for the betterment of Oxford and its people for over 20 years.
Thanks to Helen Barwig, we are rid of the corrupt Police Chief Gary Ford.
Thanks to Helen Barwig, we are rid of OPFEC.
Thanks for Helen Barwig for alerting the residents of the contamination of our water system and encouraging the officials to strive for a safer avenue of drinking water.
Thanks to Helen Barwig, dishonest board members are no longer serving.
Thanks to Helen Barwig for donating her time to FISH.
I do not know of any person that has worked so hard for so long to guard the integrity of this township, to keep it honest and protect the rights of its citizens. Let’s put Helen Barwig in a seat where her voice will count when working for the residents that live here. Vote for Helen for Oxford Township Trustee.
Sandy Schefke
Oxford
Bill Dunn and the current Oxford Township trustees are not interested in representing their constituents.
In July 2007, it was proposed that Oxford Township establish a noxious weed ordinance for properties in subdivisions. This ordinance would have helped ensure that our neighborhoods are kept attractive for residents and future home buyers. We don’t want prospective buyers to come here and see lawns full of uncut grass and long weeds. Bill Dunn and the township trustees decided that excessive grass/weed height is not important to the homeowners surrounding a neglected property and that it is the property owner’s right to negatively impact the neighborhood and reduce property values. I was astounded that these elected officials did not have the common sense to see the importance of keeping the community looking good. Property values have dropped enough without having noxious weeds adding to the problem.
It is kind of ironic, though. Bill Dunn lives in the Village of Oxford and his neighborhood is protected from long grass and weeds by a noxious weed ordinance enacted by the village.
I asked the township board: ‘Ok, if you aren’t interested in passing a noxious weed ordinance, how many signatures on a petition would you need to receive to demonstrate that there is community support for such an ordinance that will help protect property values in our community?? The answer was, ‘We don’t care how many you get, we will not pass a noxious weed ordinance.? Well, that sure does not sound like a group of people that are interested in representing their constituents and getting re-elected.
It is time for change and to vote for officials who are interested in representing and working with township residents. Please get out and vote for candidates who will represent the majority and help us protect our property values.
Mick Steiner
Oxford
The Oxford Township Parks and Recreation department has earned the support of voters in the upcoming election. The department provides a wide range of programs as well as some of the best recreational parks in the area. The administrators of the department have proven to be responsive to citizens? concerns and requests for new programs. It is important to note that a ‘yes? vote means renewal of the present millage ? not an increase. A ‘yes? vote will insure the continuation of the programs and parks.
Merle Smith
Oxford
This past Fourth of July, I drove through the Village of Oxford. It seemed like an average day. Why? Not even a flag or banner reminding us of our great reason for this day.
The great sacrifices so many made so we could enjoy a safe, free lifestyle with benefits that people in other countries could only imagine.
Thank you, Oxford, for your thoughtfulness.
George Gernat
Oxford
Dear Editor,
I was honored to be allowed to attend the live broadcast of the Orion Township Candidates Night, held at ONTV on Monday, June 30.
I learned quite a bit about our candidates and their issues, some fresh and interesting, and some old and stale, a repeat of their past accomplishments.
I’ve said in the past that Orion Township needs new blood. To re-elect people like Matt Gibb, John Steimel and JoAnn Van Tassel, in my view, would be like changing your motor oil and leaving on the old filter.
Gibb and Steimel have already shown me what they’re all about by their past actions as township trustees.
If you recall, at one time, they were political allies with Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk (also with them was present Trustee John Garlicki) forming the now forgotten ‘Four Horsemen,? in which they thought of themselves as a team to get various issues and ordinances passed. Remember the words of Dywasuk, ‘I’m a team player.?
Soon, the team of the Four Horsemen became history, with the closing of the Gingellville Community Center, and the removal of Deputy Supervisor Jill Verros, along with the still ongoing Friendship Park dumping scandal. It became tougher for these four allies to come to an agreement, and thus many of the township problems were turned over to the attorneys, which means more of your tax dollars being wasted. And, don’t forget, Matt Gibb is also an attorney!
Van Tassel, the former township supervisor, trustee and Lake Orion village manager, is seeking another comeback. There is an old saying that a zebra never changes its stripes or a leopard its spots.
In 1992, the people of Orion Township chose to elect Doug Brown over her as supervisor, mainly because of the nasty attitude she had towards many citizens.
Oh sure, she kept the State of Michigan from building a prison here in Orion Township, something that she seems to be using a lot in her campaign these days. But a lot of people are still around in Orion that remember the triple-digit property tax assessments, that were only lowered by the passing of Proposal A in 1994.
I’ve lived here since 1992 and have been attending meetings at the township since 1997. From what I’ve seen here, we need some fresh new changes.
We, as citizens, can change this by voting in these new people. There are Dan Myslakowski, Mark Crane, Sandra Walker and Mike Toth, to name a few, who would be a welcome change in Orion Township.
But, you know what it really takes is to have more citizens watch and start taking control of what’s going on. I’m tired of hearing people say, ‘There’s nothing you or I can do about it, the government is going to do what they want anyway!?
That’s what happened in Germany in 1934, Italy in 1922, Russia in 1917 and Cuba in 1959. It seems that people had that same attitude back in those years.
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
With rising gas prices, the increasing costs of everyday goods and a struggling economy, the people who produce, distribute and sell some of your favorite beers want you to know that we are committed to keeping our local economy strong.
For 71 years, Hubert Distributors has been an integral part of the Oakland County community, distributing Anheuser Busch beers.
Our business represents a major economic force by generating significant jobs, wages and taxes for our community. However, our contributions don’t stop there.
Whether it’s promoting the responsible consumption of our beers, working to protect the environment, providing charitable donations or volunteering at local causes, Hubert Distributors has always been there in times of celebration and in times of need with donations to Clinton Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, Baldwin Center, Boys and Girls Club of Pontiac, Habitat for Humanity and United Way of SE Michigan.
As well, our employees have participated with the North Oakland Community Coalition in the ‘Living Proof? presentation by Sarah Panzau at Lake Orion High School.
We are proud of these commitments and will continue our legacy of giving back and helping make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
— Thomas A. Vella
Dear Editor,
I am the Community Affairs Representative for the Waste Management Eagle Valley Recycling and Disposal Facility.’I’m writing to you as a follow-up to this news item as it appeared’in the June 25 edition of The Lake Orion Review.?
When I read of this Unity Week event coming to’LOHS in the spring of 2008, I immediately’encouraged Waste Management to make a donation to the Challenge Day activity.?
I’also volunteered to serve as a facilitator on one of the Challenge Days.’I am writing to expand on how truly wonderful this program is and I want to encourage any and all business owners, adults, the Lake Orion Education Foundation, and the local units of government’to support this event as I can’t imagine another experience that will do more to improve the quality of life and the relationships our youth will develop with each other, than’what was learned from this amazing educational experience.?
It opens up the heart to a level of compassion that our youth might otherwise miss in the hectic,’disconnected and over-stimulated world in which we sometimes find ourselves.?
Michele (Novak) pulled together an amazing program and I will be happy to encourage Waste Management to be a participating sponsor again in the fall of 2008.
— Kathleen A. Klein
Dear Editor,
As someone who has lived in Springfield Township for over 72 years, including serving you for 16 years as a State Representative and 4 years as Township Supervisor, a good share of my life has been spent working to make Springfield Township the beautiful place we enjoy today. My other priority was making sure that government did not get too big or expensive.
Recently, I met Springfield Supervisor candidate, Mike Trout. I could tell immediately that Mike cares deeply about Springfield Township and the people who live here. With the retirement of the current supervisor, it is extremely important that we elect someone who has experience in managing public organizations.
I am impressed with Mike’s qualifications for the job. As Deputy Director of Bishop Airport, and Director at Detroit City Airport, Mike Trout has dealt with many of the same issues a township supervisor must handle on a daily basis’everything from planning and zoning to facilities maintenance, budgeting, and public safety. He also is a professional planner with a Master’s degree in public administration.
I am most impressed, however, by Mike’s approach to government and his philosophy of putting the taxpayers first, and keeping government as small as possible, while being accountable to the people and responsive to real problems.
I urge Republicans to “Cast their vote for Trout” in the Republican Primary on August 5th, and elect Mike Trout our next Springfield Township Supervisor.
Claude Trim
Dear Editor,
With the retirement of 4-term Springfield Township Clerk Nancy Strole, Springfield voters will elect a new clerk from 5 candidates at the upcoming Tuesday, August 5th primary.
As a Springfield Township resident, I know how tirelessly Nancy worked to protect our irreplaceable green spaces, focus development in appropriate areas, and just as important, provide efficient and responsive public services.
Now more than ever, the township needs qualified people with the character and determination to stay the course during these challenging economic times.
That’s why I believe Springfield Township should elect Republican Laura Moreau for Township Clerk on August 5th.
Laura is currently serving on the Springfield Township Planning Commission. She has a solid resume, from her education to her history of active neighborhood and community service. She is, in my opinion, the most qualified candidate to represent our community in this important office.
Remember, August 5th IS the election. The #1 vote getter will run unopposed in the November general election.
Laura is the only candidate to receive the endorsement of Nancy Strole to succeed her as clerk.
I urge you to make your voice heard for Laura Moreau on August 5th.
Neil Willson
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
It wasn’t until I attended the public meeting at the Library on June 26 that I realized ? we have been duped!
Beaumont never intended to get their large scale medical complex approved. In fact, I believe they were quite sure that it wouldn’t be approved.
As a psychologist, I am very familiar with methods of gaining compliance and persuasion ? techniques that come from the social psychology literature and research.
We ? meaning the citizens and the planning commission ? were the recipients of the old ‘Door-in-the-Face? technique (Cialdini, et al., 1975). This involves making an initial request that is so large that it is sure to be rejected and then coming back with a second, more reasonable request that will likely be granted.
No wonder no one from Beaumont could answer my question of why, if they had to scale down their original plans so drastically, are they continuing to hold on to this location?
Why not seek out another location that would allow them to build their complex to their original vision?
Because they (Beaumont) got exactly what they wanted while making it seem like they compromised to cooperate with the surrounding community.
Now that the re-zoning has been approved and Beaumont will get their facilities built, we will once again fall victim to another technique used in social psychology ? the ‘Foot-in-the-Door.?
With this, you start with a very small request and proceed there to a larger request. This technique works because once we observe ourselves complying with the small request, we comply with the larger one because we want our behavior to remain consistent (Brehm & Kassin, 1990).
Expansion anyone?
Laura Fadell, PhD
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
‘Trees and Power Lines Don’t Mix,? say the power companies after the latest storms devastated southeast Michigan, causing extended power outages, lost business, spoiled food, and great discomfort for many.
Why haven’t these power companies buried their lines to minimize such destruction?
Instead, they point out why they trim, and want us to plant or trim, trees at least 10 feet from power lines.
What I saw when I ventured out after one of the storms were mature trees, 30 to 50 feet tall, lying across power lines bringing them down or about to bring them down.
Now, most of these trees had been more than 10 feet from the lines. What would power companies have us do: have no trees within 50 feet of the lines, or perhaps no trees at all?
Trees are a significant part of our environment. Not only do they provide shade and beauty, they are our current, main means of removing carbon dioxide from the air.
And, some of them absorb significant amounts of water from our rainfall, helping to avoid floods and preventing erosion.
I have to believe that the costs of recovering from the damage and losses of major storms, and the cost of tree trimming which has been done in the past and recommended for the future, are greater than the costs of burying the power lines.
Buried lines would have helped us avoid much of the pain and suffering experienced. Naturally, this is hindsight, but could have been prevented by a little foresight.
It is way past time for power lines to be buried and, definitely time for us to speak up. Enough excuses and misplaced blame: let’s have some action!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I was shocked to read the glowing article about Judge Fortinberry in the last edition of The Clarkston News (‘Kostin supports Fortinberry’s reelection bid for bench,? June 25).
The article made only quick mention of the reprehensible behavior exhibited by Fortinberry during her first disastrous term as a district judge.
Her behavior falls far short of that expected of a judge.
More than anyone, a judge should exhibit good judgment and common sense. Fortinberry has exhibited neither and is not deserving of a black robe.
Jaclyn Wilson
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Curt Carson is the best candidate for Independence Township treasurer.
Curt has worked tirelessly behind the scenes as a volunteer in our local service organizations. He has been the chairman of several events for the Optimists, a board member and corporate sponsor for the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce.
Curt is a member of the Independence Township Planning Commission and as such has not been afraid to speak his views and vote for controlled growth. He reviews and studies each agenda and comes prepared to the meetings.
Curt has the business experience and education required to be treasurer. He has owned and managed businesses in our community.
He will be a conscientious township board member carefully watching our investments and fighting tax increases. He has gone to Lansing many times to fight for us as a member of a legislative committee for over fifteen years.
Curt Carson is a family man with the core values the residents of Independence Township expect.
Elect Curt Carson as treasurer who will be serving you full-time.
Del and Joan McCrary
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
For almost four years now I have observed Trustee Charles Dunn provide the necessary and trusted oversight of the Independence Township administration, which I believe is the primary responsibility of our elected trustees.
He is honest, succinct, and not afraid to pose the often difficult questions others won’t, when the township board spends the community’s hard-earned money or its resources are otherwise at issue.
On more occasions than I can recount, Dunn has successfully argued against costly and unwarranted proposals whether proposed or otherwise supported by other board members.
One such proposal which Dunn vehemently opposed was to increase taxes by millions of dollars to pay lawyers to ‘scare? developers away from our township. While we all agree the concept of controlling growth is admirable, I agreed with Dunn that this is no time to subsidize the legal industry. He just gets it.
You may also recall the citizens group that fought unsuccessfully for over 20 years for an ordinance to provide some limitations on non-riparian boat traffic on our ever increasingly crowded township lakes.
Following the formation of a board subcommittee, Dunn, being an environmental attorney himself, ushered the drafting and passing of the township’s first keyholing ordinance which provides a very well thought out and balanced approach to private property landowners rights and those of the community at large.
Similar forthright action was successful when Dunn proposed the immediate construction of a building to replace the embarrassing and dilapidated farmhouse posing as a senior center following the costly millage defeat.
By bringing people together, the board unanimously approved Dunn’s proposal resulting in an incredible addition to the community that houses many of our senior programs, completed without any increase in taxes for the construction or operation of the facility. Again, he gets it.
On Aug. 5, I am voting for Charles Dunn as our Independence Township trustee.
John E. Bowman
John Bowman Chevrolet
Independence Township
In a recent article, C.J. correctly pointed out that there are no exact numbers to review when considering the financial aspects of the village becoming a city. In a 2003 publication (The Michigan Municipal Review) it is stated that in general, the advantages of city incorporation will result in ‘little or no increase in the cost of government.? It is further pointed out, however, that local conditions may alter the above generalization. Some of the costs that have been mentioned regarding Oxford becoming a city are estimates. Christine Burns in her master’s thesis regarding cityhood states that incorporation would not result in saving taxpayer money. It should be noted that Ms. Burns honestly pointed out the possible inability to obtain unaltered, unbiased data. To me, her conclusion should be considered with that in mind. Perhaps future town hall type meetings will give voters some hard numbers and clarify financial aspects of incorporation.
There are other factors for voters to consider than financial aspects. Since 1930, over 100 villages have become cities. I believe that it is a matter of time before the village becomes a city or in some fashion, the township and village merge.
Presently, we have two local units of government ? the village and the township. One of the chief advantages of cityhood is simplification of government. Our present system is one of duplication resulting sometimes in confusion and inefficiency in terms of expense and time. Where to vote, what clerk to go to, what elected official to contact all result in confusion for some residents. There is also a history or conflicts between the two units of government with village residents paying the legal fees of each entity. It is pleasing to note that our present elected officials are making an earnest effort to avoid such conflicts. There is no guarantee that this will continue or that future elected officials will conduct themselves in the cooperative manner now present.
While financial aspect are important, hopefully voters will consider such factors as simplification and efficiency of government when voting on this issue.
Merle Smith
Oxford
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Orion Township Public Library, I am writing to clarify a misstatement in the June 18th issue of The Lake Orion Review,’which concerns the’relationship of the library to the township.?
In the candidate profiles entitled, ‘Meet the Candidates,? one candidate was quoted, ‘I will encourage township departments (like the library, for example) to hold fundraisers….? The Orion Township Public Library is organized pursuant to Public Act 79.’Under this act,’the library is a free-standing government body, governed by a board of six trustees, reporting only to the People of Orion Township and Village.?
The library’s funding comes from a dedicated millage and is in no way supported by the township budget.
In summary, the library is not a department of the township.
— James J. Abramczyk
Trustee
Orion Township Public Library
We at Hot Blues and BBQ would like to take the opportunity to thank the fine folks that contributed to the smashing success of our 2008 event. Without them, the staging of this event would not be possible.
Those sponsoring and contributing to this year’s event were: The Village of Oxford, Detroit Blues Society, Curly’s BBQ, Oxford Lakes Dental Care, Courtyard by Marriott, Hubert Distributors, No Cover Productions, Oakland Press, Oxford Leader and Advertiser, Suburban Lifestyle, WCSX-FM, US 103.1 FM, Fox 2 Detroit, Grove’s True Value Hardware, Hamilton and Sons Electrical, Music Mentors, Leatherworks, Oxford Tap, Famous Dave’s, Kalloway’s, and Victoria’s Delights.
I would be also be remiss if I did not mention the excellent volunteer manager efforts of: Oxford Village Council ? Support and Volunteers, Oxford Police Department and Reserve Officers – Security, Oxford DPW – Operations, Oxford Village Staff, spearheaded by Joe Young and Maureen Helmuth – Operation, Rose Bejma and all of her volunteers ? Festival Office, Matt Weber and Errica Shanahan ? Beer tent, Jim Henry ? Stage Manager, Romayne and Lindsay Allen ? Guest Liason, OCTV, ONTV, and CMN, And to all of those you not specifically mentioned.
This event is not possible without the dedication and commitment of these folks and I am eternally grateful that they step up year after year to make it happen. You folks are simply the best and your spirit and drive are an example to be followed by others.
Oxford is a great place to live and events like this share that fact with the several thousand folks that visit us every year. We are proud of our community and enjoy sharing it each year with them. I look forward to the 2009 event that will be held on June 20 of next year.
Steven J. Allen
Hot Blues and BBQ Producer
My wife and I just returned from a fund-raiser for County Clerk Ruth Johnson. A more dedicated, hard-working, honest politician would be difficult to find. The gathering was harmonious and inspiring.
Since Ruth Johnson had run with Dick DeVoss for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Mr. DeVoss gave a short speech. He reminded the audience how much better the State of Michigan would be, had they won the election. I could not agree more. It reminded me of the fatalistic word of Winston Churchill long ago: ‘In the end, the people get the kind of government they deserve.? But we must look forward. Let us hope that a majority of our people will have better judgement in the future.
Henry Gleisner
Oxford
Usually, it is after a politician gets elected that they show their true colors, but in the case of Helen Barwig and her horrible behavior at the Oxford Township Board meeting on June 11, her colors came through loud and clear.
The residents of Stony Lake were all there to try and work out the solution of access to the lake issue with the township. All the residents in the Brabb/Dewey subdivision have in the deeds to their property proof that they own the land under the water of Stony Lake and it was made quite clear the intention behind the gift to the residents. The township ordinance made long after the bequeathment of the gift to the residents of the lake bottom created some problems with access to homes in case of well or septic problems, or access to place boats or trailers on the residents own property.
Ms. Barwig butts her nose in this issue, tells my neighbor to shut up (he left the meeting because he was so upset with her), and then proceeds to attack Pat Fitchena, our neighbor who lives here and has a stake in the outcome of this issue and is trying to work out a solution to the problem for us.
I also was surprised to see our township supervisor who was conducting the meeting, allow this kind of behavior to go on in a public meeting.
Robert Stowers, Sr.
Oxford
Dear Editor,
Saturday, June 14 started out as a typical beautiful Saturday morning. I was drinking a hot cup of coffee, reading the paper, when the phone rang.
A good friend and co-worker called with the news that a fellow firefighter had passed away.
The words hit me across the head like a baseball bat. My dear friend, twice a partner and, most of all, my mentor had passed away.
Bill Waldo was, and will always be, the most levelheaded, caring man I could hope to know. I began my career in law enforcement with the Lake Orion Police Department in the seventies.
I enjoyed working, especially with Bill. He was never too busy to take the time and teach you the proper ways to treat people, most of all as human beings.
I had always wanted a career full-time in law enforcement and now I had a goal to learn from Bill and do things to make positive changes.
Bill Waldo was also a member of the fire department, which is the reason I also became a member of the Orion Township Fire Department.
As I attempt to place my feelings about Bill on paper I cannot help but reflect back on seeing him standing on the street corner selling newspapers so needy families have Christmas.
He is waving to all of the kids lining the street during a downtown parade from his police car, and most of all taking charge of fire scenes as our District Fire Chief.
Bill, I will always miss you, but I am also happy, as you are now holding your Debbie.
— Art Schrah
Dear Editor,
Back in 1944, General George S. Patton was asked the question, ‘General, what do you think of the Nazis and the Facists??
His reply was, ‘It’s no different than the Democrats and Republicans back in the United States.?
Which brings me to the letter written by Koula Christi that appeared on June 18.
Christi said, ‘It bothers me that (Dan Myslakowski) ran against Jim Marleau in 2004 as a Democrat.?
So what’s the big deal about Myslakowski being a Democrat in 2004?
Mark Crane was a Democrat back in 2004, when he made his first attempt for a trustee position, and now he’s a Republican, running again in 2008 for that same office.
If I’m not mistaken, our current Orion Township Supervisor, Jerry Dywasuk, was a Democrat when he lived in Macomb County. And Clerk Jill Bastian was, at one time, not running as a Republican.
Eric Wilson may have been a Democrat at one time, because his brother, Dana, was involved with the Democrats of South Oakland County, and still is, to my knowledge, a member of the Democratic Party.
I know for a fact that Dana Wilson was supporting Eric in 2006, when he was running against Mike Gingell as a Republican for the Oakland County District 3 Commissioner nomination (which he eventually lost).
So I ask again, what’s the big deal about someone switching political affiliations? Even former United States President Ronald Reagan was a Democrat back in the 50s and 60s, when he was running the Screen Actors Guild.
In my opinion, I wish they would do away with political parties and just elect people on their own merits ? the way this United States is going, it would be a big plus.
That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it, much like a Krispy Kreme sticks to your fingers!
— James B. Delevan
Dear Editor,
The Friends of the Orion Township Library would like to extend a grateful ‘Thank You? to all who donated books, purchased books, sorted books, set up the books, and removed all the books from the library for our June ‘Gently? Used Book Sale. It was a wonderful event and successful.
Thanks also goes out to the Baldwin Road Kroger store, the Lake Orion Kroger store and the Lake Orion Hollywood Market for their generous contribution of bags for our Saturday Bag Sale.
Last, but not least, thanks to the warm, helpful staff of the Orion Township Library. As crowded as the library is, we are grateful for the space we use.
This community event will take place again on Sept. 24-27, 2008 at the library. Donations of books are welcome and can be dropped off at the Orion Township Library at 825 Joslyn Road.
Thanks again to all, for your support.
–Marie English
‘Friends? Book Sale Chair
Dear Editor,
I was very shocked that this newspaper would print a letter with so many untruths, non-facts, and slanderous comments in last weeks Viewpoints ? ‘Party affiliation questioned? by Koula Christi, and/or someone who might be running this year for a similar political office? The intent of that letter is too obvious!
To correct the errors, let me give you the facts:
Fact – Dan Myslakowski, my husband, ran a year-and-a-half ago as a Republican for State Representative. Dan has NEVER run for the position of Orion Trustee as a Democrat.
In fact, this is totally incorrect as the elections for township positions are conducted every four years. This paper knows the fact that the only candidate seeking the appointment for the open trustee position as a Democrat, a year-and-a-half ago, was Mr. Mark Crane.
Fact – Dan Myslakowski has always been a fiscal conservative, and has a proven public record as an elected Macomb County Commissioner. Fact ? Dan was endorsed by Republican County Commissioner, Mr. Mike Sessa, founder, and Chairman of the very conservative Macomb County Taxpayers Association.
Fact ? Dan Myslakowski left the Democratic Party, in 2004; not this year, for the convenience of running for a public elected office as was incorrectly suggested. Fact, Dan left because of his unwavering, strong religious and family values, which he has carried proudly his whole life.
These core values were being challenged by the Democratic Party. Fact, Dan was challenged on his ‘Right to Life? endorsement by the ‘Right to Life? organization.
Fact ? Dan Myslakowski has ALWAYS stood strong for the Right to Life and has proven it in actions, and deeds that his faith, and strong values are unyielding. That is why he left the Democratic Party in 2004!!!
Fact ? Dan Myslakowski was WELCOMED by many Republicans for standing strong for the values that the Republican Party embrace, and stand for.
He was NOT questioned then, and has never been questioned, until now, when some wannabes are worried that Dan Myslakowski will succeed and become our next elected Orion Township Supervisor.
To everyone who reads this letter, I encourage all to check the facts. My husband, Dan, has shared many of these facts with people throughout Orion, and many can attest to these facts and truths.
Dan’s actions were not the actions of just a politician, a Republican, just in words or on paper, but those of a strong Republican in actions, and deeds!
— Delores (Dee) Myslakowski
We would like to thank everyone who participated in, volunteered for, and donated to Lake Orion High School’s Unity Week. The event consisted of a week’s worth of activities that promoted Lake Orion High Schools? motto, ‘United as one; divided by none.?
Each Unity Week activity physically involved participants in the promotion of tolerance, violence prevention, and community cohesion. Here is a summary of the Unity Week events:
Monday: Rachel’s Challenge… Every student attended one of the three multimedia presentations provided by Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott, a 16-year-old student, was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion, coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for a life-changing school program.
Tuesday-Thursday: Challenge Day is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, that provides powerful programs to schools, and other companies and organizations. Since 1987, Challenge Day has inspired hundreds of thousands of youth and adults.
Our goal is to host Unity Week events on a regular basis at Lake Orion High School and bring back Challenge Day to Lake Orion several times in the upcoming school year.
Our biggest obstacle is funding. The current cost to bring in Challenge Day for three days is approximately $12,000. Now that our community has been exposed to Challenge Day, we are hoping Challenge Day funding will not be as difficult because of the positive impact it had on our community.
If you would like more information about donating to this program, you may contact Michele Novak at 248.693.5638 or mnovak@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
During the evenings of Unity Week, the Lake Orion High School Leadership Development Workshop class hosted three events to continue to promote unity within the school.
Each event adopted the mission statement of: ‘Lake Orion High School is a safe and fun place to be when students and community members are there for those reasons.?
The first event was a best of Lake Orion High School variety show night, which featured over seventy-five students performing the talents of forensics, singing, dancing, and juggling. The show ended with a student-led rock band playing a riveting rendition of Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing.?
On Wednesday, the Leadership Development Workshop brought in skilled hypnotist, Mike Brody. After hypnotizing 20 individuals, Mr. Brody put on a very entertaining show that demonstrated his expertise in the art of hypnosis. Again, very entertaining.
To end Unity Week, the leadership class put on a successful dance that over 250 students attended. The Leadership Development Workshop would like to thank the 20 parent chaperones who graciously donated their time to making sure the dance was a safe, fun, wonderful place to be..
Friday: Dialogue Day, a forum where teens and adults discussed topics, hosted by the North Oakland Community Coalition in collaboration with the Lake Orion Community Schools and the community of Lake Orion.
Teens discussed topics, reviewed concerns and developed solutions in discussion groups with community leaders and other concerned adults.
The North Oakland Community Coalition gathered data and will host a community forum to relay the results to the community.
If you would like more information about the North Oakland Community Coalition, please contact Lauren Sanborn at (248)520-3786 or lsanborn@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
If you would like any information, or if you would like to get involved in Challenge Day planning or fundraising, please contact Michele Novak at mnovak@lakeorion.k12.mi.us or Zachary Abeel at zabeel@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
Thank you,
— Michele Novak, M.A., L.L.P.C.
Guidance Counselor/Substance Abuse Prevention Advisor, Lake Orion Community Schools
— Zachary Abeel
Leadership Development Workshop Advisor/Social Studies Teacher, Lake Orion High School
Dear Editor,
Until I received a brochure at home, I did not realize the current supervisor was running for re-election in Independence Township.?
Frankly, I was surprised, particularly given what he considered his ‘accomplishments.??
Balanced budget??
I remember his decisions to close the park and make a substantial cutback in services because he was surprised when the senior citizen millage didn’t pass.?
It is also my understanding that we have always had a balanced budget in this township, presumably because state law requires it.’In the face of the dire financial problems that our township has faced, the supervisor has successfully proposed raising his own compensation three times.?
With the current policy, if he is elected to another term he will be entitled to medical benefits from the township for the rest of his life.
He then proposed raising our taxes with the special parks millage so the general fund could end its decades long tradition of contributing to that budget.?
In effect, it would have been an increase in general expenditures for him to spend.?
Finally, I see no basis to his claim that he has slashed consulting fees. I have seen the numbers and I know it isn’t true. We can do better.?
So on Aug. 5, I am voting for Dan Travis, Shelagh VanderVeen, Jeff McGee, Bart Clark, Dave Lohmeier and Neil Wallace.
Yours truly.
Chris Miller
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing on behalf of Curt Carson for Independence Township treasurer.
I have personally and professionally known Curt and his family for 15 years. I know this community will be well served and re-assured with his hands on leadership.
He is a good husband to Michelle, and he is there for the rearing of his three children. Curt is all about family values, community minded, career driven while always thinking of how he can help others.
Jim Wenger, current treasurer who is moving onward from his 12-year position as treasurer, is well aware of Curt’s know-how of getting a job done well.
Curt will be visible in the community, available, accountable, and credible, a person worthy of leading our township to the next level of success.
Curt knows how to make the most with challenging financial times. He is resourceful, dedicated and commited to success for all people. Please cast your vote on Aug. 5.
Maria Rotondo Mark
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Five years ago, Clarkston became the next town for area hospitals to compete for their ‘market share.?
Several hospitals courted our practice to help them develop some sort of presence in our town.
After endless meetings it became apparent that only two hospitals could complete a project that approached what we actually need: Beaumont and McLaren.
Because of our firsthand knowledge of the medical needs of this community, we pressed both of them to build a community hospital with a birthing center, heart program, cancer treatment and all of the necessary services that a community of our size would expect from a hospital.
At that time, Beaumont stated they had no intention of building a hospital in Clarkston, presumably because they were completing a large expansion in Royal Oak and starting another in Troy.
Instead, they told us they would like to build a freestanding emergency room, a medical office building as well as assisted living AND they wanted to do it just north of Main Street on a piece of property that is shoe horned between residential areas and a freeway on ramp.
That’s when McLaren promised they could not only deliver a first-class hospital, but they would work with us to find a site appropriate for such a development.
When it became apparent McLaren was serious, we chose to build a new center adjacent to their site.
Both of these hospitals are world class institutions, with Beaumont obviously being better known in this region.
We should also add that seven physicians in our group are Beaumont doctors and consider it a privilege to be on staff at one of our country’s finest hospital systems.
The problem now lies in what choice we have before us. Do we approve a project from a well-known hospital just because they are ‘Beaumont.?
The project they are proposing offers nothing unique to our community. A free standing emergency room already exists here and has proven insufficient because there are no hospital beds with nurses, techs and specialists to back it up.
They have also chosen a very poor location that directs traffic back to Main Street instead of to the Sashabaw or Dixie corridors where our community has intended.
In fact, Walmart was run out of town for trying to do the same thing.
We are asking our planning commission to deny Beaumont’s request for their project on the basis that it is in the wrong location and does not attempt to address the true medical needs of this community.
If Beaumont wants to build a real hospital here or even work with McLaren to provide a regional center of excellence and do it in an appropriate location, then we think Clarkston should welcome them.
Unfortunately this project is a weak attempt to preserve market share by an organization that is capable of doing much better.
Please join us in telling our township officials that we do not need to be caught in this hospital turf war.
Dr. Renny Abraham
Dr. Mohammad Amin
Dr. Dean Moscovic
Dr. Timothy O’Neill
Dr. James O’Neill
Clarkston Medical Group
Dear Editor,
As the presidential election enters its final stages, I hope and ask that The Clarkston News focus on an election that will impact all Independence Township residents, the election of a new Township Board.
Led by current board Trustee Dan Travis, campaigning to become the new township supervisor, a very qualified group of candidates is preparing to continue the growth of Independence Township with an emphasis on maintaining our valued quality of life.
These candidates have pledged to add the assistance of a professional municipal administrator to improve the day to day operations of the township, at no additional cost.
This makes sense and will mean increased efficiencies that will save money and provide for more services. It is a much needed change in this increasingly complex world.
Most importantly, these candidates will uphold the Master Plan to ensure our community grows to meet our needs and tax requirements, and not just the needs of developers who would like us to ignore our principles for their profit
In the past few years, we have seen developers proposing to build developments that violate our master plan and would dramatically change the face of Independence.
We have also seen a slashing of services to technically avoid a deficit budget, only to be restored by the unexpected discovery of unknown funds.
It is time to elect folks we can trust and who care more about Independence than having a job for themselves.
At the Aug. 5 Primary Election, I am supporting Dan Travis for supervisor, Shelagh VanderVeen for clerk, Jeff McGee for treasurer, and Bart Clark, Neil Wallace, David Lohmeier for trustees.
Robert Ferer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Beaumont Hospital should be commended for revising, again, their plans for a “health campus” in Independence Township.
With their redrawn plan, Beaumont Hospital is clearly demonstrating a desire to accommodate the concerns of individuals and Township officials who have requested the changes.
Township residents who support the redesigned Beaumont project should attend the township Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, June 26, to let the members know there are a significant number of people who are looking forward to having access to medical services provided by one of the most highly regarded hospitals in the nation, let alone in Michigan.
With an aging population here in Michigan, health care is considered a growth “industry” at a time when manufacturing jobs are rapidly declining.
Having Beaumont Hospital as a major employer and health care provider would certainly improve our local economy and the attractiveness of our community as a place to live.
Supporters of this project and Beaumont need to attend the planning commission meeting and be heard.
Henry S. Woloson
Independence Township
On June 12, at Oxford Middle School, an elderly man collapsed while watching his granddaughter in a talent show. The bystanders, parents and school staff mobilized to offer assistance and activate 911. The Oxford Fire department arrived within three minutes bringing Advanced Life Support to the victim’s side. The Oakland County Sheriff’s department arrived quickly and provided their support as well. The staff and parents assisted with the victim’s family in the most caring manner. Even the hundreds of students in the area behaved well. The scene, even though chaotic, was managed effectively.
My father/father-in-law suffered a serious heart arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) which subsequently caused a stroke. We can tell people in retrospect that had people not taken an initiative the outcome would have been much worse. He is recovering and will be going home soon from the hospital with minimal deficit.
Our family wishes to thank the staff of OMS who were so quick to help initially and follow up with concern after the emergency. We wish to thank the numerous parents who assisted with the grandkids and spouses. We wish to thank the Oxford Fire Department’s rapid response and treatment as well as the Oakland County Sheriff deputy for his assistance. We wish to thank Oxford business owner, Tim Walker, who closed shop and took care of our kids and dog. We also wish to thank St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital emergency room staff, and William Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak staff who provided the definitive care.
Having witnessed this event it really just illustrated to us how dependent we are on community. A community that is not afraid to jump in and help to the capacity they are capable. A community that helps to finance emergency services so that they have the right equipment, training and infrastructure to save lives. We have people that care.
Brian and Jill Walker
Oxford
Oxford Township Parks and Recreation would like to thank the various Girl Scout Troops from Oxford for their assistance in May. The girls and their leaders planted flowers throughout Seymour Lake Township Park. The department would also like to thank long-time supporter, Harvest Time Farm Market, for their assistance with the plants. This kind of support makes a difference in our community! Thank you!
Oxford Township Parks and Recreation
Since the talk began about the possibility of the Village of Oxford becoming a city, I have sat on the fence on this weighing the positives for both sides of the argument.
The recent vote by the township board to shove the safety path funding down the throats of village residents by proposing a tax increase is nothing more than a tax grab by the township. Given the size of the township and number of voters in the township, they are aware that they are in the position to shove any grab they want down the throat of the village residents, as we can be outvoted at anytime, even if all the registered voters in the village turn out to vote and vote ‘no? to the increase.
It’s just 0.25-mill this time ? how much next time and the time after that? Sorry, but my pockets aren’t deep enough for grabs like this anytime a board member comes up with a pet project.
There has been a lot of talk about smoothing out the relationship between the village and the township since the cityhood discussions began a couple of years ago. Notice the word I used was ‘talk? because this action by the township board shows that is all it was ? talk, and very cheap talk at that. Mr.Dunn, thank you for your ‘no? vote.
To the rest of the board, I am sure that all of those that have been promoting cityhood for the village thank you for your votes as well. They are all probably still smiling.
Dennis Moser
Oxford
I would like to vote to change the name of Polly Ann Trail to ‘Polly Poop Trail.?
As a family living so close to the trail (between Oxford and Orion) we use it all year. It’s nice for people to ride their bikes, jog, play, take your dog for a walk, or even stroller your kids; however the amount of dog poop on the trail is horrific, not to mention unsanitary and gross.
I have called both Oxford and Orion townships; Orion has put a garbage can and bags on the corner of Indianwood Road and the trail entrance, and said they will try to get a sign out: that reads ‘please pick up after your dogs.?
Oxford is going to bring it up at a board meeting.
So, if you are a dog owner and walk your dog down the Polly Poop Trail please be respectful to everyone who uses the trail and pick up after your pets so we can avoid changing the name of this beautiful trail.
Donni Steele
Orion Township
Dear Editor,
If you’ve been around Orion for any length of time at all, then I know you remember the old ‘Harvest Table Restaurant,? aka ‘Polo’s,? ‘Brian’s,? and now ‘Sero’s.?
I was chef, cook and bottle washer at the old HT and, as Father’s Day passes, I’d like to say THANKS and send special kudos to my 1970s surrogate dads, Don Milosch, Sr. and Art Rozanski.
I was raising my four kids, working and trying very hard to put myself through school to become an emergency room chaplain. Being a single mom didn’t leave much money to buy what I really needed most, though? transportation to get back and forth.
Somehow during a breakfast, Mr. Milosch found out and took me out to his back lot, where he housed his ‘over five years old, unfinancable, in not-so-hot condition, trade-ins,? and there, the $100 transportation, Laurie car special was born!
Did I ever have a plethora of classics, too… I had a Duster, Swinger, Dart, Super Bee, Road Runner, Daytona, Lincoln Town Car, Cougar, Comet and, my favorite, a pea-green Plymouth wagon that was as big as a hearse, with a bashed-in door.
You never knew how long they were going to last, either. Some of them lasted a month, some several, and the one with the worst track record, that green wagon, only 11 days!
But no matter what, for a hundred bucks, I always had wheels and the encouragement from Mr. Milosch that I could do anything I put my mind to.
Chances are, if you saw an ‘oldie? broken down between Orion and St. Joe’s Hospital, it probably belonged to me? enter my other superhero, Art Rozanski, of Art’s Gulf Station, who’d jump in his wrecker, go pick up the car and take it to Sam Allen’s.
The few bucks he got always seemed to be ‘just enough? to cover the towing bill. Back in those days, the kids and I were living in one of John Luckovich’s fine homes on Flint Street, right next to Art’s station, so it was destined to be that we became ‘partners in disposal? together, as well as pals.
Art knew a little about a lot of things. ‘Artie the smartie,? I used to call him. He was a good mentor as well as a grand friend who gave A-1 advice.
The next day, Mr. Milosch would take me back to his lot and we’d start all over again.
I did finish school, got my degree and worked 31 years at St. Joe’s Detroit Receiving and NOMC Hospitals, thanks to the generosity and encouragement of Don and Art. My life has come full-circle, as I am now retired and living back in Orion, the city of my roots.
So Happy Father’s Day, guys, and God bless? for reaching out and making such a positive difference in my life, proof of that old adage: ‘God always sticks you in someone’s life when you need to be there the most!?
Please let me return the favor.
— Laurie Losiewicz (Biller)
Dear Editor,
Things that bother me? Wannabe politicians that change political parties to gain office!
Can someone please explain this to me? I was running against Dan Myslakowski for Township Trustee only one-and-a-half years ago and he was very much a DEMOCRAT. I see that now he is now running for Township Supervisor and has changed political parties to become a REPUBLICAN.
What ‘change of heart? has he had in the last 19 months to make him change his political affiliation?
It bothers me. He ran against Jim Marleau in 2004 as a DEMOCRAT. He was the contact for the Orion Area Democratic Club (and is still listed as a contact to this day on other Democratic county web sites). Boy, the Democratic Club has to feel mighty deserted right now.
Who’s my choice? I’ll vote for Matt Gibb. I know who he is. I know what he stands for’and I know he’ll be good for Lake Orion.
— Koula Christi
Dear Editor,
This year’s Senior All-Night Party was a huge success. About 400 2008 graduates spent graduation night locked up at the school with parent volunteers and many, many activities to keep them going all night.
While we had many parents volunteer the night of the event who deserve a big thank you, there are some people who deserve extra recognition for all of the hours they spent planning this event.
Committee chair for 2008 was Amy Musary, and she was totally awesome. Other committee members were Darlene Lawless, Nicole Nichols, Kellie Vigilant, Laurel Dancoe, Karen Shackleford, Alisa Anderson, Lisa Hock, Susan Claycomb, Linda Rathaus, Cindy Walters, Viki Lorts, Kathy Price, and Karen VanHouzen.
These women spent many months planning this event and are the reason it was such a success.
Graduates, if you run into any of these women this summer, please be sure to thank them for the great time you had!
— Kyle Dykman
Treasurer
2008 Senior All Night Party
Dear Editor,
For the past several months a group of individuals have met to devise a slate of potential Independence Township Board members as well as township supervisor, clerk and treasurer.
They have put this group together in an effort to defeat the current Township Board in this fall’s election.
They want to stem growth, ie: Beaumont Hospital and any other big endeavor that might be forthcoming.
In my opinion, Beaumont would be a fine addition to our community. The township is growing. That is inevitable.
What better use than having one of the best hospitals in the country right in our township. It’s a win, win for all of us.
It makes no sense to continually fight big projects wanting to build in our township, especially great projects like Beaumont. That seems to be a primary objective of this slate.
This new slate wants to hire a manager to run the township but keep the supervisor, clerk and treasurer and only pay and work them part time.
This is ridiculous.
To hire a manager would cost around $150,000 a year or more and he or she would need an assistant for probably half that amount.
There would be no savings to the township and possibly far less service to our citizens. The township would end up paying a manager, assistant, supervisor, clerk and treasurer. And the township would not be any better off.
Not a good idea.
Why do they think a manager can do a better job than the current board members? It’s all politics and unnecessary.
We do not need a manager to tell us how to run the township and a new slate of board members is not necessary.
Bob Brown
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am proud to be a member of COG, Citizens for Orderly Growth.
From this organization I learned about our local government, particularly the development review process and how I could participate effectively to have a say in how my community develops.
I learned that as a community we could not and should not try to stop development.
I have learned that development, done with a good, consistent plan can create a dynamic community that is at the same time grounded in the community’s traditions. I came to understand that the plan, our Master Plan, matters.
I learned this from Neil Wallace as he explained the development review process to the citizens who became COG.
I saw these same lessons in action watching Dan Travis, Dave Lohmeier, Jeff McGee, Shelagh VanderVeen, Bart Clark and Neil Wallace participate in the planning process over the years.
I appreciate their determination to strike a balance between unbridled development and reasonable guidelines. Finally, I learned that people matter. So on Aug. 5, I will be casting my vote for them and for my community.
Sincerely,
Karen Koval
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Journalism Club at Springfield Plains Elementary, thank you for publishing our school newspaper, the Dolphin Splash.
The first year we began this club, Don Rush emailed me and asked what The Clarkston News could do to help our club print the Dolphin Splash.
Not only did you help print our school newspaper, but you published it as part of The Clarkston News for the community to enjoy. What a wonderful surprise!
We appreciate the time that Don Rush and others on your staff put into making this happen, as well as the donation of papers to every child in the school. This means so much to the children and their parents.
On the first day of our club, I explain to the children the process and tell them that it may be in The Clarkston News and the children yell with excitement. Parents and educators appreciate The Clarkston News again providing this opportunity for our students.
This is just one example of your unwavering commitment to our community. Thank you to the publishers of The Clarkston News and its people.
The Clarkston area is truly blessed!
Sincerely,
Ann Marie McMichael
Springfield Plains Elementary
Kudos to Larry Kucemba and the township planning commission for having the vision to put a safety path millage proposal on the August 5 primary ballot. The majority of the township’s population lives along the Drahner Road and Seymor Lake Road corridor, yet the patchwork of safety paths that exist in those areas do not lead residents to the village, Polly Ann Trail or area businesses. Most of the existing paths are little more than strips of pavement that end abruptly at the boundaries of subdivisions.
Safety paths offer an incredible amount of opportunities for a relatively small cost. Residents of all ages can use them for exercise, quality family time, commuting to work, school, or to run errands in the area.
Unfortunately, many families cannot safely take their children to the trail, parks, or village without loading them and their bikes into a car even though they live within a mile or two of their destination. I save almost two dollars per day biking the short 13-mile roundtrip to work despite having a car that averages almost 30 miles per gallon. While I practice common sense commuter biking skills while riding in traffic, children and families are at risk when using the shoulders of the roads. Using safety paths for simple errands would allow most homeowners to recoup the cost in taxes many times over. Owners of a home worth $250,000 would pay only about thirty dollars per year toward safety paths.
In addition, safety paths will help to increase property values in the long run while offering an increase in the quality of life as soon as they are constructed. One of the most effective ways to increase revenue in the township is to provide things that attract home buyers to the area, and safety paths are an important benefit to families looking for a home.
Most readers of this paper have likely seen the increase in business at Frosty Boy and nearby businesses since the trail and bridge have opened. Imagine the increase in the amount of foot and bicycle traffic to those businesses and others in the village if several hundred homes gain easy access to those areas.
Finally, we cannot let the temporary poor economy keep us from improving our community. A .25-mill increase is small compared to the benefits to our community. Thanks again to the planning commission for finding a sensible and economical way to improve our community despite the challenging economy.
Neil Peruski
Oxford
We have been overwhelmed at the generosity from all of our surrounding communities from the Anthony See Fund-raiser and that they have come to aid despite the hard times we face. It is a blessing. We cannot name everyone specifically, but no matter how big or small the contribution, it all adds up to caring. We have raised hope for the family. These funds will be used in the most beneficial way; taking care of our fellow man, rehabilitation and recovery. Again a heartfelt thank you.
Hal Johnson, Chairman
and all the volunteers
Dear Editor,
Before we spend more money on developing a new water facility, why doesn’t the township look into mandating lawn watering only in the off-peak hours, like the city of Troy just did?
If residents are taught to utilize water later in the day, by running dishwashers on delayed start and watering lawns through the night, it would cut down on our water usage also, and does not even require a five-year payback since no additional monies have to be spent to implement.
— B. Schalk
Dear Editor,
At the June 2 Orion Township Board of Trustees meeting, I witnessed some astonishing quirks made by Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk.
Mr. Dywasuk made it known that people who criticize him usually don’t know what they’re talking about, and how he tries to be fair with everyone. Even when former Township Trustee Burke Cueny brought out more data on the Friendship Park scandal, Dywasuk’s answer to him was, ‘See you in church, Burke.?
Will Wilsher, another former trustee, asked Dywasuk the same question that he has been asking since April, 2007: ‘When are the people of Orion Township going to get closure on who dumped the bad fill dirt in Friendship Park??
You see, Jerry, I believe that you think if you can coast this problem long enough, people will probably forget about it. And, knowing that you’re not running for another term as supervisor, you’ll be home free and dump the problem on the next guy.
I know that I’m one of those people who criticize you and, according to you, don’t know what I’m talking about!
But, to be frank with you Jerry, I’ve watched you at several meetings and yes, I leave a lot to be desired with my comments, but I always make sure they are the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth ? something like that oath of office you always crow about when you get on your soapbox during final comments of these meetings.
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
The price of gasoline continues to escalate and, of course, the oil companies will be announcing record profits again and claim that they are doing their best to hold costs in check.
The explanations of why we are being gouged at the pump should all be prefaced with the song from Gilligan’s Island: ‘Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale.?
The tale is about uprisings in the oil producing nations, bad weather, changeover to summer fuel addictives, oil rigs that are being upgraded, oil rigs that need repair, and ships laden with crude that encounter storms.
How about adding to this list the exorbitant perks being paid to oil executives, along with the extravagant retirements paid to some of these greedy charlatans?
It is obvious that the oil companies need someone to enhance their greedy image. Here is one suggestion: it is no secret that there are thousands of people in our nation who depend on the Meals On Wheels for their daily sustenance. In fact I have a 104-year-old grandmother who receives meals everyday from volunteers who support this important program.
Why can’t the oil companies set aside some of their profits and subsidize the volunteers who daily bring meals to senior citizens?
Provide these volunteers who use their own automobiles with oil company debit cards, so that their daily trips to deliver food and good cheer to the homebound are not interrupted.
It’s a small price for the oil companies, and a tremendous assistance to the Meals On Wheels program!
Message to oil executives ? help feed the homebound and not your wallets!
— Bill Kalmar
Yes, we are all hurting financially. Believe me, our family is right there. There are other costs to consider such as the rising cost of gasoline and the cost of poor health.
The only way to get around Oxford is by car. We’ve tried riding our bikes around Oxford without safety paths and it is definitely not safe.
Nobody knows when the economy will upturn; we can’t afford to wait for that great unknown. And as time goes by the costs to install the paths will go up, by waiting we’ll be paying more.
We should be encouraged to walk or cycle to the library or the drug store now, not in 3 or 5 years. We need relief from the direct cost of gasoline sooner not later.
Let’s invest in our community’s good health. Let’s reduce our gasoline costs by encouraging our community to get outside and get moving. Let’s make our community accessible to foot and bicycle traffic.
Let’s all say ‘Yes? to the safety paths.
Carolyn Westmoreland
Oxford
Senator Barack Obama, in addition to calling for change, often talks about his judgment on the campaign trail.
He regularly shrugs off critics who talk about his inexperience by pointing out his ability to make good judgments.
This ability is what he believes set him apart and makes him the most qualified candidate to become the next president.
That being said, Senator Obama has shown poor judgment in his recent statements about his uncle liberating Holocaust survivors at Auschwitz.
Unless his uncle was a member of the Red Army from the Soviet Union, he could not have liberated those victims of the Nazis? atrocities.
Senator Obama’s judgment should also be questioned when it comes to the Michigan primary election.
In January, Senator Clinton did not campaign in Michigan, yet chose to leave her name on the ballot because she was looking to the end of the primary season and realized she would still be in the race.
Her judgment allowed her to accurately predict that debate would start over Michigan’s delegates, and for that reason, she wanted to be able to claim a victory in Michigan’s primary, which she now can.
Senator Obama made the judgment to pull his name off the ballot and now finds himself in a situation where he cannot claim a victory in Michigan.
Yet, this does not stop him from wanting some of the delegates from our state.
The judgment of Obama in Michigan shows an inability to make accurate predictions about what will happen in the future.
If Senator Obama used the judgement he is seemingly so proud of, wouldn’t he have taken the same road as Senator Clinton and left his name on the ballot while refusing to campaign in Michigan?
John C. Bernia Jr.
Oxford
I came in to work this morning and enjoyed a cup of Starbuck’s Coffee! I noticed your label, Desert Angels, Inc., on the package, so I wanted to drop you a line.
Thank you for sending this package to us. I’m not sure if this came to someone specific or just to Marines in general, but my whole platoon is enjoying the coffee. When we receive a gift like this, it’s like Christmas. A little taste from home goes a long way.
If you have another platoon to support, I have the best platoon in Iraq.
I have 20 Marines and three civilian contractors that work communications and network systems.
Thanks for your work, support and patriotism. It makes a difference to my Marines and me.
David W. Peck
CWO2
The Oxford Lions club members were on the streets of Oxford on May 2 and 3 selling White anes. Thanks to the wonderful support of The Oxford Leader for advertisement and the generous people of the Oxford area, we were able to raise $2,806 for our humanitarian efforts! On behalf of the Oxford Lions Club, I say thank you one and all!
Charles Garrard
Club President
Dear Editor,
In early March, my 84-year-old father, Bob Heazlit, fell in his home in Clarkston and fractured his femur.
The Independence Township Fire Department responded to his medical alert and had to break into his front door to get him the help that he needed. At the time, I was living and working in Tennessee. I returned back to Clarkston and have been dealing with all the associated aspects of this situation.
Upon my return, I was contacted by Mike White about replacing my dad’s front door. These good men of our fire department installed the new door at no charge to him. For someone on a limited income, this is a very big deal.
My dad has been a citizen of Clarkston, in the same house, for 50+ years, and has been an avid fan and consistent supporter of all the high school sports teams.
While I was working on dad’s lawn, Dan Fife was out jogging, saw me, and stopped by to see how he was doing. He then took the time to visit my dad at Clarkston Specialty where he is recovering, accompanied by some of the basketball team.
I cannot tell you the impact this had on my dad. It brings tears to my eyes writing about it.
Dad is also a regular at the Clarkston Big Boy. As he improves, I’ve taken him on outings, and he always wants to stop for a bite to eat there.
These folks treat him like a celebrity. He has received phone calls and visits from some of the waitresses there which are also a very big deal to him.
We have also received a greatly appreciated outpouring of support from dad’s church, Christ the Shepherd Lutheran in Ortonville.
And not to be forgotten, the professional and personal care that dad has recieved at Clarkston Specialty has made all the difference in his recovery.
I would like to acknowledge the goodness in each of these random acts of kindness and assistance towards healing, mind, body and spirit, and extend my personal thanks to each and every one of you.
This is the beauty of living in a small town where every day interactions become more personal. This is the Clarkston I grew up in.
Graciously,
Tammie Heazlit
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Lions wish to thank everyone for their support during our recent ‘White Cane Week.? Through your generosity, we collected more than $12,000.
All of the funds collected will be used to support many sight and hearing projects, including Leader Dogs for the Blind, Michigan Eye Bank and Transplant Center, Lions Bear Lake Camp for Physically Challenged Youth, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Beaumont Silent Children Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Madonna University’s Office of Disability Resources, and the Lions Hearing Center of Michigan, just to mention a few.
Additionally, we support Clarkston Lighthouse, Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, Inc. (O.A.T.S), the Independence and Springfield township libraries, and SCAMP.
Money raised during White Cane Week also allows the Lions to provide eyeglass and hearing aid support to those in need, and conduct vision screening for pre-school children.
Again, it is your generosity that allows the Clarkston Area Lions to provide the above support. You are truly helping the Lions make a difference in our community.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with over 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 202 countries and geographical areas around the world.
Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.
For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the website at www.lionsclubs.org. The Clarkston Area Lions website is www.clarkstonlions.org.
Lion Jerry Baumgart
Clarkston Area Lions
White Cane chairperson
Dear Editor,
Staff Appreciation Week at Sashabaw Middle School has come and gone, but it was a great success!
We reached our goal of making each staff member feel appreciated and spoiled. The staff was treated to many nice surprises including a catered luncheon, catered breakfast, home baked cookies, muffins and other snacks throughout the week. They even found special treats in their mailboxes!
We ended the week with a raffle of nearly 40 baskets full of wonderful items! However, none of this would have been possible without the support and generosity of several people and area businesses who I would like to thank personally:
The Rib Rack of Waterford for lunch, the Sashabaw/Maybee Tim Horton’s and the Mantha family for breakfast; Outback Steakhouse; Laurie Alli and Fit Zone of Waterford and World Gym of Waterford; Jason and Chris at Caribou Coffee; Belle Visage Salon; First Impressions Salon; Angela Klebba and Partylite; Lisa’s Confection Connection; the Chocolate Moose; Altair Engineering; Terry Rimatzki; Kelly Powell; Carrie Robar; and last, but certainly not least, all of our wonderful and very generous SMS families who donated gift cards, baked goods, snacks, pop and/or basket items.
There are truly too many wonderful people who helped throughout the week to mention in this space! If I have forgotten anyone, I apologize.
I know the teachers and staff of SMS are thankful for your generosity as well. It was a great week because of your support and I sincerely thank each of you.
Colleen Armstrong
Staff Appreciation Chairperson SMS
Dear Editor,
I realize that we are in tough economic times in southeastern Michigan. I didn’t realize that we were in ‘Dust Bowl? conditions until the water main project is completed in the village.
For the past few weeks, my residence on Broadway has been covered daily in dust from the traffic passing along the street.
I don’t blame the cars, the streets should have been treated with chloride. Why didn’t the village council know abou the coming dust to follow the repair?
What a shameful way for our new manager to be greeted. The village merchants must be bothered as well.
I open my windows for clean fresh air and am greeted with dust instead!
Hoping for rain,
— Mark D. Vagi
Dear Editor,
I am a fifth grade student at Webber Elementary. For over a year I have been a member at the Orion/Oxford Boys & Girls Club.
There are many reasons I love coming to the Boys & Girls Club. One of them is Cooking Club.
Cooking Club is an awesome club where we learn how to cook and get to eat what we make. We also learn about measurements and eating healthy.
Another one of my favorite clubs is Sewing Club. In Sewing Club we make very cool projects, like a snake connected with buttons, zippers, Velcro, snaps and hooks and eyes.
In the summer we can go on fun field trips. Last year we went to a Tigers game, and to the Waterford Oaks Water Park twice.
At Webber Elementary I have been on the Honor Roll for two years. Every marking period club members that get A’s and B’s or 1’s and 2’s get to join a pizza party.
This year I got my first Leadership Award. Only 19 out of 300 members were chosen to get a Leadership Award. The qualities of a Leadership Award winner are achievement, citizenship, cooperation, progress, and sportsmanship.
The Boys & Girls Club is an amazing place where there are many fun things to do. I can’t wait until next year when I will be at Waldon Middle School and I can walk to the club right after school with friends!
— Jamie R.
Dear Editor,
This is in response to last week’s letter from James Delavan…
Prayer is what made this country great! Prayer will continue to keep this country great. I say YES to prayer at government meetings and everywhere else.
God is the creator of the world. Only the foolish say no to prayer.
— Carole Powell
Dear Editor,
On behalf of Anthony Narsh and the rest of the Narsh Family, please allow me time to say thank you to the many individuals and groups who have taken time and money from their lives and families in order to provide comfort and aid to ours. Your kindness, generosity and selfless acts on Anthony’s behalf have truly humbled and inspired my family.
We are humbled that so many people would do so much and offer any and all assistance that is possible, including the many prayers and phone calls we received.
We are inspired to continually seek out others in the community who are also in need, and to rise to their aid in what has become a true Lake Orion Community response.
Special thanks to Julie Maurer and Angela Shaffer, who through the generosity and care of the Blanche Sims Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) organized a ‘Spaghetti Dinner? benefit on Tuesday, May 27, 2008. We also thank the staff and administration at Blanche Sims School for their time and facility, and Shannon and Laurie Shaffer who organized and ran a bake sale? Thank you.
And to all that came, ate, and shared with us’Thank you.
To Kathy and Lloyd Coe who surprised us with ‘Chemo Day Dinner? by organizing a meal to be delivered from so many of our fabulous Orion Area Restaurants and friends, each Tuesday night on the day that Anthony receives his chemotherapy. What an ingenious and cooperative way to ease the burden of an already exhausting and trying day’Thank you.
If Chemo Day Dinner is not a national practice, it should be.
For the immediate (as usual) response of help from our Lake Orion Lions Club, and the staff at the Lake Orion Nursing Center who provided a way for exercise while home-bound, to the many business owners who came together and provided a truly bright and happy day for a child who is not their own’Thank you.
For the privilege of raising our family among so many everyday heroes’Thank you.
— Jerry & Amanda Narsh
Dear Editor,
Due to the numerous calls we received in support of our views against the Independence township green space proposal, we feel we must respond.
Contrary to Mr. Cory Johnston’s claims (‘People support green millage,? May 7), the majority of the people do not support the abuse of more of their hard earned money on a green space proposal that ultimately stands to benefit a few.
Because of that, an educated and organized group of concerned citizens is now forming an opposition to the Independence Township “green space” proposal.
With the sorry state of the economy and with the housing industry in a free-fall it’s no surprise that “The Green Group’s” own $10,000 telephone poll quickly found that a majority of the people did not support a green space proposal.
So…rather than seeing the proposal defeated, the polls wording was changed and the millage rate was cut in an attempt to secure the 60 percent positive results the township required to put the proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot.
The 60 percent “majority” the green group now speaks of as it’s “supporters” was based on numbers conceived from a poll that had to be “fixed” to get the groups desired results.
Surely the wording of the original poll had to be approved by township officials. Why did township officials allow the poll to be changed after polling had already started?
Surely they had to know that the poll had been finding that it did not have the support of the “majority” of the people required to put it on the ballot? Can we really trust them to be honest with more of our money?
The group’s claims that “green space raises property values, the quality of life, and attracts people to the community” is a contradiction in common sense.
Why have home values in Independence Township dropped significantly with the green space that exists today? Values would not go up by buying “green space” to “attract people.” Contrary to their statements educated citizens know that “attracting people to our community” results in MORE PEOPLE and LESS “green space” for all but a select few.
Up until now the “green group” has shown an indifference to the “green space” in your neighborhood.
So why the group’s sudden interest in your well being? Money, .pure and simple. They want your money to fund what will ultimately be a “green space buffer zone” for the benefit of a select few.
The “we care about the whole community” speech rings hollow when we’ve seen that attention is paid only to the green space in and around the “Clarkston community,” while developement in other areas of the township is routinely ignored.
The “green group” conveniently fails to mention that you already pay federal, state, county and township taxes for “green space” in the form of federal lands/parks, state lands/parks, county land/parks, and township land/parks.
Residents cannot afford another “it’s just a small millage increase.” The “small millage increases” are what have helped make Michigan the foreclosed ghost town that it is quickly becoming today.
We would suggest that the “green group” use their ingenuity and buy the foreclosed properties in their neighborhood for use as their own personal green space. The $10,000 telephone poll would have made a good down payment on the green space that they are now asking you and I to pay for.
We have faith that the people of Independence township will see through the propaganda and vote down the green space proposal.
Informed citizens still remember how quickly money was found after the Senior center proposal was overwhelmingly defeated, why should we expect this to be treated any differently?
Homeowners have grown tired of being nickled and dimmed out of their homes to pay for projects that they have already spent a lifetime paying taxes for! Because of the facts above, homeowners should vote NO on the “green space” proposal, Nov. 4.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell, Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
While I have probably said it before, I want to again thank you for publishing the opinions and viewpoints of our residents.
The most recent of Tammie Heazlit (‘Green space millage proposal needed,? May 14) was especially rewarding as it gave specific recommendations for development that will not diminish what we have or take away from what we leave our children.
Unlike many others who only say yes or no to development, Ms. Heazlit told us how we can do it right.
I do hope representatives of Beaumont, Independence Township, and all the voters, are listening.
Cory Johnston, PE,
Clarkston
Corporate member, U.S. Green Building Council
Dear Editor,
Rudy Lozano apparently needs a calculator (‘Vote needed on part-time township idea,? May 14 edition).
When Dan Travis announced that his team of dedicated community-minded citizens would get the township back on track, the other 125 people in the room with me were ecstatic.
I understand as a campaigner he has to launch these negative attacks, but he ought to at least get his facts right. The clerk did offer to reduce her job duties and her salary, but his candidate, the current supervisor, refused because he wants to protect his job and his salary, even at the expense of what is best for our community.
What I have seen over the past four years out of the current supervisor has demonstrated the need for this township to have the assistance for its day-to-day operations of someone who is educated, trained and experienced in municipal government.
I am delighted Dan Travis and his group are taking this issue of professional management to the public. I am confident the public will see the wisdom of having professional management assistance to deal with the complexities of the multi-million dollar enterprise that is our government. I am just as confident the voters will understand the current supervisor and those he would now support are just running to have jobs.
We deserve better.
On Aug. 5, I intend to vote for Dan Travis and his entire dedicated team.
Sincerely,
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We would like to say thank you to the students and staff at Bailey Lake Elementary for their generous donation of animal supplies and adoption bags on April 25th. Between the donations and the outpouring of support you gave at the adoption event, many animals have found good homes where they can be happy and healthy.
Generosity and civic responsibility such as yours deserves recognition. We rely on donations like these to help meet the costs associated with caring for and housing the animals here. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how much we depend on donations like these to help the thousands of homeless animals we see every year.
We are looking forward to seeing you again next year and hope that many of you will come and adopt an animal from us in the future.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Obrecht, manager
Oakland Pet Adoption Center Division
Dear Editor,
This is a special thank you from the New Gateways Program to the Knights of Columbus 5436 on Maybee Road.
They have generously supported our program for 16 years. For their kindness, the clients, staff, and parents with to extend their personal thanks to Mike Zubalik and Dan Fuller, chairpersons of their Tootsie Roll Drive, and to all their dedicated volunteers.
May God bless.
Sincerely,
Lillian Machowski
Parents Council, New Gateways, Inc.
Dear Editor,
Recently, at the May 5 Orion Trustees Meeting, I made my views known during public comment about prayers being said before the meeting.
I have no problem with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, but prayer is another matter. One’s religion or belief in a higher power, to me, is a personal item.
That’s why the separation of church and state was put into the United States Constitution, so that the American people could worship the religion of their choice, without the interference of kings, queens, dictators and monarchs deciding what the people should believe in.
If a person wants to pray out lout while driving or walking, that’s fine with me and it’s their freedom to do so. But when it comes to public government meetings let’s keep it the way this United States was founded, on freedom of the press, speech, religion and assembly!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
My name is Nick Mulcahy, I am 11-years-old and I am a local skater of Lake Orion living in the downtown area.
Skateboarding is becoming very popular, and I understand some kids are skating where they are not supposed to be. I also understand that they are being disrespectful to pedestrians.
I think one of the problems is that we don’t have a safe place to skateboard. If we had a local skatepark, we wouldn’t be forced to skate at other public places.
You don’t see people playing football in the middle of the street or playing soccer in a parking lot because they have a safe place to go and play.
My mother has to drive me 30 minutes to a skatepark in Rochester every Saturday for me to have a safe place to skate.
Anyone can cause property damage, but people blame skateboarders. All we want is a safe environment to skateboard.
— Nick Mulcahy
Dear Editor,
Although we have been in the Clarkston community for almost 20 years, this is our first letter to The Clarkston News.
During our time here in Clarkston, we’ve seen many changes, mostly for the better.
The reason we felt compelled to write this letter is the Clarkston Police Department.
Obviously, everyone has their opinion on the pros and cons of having our own police department. We are not trying to sway opinions on either side.
Our sole objective is to recognize the phenomenal job the current chief, Dale LaCroix, and his fellow police officers are doing.
They are the definition of how a small town police department should be run. They are friendly, courteous, and most importantly, responsive to the needs of the community.
We have been dismayed in the past with some of the actions of past employees of the police department. In the past, we have been anything but supportive of the police department because of their lack of communication, and mishandling of the department.
Congratulations to the City Council and specifically the people in charge of hiring Mr. LaCroix and his staff.
In the short space we have here, I cannot possibly explain all of the positive things the police department has done for us since the hiring of the new chief. Their presence on a daily basis in and around our community is appreciated.
We would like to publicly and personally thank them for the outstanding job they are doing.
Keep up the great work!
Robert Esshaki
Christopher Thomas
Co-proprietors, Rudy’s Market
Dear Editor,
The Lighthouse Clarkston pantry shelves have been screaming for food the last several weeks and were finally quieted on Saturday, May 10, thanks to the 2008 ‘Stamp out Hunger? food drive sponsored by the Independence Township Post Office letter carriers.
With the help of 80 local post office employees, 25 youth and adult volunteers and the Lighthouse Clarkston staff, several thousand pounds of food were collected, sorted and boxed and our pantry shelves were filled once again.
The need for food assistance has grown tremendously these past several months with our agency providing food in April to feed 1,198 people; an increase of 66 percent from last year!
This annual food drive continues to be successful only because of the countless local residents who open their hearts and wallets to help provide the food that is sorely needed.
On behalf of the staff and volunteers of Lighthouse Emergency Services in Clarkston, I thank all who participated in this well-timed food drive as we slide into the warm summer months ahead.
Connie Stapleton
Manager, Lighthouse Clarkston
To all the businesses who generously donated to Lakeville Elementary’s silent auction during the spring fair, thank you!
Businesses included: Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department, Oxford Police, Oxford Fire, Pet Supplies Plus, National City Mortgage, Center Stage, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Sabrina’s Salon, Tim Horton’s, Kalloway’s Restaurant, Oxford Tap, Ken’s Coney Island, Frosty Boy, Roots Hair Salon, Boulder Pointe Golf Course, Oxford Hills Golf Course, Patterson Pharmacy, Rivers Chiropractic Center, R & R Training Inc., Werner’s Hallmark, Steve & Barry’s Store, Sylvan Learning Center, PSKA Karate Center, Tom’s Hardware, Tiki Hut Entertainment, Grondin’s Hair Salon, Grove’s True Value Hardware, Merle Normal Cosmetics, Chili’s, Frito Lay Co.
Lakeville Elementary
Last night I met the dad of one of my son’s friends. He asked me how I liked my car and thanked me for buying a GM product. His pride in the company he works for and the product that they make was really refreshing in these times of negative everything.
It also reminded me that the choices we make when choosing to spend our dollars makes a huge difference to our friends, relatives and neighbors. We all need to support our local businesses and the products that they make and sell. Our choices do matter.
Carla Smith
Oxford
First of all, I would like to thank the people of Oxford area for their wonderful generosity during our annual Poppy Days. Thanks to them, we raised over $6,500 in donations for our veterans and their families. These funds are disbursed under strict guidelines from National and the Department of Michigan.
I would like to thank Oxford Police Chief Mike Neymanowski for all of his work and dedication helping with our annual Memorial Day services. Cheif Mike and all of his officers do a terrific job. I would also like to thank the dedicated firemen for all that they do during our parade to the cemetery. These fine men and women always do a great job and make all of us feel proud that they chose our community as a place to live and work.
Next, I would like to thank Mr. Jim Gibbons and the Oxford High School band for always being a proud part of our annual Memorial Day ceremonies. Come rain or shine, they are always great. I would also like to thank all of our Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, church groups and everyone else who will take part in our annual march to the cemetery. It is so gratifying that so many people from the area turn out on this very special holiday to honor our veterans, both living and the dead, for their many brave sacrifices ensuring that we can live in a free and independent nation.
I would also like to thank The Oxford Leader and your staff for the coverage provided in your excellent newspaper year after year. You always do a great job.
Jonathan Tope, Sr.
Commander of Post 108
American Legion
We know times are bad, but to do your shopping for flowers at my daughter’s grave is unspeakable. How dare you steal from the Oxford Township Cemetery. Our daughter died in January and we took her a beautiful hanging basket of red flowers for Mother’s Day. She was a wonderful mother and you are nothing but a low-life thief.
Chuck and Sandy Weeden
Oxford
Dear Editor,
We at Oxford/Orion FISH would like to thank the people of Oxford, Orion and Addison for contributing so generously to the Postal Carriers Annual Food Drive for the Hungry.
As you know, the food collected in our area was all donated to FISH and will help to feed the needy people of our communities for several months to come.
A special thanks to the hard-working postal carriers who collected all the food and the angels who volunteered to help at the pantry on Saturday and Sunday.
There were over 10 tons of collected food to sort and store.
It was a great community effort all around. Thanks again.
— Oxford/Orion FISH
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank Golling Pontiac GMC of Lake Orion and Scott Magyar of the sales staff. This dealership and sales representative has stepped forward on two occasions, that I am aware of, to assist me either personally or others in need.
The first time they stepped in to assist the community, they allowed me to borrow a vehicle to transport young David Schrauger around while he was home to attend his brothers? funerals.
As you may remember, the family, already hurting from David being severely wounded in Iraq and recovering in Texas, lost two of their sons in an auto accident. While David flew home to attend the funerals, he needed to be transported with a doctor at his side at all times.
The fire department was contacted to see if we had a vehicle able to meet his requirements. We contacted Mr. John Cooper of Golling and he made available a Yukon Denali for as long as needed, without hesitation.
Last week after losing my mother to cancer, there was a mishap with my wife’s Grand Prix and we needed a windshield within 24 hours so we could use the car in the funeral. One phone call to Scott Magyar and dropping the vehicle off, he made arrangements to get the windshield replaced, made sure the car was clean and ready for the funeral.
I have purchased many vehicles from this dealership ever since they moved to Lake Orion, and most vehicle purchases have been through Scott.
I have always been satisfied, and never once has he or the dealership been less than professional with me and have always gone out of their way to make sure my every need is met but’with these two incidents, and the way they have assisted without hesitation, proves they know the true meaning of customer and community satisfaction.
Thank you very much!
— Robert G. Smith
Dear Editor,
Why are we Orion voters allowing the Orion School Board members to tell us when they want board elections to occur?
There were only three people running for two spots. This is the tail wagging the dog.
I worked on the election from the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and ONLY 38 people voted. I understand most of the other districts had the same (LACK OF TURNOUT).
The school board refused to allow the election to occur either in August (primary) or November, so that the the election would NOT cost us (THE VOTING PUBLIC) any, or very few dollars.
And these haughty Orion board members insisted the election be in May, no matter what the cost to Orion.
I know why you on the school board did it? because very few people vote and their preferred people get re-elected.
You (the school board) should be reimbursing the people of Orion the cost of this stupid election.
— Ron Kwapisz
Dear Editor,
I wish to thank the Lake Orion Hollywood Market for the generous $100 gift certificate I won at their May 7 Grand Opening celebration.
I shop there because of their quality meat. The taste is like meat/chicken used to taste.
Thank You Hollywood Market. Forever a Loyal customer,
— Fran Nedwick
Dear Editor,
About four years ago, I wrote that it made sense to elect someone who is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to the office of Orion Township treasurer. The public thought so, too, and elected Alice P. Young.
During her term in office, she has:
-Suggested the change that was implemented to replace the car allowance for township officials with reimbursement for miles drive, thus saving taxpayers? money.
-Moved money sitting in non-interest checking accounts to interest-bearing accounts making money for the township.
-Established a system by which taxes can be paid with credit cards.
-Worked with banks to achieve more competitive interest rates for the township.
-Reevaluated the Charter Township of Orion contribution to the Polly Ann Trail and NOTA, lowering payments to a fairer share.
-Made sound investment decision allowing you general fund township taxes to be maintained at a level 12-percent less than they could be, even though the state’s revenue share has slowly been cut.
-Provides monthly reporting on the investments and interest rates your tax dollars are earning.
-Established proper procedures, receipts and approvals for the petty cash fund as another measure of accountability for your tax dollars.
In these tough fiscal times, isn’t it nice to have an elected official who is managing your tax dollars, having them work for you?
Little things add up. Alice has put things in place to save us, the taxpayer, money. Wouldn’t it be nice to have another four years of the same responsible fiscal management?
— Edward M. Peters
Dear Editor,
Larry Rosso, Sam Moraco, George Krull, Cheryl Karrick, Joan McCary, Joseph Lawrence, and Curt Carson (Independence Township Planning Commission), I regret that, like too many citizens, I sat back and didn’t pay too much attention to Beaumont Hospital’s proposed project. My husband and I finally attended the April 10 Independence Township Planning Commission meeting.
As a former member of the Sterling Heights Planning Commission, I felt I had to acknowledge some of my concerns with the project, especially the hospital portion. I firmly believe their suggested use is too dense for a Planned Unit Development.
As a resident across M-15, I am concerned, naturally, about the traffic and noise problems. Also, how will the size of this project affect Cranberry Lake and surrounding wells?
What about the problems during the actual construction? As a former owner of a contracting company, I know the amount of traffic, noise, and the ‘pollution? of M-15 at this time.
Eric Hunt (Beaumont representative) discussed the nature areas and walking, running, biking paths surrounding the project. I wonder if the Oakland Sheriff’s Department has been approached about safety issues? Also, this could be a gathering place for teens. How will this affect surrounding homes west of the project?
There are other issues of concern, but you are fully aware of these. I just hope you will all consider very carefully the impact of this project as a whole.
Jackie Tack
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Regarding the Neil Wallace slate and township manager: does he intend to ask the 24,000 plus voters in Independence Township what they think about changing the structure of the township board? Or will it be the 40 people he had at the Clarkston Cafe Monday night?
The people in the community have the right to vote on an issue this important. By the way, if the clerk thinks her job should be part-time, then why is she still collecting a full-time salary?
Rudy D. Lozano
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter for the lack of service at the Clarkston Post Office.
The office has the ability to have three clerks to help the general public ? seldom do you have three clerks. Yesterday late afternoon, there were many people standing in line to receive service and there was only one clerk working. I am not complaining about the postal clerks ? they are very helpful and courteous.
I complained to Postmaster Ron Hippensteel. There was no satisfaction. He couldn’t help me and gave me some 800 number for further comments.
The Waterford Post Office on Dixie Highway is a much better place to do business because they have an abundance of clerks.
I was a substitute mail carrier for eight years at the Clarkston Post Office in the 60s. Mrs. E. Ronk was the postmaster, and a terrific boss. I remember her saying the customer always comes first. The Clarkston postmaster could take a page out of Mrs. Ronk’s book.
Mel Vaara
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I just want to say that I think Brian Kitchin would have been a great assest to the Clarkston School Board. His ideas are fresh and should be used.
All school boards should have new people with ideas on how to improve it. So Brian should have been the one to win a spot.
Pat Hester
Cass City
With an alarming increase of children diagnosed with Autism, it should be noted that there are no teachers in Oxford High School or K thru 8 who currently hold a full certification in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). True, there are a couple of teachers in the process but that does not cover the lacking need of students now.
This could be why the current mindset of the Special Education Department has no problem labeling a child ADHD yet refuses to even list ASD as the underlining problem to a student’s special educational needs. This includes children clinically and medically diagnosed as having ASD.
Although the majority of all our local tax dollars are school related? it is very difficult to get a timely appointment to see School Superintendent Skilling. A visit and urgent personal letter a week ago never even rated a return call from the superintendent, but his secretary did manage to find a closer appointment ‘only? two weeks away! Tick? tock? ick? tock ?
Having worked as a student advocate within our special education department, I have to say that the high school team system overrides the rest of our district. Their co-teaching method managed to fade some of my Middle School nightmares. Oxford Schools would do the department a great service by implementing their co-teaching arrangement in all our schools.
This letter in no way is meant to criticize the many dedicated teachers who have worked overtime to operate within a flawed system or to Dr. Oermann, current director of Special Education. It is simply a vent in seeing kids continuously slipping through cracks in a system which seriously lacks training, education, and intervention in areas of ASD.
As diagnosed ASD cases increase within our schools, Oxford might wish to become leaders in developing their program to provide a more positive support approach to help all students. At the least, they might consider adopting a Positive Behavioral Support policy to enhance their current program. This is not an issue of finances as much as it is an issue of rearranging priorities and utilizing and maintaining support and resources we already have.
Sue Bellairs, Oxford
Dear Editor,
A big thank you to the Orion community for supporting the 5th annual Mystery Art Crawl and Fine Wine Tasting on Friday, April 25.
Downtown Lake Orion was bubbling with energy as attendees went through the 18 participating businesses, solving the art mysteries so they could then enjoy the wine and win a great array of door prizes.
Special thanks to Carl Slomczenski and Joan of CJ’s Sandbar for orchestrating the wine tasting and food donations, to Elements for hosting, and all the great downtown businesses for helping to make the event successful by opening their establishments and donating a door prize.
Many new attendees were happy to see such a wide variety of offerings in our town!
Thanks to the Jazz and Tonic Trio for the great music and to Leslie Shields, John Ryan, Gail Ryan, Gail Grandy and Cindy Wheeler for their involvement.
Pulling off successful events is a group effort. Kudos to everyone involved…it was a night to remember!
— Reggie Harrison
Orion Art Center Director
Dear Editor,
The Orion Senior Center and St. Joseph Catholic Church would like to thank all of the people who attended our first ever Senior Area Expo. The turnout was a huge success with hundreds of people filing thru the tables of our’many’vendors.
The committee would like to thank all of the vendors who took time out of their busy schedules to come and talk to our area seniors about their services. We also want to thank our guest speakers who gave out valuable information. These two groups gave our community better knowledge of senior services.
Another group deserving thanks is Boy Scout Troop 186, who helped set up tables and chairs on Friday night. These young men did a great job and we thank them for their help.
The committee, who worked for over nine months to put on this great expo, was led by Orion Senior Center Director Lisa Sokol. The rest of the committee consisted of Rosemary Rangi of Crittenton Medical Equipment, Janet Mazzetti of Lake Orion Assisted Living, Nancy Wasilk of Home Instead Senior Care, Sandy Stewart of Visiting Angels, Keri Kater of Sunrise Senior Living, and Tina Rupprecht and Mary Martin of St. Joesph Catholic Church.
Another big thanks goes to Diane Perna of Lake Orion Assisted Living, who put together the’program and assisted in the making of the Senior Service Directory. And the big booming voice announcing the speakers and businesses was the Senior Center’s very own Wes Fuelling. Thanks, Wes, for a great job.
A big thanks goes to the staff of the Orion Senior Center for answering phones, getting information to the vendors and much more. Thank you Laura Sniderman, Linda Jezuit and Elaine Schefke. Thank you to all who attended and participated.
— Bill Kokenos
Orion Senior Center Volunteer
Dear Editor,
For many months now I have been reading with interest about the efforts of the Clarkston Community Schools administration to deal with the system’s budget issues.
Several painful cutbacks have been suggested and implemented to deal with budget shortfalls.
However, I may be missing something: while I know I have not read every scrap of information pertaining to these efforts, I also know that nothing I have read mentions anyone looking under the rock labeled ‘reductions in administrative staff, administrative compensation and administrative benefits? to find funds to help balance the budget.
There have been suggested cuts in teachers, special education funds, textbooks and other areas that directly impact students but I have not read anything about administrators sharing the sacrifice.
If administrators and the Board of Education are truly interested in ensuring a quality education for as many students as possible, downward adjustments in administrative expense would be much higher on the list of reductions than anything directly affecting the classroom.
As administrators, educators, and parents, we owe it to our children to provide them with a quality education with which they can confidently become productive members of society.
In the current economic situation in Michigan, that translates to turning over every rock before we negatively impact the classroom.
That is not to say that we shouldn’t continue to look for efficiencies in our classrooms, but we have to find that fine line between the optimal delivery of educational services and compromising the efficacy of the education through poorly-conceived or unnecessary reductions in teaching staff and/or classroom funds.
Further, we find ourselves in a time when many governmental bodies in the State of Michigan are making an extraordinary effort to attract businesses to the state.
Among the reasons a business may choose to relocate to Michigan is the availability of qualified candidates to fill anticipated job openings.
By making unnecessary or ill-conceived reductions we compromise the ability to provide those businesses with qualified candidates while at the same time deprive our students of an opportunity to be successful in their chosen endeavors because we limited our capacity to deliver a quality education.
If administrative reductions as outlined above have not been considered and implemented, we have compelling reasons for the Board of Education to re-visit the budget to determine if all avenues have been explored.
Lawrence Matta
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
How much greed is enough?
The major oil companies drilling for oil worldwide and selling their products in this country announced their First Quarter Net Profits this week.
Just in case you missed this week’s announcements and failed to analyze what they mean to us, then please note the following regarding those first quarter profits of:
Shell Oil’s earnings from oil production rose 52 percent from 1 year ago to $5.14 billion. $5.14 billion = $5,140,000,000 / (90 days *24 hours per day = 2160 hours) = $2,379,629.63 Net profit (after expenses) for every single hour during January, February and March 2008.
British Petroleum (BP) posted a 63 percent surge in first-quarter net profit to $7.6 billion from 1 year ago. $7.6 billion = $7,600,000,000 / (90 days *24 hours per day = 2160 hours) = $3,518,518.52 Net profit (after expenses) for every single hour during January, February and March 2008.
Last week ConocoPhillips reported a 16 percent rise in net income to $4.14 billion from 1 year ago. $4.14 billion = $4,140,000,000 / (90 days *24 hours per day = 2160 hours) = $1,916,666.67 Net profit (after expenses) for every single hour during January, February and March 2008.
More big profits are expected from the biggest two U.S. companies,Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp., when they report first-quarter earnings later this week.
Exxon/Mobil Oil said Thursday its earnings for the first three months of the year rose to $10.9 billion, or $2.03 per share, up from $9.3 billion, or $1.62 per share, a year ago. $10.9 billion = $10,900,000,000 / (90 days * 24 hours per day = 2160 hours) = $5,046,296.30 Net profit (after expenses) for every single hour during January, February and March 2008.
How much greed is enough greed at our expense? Are we just expected to pay more and more at the pump without end AND to pay more and more without end to have every product delivered to our grocery stores and every other point of purchase forever?
Dave Cleveland
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
May 4-10th is National Staff Appreciation Week. On behalf of Sashabaw Middle School students and their families, the PTA would like to take this opportunity to say ‘Thank you? to all of the wonderful teachers, support staff, administrative staff, counselors and custodial staff at Sashabaw Middle School who work with our children every day.
Each of you have an important role at the school that is often taken for granted. For every tear, scrape, hurt feeling and disappointment, you are there during the day to comfort and take care of our most valued possessions ? our children.
You keep them safe and provide a clean, healthy environment that enables them to learn and grow as people.
We couldn’t ask for more and we truly appreciate what you do, not just this week, but every week.
SMS PTA/Staff Appreciation Committee
Dear Editor,
The recent opinions against a conservation millage in Independence Township astonish me since they portray conservation as something for only a few people.
I live in the Village of Clarkston and everyone should know that what happens with land in Independence affects almost everyone in Clarkston, certainly everyone in Independence, and with regards to water and air quality, thousands of people who live around us.
With that in mind, putting a land conservation issue on the ballot seems like one of the most enlightened decisions the Township Board has made.
It has the potential to protect the quality of the land and water for us, for our children, and for all those that will come after we are gone. It also allows this area to remain as desirable as the other areas around us that have already adopted these policies.
The conservation millage for Independence is also supported by an independent poll that shows a majority are in support, not just a ‘chosen few.?
Many will say that this will stop development in Independence Township at the taxpayers? expense.
I disagree and think that it will help development be done correctly. For example, the proposed Beaumont development has been rejected due to existing trees and wetlands. But the polls say that most people want Beaumont to be here.
The decision should not be one or the other but how can the most valuable natural property be saved and because of that possibly more intense development done in other areas.
The valuable properties are easily identified and the county offers free assistance to document them and their affects on adjacent development.
However, there is little that can be done to protect them with the current site plan approval process that only looks at one site at a time.
I am sure that everyone already realizes that if it wasn’t for Beaumont’s request to build on what is currently residential property, they could do almost anything they wanted with little or no input from the public.
Perhaps that is why the Powells, who expressed their opinion in this paper, are so troubled with the development around them.
I am glad we all have the opportunity to comment and that so far Beaumont has been willing to listen. While often emotional and time consuming, it still is what democracy is all about, as is a vote for conservation.
Now is the opportunity for Independence Township voters to decide if they want to save their surrounding property. This is not something that you should just hope is done by the county or state, but something you have control of.
You could have green spaces, more controlled and intelligent development, and the qualities we all should treasure, or you can have the types of development that have occurred in many communities south of us. The same communities many of us moved from so we could live here.
Beaumont is continuing with discussion even after being turned down twice. They obviously see the potential for this area. I certainly hope that the residents of the township also see the potential.
If not, think about what the next generation will say. Will it be ‘why did they let this happen?? or will it be ‘thank goodness they had the foresight to protect the land in Independence Township.?
Cory Johnston, PE
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Some facts to consider when we vote on a millage to preserve open space, waters and wetlands in Independence township;
? If we don’t do it now; Then when?
? Communities that have greater areas of green space and natural areas have higher property values and a better Quality of Life.
? 63 percent of our voters think open land is being developed too quickly
? Protection of waters and wetlands is critical to the quality of our ground water which most of us depend on for our daily use. 92 percent of the voters world support using the millage for this purpose.
? We have major portions of the Clinton River headwaters and every thing we do here to protect them benefits all of our downstream neighbors. Let’s be good neighbors.
? Natural areas and wetlands provide the habitat for our many birds and wild life and thus insure their well being and survival.
? For an example of what we can do with the millage visit the Kimball preserve of the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy located on Perry Lake road. This lovely 41 acre parcel is open to the public!
It seems to me that the opportunity to save some of our vanishing natural areas will not be before us for long. Therefore a small millage increase to save some of ‘the Best of the Rest? is a wish investment in not only our future but that of our grandchildren.
Jim Reed
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
This is a note to respond to Mr. and Mrs. Powell’s letter encouraging people not to support the ‘Green Group.?
It is our hope over the next five months to inform citizens on the economic benefits of land conservation. The following are facts from the Trust for Public Land.
? Parks and open space often increase the value of nearby properties along with property tax revenue.
? Parks and open space attract businesses and trained employees in search of high quality of life.
? Parks and open space attract tourists and boost recreation spending.
? Parks and open space reduce obesity and health care costs by supporting exercise and recreation.
? Conserved open space helps safeguard drinking water, clean the air, and prevent flooding ? services provided much more expensively by other means.
? When open space is transformed into homes, the taxes of existing residents invariably increase because while development generates tax revenue, the cost of providing public services and infrastructure to that development is likely to exceed tax revenue emanating from it. (Compton 2004, 50 research teams in 21 states).
Thank You.
Thomas Pytel
Independence Goes Green
(The Green Group!)
We would like to publicly thank the students and staff at Oxford Middle School for putting together a beautiful presentation for some local senior citizens on April 30!
I am the Activity Coordinator for the Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Village of Oakland Woods. We arrived at the school, where we were greeted at the door and escorted to the commons for a wonderful concert by the drummers and choir. Then we got the ‘royal? treatment for lunch, along with beautiful handmade gifts. Best of all, the kids sat with our seniors during lunch and had great conversation with them. It was a wonderful intergenerational event that I think everyone enjoyed.
I was very impressed with Jan Flynn, whom I had the pleasure to coordinate this with and finally meet. You can see her passion for what she does and it carries through to the kids that participate. All of the other staff members were exceptionally pleasant and kind also, making the seniors feel extra special. It was truly a gift to them!
Besides working at this senior community, I am also a resident of Oxford and all five of our kids are graduates of Oxford High School. My co-worker, Julie, has two OHS graduates and a daughter attending the middle school also. I am also a local business owner. We have to say that we am very proud of our home town and how the staff and students at Oxford Middle School presented this program! Thank you so much! We hope to continue this interaction between our schools and the Village of Oakland Woods. We know that the residents would love it.
Maggie Barclay and Julie Richmond
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan
Village of Oakland Woods
Dear Editor,
Ever find yourself wondering where the money collected from the Knights of Columbus – Fr. Thomas R. Carey Council #4764 – ‘Tootsie Roll Drive? goes to??
Well wonder no more!?
On Tuesday, April 22, 2008, the Knights of Columbus hosted a dinner and presented five organizations with checks ranging from $1,200 to $1,700.?
Among the five organizations were two local organizations:’TEAM SEPTA of Lake Orion (a special education parent teacher association) and North Oakland Vocational Association (NOVA).’Both groups are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities.?
The remaining three organizations were Clarkston SCAMP, Oakland County Special Olympics and Area 13 Special Olympics.
Rain, Snow, Sleet or Shine…every year the Knights of Columbus and their volunteers, all over Michigan go out into the community to raise money for organizations supporting individuals with MI.?
The Knights of Columbus is dedicated to helping raise awareness and supporting organizations providing services for individuals and families with disabilities.
On behalf of TEAM SEPTA of Lake Orion, we would like to thank Ron Hines and the Knights of Columbus for believing in our organization and their generous donation, which will be used to improve the lives of children and young adults in the Lake Orion school district.
— Team SEPTA
Dear Editor,
After watching the antics of Orion Township Trustee John Garlicki at the Monday, April 21 board meeting, I have but one thing to say: Resign and let someone else finish the remainder of your term.
Let’s put someone in there that will show up on time for the meetings and not fall asleep when the meetings are going on, and then constantly ask the board to repeat a question or issue on the agenda.
Your conduct at that meeting, Mr. Garlicki, left a lot to be desired, because when Mary MacMaster confronted you with the facts about you and your actions on the NOTA board, you lashed out like a wild man and accused the lady of lying!
One thing I’ll tell you about Mary MacMaster, Johnny, is that she has been involved in public activities since you were still learning how to get through high school.
Another fact about Mary is that before she says or does anything, she always makes sure it is the truth.
So, before you go out and accuse someone of telling stories, Mr. Garlicki, take a good look at yourself.
— James B. Delavan
I also would like to offer a friendly reminder to drivers that east bound Market Street traffic at this intersection no longer allows right turns from both lanes. Before the road on the east side of M-24 was completed, you could turn right from both lanes, and people did every day. Now, however, you are no longer allowed to do that, yet people still do it every day. From the northernmost lane, you are only allowed to go straight across the intersection. You may not turn right (southbound onto M-24) from this lane. From the southernmost lane, you may go straight across the intersection or turn right. This is the only lane you from which you are able to turn right. You are able to go straight from both lanes.
Despite the fact that there are not one, but two signs indicating this, someone turns right from the northernmost lane all the time. Pretty soon, that someone turning right in the northernmost lane is going to collide with the person in the southernmost lane who is going straight across the intersection. It’s only a matter of time.
Heather Hillary, Oxford
Dear Editor,
We agree with township resident Henry Woloson’s assessment of the Nov. 4 green space proposal by Independence Township.
It is NOT a proper use of public funds to buy property to be held for green space. Tax dollars should not be taken from property owners to buy property that would benefit just a chosen few.
Township residents cannot afford another property tax nor can we afford another bureaucracy.
This proposal stands to benefit only a select few. For example, within one mile of our home there are now two trailer parks, a 200-home high-density housing project, over 600 apartments, 50 condos, and a Planned Urban Development (PUD) project has now been quietly approved by township officials.
Once started, PUD will be adding many more housing units to our area. All this was done without publicity or resistance by both the township and the “Green group.”
Why has the “green group” and the township been silent on these projects?
If these projects had been proposed anywhere near M-15 or the Clarkston area they would have been met with the same resistance and publicity that transpired from the Walmart and the Beaumont projects.
Yet residents in this area have been unaware of every new project in our neighborhood until after it was approved.
We can expect to see the same type of preferential treatment if the green space proposal were to pass.
It’s transparent to us that now that their “green space” is being encroached upon, only now have they become concerned and believe it’s okay for all of the township’s residents to pay to preserve the “green space” in their neighborhoods.
The “Independence Takes YOUR Green” group should finance its own land purchases privately and leave our wallets alone!
Vote NO, Nov. 4 on the green-space proposal!
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Lori Powell
Independence Township
On Monday, April 21, the Oxford Garden Club celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the institution of the club.
We held a pot-luck luncheon at the Oxford Library with many members, old and new, in attendance. An interesting history of the club was presented by Nancy Murray, aka, Mrs. Roger Murray, as all members were known in the past until the upstarts of the 1990’s changed all that. Henceforth, the members were known only by their own names and not their husbands names.
Several area businesses were very generous in donating items to be raffled off at the meeting in honor of our anniversary, and I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to these business owners: Wojo’s Nursery, Grove’s True Value Hardware, Jacobsen’s Flowers, Harvest Time Farm Market and Oxford Farm & Garden.
It is the community spirit and generosity of people like this that make Oxford a wonderful place to live. Thanks to all who made this a special celebration for the Garden Club.
Jan Burns, The Oxford Garden Club
In response to your article about the incident at Clear Lake Elementary School: I want to know what the school principal has done to ensure the safety of the children on the ‘list??
Did she meet with the parents as a group to discuss this very serious problem?
Does the school district or Clear Lake school have a plan in action right now to ensure the children involved are safe? How soon after the teacher was notified was the school board notified of this incident?
A few other questions I have are assuming the school board was notified immediately, how did they react and what are they doing to ensure this doesn’t happen again with this student?
I assume there is a Code of Conduct for the school district and I sincerely hope that this incident involves having the child removed from the school classroom, but more importantly put into counseling where he can receive help for his anger.
It’s time adults stop overlooking this type of behavior. At 8-9 years of age, children have already seen too much of this kind of thing on television and in their video/electronic games and think it’s all right. Well, it’s not.
As adults, we should be enraged at this type of thing. We do no need another Columbine-type of incident in our grammar schools.
Darlene Toliver
Oxford
I want to thank everyone for the gifts, money and toys. It means a lot to me that people are praying for me.
I get chemotherapy every Tuesday and I don’t like it, but I know I have to do it to make me better.
My mom said I might lose my hair. I don’t think I’m going to like it, but my dad said he is going to shave his hair off.
I don’t think I’m going to have much fun this summer.
— Anthony Narsh
Dear Editor,
With the discouraging financial picture in Michigan and a new Lake Orion superintendent, your vote has never been more important. We need someone with a cool head, an open mind and an ear to listen to all points of view.
Mary Jo Burchart has demonstrated these skills during her 8 years on the LO School Board.
Mary Jo is dedicated to meeting the needs of ALL children of the district. She goes out of her way to make sure she sees the big picture. She is a candidate of vast experience.
We wholeheartedly recommend voting for Mary Jo Burchart in the May 6, 2008 School Board Election. Lake Orion’s children deserve the best.
— Art & Kay Schrah
Dear Editor,
If it were not for the too massive project currently proposed, I would agree a Beaumont facility could be an asset for our community.
Neither Beaumont nor our community needs all of the different buildings and uses they have proposed to cram into this area.
There are five fundamental problems that must first be resolved:
? Invasion into residential area to the north;
? Resulting impact on the onsite wetlands and effects downstream beginning with Cranberry Lake;
? Effects on the water table;
? Height and resulting increase in density of the hospital; and
? Profound impact on an already bad traffic situation caused by a too intense project, which is the result of height and unnecessary use of residential property.
The five items I describe do not preclude the possibility of a hospital.
It is not enough for Beaumont to merely chip away at one or two of these problems, continuing on the path of testing us to see how much they can cram on to this property. If they continue on that futile approach, their expressions about timing and delay should be ignored as self-inflicted.
It would be a mistake for Beaumont to focus only on their intrusion into the residential area, hoping this will quell neighbors? objections.
That tactic is doomed because the neighbors and the rest of the community realize there are other significant problems, including that the intensity resulting from height will have a significant impact on traffic and residents? access and safety.
They need to stop wasting time and energy on threats, unfounded accusations about our professional planner, surveys and the repeated jobs rhetoric.
Beaumont is reported to have said that without the hospital they will not come to our community. This merely confirms a significant part of their strategy is to compete with McLaren to get the state’s approval to locate a hospital here. So they need to stop wasting time seeing how much they can cram into this project.
Beaumont should address all of these problems and significantly reduce the scale and adverse impact of the proposal to get local approval for what they really need.
The risk to them is that McLaren gets further entrenched and wins at the state for the only hospital here, if any.
I suppose Beaumont may have been somewhat misled in the beginning because they saw McLaren’s local approval go so smoothly ? McLaren could have and should have been made to conform to our height restrictions. But it is time for Beaumont to get over it and stop testing us.
Neil Wallace
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am taking this opportunity to say that Benny the Beagle’s story has ended. On Friday, April 18, I removed his body from the pond where he had fallen through the ice 2 1/2 weeks earlier.
We had hoped and prayed for a different outcome, but now we know we can stop looking for Benny.
In addition to thanking Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department personnel and the American Speedy Printing shop as I had earlier, I would also like to thank all the caring people in our community that looked for Benny, sent their wishes to us and prayed for his safe return.
Several of those people called us or stopped by to talk to us and I expect there were many more that may not have had the opportunity to let us know, but felt the same way.
We will never understand in this lifetime exactly what happened or why it happened, but we take comfort in knowing Benny is now in the care of the One who created him. We also take comfort in the support and kind words of our friends and neighbors.
Lastly, I want to thank The Clarkston News for its treatment of our story.
Robert Krouse
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Please renew my subscription to The Lake Orion Review for another year.
As a former resident, I still enjoy reading about the happenings in my hometown of eight years.
I still have many friends in the area, and sometimes their names appear in a good way (saving a goat) or a bad way (obituary).
I really enjoy the ‘Looking Back? section and have learned a lot from the really old timers? recollections.
I plan to come up soon and see the changes on Baldwin Road and definitely eat at the new Sagebrush!
— Mary Russell
Dear Editor,
Here it is, 2008, which marks another leap year, as well as an election year.
I want to concentrate on the Orion Township Supervisor race, which thus far involves present Trustee Matt Gibb and political activist Dan Myslakowski.
In my view, we need fresh blood here in Orion Township.
Already, Orion has lost the Gingellville Community Center and spent $375,000 to clean up Friendship Park, with the false notion that the township is looking deep into the matter at the cost of thousands of dollars in legal fees.
They’ve also paid out $340,000 to a terminated deputy supervisor, rather than fight the suit in court.
Now, you wonder why your taxes keep increasing every year, so people like our present Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, can spend our tax money like a drunken sailor and always sit back and say, ‘It wasn’t my decision, it was the board’s decision.?
This is the stuff I have witnessed by being at township meetings these past 10 years. That is why it’s time for a change.
Matt Gibb, in my opinion, is another Eric Wilson, an attorney who is only looking out for what is best for himself. I find that these types of people are ambitious as well as dangerous.
I’ve watched Mr. Gibb in action when he was on the zoning board of appeals and currently on the board of trustees. What I’ve seen of Matt Gibb is that he is an actor who goes where an opportunity presents itself, a trait common in most attorneys.
Dan Myslakowski, on the other hand, is not an attorney, but a former Macomb County commissioner and a former candidate for state representative in district 46, which serves this area of Oakland County.
I don’t totally agree with everything Mr. Myslakowski is campaigning for, but it’s a different and fresh new look from what’s been given here in Orion Township for the last 20 years.
I say let’s open the door and at least give Myslakowski a chance. My gosh, how could things get any worse than they are now?
And, JoAnn Van Tassel is rumored to be making a comeback. Maybe then you’ll see why Orion Township needs new blood.
Remember one other thing, ‘It takes people to make a government, not the government making the people!?
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
I have been following the chain of February and March letters to the editor, the genesis of which was Mr. Neil Wallace’s initial letter of concern over certain actions of our township planning commission.
That letter and the subsequent related letters of Mr. Wallace, Mr. Dave Lohmeier, Mr. Craig Bennett, and Mr. Cory Johnston have appropriately and clearly expressed opinions on substantive issues of importance to our township.
In response, instead of providing a thoughtful and issue-focused rebuttal to the above writers? opinions, Rudy Lozano, campaigner for the township supervisor, instead attacks Mr. Wallace and Mr. Lohmeier personally for their opinions and also personalizes the issues.
We are all enriched by intelligent, articulate presentations of diverse opinions and ideas, such as those presented by Mr. Wallace, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Lohmeier, and Mr. Johnson.
However, belligerent personal responses, such as Rudy Lozano’s, are harmful and detract from the actual and important issues at hand.
I was dumbfounded by Rudy Lozano’s contention that because a supervisor ‘got 60 percent of the vote, he was qualified to appoint who he wants to the planning commission and zoning board of appeals, because that is what a supervisor does.?
Unfortunately, while getting the most votes does vest in him the power to ‘do what he wants,? often sadly, it does not necessarily make him qualified to perform his duties well, again often sadly.
Absent the requisite measure of experience, training, education, knowledge, skill, and discernment of the electorate’s mandate, an elected official is not qualified for his/her task.
Over the last year I have attended numerous township board meetings, and planning commission meetings.
As a result, I agree that Independence Township needs a change in leadership for many of the reasons Dave Lohmeier identified.
And I will seek an official that will not aim to ‘do what he wants? but rather one who will act to accomplish the ‘wants? and needs of our community.
Sharon Gardner
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
When Pope Benedict visits the United States, I hope and pray he notices there are many women in this country, in many aspects of life, who are making valuable contributions to our country’s public life and in faith life.
His Holiness can see first hand the roles women can and do play in this world.
This is a country where Nancy Pelosi is adeptly leading the House of Representatives and Hillary Clinton is running an intelligent, competent presidential campaign.
This, too, is a country where an American Catholic, Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B., was voted one of the most influential women in the world.
The Holy Father needs to open his heart and mind to the injustices facing the female faithful, including over 24,000 female lay ministers, serving Catholic parishes today.
As the head of the worldwide Catholic Church, Pope Benedict can reach out and become the leader for all his people. He can make sure women’s voices are being heard.
Next October, when the Vatican holds the International Synod on the Word, female biblical scholars, and there are many, need to be there to contribute their wisdom and experience.
Sincerely,
Marianne Bernard
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Police suffer from two main problems.
Problem one is the residents don’t know what they do. Problem number two is they are a strain on a small town’s limited budget.
To solve problem number one, they must become highly visible and make their accomplishments well known.
They need to be patrolling almost all the time. There should be a patrol car passing any given point in the village about every 35 minutes. If they are not on the move, they should be using radar to slow down the traffic.
They need to publish their accomplishments on the Clarkston News ‘Public Safety? page, like they have promised to do in past City Council Meetings. A long list of their activities would help justify their existence.
The second problem should be addressed in the two ways that every business person understands, reduce costs and increase revenue.
Get serious about costs.
A town that is about one square mile is size doesn’t need three patrol cars that are fully equipped with all the latest computers and high-tech gizmos. One patrol car should handle the job.
For those three big events, the Fourth of July parade, Taste of Clarkston, and the Labor Day Parade, how about three bicycles and some cell phones.
Increasing revenue is easy. Implement a fine schedule for traffic violations and other ordinance violations and start enforcing our laws.
Let’s look at a simple example. Supposedly, there are 22,000 cars that travel through Clarkston on Main Street each day.
If one percent are speeding, that is 220 violations each day. The ticket for ? 5 miles per hour over the posted limit? is about $80.00 in Oakland County.
I’m told the municipality gets half the fine or $40. If you multiply $40 times 220 you get $8,800 in fines each day. Multiply the $8,800 daily income times 365 and you now have a revenue stream of $3,212,000 per year.
That will help pay the day-to-day expenses.
If people are worried about Clarkston’s reputation, forget it.
All those speeders aren’t residents. They are just people in a big hurry to get somewhere else. They honk their horns, yell at each other, make illegal right turns on red, go down restricted streets, and there are currently no consequences.
They don’t shop here, eat here, walk around the millpond, or enjoy the beautiful houses of Clarkston.
I think they should put our Village budget in the black.
Sincerely,
Les Haight
?20-year Main Street resident?
Your article in the April 9 edition of The Oxford Leader about city referendum was accurate and couched in easily understood (non-legalese) language.
In addition to the remarks, I would like to add that it would become the responsibility of the newly created City of Oxford to take over the Oxford Cemetery and the veteran’s building. The library contract would probably have to be renegotiated sometime. This would be a difficult procedure.
As the Oakland County Commissioner on the Boundary Commission, I wish to explain that this commission of the state of Michigan has only the responsibility to determine that the legal requirements of such a change have been met. It cannot take a stand as to the status, advantage or disadvantage to the affected taxpayers.
There is no question in my mind that the citizens of the village will be faced with a substantial increase of taxes if the cityhood proposal should succeed.
Henry Gleisner
Oxford
Casey Curtis? commentary on Sen. Hillary Clinton and her perpetual lies (‘Liar, liar, Sen. Clinton’s pants are on fire!? April 2, 2008) was an excellent piece of journalism and insight. It is a sorry state of affair (no pun intended) that so many keep on lending the Clinton’s so much support and ignore their lack of principles, values and decency. We need more young people like you who pride themselves in keeping their eyes wide open.
Mary MacMaster
Orion
Dear Editor,
I would like to appeal to all Lake Orion and Oxford residents for their help if they are able. My sister and I are hosting a benefit golf outing on April 28, 1 p.m. at Indianwood Golf and Country Club for my niece, Darci Seipke.
For those of you who might not know, she is in kidney failure due to her diabetes and is in need of a transplant. Darci is also a Lake Orion High School alumna.
We have only one problem, no one seems to want to golf. We have to have 40 golfers registered and paid by Friday for the event, or it will be cancelled.
We have a Jeep to give away for a hole-in-one that was kindly donated to us by the Jeep dealership down on M-24, we have a weekend condo at Shanty Creek, as well as other prizes that can be won. We are providing food, and it promises to be a wonderful event. Except that it might not happen.
I know that times are tough for everyone, but this will be the third event that we will have had to cancel due to lack of participation. We cancelled a golf benefit last year (no one signed up); we cancelled the St. Valentine’s dance that was to be at Canterbury Castle (again, no one signed up).
I hate to think that this wonderful event and truly a wonderful chance to golf at a closed course (not open to the public) will have to be cancelled as well.
Mr. Aldrich has been so gracious as to allow us to have the benefit at his golf course and for that, no matter what happens, we thank him deeply and from the bottom of our hearts.
Please, Lake Orion/Oxford residents, I hope that you can rally behind one of our own and come golf on April 28. If you can’t, please tell some friends, tell some golf leagues, but please come out and help one of our own.
This money that we are raising is going towards paying Darci’s mounting medical bills. She has already had one surgical procedure fail and has to undergo another one to her veins to supply a spot for the dialysis to be done.
Please call (248)693-9818 and ask for Pam or leave a message and let them know you want to come. If you can’t and aren’t able, prayers are always welcome. Thank you all so much for whatever you can do to help.
— Kim Jeffery
Dear Editor,
As business owners who live and work in Clarkston, we’d like to express our support for the Beaumont Life Care Campus project and ask the planning commission to do the same and grant its approval for the following reasons:
? A majority of the Clarkston community supports this project.
? The project will bring needed services to our community, including Assisted and Independent Living apartments for seniors.
? The project will bring much-needed revenue to our city. It will generate roughly $6 million in tax revenue over the next six years, from use of land that does not currently generate any revenue, as it is undeveloped.
? At a time when the Michigan economy is in a downward spiral and workers are seeking employment elsewhere, this project will create 1,500 high-paying jobs, including physicians, nurses, health-related support staff, clerical and other workers.
? Many of the professionals filling these new jobs will relocate to the Independence Township and Clarkston communities. They’ll buy houses, pay property taxes, hire local contractors and services, dine in our restaurants and shop in our stores. This will help stabilize our local housing values and our local economy.
We firmly believe this project is good for our community and its residents and ask you to support it this Thursday at the planning commission meeting.
The meeting takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Clarkston Junior High School.
Sincerely,
Dan Rogers, owner,
Interactive Financial Corporation;
Mark Spelder,
ISCO Industries LLC;
Mary O’Donnell, president,
Amyloidosis Research Foundation;
Jim Eppink, president,
J. Eppink Partners Inc.;
Madeline Dishon, owner,
RE/MAX Encore II;
Brian Foster, co-owner,
Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Academy;
Kurt Miller, CPA, vice president,
RDM Associates;
Mark Wayne, president and CEO, Freedom One;
Steve Hyer, president,
IGD Solutions
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Rotary Club is looking for a project to benefit our local community.
Around the world, 32,000 Rotary clubs operate along four avenues of service; club, international, vocational and local service.
Internationally, The Clarkston club has provided a well for a hospital in Nigeria, delivered polio drops to children in India, and provided eye care to people in Grenada and Peru.
Locally, you’ve no doubt seen the Rotary wheel identifying some of the local Rotary projects accomplished by the club since its charter in 1940.
Some of those are:
? Purchased shoes and boots for local children in December;
? Decorated the village Christmas tree;
? Distributed Christmas Baskets;
? Hosted a Christmas Program ‘Party for children;
? Awarded Good Driver Prizes for School;
? Placed flag poles around the community;
? Sponsored scoreboards at baseball diamonds at Clintonville Park;
? Helped in the construction of soccer fields;
? Assisted in the planning and the partial implementation of nature walkways;
? Repaired a roof in Bay Court Park; and
? Decorated the light poles downtown for Christmas.
We are now looking for community input for a new local project to undertake. What ideas do you have for us to consider?
Send your ideas to:
Rotarian Jason Webster
c/o Clarkston Rotary
P.O. Box 43
Clarkston, MI 48347
Jason Webster
Clarkston Rotary Club
Dear Editor,
There is an old adage that ‘the bell has already rung.? This applies to the question of providing Clarkston Police Department services 24 hours a day and seven days a week, despite what one person keeps saying (‘Clarkston police may just be too expensive,? April 2 edition).
About one year ago the Clarkston City Council received and accepted a comprehensive report from a diverse committee of citizens who had been appointed to the Clarkston Police Services Committee; the ‘bell was rung.?
This committee met for several months, surveyed the community, collected data from various sources, and held a public hearing before submitting its report. The report had the complete support of the committee.
The report, and its documentation, were and are available at city offices for anyone to review.
Also, the report and the City Council’s review and acceptance were thoroughly reported in the local media.
The report had the following recommendations:
1. Retain the Clarkston Police Department;
2. Clarkston Police Department to provide 24 hour coverage;
3. Conduct a prompt and thorough public search for a qualified chief of police;
4. In supervising the police department follow the City Charter; and
5. Establish a Civilian Oversight and Review Board that would be charged with the responsibility of establishing and monitoring standards for our police department along with the chief of police and the city manager.
We would also see this board having the responsibility of reviewing all police complaints.
Among the data received and reviewed by the committee, and referenced in its report, were the following, quoted and corrected:
? Approximately 135 surveys were returned to the committee;
? More than 65 percent of respondents were in favor of keeping the CPD;
? Approximately 25 percent favored the OCSD;
? Approximately 10 percent were undecided;
? Approximately 50 citizens attended the Public Hearing;
? Public comments appeared to be consistent with information gathered in the public survey.
We received correspondence from two citizens via our email address. One favored CPD, and one favored the OCSD.
Also, the committee interviewed the, then, police chief and representatives of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.
In considering the data from when the OCSD was contacted by the city for the midnight shift, it is important to remember that these were calls for police assistance; that is, the OCSD coverage was a ‘reactive? resource.
Now, the CPD patrols every city street every night, as well as during the day, checking for suspicious activity, doing checks of homes where the residents are out of town, and deterring criminal acts; that is, the CPD coverage is an ‘active? resource.
Interestingly, according to US Department of Justice data, more than 50 percent of most kinds of criminal activity in communities occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
When considering the possibility of having the city continue to contract with the OCSD, your police committee had several concerns.
It was not at all clear that the city would save money using the OCSD, particularly if the community wanted active, rather than reactive, police services.
Also, other issues identified were, quoted from the report: control of the services to be delivered; does the city establish what services are desired and delivered or do we get what the OCSD is delivering; cost control; and who has the liability.
Lastly, the person suggesting that the city economize by having a ‘hybrid? form of polices services does praise city DPW for the snow removal.
Hopefully, he isn’t suggesting that clear roads are more important than safe neighborhoods. As always, we get what we want and are willing to pay for.
Hopefully, this letter makes clear that the 2007 decision by the City Council to provide a 24/7 Police Department was a carefully considered decision, made with the needs and interests of the community in mind.
This is how effective municipal government is supposed to work!
Chuck Inabnit, chairman of the 2007 Clarkston Police Services Committee, and Tom Stone, CPSC member
My name is Marina Chislett and I live in a mobile home and I am a senior citizen. I would like to tell you about a wonderful thing that happened to me.
It was one of our miserable snowy days and I had some errands to do. I noticed one tail light was not working on the van. I went to Fix ‘N go Auto & Tire Center on Lapeer Rd. and had it fixed. The kind gentelman, Tom Geitner, would not take any money for the repair and labor. Needless to say, I was pretty broke at that time (which he did not know) and I thanked him very much and off I went.
I stopped at the post office when a man approached me and told me he was following me for the last three or four blocks to let me know that my other tail light was not working and advised me to have it repaired before I get a ticket from a cop. I went back to Fix ‘N Go and was helped again by Tom and we laughed about it. He repaired it and would not take payment for it. I insisted, but he wouldn’t hear of it.
How lucky could I get? Twice in one day! I was blessed by my Heavenly Father and thanked Him for this good, kindly Samaritan. A very big thank you to Tom Geitner at Fix ‘N Go Auto & Tire Center. He really brightened my day! God bless him.
Marina Chislett
Oxford
Congratulations for calling a spade a spade regarding China! You summed up what I have been saying for the last month in regards to schools teaching children the Chinese language.
However, in addition to your comment about our children knowing the ‘devil? that they are dealing with, I would like to add that I guess our children had better learn Chinese because they may not only be doing business with them someday, but at the rate America is going we may all need to know enough Chinese to get by when they take us over. Do we really want to embrace those values and sell our very souls to an oppressive government by letting this pervasive type of education take place without balancing it with truth?
To anyone who thinks I am just kidding, consider how much the Chinese government has invested in America. They have a more solid financial grip on us than our own government. We are just steps away from being taken from within while we all sit back and say ‘oh, our children are getting such a great exposure!?
Lisa Taddiken
Addison Twp.
November 17, 2007 was an evening family and friends will never forget. A benefit was held for Lake Orion resident Sue Welch at the Oxford American Legion on Drahner Rd.
Sue, a 1979 graduate of Oxford High School, was hit with cancer for the second time. Family, friends and several communities pulled together to raise funds in hopes of helping her with medical bills. The evening turned out to be a very big success and we more than exceeded our goal for the event.
We are very pleased to report that Sue is cancer free and returned to work on April 1. On behalf of Sue, family and friends we would like to thank each and every one of you for your support. God bless you all!
Sue Welch Benefit
To all concerned Parties of Oxford Multi Lakes: this letter is in reference to the story in the April 2008 Oakland Lakefront publication. The article beginning on page 20 states 13 times that a Lake Association has been formed. To reiterate, there is no Association it is a Special Interest Group. I have contacted the editor of the publication to have a retraction in the May 2008 edition stating that we are a special interest group, not an association.
Larry J. Dudley
Oxford
Dear Editor,
My wife and I are both disabled senior citizens. Several weeks ago a snowfall of almost a foot virtually trapped us in our house. Neither one us is able to wield a shovel.
My wife started making calls to find someone to dig us out.
Thanks to the kindness of a neigbor with a plow on his truck, we had our driveway cleared.
That left the sidewalk and the car itself, which was just a large mound of snow.
One of my wife’s many calls was to the Lake Orion Police Department. She asked them if they knew of anyone who assisted people in our predicament. A short time later, Chief Narsh called us back and told us of a program at Lake Orion High School that requires students to do a certain amount of community service as a requirement for graduation. He also contacted the school for us. The chief called us back within the hour and said that someone would be at our house after school to help us.
Sure enough, that afternoon three young men came to our house and cleared all of the snow off of our walk and off of the car. They also shoveled our rear deck by the back door.
These guys were all wearing their varsity jackets, and were exceedingly polite.
The parents of these young men should know just how much we appreciated their help.
You have another reason to be proud of your sons, we thank them very much.
Thanks also to my kindly neighbor for plowing our drive this and many other times without asking anything in return. A simple act of goodness.
Thank you to the Lake Orion Police Department, and Chief Narsh. That he took it upon himself to help us says a lot about him and the department.
I have lived in this community over sixty years. I am proud that such people also live here.
Thank you, Lake Orion.
— Gary E. Clouse
Dear Editor,
Bravo, kudos to the Lake Orion High School staff and the wonderful students we encountered at the fantastic production of ‘Peter Pan? put on for the senior citizens of Lake Orion and Oxford.
I am the director of the North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA) and we brought some seniors to the show. They are still talking about it and the great brunch that was served for them.
What a wonderful opportunity to show off that beautiful high school, those very talented students and the fantastic attitudes of all the kids that helped with the seniors by serving them and helping with wheelchairs.
I was so impressed by the way they conducted themselves, and how gracious they were, I felt compelled to write this letter. A fine example of the lessons being taught at Lake Orion High School, not just academically, but socially as well.
Personally, I would like to thank you for proving over and over again what great kids we have and how these skills will help them to lead our country and take care of our seniors in the near future.
We are all looking forward to next year’s performance.
— Pat Fitchena
Dear Editor,
In response to your article ‘Situation taxing for long-time residents,? which was in the March 19 Review, I couldn’t help but note the comments by Orion Township Assessor John Atwell and our State Rep. James Marleau.
First the comments by Atwell, in which he stated, ‘owners have gotten a break in the last 15 years.? What owners are you referring to, Mr. Atwell?
It certainly isn’t the homeowners, maybe it’s those tax abatements that Orion Township generously gives new businesses to locate here in Orion Twp., or the tax cuts that the township gives to GM!
I know my property taxes have not decreased or stablized since I’ve lived here in Orion Township.
And what break did we get? The only one break I could remember was the destruction of the GCC back in 2006. Get it, BREAK?
You mention taxable values are artificial; then why have it on our tax bill if it means nothing? The only thing I see that’s artificial in this property tax debacle is you and our State Rep. James Marleau, who comes up with a nonsense item, such as ‘Homeowners Bill of Rights,? in which Marleau states, ‘If this becomes law, it will immediately stop increases in property taxes when property values are decreasing.?
This from the same James Marleau who wanted a one percent property tax increase to pay for the benefits of our state-elected officials when Gov. Granholm was doing some budget cutting!
You see, these people like Atwell and Marleau talk in riddles, like most of our government officials do.
It seems we should take them with a grain of salt, but it’s hard to do when their actions affect our daily lives!
What I see is that we seem to be living in a satanic type government, as long as the people in government get what they want, to hell with everyone else! That’s why I find it strange that Orion Township says a prayer or two before their Board of Trustees meetings twice a month.
I find it hard to accept the notion that we pray to a higher power and at the same time, the spirit of Satan seems to be making rules in our government which we are supposed to obey and live by!
Our property and income tax laws are a good example of what I’m talking about, ‘LYING, CHEATING, and STEALING!?
Excuse me while I pray, before our government comes up with a tax for that, too!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
November 17, 2007 was an evening family and friends will never forget. A benefit was held for Lake Orion resident Sue Welch at the Oxford American Legion on Drahner Rd.
Sue, a 1979 graduate of Oxford High School, was hit with cancer for the second time. Family, friends and several communities pulled together to raise funds in hopes of helping her with medical bills. The evening turned out to be a very big success, and we more than exceeded our goal for the event.
We are very pleased to report that Sue is cancer-free and returned to work on April 1. On behalf of Sue, family and friends, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your support. God bless you all!
— Sue Welch Benefit
Dear Editor,
I was disappointed but not particularly surprised by Trustee Marc Cooper’s apparent lack of understanding of the duties and workload of the Springfield Township clerk and the Clerk’s Office ? as evidenced by his comments in ‘Springfield keeps status quo ? for now? (page 1A, March 19 edition).
Mr. Cooper, who told The Clarkston News he plans to run for Springfield Township clerk ? I am retiring after 16 years as clerk and four years as trustee ? apparently thinks that, if elected, he can work part-time and simply spin off the work he’s not doing to the deputy clerk.
For Mr. Cooper, that might be a nice arrangement. He could continue to run his business while picking up $30,000 a year, which is his suggestion for a part-time clerk’s salary.
For Springfield Township taxpayers, however, his plan is not such a good deal.
I’m on record as open to considering a reorganization involving creation of part-time officer positions. However, what Mr. Cooper apparently doesn’t understand is that the part-time status he proposes for clerk would require hiring additional personnel to do the clerk’s work.
That’s because the deputy clerk is already a full-time position, and the deputy’s workload is already maxed out.
Mr. Cooper also thinks that if a clerk simply limits himself or herself to performing statutory functions, he or she would not have much to do and would spend most of his/her time just ‘sitting there.?
That certainly comes as a surprise to me, my staff, my family or anyone who is even mildly knowledgeable about the work of the Springfield Township Clerk’s Office.
In fact, state statutory duties and duties required of the clerk by local ordinances are consuming increasing chunks of my time. And as for the non-statutory duties needed to keep local government running, if the three township officers don’t pitch in to do it, then who?
The answer: additional personnel or more contracting and consulting services. Unfortunately, Mr. Cooper’s dearth of knowledge about the position he seeks is self-inflicted and not unique.
In three-plus years as trustee, he has never contacted me or my office or scratched beneath the superficial discussions at board meetings to try to learn more about the clerk’s workload and functions.
Nor is he the only one like that who has apparently decided to run for local office.
Fortunately, however, there are others who are taking these local positions seriously and trying to learn all they can about their responsibilities before deciding to run.
Stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Nancy Strole, clerk
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
After reading Tom Stone’s letter to the editor in the March 26 edition of The Clarkston News, I would like to set the record straight.
The purpose of Mr. Stone’s letter was to take exception to my comments at a recent City Council meeting.
At the meeting, I praised the Clarkston Department of Public Works for the great job they did with snow removal this winter. I also commented that the City should again consider a study to evaluate the use of the Oakland County Sheriff Department for police midnight coverage as a way to save money.
Mr. Stone states, ‘It has been studied and it does not lower the cost, in fact it might increase it.? I do not think this is the case.
The last year that the midnight shift was covered by OCSD, under contract with Independence Township, the midnight shift cost Clarkston $30,111. That last year, the entire police spending, for all three shifts, was $229,533.
It is also important to note that there were a total of only six calls for police assistance during the midnight shift for that year.
Currently, Clarkston police officer costs are $15.70 per hour (including payroll taxes) so it’s pretty easy to do the midnight shift math for eight hours times 365 days. Straight time payroll cost for the third shift would be over $45,000 before considering costs of overtime, holiday pay, patrol car expenses and gas.
The prior midnight shift contract for deputy sheriffs was much cheaper.
Mr. Stone also states that ‘two thirds of the city residents surveyed wanted a Clarkston Police Department 24 hours a day and seven days a week.?
This is not correct.
Last spring, the Clarkston Police Committee reviewed 135 questionnaires. Responses indicating a preference for Clarkston Police Department AND Clarkston police coverage for all three shifts totaled 68, or 50.4 % of all responses.
Ignoring economics, I would prefer having our local police department covering the midnight shift, but our population is just too small to support this expense.
Steve Wylie
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We would like to extend a thank you to our community for your participation and donations made to the ‘Pfc. Joe Miracle Memorial Fund.?
This effort started back in August 2007 with the blue and white #1 wristbands and a memorial service at the last football game of the season.
We appreciate the help of Superintendent Tom Miller, Athletic Director Tom Rodenbaugh, Band Director Russ McMartin, Football Coach Tim Pizzalla, the Brandon High School band, former teammates and the American League Clarkston Post 63.
Thank you for your participation and your long hours to honor our friend and hero… Joe.
On March 1, we held a euchre party with a continued effort to raise money for the permanent memorial in honor of ‘Pfc. Joe Miracle and Friends.?
It was a huge success.
We would like to thank all the participants and a special thank you to the businesses that made donations: Papa Bella’s, Oak Hill Hungry Howie’s, Bullfrogs, the Brandon Fire Station, and Mazza Auto Parts.
A private donation was made to complete the plaques for the memorial, the Lions Club of Ortonville made a $500 donation and the American Legion Post 63 donated their hall.
We are grateful for your generosity. We also had many helpers and this event ran smoothly because of you. Thank you to Ron and Diane Lapp, ‘Big Daddy? (Bob) and Myra Tolan and Charles Pierce. You saved us!
Last, but not least, we would like to thank the Miracle family. As a community we felt the need to remember Joe and friends for their sacrifice they made to protect us.
We still have several men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we wish them well and pray for their safe return home.
The committee for the
‘Pfc. Joe Miracle & Friends Memorial?
I have read books about species disappearing with my friend, Jillian Martha Senger. One day, we read about all kinds of cats. We found out tiger’s species are disappearing. I thought ‘I can’t let any cool, wonderful species be extinct if I don’t learn about it.?
Please leave nature alone. People who hunt deer still can, but if you kill them just for greedy money, find a different way to make money. I hope the world changes.
Alyson Grace Walters
Oxford
e opinion regarding School Superintendent Skilling and his agenda for the Oxford School District, as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee my disappointment was only heightened when I saw ‘Name Withheld Upon Request.? In a society that likes to call itself open and fair, I do not believe that any statement of opinion, let alone one that is so negative toward an individual or a group, should be printed without identifying the individual or the group that expresses the opinon. Knowing who has stated the opinion helps one evaluate the opinion. Obviously, everyone has a right to their opinion, but that does not mean that every opinion is a valid statement of the facts.
As a resident of the Oxford community, I believe the future of our Oxford schools should be important to us all. We certainly want our children to be properly prepared to compete and succeed in today’s world. I firmly believe that is what Dr. Skilling wants as well. In coming to Oxford, he brings his skills and experience along with his ideas of what it will take to make the Oxford School District the best that it can be. What I like about Dr. Skilling is that he has openly shared his desires for the Oxford School District with us, and more importantly he has involved us in the process of putting together a strategic plan for our schools and the education of our children.
Will I always agree with everything that Dr. Skilling may suggest? Probably not. But I believe that Dr. Skilling will always listen to my concerns, and in fact wants to hear them, as part of the process to continually work to improve our schools. At this point in that process, let’s welcome Dr. Skilling as our new Superintendent of Schools, and let’s work with him and our school board to make our schools everything they need to be to provide our children with an excellent education.
Rev. Michael P. Schulz
Oxford
Dear Editor,
I suspect that most radios and televisions were tuned in Monday to Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy’s passionate recitation of the criminal charges against Mayor Kilpatrick and his Chief of Staff Christine Beatty. And everyone seemed to have an opinion on the matter except and predictably Governor Granholm, the Mime of Lansing!
While citizens of the state, radio and TV anchors, and politicians voiced their views, our lame duck Governor decided to sit on the sidelines and let the courts handle this whole sordid event. While others have called for the Mayor’s resignation, the Governor claims she has no opinion. As such, Granholm has elevated her ‘duck and weave? posture to an art form!
We look to our leaders for direction and for establishing high standards and even for them to comment on situations where individuals or organizations have acted in a way that is injurious to the reputation of the state or to its citizens. Granholm’s silence is indicative of someone who doesn’t have an opinion until someone volunteers one that will not offend her constituency. In that regard, she lacks leadership skills and continues to hone her mime act wherein she ‘sees no evil, hears no evil and speaks no evil.?
Elected officials are supposed to exude leadership skills. If Granholm possesses any such attributes she is doing a wonderful job of camouflaging them! Her two most important functions this year will be to march in the Holland, Michigan Tulip Festival Parade and then walk the Mackinac Bridge come September.
Or on the other hand, perhaps she could have thrown out the first ball at the Tigers? Opening Day since Kilpatrick will no doubt be huddling with his legal team! Other than that she will continue to work on her ‘duck and weave? skills and her mime act! With the passing of Marcel Marceau, the world’s greatest mime, it’s comforting to know a replacement has emerged!
— Bill Kalmar
Dear Editor,
Thank you to Lake Orion High School for an Outstanding Performance of Peter Pan for the Seniors
This March provided a great opportunity for area seniors and high school students to interact at a wonderful community event sponsored by Lake Orion High School. Last year a great partnership began between the senior center and the high school to offer a free brunch and performance of the spring musical, Hello Dolly, for seniors.
The Orion Senior Center and the Orion Area Seniors attended a special brunch and a performance of the high school’s spring musical Peter Pan on March 26. The seniors would like to congratulate the students, staff and administrators of the high school for their hard work and wonderful creativity which made this spring’s performance a truly memorable experience.
Lora Hogan, leadership class supervisor, and the student leadership class provided a delicious brunch for over 250 seniors who attended the event. Students in the class served coffee, juice and the brunch. Seniors were greeted with smiles and welcoming words as they disembarked the buses. The school district provided buses that transported seniors from three area churches to the event.
Teachers Scott Boeneman and Debra Friestad are to be congratulated for the wonderful direction they gave the cast members. The cast performed with enthusiasm and joy. Sets were artistic and very professional in their portrayal of Neverland and Hook’s pirate ship. Special acclaim goes to the performances of Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Peter, Tiger Lily, Captain Hook, The Lost Boys and who can forget Tinkerbell.
It is with deepest appreciation that the staff of the senior center and the seniors want to thank Todd Dunkley and the entire dramatic and performing arts department for sharing their talents and commitment to the arts with all of us. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s performance and the opportunity to continue our intergenerational partnership.
With sincere thanks to all of the students-
— Lisa Sokol, Director of the Orion Senior Center and all the area seniors who attended the March performance
Dear Editor,
According to the summary of the minutes of the last Clarkston City Council meeting, which appeared in the March 19 edition of The Clarkston News, one resident in the audience ‘suggested that the midnight shift using the Oakland County Sheriff for police services be studied as it would lower the cost of the city police services.?
It has been studied and it does not lower the cost, in fact it might increase it.
It was my honor to serve with a great group of fellow citizens on the Police Committee last year.
Three things were clear from our work and other discussions:
1) when you factor in the various costs associated with the union contract under which the OCSD officers operate, the cost of having them serving the City might even cost more than having our own ‘third shift?;
2) two-thirds of the City residents surveyed wanted a Clarkston Police Department twenty-fours a day and seven days a week; and
3) the residents appreciated the high visibility of our own police department, compared to the ‘response? mode under which the OCSD would and does operate.
Regrettably, my neighborhood was the site of a series of break-ins last year, some of which occurred during the ‘third shift.?
Having our own police 24/7, when well directed as it now is, not only increases police presence and visibility, it deters crime and increased the probability of stopping a crime or apprehending the criminal.
We all should get what we pay for. Our current police force, under the direction of the new chief, is money well spent!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Regarding Dave Lohmeier’s letter to the editor March 12, I think he should have read my letter (March 5) more carefully.
He said I chastised Neil Wallace for his letter opposing the Planning Commission’s decision to stop using Dick Carlisle’s planning consultant recommendations in his report.
I never said anything about this!
I chastised Mr. Wallace for trashing Supervisor Dave Wagner and Planning Commission Chairman Sam Moraco.
He stated I suggested, because township Supervisor Wagner got 60 percent of the vote, that made him qualified.
I said, because he got 60 percent of the vote, he was qualified to appoint who he wants to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, because that’s what a supervisor does.
But he was correct in one area.
The editors need to be more objective and thorough.
If they would have compared Lohmeier’s letter to mine, they would have removed those two paragraphs from his letter because they’re inaccurate.
Sincerely,
Rudy D. Lozano
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The closing on my letter to the editor in the March 19 edition of The Clarkston News (“Cory Johnston, Village of Clarkston City Council”) may lead some to believe that I was speaking on behalf of the Village of Clarkston City Council.
While I am an elected member of that body, the opinions expressed were mine alone and had not been discussed with the City Council, any member of that council, or any of the people mentioned in my letter.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
I guess I’m one of the bleating sheep that an letter to the editor was referring to recently. I was one of about 80 people who sacrificed 3 ? days of personal time, for no personal gain in the hopes of making our school better. In that room were people with doctorates of education, lawyers, teachers, administrator’s, VP’s, CEO’s, managers and other highly trained, highly educated professional’s. I was probably one of the least educated people in the room with only a BA.
For one man to manipulate a group of that size and intelligence into puppets and mouthpieces for his personal agenda would be a tremendous feat indeed. Does Dr. Skilling have a personal agenda? I’m sure he does, but don’t we all? However, what couldn’t be read in an article, or viewed in a few minutes of a video, is the discussion that took place around the tables, or that nothing Dr. Skilling talked about or led us through never hinted of a personal agenda. Actually, I don’t recall an occasion that Dr. Skilling offered his personal preference to anything that was discussed or told us what he personally wanted. All our focus and attention centered on what is and will be best for our kids, and theirs, and theirs.
It’s easy to complain about something one has limited knowledge of, and then hide behind anonymity. Since I don’t know who wrote the letter, I want to choose my words carefully. If you believe in something strongly enough to try to do something about it, please have the character, integrity and courage to attach your name to it. Anonymous criticism helps no one and offers nothing.
In a short amount of time I have a gained a great deal of respect for Dr. Skilling, and personally I’m grateful he didn’t get the Midland job. I think our school district, community and kids will be better for it. After all, that’s what we all selfishly want.
Michael Alexander, Oxford
I am a proud member of the Oxford School’s Strategic Planning Committee and am writing to provide an alternative view to the letter written by ‘Name Witheld? as I actually participated in all of the meetings. Instead of offering any specific criticism regarding the plan, the aforementioned letter chose to paint a portrait of those in attendance as ‘bleating sheep,? who simply followed the superintendent’s whims. This representation of me, as well as the other committee members, is simply absurd. Anyone who knows me would laugh out loud at the idea that I would be a follower and would not voice my professional and personal opinions about educational matters. Moreover, I believe that it is because I am very outspoken and am willing to voice opposing views to administrators and Board members, along with my professional knowledge of educational issues, that I was invited to be on this committee. Although I do not know everyone on this very large committee, those that I do know would not be characterized as followers or shrinking violets, but instead as vocal leaders who are committed to Oxford students.
From my perspective as a committee member, the resulting strategic plan emanated from lively and informed discussions that sought to develop a strong, new vision of the future education for Oxford school students. While the superintendent set the tone for our work by presenting the committee with a great deal of information about how the world is changing, he did not impose a particular plan on any of us. I have worked in the field of education for over 20 years and during the meeting I observed that the superintendent’s knowledge of current trends in education as well as his developing understanding of the Oxford school district was excellent.
This year I will have my fourth, and youngest, child graduate from Oxford Schools. While everyone in my family is proud to be a Wildcat and we are happy with our experiences in the schools, there have always been some aspects of their schooling that have needed improvement. For example, at the high school level I believe that students should have more than just one choice for a foreign language, that there are limited choices in sports and the arts, and that students do not have enough opportunities for advanced coursework, particularly for a school district this size. Others could certainly add to this list and that was part of the reason for bringing so many perspectives together for strategic planning. When I discussed some of the changes that were planned with my senior son, all he could say is ‘Darn! I wish I could have had some of those opportunities!? The plan represents a united hope for the future. Not only will it take the support of all teachers, parents, community members, and administrators to make it a reality, it will also be important to stand up to those who belittle the sincere efforts of others and create negativity rather than engage in substantive discussion on how to improve the educational experiences for our children.
Mary Stein, Ph.D
Oxford
Thank you to Casey Curtis for the article ‘Resident begs drivers to slow down? March 19, 2008.
Our 2-year-old lab was hit and killed by a hit and run driver four weeks ago. Thankfully, a good citizen, who happens to be an Oxford EMT, saw her on the side of the road and came to tell us or we wouldn’t have found her. We do know it was an Explorer because there was a bumper part next to her body.
People need to slow down but then again we did have the speed limit raised on rural roads.
Kim Cramer
Oxford
Rep. Paul Condino has introduced House Bill (HB) #4780 AKA: Township Services Consolidation Act. The bill proposes to consolidate services to the county and begin to dismantle the antiquated township authorities throughout the state and move taxing authority, assessments, police, fire and all other services to county governments, where they should reside – scale economies, cost efficiencies.
Ask yourself, what the ROI (Return-On-Investment) is for township governance – not much. Rife with pettiness, ole-boy networking, bias, bickering, personal agendas, monetary waste, redundancy and … just another public TROUGH to slop.
The author(s) of cityhood for Oxford will tell you that cities get to control their destiny and get to make real decisions like grown-ups and get revenue sharing from Lansing (as if they had any to spare). What they will not tell you is that your taxes will go up and costs will go up in support of the government infrastructure to be a city and you’ll get to pay for more city workers, and a mayor, and vice mayor and retirement programs, and perks and benefits and a new city hall, like the township hall we got stuck with, and more ordinances, and rules and regs and controls.
Now, if you want to keep this nonsense going, vote for cityhood and don’t complain about higher taxes and greater control over your life by others. If you’re fed-up with taxes and supporting the public servant domain and want less government, check out H.B. 4780 and please support it and give Lansing a call. By the way, who do think (down deep) wants to be Mayor in this push for cityhood?
Our senator – Mike Bishop (Senate Majority Leader) is working to reduce government in Lansing. He supports the bill. He’s talked of a part-time state government. Ya-know there are States in this country of ours that actually have part-time state governments and meet once every two years for a couple of months to get the ‘people’s? business done and then they go home to their regular jobs… imagine that. And there are states that actually have county governments as their lowest government entity… really… and they seem to get the people’s business done. Think about it as gas prices go up and government cost go up and your income goes down.
Ron Dix
Oxford Township
You have gone way too far now, Helen Barwig, and you too, Sue Bellairs. You women are absolutely vicious and you are truly a valley of misinformation, the same as Debra Smith is. I am the director’s sister. My employee rides the NOTA bus and he does have a qualified referral to do so, issued by the North Oakland Career Center/Goodwill Industries Agency. The letter I wrote that all of you women keep referring to was sent later as a follow up indicating that there have been no changes in the situation.
Helen Barwig somehow has the capability of getting into files at NOTA and obtaining copies of their confidential information that was definitely intended for NOTA only. Whoever is stealing these out of the NOTA office and giving it to her is apparently not stealing all of the file’s contents as they somehow overlooked the copy of the referral agency’s authorization. Could you possibly have that, too, and just never mentioned it?
Sue Bellairs says ‘why did someone feel the need to leak inside NOTA information to the public?? I can’t believe she said that and condones these confidential files being pilfered by an employee and given to outsiders for their own use. In an attempt to slander and discredit Pat Fitchena and NOTA, they are publicly divulging private and confidential information about NOTA’s clients and getting it smeared all over through their hand-outs, public meetings, cable and the newspapers. Some of the information is available through the Freedom of Information Act, but there are procedures that must be followed in order to obtain this information. They state ‘requests must be made in writing and sent to the FOIA coordinator of the public body.? They respond within five business days with the right to extend the response an additional ten days.
Furthermore, you are in violation of the FOIA as it states ‘what’s not covered.? It says ‘specific personal information about an individual if the released of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of the individual’s privacy.? You women don’t care anything about that. You just have someone steal the files out of NOTA’s office and make copies of them for public viewing. You don’t care who you hurt or who’s privacy is being violated in the process.
This is far more serious than Helen Barwig’s claim that NOTA is trying to keep her quiet. NOTA is tring to keep themselves and Helen Barwig from being sued for taking confidential information and making it public. What a violation of all our rights! People have entrusted NOTA with private, personal information about their health, personal problems and their income, which is no one else’s business. I do strongly request that NOTA follows up with their investigation on how these files were obtained by her in the first place and then proceed with the appropriate action against all of those involved, including Helen Barwig.
In response to Debra Smith and her nasty comments that Pat Fitchena is no sweet lady, I say this: Pat is a tough lady who had a big job to do when she took over this position with NOTA. She had to change the way things were being done. NOTA was on a downward slide and Pat has turned it around with the help of some dedicated, hard working, caring, employees and made it what it is now. Pat has been extremely successful in getting grants and donations of almost $2 million in four years for NOTA. She didn’t get these by letting employees, who are negative and complaining, stop her. You women are working so hard to lynch Pat up. Where’s your applause for a job well done? Why don’t you take all this energy and start working for the positive side of NOTA and see how you can contribute to their success?
I know Pat Fitchena and apparently there is a side of her you are not aware of. She is a sweet, caring lady who deeply cares about others with a soft spot in her heart for the senior citizens of Oxford. Even when she was battling breast cancer before her NOTA days, she was still driving seniors to the doctors and dentists on her compensation. It was from the heart. She was also running her business at the same time. She cleaned their houses and she and her husband put up a lot of screens and storm windows, too. The list goes on and on. This is a remarkable, strong, woman.
In regards to Pat delegating work to accountants, dispatchers, and to the operations manager, Debra, that is what good bosses do. They don’t do it all by themselves and that is why they need employees to have a smooth running operation.
In regards to your comments, ‘there are hundreds of people out there who want her job,? Debra, could you be one of them? Could that be the reason for all of your nasty, negative, unproductive comments? Debra, please note: I will not be compensated by anyone for writing this letter. Some of us have strong beliefs and just can’t stand by as you and your cohorts attempt to destroy the fine reputation of Pat Fitchena and NOTA. I can’t let you women do it and there are many others out there that won’t let you either.
NOTA is a fine organization delivering a much needed service. Let’s go on now and bind together and put our support behind them to make it an even greater organization.
Sharon Muradian
Lake Orion (Editor’s Note: This is the end of the line for the NOTA letters. The opinions have gone from comments on a public issue to petty, back-and-forth sniping between letter writers. It ends here. ? CJC)
Dear Editor,
I am a disabled Registered Nurse. After 11 long years of unemployment, I have finally achieved the status of a back to work position. I have been riding the NOTA (North Oakland Transportation Authority) bus since I moved to Lake Orion this winter.
What a pleasure the drivers of NOTA have been to get to know! Each and every one of these gentlemen is unique in their professional chauffeurism, but share in one quality ? their delight to serve. I call it the Happy Job.
I spent a lovely ride recently with a man named Dallas, who was one of the first drivers hired by NOTA. One day I was charmed by an immigrant named Harst that took me back to stories my own immigrant Dad used to share.
Every driver I’ve had, and there have been too many to mention here, has been delightful, charming, and witty in their own way ? and above all, excellent drivers ? always on time, courteous to a fault ? the best chauffeurs I’ve ever had.
I’ve been a doctor’s wife and a lawyer’s wife ? I’ve ridden in many limos in my day. The service provided by NOTA is on par with the most superb ever. Keep up the great work!
Let’s hope this service does not get their budget cut again. They were cut severely recently, as I understand.
I just wanted to acknowledge these great drivers for their kindness with thanks and gratitude.
— Colleen Higgins Ogbok
Dear Editor,
In attending the March 17 Orion Township Board of Trustees meeting, I couldn’t help but listen to the crying and bellyaching some of our Oakland County Road Commissioners were chanting.
If I heard correctly, the chants were, ‘We’re operating over our budget? The federal government and the state of Michigan have cut back our funding? In order to maintain better roads, we’ll have to impose higher gas and fuel taxes and higher road taxes here in Oakland County.?
Now doesn’t that sound familiar? Give, give, give, so we can spend, spend, spend!
It’s the same old horse waste, it seems, year after year with these people. Apparently these county road commissioners seem to be blind to the fact that fuel prices are going through the sky!
Independent haulers are starting to shut down because they cannot make ends meet, due to the cost of fuel as well as increasing insurance, maintenance and, let’s not forget, the violations that many haulers are receiving.
It seems that more violations have been written up, especially in the last five years. Every time these truckers receive these infractions, it ends up costing us more, because then the truckers have to increase their cost. That, in turn, means the transportation of goods to your retail outlets goes up, which means higher prices for you and I when we go shopping.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I believe that we should have safety standards for our trucks. But this nit-picking, like no cap on a valve stem or one roof light is burned out, for example, results in the trucker receiving a $200 fine.
Believe me, this stuff happens right here in Michigan.
And then, when you drive any truck over one ton, or an 18-wheeler, you are subject to pay road taxes, which are, along with the fuel tax on diesel and gasoline, supposed to pay for the maintenance of our roads.
I have some suggestions on how we can better afford nicer roads in Oakland County: Only have two road commissioners, eliminate the county executive and deputy executive positions. That would no doubt save $500,000 right there. Cut out these out-of-town and state seminars for county officials, and you’d be surprised how quickly this current waste of spending could be applied towards better roads.
Remember, it’s about us, not them.
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
I have been very pleased to see numerous opinions in this paper since you set the ground rules (Feb. 27, ‘Rumor Mill now officially closed?) and a contributor to the opinion page suggested that certain opinions should not even be published.
Based on the opinions that have been published, I assume your comments were meant to be guidelines to the writers and not the criteria for selecting what would be printed.
That is, in my opinion, a good thing. Seeing that opinions are still being submitted, and still being printed, I thought I should point out something about the words and actions of government officials as I fear the comment in your ‘Editor’s note? of last week’s edition may confuse some.
It is my understanding that except for certain very limited circumstances, the words and actions of elected officials, with regards to their official duties, are public including any “internal communications.”
I would think this is especially true if it is in regards to the nomination and selection of Planning Commission members or any other public board and position of authority.
I know that Mr. Neil Wallace, who submitted an opinion about this, is an attorney and involved in politics. My experience with attorneys is that they are usually very careful about what they put in writing.
I am also sure that the members of the township board are experienced and knowledgeable about their duties and obligations and several of them are also attorneys. I would think that all of these people are familiar with the Freedom of Information and Open Meetings acts.
But perhaps the public is not. A very good summary of these laws are on the State of Michigan website (www.michigan.gov) by searching for “open meetings act.”
Put very simply, and recently reinforced by the Michigan Courts, if it in any way involves the public’s money, the public has the right to know about it. I encourage everyone to remember this and keep demanding that elected and appointed officials, as well as the newspapers, always keep the public informed about how our government acts and how it spends the taxpayer’s money.
Cory Johnston
Village of Clarkston City Council
Editor’s note: Larry Rosso said his email was an internal communication to explain why he didn’t forward it to Neil Wallace, not that he meant it was excluded from Freedom of Information and Open Meetings laws.
Dear Editor,
What was the point of Laura Colvin’s column from March 5th titled, “The great Mills Mall Brawl of ’81” except to glorify vandalism from the past and provide suggestions to youth for the future?
This event was not an “amusement archive” or a “treasure trove” as Ms. Colvin depicts it, but a disgrace to the community.
Ms. Colvin closes the column with the question, “Clarkston, help me out here. What the heck was going on around this place?”
Who really wants to dig up the details of such a negative event from 27 years ago? Ms. Colvin’s time would be better spent digging up true historical treasures that reflect positively on the community than delinquency from the past.
The community has progressed since this time … why dwell on the past?
Lauri Hereford
Waterford
Dear Editor,
The combined efforts of the partners of the Clarkston Watershed Group made possible a Phragmites Control Workshop held Wednesday, March 11, at St. Daniel’s Social Hall.
Phragmites is an invasive reed grass that threatens wetlands, lakeshores and roadside ditches in our area. Environmental Educators Mebby Pearson, Michigan Environmental Stewardship AmeriCorps for Oakland and Livingston counties, and Bob Williams, Conservation Steward for Michigan State Extension, spoke to over 50 residents, government officials, growers, environmentalists, and interested citizens.
For information on Phragmites, go to phragmites.info or phragmites.org.
Thank you to the volunteer residents of Clarkston and Independence Township, River of Life / Environmental Justice of St. Daniel, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, City of the Village of Clarkston, Wildflower Association of Michigan, American Roots, Clarkston Farm and Garden Club, North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, Coleen Schmidt, Landscaping Design, all partners in the Clarkston Watershed Group, and to the speakers, The Clarkston News, and any others who helped promote this event, and to those who attended the workshop.
What a wonderful example of community groups, businesses, and residents working together to protect the beautiful environment of Clarkston and Independence Township.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Wagner
Independence Township
After reading your recent story regarding the Oxford School’s Steering Committee meeting I spoke with several committee members and watched a tape of the meeting. I suggest a different interpretation of events. Yes, there were debates, but regarding nothing of substance that hadn’t already been decided.
The obvious purposes of these show meetings was to create a support group for the superintendent’s personal view of what HE wants a public school district to look like and how to get us to pay for it. The superintendent has one agenda ? his own. After failing to get the job at Midland Schools, he has come to Oxford to impose his pre-set view of what OUR community should look like.
Participants at the meeting were led like sheep through exercises specifically designed to have them believe their ideas were under serious consideration. The cruel reality is the superintendent and his taxpayer funded ‘mentor? developed their answers ahead of time and guided participants to read HIS conclusions. The so-called debating was only the sound of participant’s eagerly feeding back in different words the answers fed to them. All this encouraged by several sycophantic school board members.
Like a computer virus, committee participants are now expected to line up to spread an outside program. Vision is one thing, but the manner in which it was sold is highly disturbing. Certainly, some committee members will disagree with this commentary, but thinking people will hear only the bleating of sheep.
Name Withheld Upon Request
We wish to thank all of our friends and family members who gave us such comfort, sent us so many beautiful plants, flowers, cards and letters and gave generous donations to our favorite charities.
We also want to thank the community of Oxford and The Oxford Leader for the beautiful tribute to our dear loved one.
The Family of Gerald ‘Bud? Laidlaw
Oxford
As a resident of Oxford for over 30 years, I feel I am qualified to voice my opinion on what I feel is the most disgusting situation to ever hit Oxford.
I am referring to the disgruntled ex-employees of NOTA and how the NOTA Board has handled this situation. Yes, I know Pat Fitchena, and yes, I consider her a friend of mine. Anyone who knows Pat Fitchena knows how much she has done for Oxford, not just as a planning commissioner or a township board member, but as a former business owner, Citizen of the Year recipient, Claude Pepper award winner (twice), Outstanding Public Servant award winner with many awards from Congress and our state government, who has always given of herself to help others. This is an unforgivable shame on the part of the NOTA Board and this group of supporters of Danny Poole.
Yes, I know him too and I also am ashamed of him and the lies he has told in order to collect unemployment benefits. I was at the NOTA offices when Debra Smith walked off her job. She was yelling at Mr. Poole, not Pat Fitchena. I have gone to the restroom on many occasions while at NOTA and never have seen any of the things claimed to be present, but I have been told how riders were treated by Debra Smith when they called in for rides. They were afraid to call for appointments and were treated rudley by her. When I played cards at Oxford Seniors, Debra’s abuse to the clients was brought up on a steady diet. This girl constantly had an attitude and was very chummy with Danny Poole.
Wake up, Oxford, can’t you see what’s going on? This group of Danny Poole’s friends have gathered together to destroy not only the director, but the program. Look at the facts, people. The attorney hired by NOTA found no substantial charges, the investigation done by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department found no charges. This continues on in Oxford while the program, that serves so many and does wonderful things for people to keep them active and working in our community, suffers from bad press.
Pat Fitchena was right when she said this was a personnel matter and should have been handled with the board, but some of our board members seeking re-election, found a platform to put them in the limelight instead of standing by NOTA and listening to the director’s side of this situation.
From what I understand, many of you knew from the very beginning the problems that Pat was having from the very start with Mr. Poole, but you stuck your head in the sand and did nothing. I know for a fact that NOTA is much better today. Look at the vans and buses you have now, how many people are riding, and finally able to get to all the hospitals for all types of treatment. Pat sits on many boards of seniors, hospitals, etc. to bring money to OUR program because she believes in what she does for OUR communities, after all, she has been with NOTA from the very start in 1997. She did not just walk into this job. She believed in it long before she was hired by NOTA. Do the right thing, NOTA Board, many of us are watching.
JoAnn Adkins, Oxford
To everyone reading the ping pong match regarding the school closings, let me say to Jim and the rest of you that no, I am not a politician. I am a stay at home mom. It was a ‘solution? to the problem of relying on other people to babysit my children (like when schools are closed).
So Jim, that is a solution. You see when it is too dangerous to run the buses I am the mom who is around to care for my own children instead of fretting that they can’t get to school to be babysat (when most of the children in the district couldn’t get there anyway so the teachers can’t really teach). That solution costs our family financially each year but it is one that I am proud of. It seems that you really offered no solutions either.
I saved your letter and all you talked about was how appalled you were at the amount of days off your children have had. You suggested that parents ‘tell them to put their clothes on? and basically march them off to school regardless of real safety concerns. How is that ‘stepping up,? when you are just suggesting that everyone ignores treacherous conditions while turning little children over to a public institution for the day? As I said, I did ‘step up? ? I am raising my own children and I deal with the reality that some days they just aren’t going to get to school.
And oh my, they are really not going to miss all that much at 5 and 7 by not going for four or five whole days. But they might miss that much by not having a parent around to ‘step up? to do the first and foremost important job in the world ? being a parent. I assume even working dads get days off, ‘step up? and enjoy your children for a day! Or better yet, you run for the school board and see how hard it really is to deal with everyone’s opinion.
By the way, Oxford is still considered rural. When you moved here you should have realized that and although there are people who live in town, there are more who live far enough away to make bus commutes dangerous. No one is asking you to solve that problem, we are asking for some understanding of a fact.
Lisa Taddiken, Addison Twp.
I could not sit back and not respond to S. Brown’s letter that was published on March 5 titled, ‘Enough bashing of NOTA,? because the writer totally misconstrued Helen Barwig’s letter that appeared on February 27.
Helen Barwig does not use the NOTA bus service because she has her own vehicle. She uses a lot of her time and money to volunteer not only at a food pantry for those who are financially beset, but also to help seniors prepare and file their taxes. These are just two of the numerous volunteer efforts that she has afforded to her community and several causes over numerous years.
Due to one of her successful efforts to finally get rid of a corrupt police chief in her community she was bestowed with ‘The Michiganian of the Year? award and the wonderful entrepreneur Max Fisher told her that she was what being a true American was all about.
Helen, a senior herself ? is not against NOTA (North Area Transportation Authority). She supports NOTA and its ability to serve those who are qualified to use its services. What she is against is the abuses that have been stated against the current director by at least eight former and current NOTA employees.
NOTA is not a non-profit organization. It is paid for through the tax dollars of all of us who reside and have businesses in the communities that finance its services.
No one should abide anyone abusing another whether in the public or private sector. Especially when our tax dollars help to pay their salary.
No one should ? whether it’s an employer, employee or a client ? be using foul language against nor punching or slapping another person. Anyone who is that uncouth and uncivilized should be reported to the proper authorities and removed immediately.
No one should be forced to resign because of intimidation and un-called for threats by someone who lacks the ability to conduct themselves in a professional manner or who lacks the proper demeanor to work with others.
Those who will not stand for something will stand for anything! If you do not stand for the right of the individual to be secure in their person and against abuse then you only care about your own personal security and comfort.
There is no ‘bitterness? in Helen Barwig standing against another’s unlawful maltreatment. I am proud to call Helen Barwig an amazing and caring friend who does so much for others in spite of raising four children and having thirteen grandchildren. She is not just a great woman ? she is a great human being.
Mary MacMaster
Orion
Dear Editor,
UNITY Week is a five-day event held at Lake Orion High School Monday, May 12 through Friday, May 16. This action-packed week is focused on promoting tolerance and respect with the intent of forming a cohesive student body. ?
There will be a few major events happening during school hours during UNITY Week, as well as after-school activities. But we need your help!
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Challenge Day will be coming from California.’Challenge Day’s vision is that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved and celebrated. The goal is to break down barriers within the student body and promote respect for one another through various team-building activities. 300 students will participate in this event, along with 75 adults. (Please visit: www.challengeday.org if you would like to see what it is all about).
In order for us to give our youth this opportunity, we are asking for donations.
Challenge Day will cost approximately $12,000. Grants have been written and fundraisers, such as a returnable bottle drive, will be hosted.
We are still very short on funding. Any amount of financial support is greatly needed and very much appreciated.
Food and beverages: We hope to provide lunch and beverages to our youth during these very valuable events. Donations will be necessary to make this happen.
You may contact Michele Novak, Substance Abuse Prevention Advisor/Guidance Counselor at (248)693-5638 or mnovak@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.
— Emily Sloan and Chelsea Kneip
Dear Editor,
I also can’t hold my tongue any longer. I have been reading letters from people like Pat Fitchena’s sister, or her friend Mary Koski and now a letter from Shauna Brown. I just keep wondering if their check is in the mail, for all their unwavering support!
I worked at NOTA for 17 months. Pat Fitchena was the director during this period, and I witnessed the verbal and physical abuse of employees. I worked at the current site of operation and can tell you, in no uncertain terms, that it is a hellhole!
NO heat, NO air circulation, bug infested, and human feces on the walls of the bathrooms, all spring and summer. The director was aware of all these, and more, working conditions, but did absolutely NOTHING until the employees contacted MIOSHA.
Ms. Brown should know her facts before opening her mouth. NOTA is NOT running at full capacity and has not been for quite some time. The financial situation of a person has NOTHING to do with being qualified for ridership; unless you are a senior citizen, a referral is required.
Regarding the long list of functions that you think the director performs, think again. This director delegates those functions to the accountant, dispatchers, and operations manager. Many employees, unhappy with working conditions, HAVE left NOTA, and they have also WON their unemployment cases. Haven’t you been reading the papers?
So, the next time Ms. Brown, or someone in her family, or someone she knows, needs a ride from NOTA, I’m sure they will understand when there is no availability for them, because the director’s sister’s employee is riding the bus five days a week, with NO qualified referral!
After viewing the February, 2008 NOTA meeting, I am curious as to why Member-at-large Eric Wilson has an opinion about anything, since he openly stated that he has never read the transcripts submitted to the township supervisors, last July, by Danny Poole.
The allegations and transgressions that have been brought to light, before the NOTA board and in the papers, can be substantiated.
Make no mistake, Pat Fitchena is not a ‘sweet lady? interested in the helping the employees, senior citizens, the physically and mentally disabled, or anyone else. Her motivation is strictly financial and political.
Considering the economic climate of Michigan, Pat Fitchena would do well to remember that ‘there are hundreds of people out there who want her job.?
— Debra Smith
Dear Editor,
This letter is in response to Shauna Brown’s and M. Henry’s letters criticizing Helen Barwig for questioning NOTA board members on their actions and policy.
I don’t believe anyone denies the fact that NOTA provides a valuable service for our community. In the same sense, questioning how our tax dollars are spent also provides a service. Stop questioning and the process itself takes on a life of its own, and you risk getting sucked up on the road to nowhere with nobody leading the pack.
Being held accountable is part of the job and NOTA and any public body should be able to answer public questions ? openly and honestly ? from Helen Barwig or anybody else.
If NOTA tries to skirt the issue and shift the blame to those doing the questioning, should we turn the other way because NOTA provides a service and the end justifies the means? Or do we demand accountability, no matter whose friend you are?
Who said Helen Barwig was passing out secret personal files? If they were so ‘secret,? who, might I ask, was in charge of protecting them? The answer to both questions is NOTA itself. Unfortunately the NOTA board would rather cry foul than address the issue of what their own documents contained. If that isn’t a smoke cloud, I don’t know what is.
So who can answer why nine NOTA employees felt the need to stand together, step forward, and blow the whistle?
Why did the NOTA chairman form a back alley committee, report they did an investigation, and find no cause for action due to an attorney opinion which the board never saw?
Why did a NOTA employee quit, get denied unemployment benefits, appeal and win? Because the judge found the employee showed NOTA at fault ? not the other way around.
Why did another judge determine the director’s techniques were deceitful, actions untrustworthy, testimony not reliable ? and then rule in favor of the employee who quit?
Why weren’t NOTA board members made aware of complaints and court dialogue BEFORE they were informed by citizens?
Why did someone feel the need to ‘leak? inside NOTA information to the public?
Why can’t anyone answer why the director’s sister signed what appears to be a rider referral or answer if the sister is an authorized referral agency as NOTA requires?
Why do our transportation dollars have to be used to provide rides to people who have had their licenses revoked for drunk driving?
Good people sometimes make bad decisions — but how many red flags need to go up before those good people see them?
— Sue Bellairs
Dear Editor,
With spring yard clean-up just around the corner, I would like to address the issue of burning yard debris.
Why does Independence Township still have a burning ordinance?
There are presently eight days a month that people may burn with a permit. Then there are the other days of the month that people burn illegally. This creates an extra burden on our fire department and the citizens who live here.
Burning may be an easy way to get rid of yard debris and garbage, but it is very unhealthy.
The waste doesn’t just disappear.
It becomes airborne and disperses to other areas, including the inside of homes, where others are forced to inhale the toxic fumes and put up with the resultant ash that is left behind.
People who have allergies, asthma, heart problems and respiratory problems really suffer when this happens.
I am one of those people. My allergy is very severe and last fall sought emergency treatment on four different occasions for anaphylactic shock.
I have had to leave my home for days at a time, without notice, to avoid reactions. I’ve also had to leave my job at Clarkston Elementary School during class time to avoid the burning in the neighborhood.
On nice spring and fall days, I would like to be outside and enjoy the weather, my home and my yard instead of worrying that I might end up in an emergency room.
It is time to ban burning in this community, not only for my health, but for the health of everyone in this community.
If you care about this issue, I ask you to call the Independence Township Hall at 248-625-5111 to voice your opinion on this matter.
Please call. Thank you.
Sandra Boggemes
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It should be no surprise that the current Independence Township’s supervisor’s campaign manager attempts to defend him (‘Speak out in defense of township,? Marcu 5); and certainly no surprise that he misses the point.
I did not ‘trash? anyone. I did not name any names because I provided substantive criticism about an absurd change in policy by the Planning Commission.
Specifically, I urged the rejection of the effort to discontinue the use of recommendations by our professional planning consultant – a valuable practice that has gone on for decades.
I also pointed out my opinion that this was a symptom of a change in direction concerning the nature and extent of development in our community.
The supervisor and his campaign manager represent a minority view in the community that we should have whatever development at whatever cost.
The current supervisor was elected and is allowed to make appointments to the various township boards.
However, when those appointments indicate such a dramatic change in the long-standing development policy of this community, we as citizens must pay attention.
The current supervisor was not elected on a platform of so substantially changing the development policy of this community.
Hopefully this year we will have a robust and clean debate on that topic so that the voting community decides the policy and not a few individuals with their own agenda and benefits in mind.
The other comments the writer made were essentially of no merit and he knows it, so I will save that rebuttal for another time.
Sincerely,
Neil Wallace
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Easter this year is Sunday, March 23.
As you may know, Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, March 20.
This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Based on that, Easter can actually be one day earlier, March 22, but that is pretty rare. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early ? 95 years old or above!
And none of us have ever or will ever see it a day earlier!
Here are some facts from a priest friend of mine:
The next time Easter will be this early, March 23, will be the year 2228, 220 years from now. The last time it was this early was 1913, so if you’re 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!
The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285, 277 years from now. The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
Bob Arend
Clarkston
Dear Editor:
Last week a letter from township resident Rudy Lozano urged residents to speak up about what is happening in our township.
I too think it is important for residents to start speaking up. In his letter Mr. Lozano chastises resident Neil Wallace for his letter opposing the Planning Commission’s decision to stop including the Township planning consultants recommendations in his reports. As a former Planning Commission Chairman, I was very disturbed by the planning commission’s action.
This is a terrible, short sighted decision and one that should be reversed immediately. I eagerly anticipated the results of The Clarkston News investigation into this, including the charge that the open meeting act had been violated.
I was disappointed in the following weeks editorial in which the News nearly apologized for any offense their coverage may have caused and offered no further analysis of the situation. I have enjoyed the great coverage the Clarkston news has given our community for many years.
However, I would hope that the News would remember that even in a small community we rely on their objective and thorough investigation of important issues such as this.
In the four years the current township administration has been in place under Supervisor Wagner it seems that any progress we have made has been in spite of that administration rather that because of it, mostly at the hands of concerned citizens.
We have the volunteer citizens of the township to thank for our successful avoidance of the big box development plans of Orco on Sashabaw Road.
In fact, it was Mr. Wallace and his COG team that organized and educated hundreds of residents in the fight against a terrible development idea.
The Senior Center was also much more a result of volunteers who dedicated themselves to a cause than our township administration.
It was volunteers that brought to light the safety issues with the old center and called the administration to task. It was volunteers, young and old that met gave up evenings and weekends trying to get a center millage passed to fund the programs and building.
During all of this the supervisor was less than supportive and Mr. Lozano led the opposition with open letters to the newspaper.
I know because I chaired the volunteer committee and Parks and Recreation Commission at the time. It was also volunteers that led the exploration of alternatives with the failure of the millage proposal.
While the Board ultimately funded the new Senior Center as an interim solution the current administration has presented no plans on how to create a center that fully meets the need of the community and I believe the seniors will concur that the new building, though now safe, is too small.
Mr. Lozano’s letter asserts that the supervisor Wagner was elected by 60 percent of the community therefore he must be qualified.
Unfortunately, we have often seen in our democratic process that the most qualified candidate is not always elected.
Fortunately with elections this August we as citizens will have a chance to correct that. We need competent management of our townships critical services and good financial understanding and planning. What we don’t need is an administration that declares us financially strapped and unable to keep parks and beaches open one day and shortly thereafter unveils previously unknown surpluses.
We need both short and long term plans for our limited financial resources and we need a proactive not a reactive leader.
One thing is clear, in August we as Independence Township need a change in leadership. If you have any doubt of this please attend a township board meeting and judge for yourself whether or not we can do better, and submit your thoughts to The Clarkston News.
As Ben Franklin once said ‘When truth has fair play, it will always prevail over falsehood.?
Sincerely,
David Lohmeier
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Shouldn’t St. Patrick’s Day have something to do with St. Patrick?
The following historical record of St Patrick and this prayer he penned seem to stand in sharp contrast to the green beer and partying that people usually associate with St. Patrick’s Day: St. Patrick, who was born around 387-390 in Scotland as Maewyn Succat, and died around 461-464 at Saul, County Down, Ireland, said:
‘I came to the Irish people to preach the Gospel and endure the taunts of unbelievers, putting up with reproaches about my earthly pilgrimage, suffering many persecutions, even bondage, and losing my birthright of freedom for the benefit of others.
‘It is among that people that I want to wait for the promise made by Him, who assuredly never tells a lie. He makes this promise in the Gospel: ‘They shall come from the east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.? This is our faith: believers are to come from the whole world.?
The following is a literal English translation from the original old Irish text of a prayer of St. Patrick:
‘Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,?
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,?
Christ to comfort and restore me,?
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,?
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,?
Christ in hearts of all that love me,?
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.?
I bind unto myself the Name,’the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same,’the Three in One, and One in Three.?
Of whom all nature hath creation, eternal Father, Spirit, Word:’praise to the Lord of my salvation, salvation is of Christ the Lord.?
Schuyler Rogers
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In my opinion, most people ought to read the book ‘Exile? by Richard North Patterson, not because it is great book ? it is a good book.
But, if you, as I, do not fully understand what is going on the Middle East, then this book will be very informative.
Now, this is a novel, a mystery novel at that.
But, the author takes great pains to inform the reader of the challenges, complexities, and issues involving Israel, the West Bank, Iran, the Palestinians, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, etc.
He discusses ancient and current roots of the present situation in that part of the World.
I am not trying to promote the sale of a book or a political candidate; I am suggesting that we need to better understand how important and delicate efforts at peace in the Middle East are to our future and future of the World.
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I currently tutor adults as a volunteer for Oakland Literacy Council.
It is very rewarding to work with these interesting and motivated adults. Some of the students are working on reading and some are working on learning English.
I find that the foreign students, who are often women with husbands whose jobs brought them here, are eager for additional opportunities for conversation.
I wonder if anyone knows of a conversation group in the Clarkston area which meets for this purpose?
Mary Sloan
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Most of us use a personal shredder to dispose of the volumes of junk mail to prevent identity theft. Identity theft can truly ruin a person’s life.
That’s why it is inconceivable to me that Helen Barwig doesn’t understand the ramifications of her own actions. She was in possession of someone’s stolen personal files. She then copied these files and tried to distribute them to the public via a recent NOTA meeting.
These files did not belong to her, so the question of where she got these files was very much relevant. It is not ‘hogwash,? as she proclaims. It is not just an attempt to ‘shut her up? with ‘made-up horror threats.? It is a very serious matter.
If any harm comes to this person, personal or financial, the feds, the police or whatever law enforcement is called could very well end up at her door, and rightly so.
It is illegal to steal, or possess stolen property, especially when that property is someone else’s personal identity files.
Now I don’t personally know Helen Barwig and I wasn’t at the meeting. This is all from her Letter to the Editor in the Feb. 27 editon of The Lake Orion Review.
I like to think the best of people, so perhaps she was just being overzealous in trying to get out her version of the truth. But in this day of political cover-ups and perjury, lying and cheating in the name of re-election; CEOs defrauding shareholders and employees; and courts jammed with a litigious society, it seems as if taking responsibility for one’s own actions is becoming a thing of the past.
The end does not justify the means. What she did was illegal and just plain wrong.
— M. Henry
Dear Editor,
I always like to encourage residents of Lake Orion and Orion Township to shop at our local businesses whenever possible. A recent experience serves as a reminder why these business owners deserve our support in this age of chain stores with impersonal and lackluster customer service.
On Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, my son died in a motorcycle accident on Baldwin Road. Kenny was not much of a jewelry person, but he did have a gold rope necklace that he always wore.
After the accident, I discovered the necklace at his home. Apparently, it had broken a short time before, so it had not been lost at the accident scene.
On Monday, Sept. 24, at approximately 10 a.m., I went to Diamond Dave’s and asked the very nice woman at the counter if they still did work on site.
As I tried to tell her what I wanted, I started to cry. Dave must have heard me because he left the workroom and came to the counter to offer his help.
I explained about Kenny and the accident and asked if he could possibly make the necklace into three bracelets by Wednesday, Sept. 26, the day of Kenny’s funeral.
I felt the bracelets would bring great comfort to his dad, Ken Sr., his sister, Deanna, and myself. Dave assured me that he would take care of it.
Two hours later, at noon, I received a phone call from the nice lady at Diamond Dave’s to verify my address and explain that Dave was on his way to my home.
He personally delivered the bracelets to us!
Being able to wear our ‘Kenny Bracelets? for the days of the visitation and the funeral was a true blessing and brought us great comfort.
We continue to wear the bracelets and think of Kenny. I usually think of Dave at the same time and remember his compassion, caring and totally over-the-top kindness to us.
I doubt I would be writing this type of ‘thank you? if I had shopped at one of the big box jewelry stores. Thank you again, Dave, for your thoughtfulness and being part of our community.
— Nancy Hornacek
Dear Editor,
The Orion Firefighters Association thanks all area businesses, organizations and individuals for their generosity to help make our annual dinner/dance a great success.
— Orion Firefighters Association
Dear Editor,
I could not sit back and not respond to S. Brown’s letter that was published on March 5 titled, ‘Enough bashing of NOTA,? because the writer totally misconstrued Helen Barwig’s letter that appeared on February 27.
Helen Barwig does not use the NOTA bus service because she has her own vehicle. She uses a lot of her time and money to volunteer not only at a food pantry for those who are financially beset, but also to help seniors prepare and file their taxes. These are just two of the numerous volunteer efforts that she has afforded to her community and several causes over numerous years.
Due to one of her successful efforts to finally get rid of a corrupt police chief in her community, she was bestowed with ‘The Michiganian of the Year? award and the wonderful entrepreneur Max Fisher told her that she was what being a true American was all about.
Helen, a senior herself — is not against NOTA (North Area Transportation Authority). She supports NOTA and its ability to serve those who are qualified to use its services. What she is against are the alleged abuses by the current director, according to at least eight former and current NOTA employees.
NOTA is not a non-profit organization. It is paid for through the tax dollars of all of us who reside and have businesses in the communities that finance its services.
No one should abide anyone abusing another whether in the public or private sector. Especially when our tax dollars help to pay their salary.
No one should, whether an employer, employee or a client, be using foul language against or punching or slapping another person. Anyone who is that uncouth and uncivilized should be reported to the proper authorities and removed immediately.
No one should be forced to resign because of intimidation and uncalled-for threats by someone who lacks the ability to conduct themself in a professional manner or who lacks the proper demeanor to work with others.
Those who will not stand for something will stand for anything! If you do not stand for the right of the individual to be secure in their person and against abuse then you only care about your own personal security and comfort.
— Mary MacMaster
I can’t hold my tongue any longer without speaking up to support NOTA because unfortunately too many people read the ‘Letters to the Editor? section and take others opinions (no matter how biased) and treat them as gospel. Helen Barwig’s letter pushed me over the top!
North Oakland Transportation Authority is a valuable service to residents in Orion, Oxford and Addison Townships. Without this organization too many people may be homebound and unable to socialize, learn, attend medical appointments, purchase groceries, employment related issues, etc.
I don’t believe the NOTA governing board is trying to ‘keep things quiet? ? they are a NONPROFIT organization and therefore all information (except personal/confidential rider information) a citizen desires can be obtained LEGALLY through the Freedom of Information Act. It’s simple – they can’t ‘hide? anything ? everything is available for scrutiny and public eyes.
Why is Ms. Barwig so worried about the qualifications of other riders? Did she have to reschedule an appointment once? Did she miss knitting circle? Every rider goes through a thorough background check by either the Operations Manager or Mrs. Fitchena. NOTA cannot accept riders who don’t qualify financially. The acceptance of public funding prohibits this!
Federal funding mandates that NOTA cannot simply be a service for area seniors ? they must take all qualified riders no matter their age. Given the current state of the economy I am positive that the number of calls asking for help from NOTA has skyrocketed! Who is to say that a 30 year old parent cannot get a ride to work or the grocery store in order to keep his/her family housed, fed and healthy but a 75 year old woman can get a ride to the Orion Senior Center to play bridge. Poverty doesn’t discriminate – people discriminate!
As far as the drivers who were/are upset with the previous working conditions, how many are still employed there? If conditions were so awful why haven’t they left ? are they masochistic? I have been in horrible employment situations and you know what? I LEFT!
Contrary to popular belief NOTA is still a business with business expenses. Gas, insurance, employee’s salaries, vehicle maintenance and office equipment are all expenses ? they don’t get them for free. I know for a fact that operations costs have been cut; fortunately this money saved has allowed NOTA to run on full capacity for quite a while ? that is a feat that should be applauded.
If Ms. Barwig thinks she is better qualified to run NOTA then perhaps the board should challenge her to figure this year’s budget. Don’t ask her to interview applicants, contact suppliers, haggle for lower prices, service the vehicles, apply for grants, attend countless meetings ? just simply have her play with the numbers. I believe that once she takes a stab at it Ms. Barwig will be thanking her lucky stars for Pat Fitchena and all she does for our community!
Bitterness is an unflattering and unproductive quality in a woman, Ms. Barwig!
Shauna Brown
Lake Orion
I would like to respond to the unsigned letter about Cub Scout Pack 108. I am Bob Pasike, and while these are my personal views, I have experience as a Sponsor Liaison for a scout troop and have served as committee chairman in Scouting.
A Scout Pack or Troop are run by a Parent’s Committee, who have the right to vote in or out and have a say as to how the unit is run. The unit officer’s are all volunteers who give of their time to help all the scouts of the unit.
I attended the parent’s meeting last year when this change to Ideal Year of Scouting was placed before the committee and was voted on and approved. At that time there was no one that disapproved of this change. The notice inviting the parent’s to the meeting stated that there was a very important financial decision to be made at this time.
The Ideal Year of Scouting is a plan that National Boy Scout Council has asked the units to use by planning the whole year of activities and funding for them.
Some of the activities that the pack sponsors are a family camping trip, an awards dinner for the families, a pine wood derby race night with refreshments for the families. As you can see, their activities include the family which is all a part of the cub scouting experience. Plus, all the patches, belt loops and pins that the scouts earns over the year.
One thing most people don’t know is that scouting activities require deposits and reservations in advance. This includes cabins, campgrounds, and use of school buildings. These deposits are not refundable when at the last minutes scouts suddenly decide not to participate in activities already paid for.
Scouting is all the things stated in the letter but it’s so much more. It is learning about first-aid, nature, crafts, leadership, safety, and many other things. Cub Scouts is only the start. There is Boy Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Adventure Crews. There are so many things that a Scout can learn and grow with throughout Scouting.
The pack has in place a plan to help families who need financial help. The Oxford American Legion has sponsored fund-raisers to help with this. The pack runs three fund-raisers for scouts and parents to help pay for scout fees. They have the opportunity to partake in any of these or none if they choose.
Bob Pasike
Oxford
Wow! Thirty-six years of public service devoted to our Oxford Township. Honesty, dedication, and professionalism are qualities that define Clara Sanderson. It’s so refreshing in an era where words such as deceit, dishonest, self-seeking, and incorrigible are so often synonymous with so many entrusted with public service.
I’ve been doing business in Oxford for 25 years and I believe it is people such as Clara that have helped make this a wonderful community. I applaud and thank you for your dedication and service. Enjoy your retirement and those beautiful grandchildren! I hope you get to Italy- you certainly deserve it.
Paul Forte
Oxford
The Junior class at Oxford High School would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring the Pre Prom Fashion Show.
President Tuxedo, located at the Baldwin commons Shopping Center, Group USA the clothing company, The Cutting Edge Salon, A and A Flowers, The Tan Company, Kalloway’s Restaurant, Rumourz Hair Salon, McDonalds of Oxford, Oxford 7, Modern Nails, Starbucks, Jacobsen’s Flowers, The Golden Nugget restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ken’s Coney, Jimmy John’s, Victoria’s Delights, Oxford One Hour Photo, J A MN Limousine Inc.
The Prom is a special night, the community has come together to help make this moment in time something to remember their whole life. Also, thank you to the people who attended we hope you had as much fun as we did putting this on. Mrs. Brown and the staff at the Performing Arts Center.
Katherine Bosetti
Class President of 2009 and
Class advisor Scott Couch
Where as I am sure that the recent decision by our School Adminstrators to extend the school day to make up for lost time was not directed related to my prior letter I would like to extend an ‘attaboy? to them for ‘stepping up? and not ‘stepping aside.? I can only hope that they will consider making the extension (in a consistant across the entire district manner) a permanate fixture as over the past few years we have pushed our limit on snow days regularly. A few minutes each day may not seem like a lot (like what it takes to write a letter to your local paper) but it does add up and addresses the issue.
At the same time I would also like to extend a ‘thank you? to Mr. Pozikowski for explaining the situation related to the buses. Having all the facts makes analyzing a situation and forming an opinion on it much easier.
To Ms. Taddiken, I ACCEPT!
The next major snow we get where the district decides to close, after I shovel my driveway and the 2 elderly neighbors that I help in these situations I will make the dangerous drive to your place and shovel your driveway. As impractical as my solutions (No Transportation or Alternate Pick-Up Site Days) may have been to you at least I offered them. Instead of complaining about someone else’s ideas and expecting someone else to solve your problems why not offer some solutions of your own for consideration? Are you a politician Ms. Taddiken? Because that seems an awful lot like what we hear on TV during all the debates.
CJ, I hope you can make it out to Ms. Taddiken’s home that day. I’m sure a few pictures would help this story along. Someone ‘Stepping Up? instead of ‘Stepping Aside.?
Jim Brzezinski
Oxford
Dear Editor,
We are blessed to live in this generous community. By generous community, I refer to the donations of books, the purchasing of books and the volunteers who give their time and support of the ‘Friends of the Orion Township Public Library? January Book Sale.
We are grateful for the generous donation of bags for our Saturday ‘bag sale? from Sam, the manager at the Baldwin Kroger store.
We are so fortunate to also have a hard-working, supportive, helpful staff at the library.
The book sales are a fun team project. If you wish to join in the fun, please leave your name and address at the checkout counter to be placed in the ‘Friends?? mailbox.
Our next book sale will be June 11-14. You may leave donated books at the library beginning on May 1.
Thank you again for your support.
— Marie LaLone English
Chairman, Friends Used Book Sale
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank Pam, Lillian and Keith Hutchison, Mary MacMaster, Matt and Joan Kilmer, May Agar, Geraldine Rathburg and her daughter Lorna, and my mother Chris and niece Michele for all of their support recently while I was in recovery from surgery at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester.
It’s good to know that there are people out there that care about their fellow person.
All I can say is that there are a lot of good, caring people out there in this world. This is something that a bunch of our elected politicians and government appointees, especially senators, congress, et all, should take a crash course in? ‘How to listen and care!?
After all, C.J. Carnacchio was right on the money with his commentary last month on Eric Wilson.
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
I can’t hold my tongue any longer without speaking up to support NOTA, because unfortunately too many people read the ‘Letters to the Editor? section and take others? opinions (no matter how biased) and treat them as gospel. Helen Barwig’s letter pushed me over the top!
North Oakland Transportation Authority is a valuable service to residents in Orion, Oxford and Addison Townships. Without this organization too many people may be homebound and unable to socialize, learn, attend medical appointments, purchase groceries, haveemployment related issues, etc.
I don’t believe the NOTA governing board is trying to ‘keep things quiet? ? they are a NONPROFIT organization and therefore all information (except personal/confidential rider information) a citizen desires can be obtained LEGALLY through the Freedom of Information Act. It’s simple – they can’t ‘hide? anything ? everything is available for scrutiny and public eyes.
Why is Barwig so worried about the qualifications of other riders? Did she have to reschedule an appointment once? Did she miss knitting circle? Every rider goes through a thorough background check by either the Operations Manager or Pat Fitchena. NOTA cannot accept riders who don’t qualify financially. The acceptance of public funding prohibits this!
Federal funding mandates that NOTA cannot simply be a service for area seniors ? they must take all qualified riders, no matter their age. Given the current state of the economy I am positive that the number of calls asking for help from NOTA has skyrocketed! Who is to say that a 30-year-old parent cannot get a ride to work or the grocery store in order to keep his/her family housed, fed and healthy but a 75-year-old woman can get a ride to the Orion Senior Center to play bridge? Poverty doesn’t discriminate – people discriminate!
As far as the drivers who were/are upset with the previous working conditions, how many are still employed there? If conditions were so awful why haven’t they left ? are they masochistic? I have been in horrible employment situations and you know what? I LEFT!
Contrary to popular belief NOTA is still a business with business expenses. Gas, insurance, employee’s salaries, vehicle maintenance and office equipment are all expenses ? they don’t get them for free. I know for a fact that operations costs have been cut; fortunately this money saved has allowed NOTA to run on full capacity for quite a while ? that is a feat that should be applauded.
If Ms. Barwig thinks she is better qualified to run NOTA, then perhaps the board should challenge her to figure this year’s budget. Don’t ask her to interview applicants, contact suppliers, haggle for lower prices, service the vehicles, apply for grants, attend countless meetings ? just simply have her play with the numbers. I believe that once she takes a stab at it Ms. Barwig will be thanking her lucky stars for Pat Fitchena and all she does for our community!
Bitterness is an unflattering and unproductive quality in a woman, Ms. Barwig!
— S. Brown
Dear Editor,
My name is Mary Smith and I live here in Springfield Township. I am taking a class at OCC called American Government. My assignment is a political input exercise.
I must pick an issue that concerns me and see if I can input my concern and address five different sources. I don’t necessarily have to have my concern become a reality; just need to voice a concern and see if anyone else has the same concern with any negative or positive feedback.
My concern is for those of us who live in Springfield Township, who are not legally supposed to take any acceptable recycled products to the Independence Township Recycle Center.
The only time we can use this recycle center is at the once a year ‘Spring Clean up Day? event. I think it is a discouragement to store items to be recycled in your garage for a year, so are more apt to throw recyclables away than wait.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a similar recycle center in Springfield Township?
The waste company I use has curbside recycling and only picks up glass, tin cans, newspaper (no glossy ads), and plastic #1 and #2. There are quite a few more items that can be recycled.
At the Independence Township Recycle Center, they accept used antifreeze, used motor oil, batteries (except alkaline), mixed recyclables such as: green and brown glass, corrugated cardboard (flattened), tires, and brush. This service is free to residents.
I am happily aware that there is a Paper Retriever bin at the Springfield Township Library. I have used it many times and it is nice to see it being used by other Springfield Township residents.
For those of you who do not know what a Paper Retriever bin is, it is a green and yellow dumpster used to put your unwanted magazines, shopping catalogs, newspaper with glossy inserts, office paper, school papers, and mail in for recycling.
The library receives a check from Paper Retriever per ton of paper. It is a great, local fundraising program.
Royal Oak Recycling has now a second location in White Lake and they have a contract with Abitibi, the company that operates the Paper Retriever fundraising program.
Royal Oak Recycling is a recycle facility that will pay cash by the ton, for many other recycled items as well. I’m suggesting that the Springfield Township offices have a contract with Royal Oak Recycling facility and they will pay cash for our recycled items.
So it shouldn’t cost a lot of money for this service to be able to our community. In fact, the money generated could be used for any related recycling issues.
I have contacted Collin Walls, our superintendent at Springfield Township and he feels there is no interest in our community for a recycle facility like they have in Independence Township.
I wonder, is this true?
Here’s where you come in. Please take a moment to give me any positive or negative feedback you might have.
Thanks for listening.
Mary Smith
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
Last evening, The Clarkston News covered the story of a successful cardiac resuscitation, which occurred last October at the Deer Lake Athletic Club.
I believe, in general, the performance of the Independence Township Fire Department and Emergency staff is overlooked. Our initial emergency response was quickly and efficiently completed by the EMS team, with the end result of a mother being returned to her family.
This is the second time I have interacted with the Fire Department, and on both occasions I was impressed by their proficiency.
Reflecting o n my experience as an ER nurse dating back to 1975 and recalling the efforts of other communitys? EMS teams, I cannot say I’ve seen this level of commitment and skill elsewhere.
I truly appreciate their presence in our community.
Sincerely,
Judy Hoddinott
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
It’s with a great sense of ambivalence that, after 20 years of service, I have decided not to seek re-election as your Township Clerk and member of the Springfield Township Board.
It has been an honor to serve and a privilege to have had the opportunity given me to try to make a difference in the community I have come to love.
Twenty-three years ago, when, by happenstance, I landed in Springfield Township as a reluctant migrant from the East Coast, I could not imagine where it would lead: from participation in a local citizens’ organization that prevailed in a struggle against powerful state interests, to immersion in a quixotic but ultimately successful quest to get the long-stalled clean-up of a toxic waste “Superfund” site going.
Along the way, there have also been many magical “light bulb” moments that I’ve been privileged to be part of: like the idea for the Shiawassee & Huron Headwaters Project, which has led to heightened appreciation of Springfield’s natural resources, to new land-use planning techniques, and to the “discovery” that Springfield’s resources are not just pretty, something we already knew, but are also world-class and globally rare.
And then there’s the little CD on Springfield’s native plants: an idea dreamed up by a local committee and that had such modest goals, but captured the interest of folks and organizations from Connecticut to California, and even from other countries. Seven years, and more than ten thousand copies later, the CD is still finding new audiences.
In reflecting back, I realize that there’s always been one common explanation for these and other Springfield successes — both large and small — and that’s been the can-do spirit and commitment of so many individuals. It’s not by accident, for example, that Springfield voters, even during the busiest elections, have one of the shortest waits at polling places in all of Oakland County.
You can thank our dedicated Election Inspectors for that, along with a little help from their creative use of building insulation material to make extra voting booths.
Over the years, it’s been my great privilege to meet and work with hundreds of outstanding persons: from involved and caring residents, to great staff, to dedicated local, county, state and federal officials.
I know that I can’t possibly name everyone who deserves recognition for their contributions to our community, so please take a moment to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
One hundred years ago, President Teddy Roosevelt challenged Americans of his era to “dare greatly.”
I know that whoever succeeds me will have similar opportunities to “dare greatly” for Springfield, and to bring to the position their ideas, their energy, their commitment, and a vision of what this special place called Springfield Township is and can be.
As for me, I’m not abandoning Springfield when my term ends on November 20. When Wayne and I aren’t traveling or visiting family, you may run into me exploring the Shiawassee Basin Preserve, with camera and binoculars in hand, or volunteering my time to our local land conservancy, or maybe even doing something novel like just hanging out at our home.
Ready or not, Wayne, here I come!
Again, my thanks for giving me the opportunity to serve. It’s been a great ride.
Sincerely,
Nancy Strole, Clerk
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
It’s time for people to speak up on what’s happening in our township.
Neil Wallace (page 6A, Feb. 20 edition) starts out by trashing Dave Wagner, our supervisor, who has cut expenses from what the previous supervisor was spending, and ended with a surplus last year. He also rolled back the millage on our property taxes.
Neil then trashes Sam Moraco, the new chairman of the Planning Commission, who with our building director built a new senior center and saved the taxpayers about $350,000.
He also trashes Joan McCrary, former township clerk, who has dedicated the better part of her life working for the good of our community.
Just remember it was Neil’s brainstorm to raises taxes and set up a $700,000 slush fund for lawyers to defend us against anyone who had the audacity to want to build something in the township he didn’t like (Citizens? for Orderly Growth’s Legal Defense Fund millage drive, August, 2005).
Dave Wagner was elected supervisor with about 60 percent of the vote. I think that makes him more than qualified to appoint who he wants to the Zoning Board and Planning Commission, because that’s what supervisors do.
Rudy Lozano
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful article on Team Rush (Feb. 20 edition).
As a parent, I can tell you that these kids are fully committed and happily invest the majority of their free time during build season to the team. They typically go to Rush directly from school, which ends at 2:35, where many will start studying and completing homework.
A mandatory study session runs from 3:30- 4:30 each school day. During that time, Kyle Hughes, their tireless leader and an OSM tech instructor, will assemble study groups and assist students if help is needed.
All students must submit grades weekly and be performing very well to remain active. After study session ends at 4:30, the team starts their work for the day and continues until at least 8 pm, many times later.
Then comes the weekend.
Saturday and Sunday are work days during build, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. or later! All of this on top of school!
At the end of build season, we families start to see our kids again. We also get to see the tremendous accomplishments they have made!
It absolutely blows you away to see the end result of all of their work! Kyle Hughes and the mentors are such positive role models and teachers for the kids!
The knowledge and skill they impart is priceless. I have no doubt that this experience has lent to the development of productive members of our society who will exhibit great character, integrity and heart in any future project.
Kudos to Team Rush 27, you are truly an inspiration to all!
Lisa Sleva
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank Rob Bondy and Contemporary Computer Concepts in downtown Clarkston for donating our old computers and monitors to Goodwill Industries on our behalf.
For a nominal fee his staff removed data from the hard drives and within two weeks we had received a receipt for the donation from Goodwill.
Rob and his staff are performing a generous and eco-friendly service to the community and we are grateful for the time and trouble he saved us.
Maralee and Ty Cook
Waterford
Dear Editor,
The ‘Open House? on Sunday, February 24 for the Independence Township Senior Activity Center was a huge success with over 275 people in attendance.
Thank you to the sponsors who contributed money to the event: Clarkston Specialty Healthcare Center, American House, Oakland Eye Care, Michigan Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Canterbury on the Lake, and Clarkston Community Women’s Club.
Thank you also to the many sponsors who donated give-away items or food. Six teachers demonstrated exercise opportunities two alternative health practitioners offered free demonstrations.
Twenty-six volunteers and eleven staff members contributed their time. The Open House Committee, Carolyn Morrison, Mel Vaara, Tom Stone, Mary Melega, Rosemary Landry, and graphic artist Ron Wagner pooled their creative talents to make it a very special celebration of our new building. Thank you all for making this day possible.
Margaret Bartos
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank Rob Bondy and Contemporary Computer Concepts in downtown Clarkston for donating our old computers and monitors to Goodwill Industries on our behalf.
For a nominal fee his staff removed data from the hard drives and within two weeks we had received a receipt for the donation from Goodwill.
Rob and his staff are performing a generous and eco-friendly service to the community and we are grateful for the time and trouble he saved us.
Maralee and Ty Cook
Waterford
Dear Editor,
Being long time Independence Township residents, we’ve questioned township officials in the past as to why the “priority safety paths” in our area remain non-existent after paying over 20 years for them.
But now we question township officials as to why there is talk of using existing safety path money on a proposed “rural safety path” when the “priority safety paths” are still an incomplete patch-work of dead-end paths.
As we are now being told, the blame for lack of any progress on safety paths in our area lies in the hands of the developer who owns property in the area and it is he who must build a safety path to save the township money.
Why is a taxpayer funded project being held hostage by the developer? How does that save a taxpayer money?
We are still paying and the last time we checked, over 20 of our tax bills had safety path millages on them. That would make safety paths a township responsibility, not the developer’s.
Seems everytime township officials claim to be saving taxpayers money, they turn around and vote themselves pay raises and bonuses. It’s little wonder why Independence Township still doesn’t have a community center, usable safety paths, etc.
It’s time for Independence Township residents to really save money and elect new people who don’t believe that it “de-values” their jobs if they don’t take annual pay raises and bonuses with our tax dollars.
Michael and Lori Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Has The Clarkston News changed its name to the “Stone Tablet” or has Mr. Stone joined the staff of the newspaper? The past barrage of letters to the editor would certainly make one question this.
As you will be able to tell from this letter, I do not think that public policy and public decisions are best settled by attacks and innuendos freely tossed about in a newspaper.
I feel that the best way to settle the important issues like those that face all governments, including the City of Clarkston, are best handled by intelligent people discussing intelligent and creative alternatives in an open and respectful manner.
I am truly tired of the “stone throwing” that seems to be a weekly entry in your paper. It is certainly easy to criticize from the cheap seats.
Finally, for anyone to question Mr. Pappas’ character and dedication to Clarkston is the most ridiculous thing that I have every heard. I have known, worked with and totally respected everything about Art Pappas for the 20 years that I have been privilege to know him.
I have found Art to be one of the most honorable, dedicated and honest persons that I have every known, as I am certain anyone that has every had the opportunity to meet him would agree.
In the future, please be more selective of the quantity of “stone throwing” that you allow in your paper. Although uncertain of his motive, not only is it getting old, but his opinion is clear.
Stephen D. Arkwright
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The majority of the Independence Township Planning Commission should immediately reverse the action of the few who recently directed our planning consultant to stop giving recommendations.
The explanations by the commission’s chairman, Sam Moraco, make no sense. First, the planning consultant’s recommendation is not ‘the township taking a stand prior to a public hearing.? It is merely his professional recommendation.
Second, the notion developers may be misled is simply wrong. All but the most unsophisticated developer knows the consultant’s recommendation is only a recommendation and the decision is up to the Planning Commission. So there is no real danger of the developer being misled.
Third, if the Planning Commission is so well educated, there is no reason not to have the consultant’s recommendation. They should be able to ignore it if they feel it is not well founded or if they simply disagree. Perhaps this is a red herring, as I heard at the meeting no developer has even complained.
To the contrary, they work hard to earn his recommendation as a first hurdle to the approval they seek.
Our professional planner’s job is more than just listing a proposal’s items of non-compliance. The recommendation provides professional judgement based on experience.
Certainly, we would not expect the township’s engineers, lawyers, or other professionals to not provide us with recommendations.
It is why we hire and pay them. The same must be true for our planner.
It is pretty clear to me that this action by the majority of the Planning Commission is simply irresponsible. The majority should undo it immediately.
Craig Bennett
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
‘The show must go on? is what everyone always says. Springfield Plains School Fair was once again a huge success! Who knew? With four children, I’ve been a parent at SPE for almost 13 years. In that time I’ve volunteered at the fair, co-chaired the fair and chaired the fair.
Dr. Sharon Devereaux was always at the helm, cheering me on, smiling all day with the students and families. Every time we would take a break to count money, there she was, saying ‘it doesn’t matter if we make money, this is a day for families to spend quality time together.?
She was so right! This year I plucked my way through getting things together in preparation for the fair, but trying not to think of that day without a woman I’d come to love and respect. I ran my flyers by Principal K.C. Leh just like I would with Dr. Devereaux, trying not to imagine the delight Dr. D would have in all the preparation. K.C. of course hadn’t a clue yet of what the fair was exactly.
But then, on the day of the fair when I thought I’d miss Dr. Devereaux the most, there was K.C. smiling and laughing with students and families. I closed my eyes and realized that Dr. Devereaux was gone, but she had sent us someone who cares just as much, laughs and smiles just as much, and someone who will guide our children just as generously as she did.
I care about the fair like it was my youngest child. I am always concerned about the students having a good time. I have only one year left at SPE and luckily I found someone to pass the fair on to who will care just as much as I do.
That’s how it is you know, someone wonderful will step in even after we think the best was already there. I still miss Dr. Devereaux, but I think now I have something I didn’t have a year ago; the peace in knowing that while things have changed at SPE it is still full of love, respect and kindness and will continue to be a great place for our children to learn.
Thank you to K.C. Leh, the staff and parent volunteers, committee chair persons, student council, NHS students, SMS leadership, Speedy Printing and the Oakland County Sheriff’s department for making this fair and all the fairs to come the most fun event Springfield Plains presents.
Kelly Finazzo
SPE Fair Chairperson
Dear Editor,
Thank you Amanda and Sharron for expressing so beautifully how our family also feels about Art Pappas (Feb. 13 edition).
This village has truly been blessed to have such a capable and caring individual looking out for our welfare as a village-city for so many years. Art, our appreciation is very deep for all you do every day.
Sincerely,
James and Gini Schultz
Clarskton
Dear Editor,
I’d like to thank Jill Bastian for the wonderful job she’s so faithfully done for many years now in our community. While I’m sad to see her go, I understand.
You’ve been a great support to the Lake Orion area for a long time, and you should know many of us out in the community have appreciated your efforts.
Thank you very much, Ms. Bastian, for always being a class act. Let’s hope we are as lucky to find another clerk as dedicated as you have always been.
— Laura Allen
Dear Editor,
Last week I was invited by the Lake Orion Robotics team to come and view the robot that they will be using in the Detroit Regional Robotics competition on March 13-15 at Wayne State University.
Upon my arrival, the team walked me through the requirements of the competition, their robot design, electrical diagrams and assembly process. Various team members discussed their area of expertise and their level of experience with the robotics program. I could sense the team’s commitment, dedication and willingness to work together in order to achieve victory.
I was very impressed with the team’s knowledge and I am certainly proud that these students will be representing our community. Please join me in wishing them luck in the upcoming competition.
Go Dragons!
— Michael J. Gingell
Oakland County Commissioner
Dear Editor,
I am writing about our North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA) and its governing board.
The NOTA board has a large membership of about 12. It appears that instead of addressing serious issues and concerns, this board is merely sitting, waiting for their tea and crumpets.
Red flags started going up in June last year and these issues have still not been addressed.
Eight employees stood behind their past operations director and complained about employee abuse, both physical and verbal, unsanitary working conditions, requests to do unethical and illegal acts, allowing certain bus riders to ride without proper eligibility, drivers not getting fair treatment, etc.
The NOTA director, Pat Fitchena, has a sister who owns a business in Pontiac. The sister writes a letter to Pat, and manages to procure a five-day-a-week ride for her employee. Other riders need an authorized referral and Pat’s sister is not an authorized referral organization.
Three months ago, I asked the NOTA board to check on the riders to see if they all were riding with proper papers. At a past NOTA meeting I gave out papers showing that there were people riding illegally. At the last NOTA meeting I gave them more proof.
Acting Chairman Doleen Behnke came unglued, along with board member Brenda Wilson. I felt they almost choked on their crumpets.
Why? They accused ME of violating the HIPAA rule, stating I had illegal papers, threatened to report me to the FEDS, and demanded all board members turn their papers to Doleen. Then they violated the Open Meetings Act by declaring that I was not allowed to speak!
What a bunch of hogwash. This board wanted to shut me up. Period.
But why? Could it be for the same reason they asked Sue Bellairs to be on their policy review committee and then the following meeting wouldn’t let her?
When the board allows board members to threaten citizens for asking questions ? ‘you tell me who gave you those papers or you will be talking to the FEDS,? ? something is wrong. When a board will grasp at straws and lie through their teeth to shut up the public, something is VERY wrong.
Instead of looking at evidence and facts presented to them with their own NOTA documents, this board would rather believe made up horror threats by Behnke and Wilson than believe what is right before them.
We deserve better.
— Helen Barwig
I am the parent of two outstanding honor roll students at Oxford Middle School.
I am confused as to why Ms. Deb Monroe is displeased with the number of snow days the Oxford Area School District has had this year.
Is it a matter of Wildcat Pride that our students should go to school even at the risk of their safety?
I am not sure who among us has the ‘who cares it is only one day attitude? discussed by Ms. Monroe because any more snow days and the students will have an extended school year and they certainly won’t be saying who cares it is only one day.
We live one mile from M-24 a primary thoroughfare but there are a vast number of students who ride the bus for 40-plus minutes and those roads are secondary or tertiary concerns for the Oakland County Road Commission.
The day it was ‘too cold for school? was not about the comfort of the students but due to the fact that the large diesel buses that transport our children could not start.
Perhaps Ms. Monroe could start a petition to raise the taxes in the Oxford school district to build a heated garage to shelter the buses.
The ripple effect I see on snow days is quite different from Ms. Monroe’s. On the day the buses could not start I took six students to Oxford Lanes.
The bowling alley was at capacity and had been all day. Oxford 7 and local restaurants also saw increased revenue.
While I support Ms. Monroe’s right to her opinion, I felt the duty to respond and publicly support Dr. Skilling, the bus drivers, the principals and the other authorities who use all due diligence when deciding on the serious matter of closing school.
The safety of our children must be a high priority.
Gretchen Gabler
Oxford
To Gerald Podzikowski, who pointed out several crucial factors in regards to closing schools for inclement weather, BRAVO.
What more can be said except to Jim Brzezinski who thinks otherwise?
So Jim, the next time we have a ‘weather event? please come to my house which is located 2.7 miles east of M-24 on a long icy and very poorly maintained county road and further along an additional 1/2 mile of one lane private road. Come visit and enjoy a morning with us.
After you are done shoveling, salting, sliding and fearing for your life as your pull out of the driveway please remind your children to bundle up because they are in for a treat!
The bus stop is 3/4 of a mile up and downhill (and no I am not exaggerating).
If you’re lucky you will be safely at work where you think you belong, even if you are late while your children struggle to get to the bus stop to which the bus may be waiting if it is lucky enough to maneuver the roads they need to drive on.
If they don’t make it at least they won’t be ‘spending more time at home because of the weather? as you stated.
And they will have some wonderful stories to share with their children!
Oh and by the way, those tax dollars you are so concerned about are being wasted anyway….some of it is going to administration so they can argue with people who just don’t get it.
Lisa Taddiken
Addison Twp.
I am writing about our North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA) and its governing board.
The NOTA board has a large membership of about 12. It appears that instead of addressing serious issues and concerns, this board is merely sitting waiting for their tea and crumpets.
Red flags started going up in June last year and these issues have still not been addressed. Eight (8) employees stood behind the past Operations Manager and complained about employee abuse both physical and verbal, unsanitary working conditions, requests to do unethical and illegal acts, allowing certain bus riders to ride without proper eligibility, drivers not getting fair treatment, etc.
The NOTA director, Pat Fitchena, has a sister who owns a business in Pontiac. The sister writes a letter to her sister Pat, the NOTA director, and manages to procure a five day a week ride for her employee. Other riders need an authorized referral and Pat’s sister is not an authorized referral organization.
Three months ago I asked the NOTA board to check on the riders to see if they all were riding with proper papers. The last NOTA meeting I gave out papers showing that there were people riding inappropriately. This NOTA meeting I gave them more proof. Acting chairman Doleen Behnke came unglued along with board member Brenda Wilson. I felt they almost choked on their crumpets.
Why? They accused ME of violating the HIPAA rule, stating I had illegal papers, threatened to report me to the FEDS, and demanded all board members turn their papers to Doleen. Then they violated the Open Meetings Act by declaring that I was not allowed to speak!
What a bunch of hogwash! This board wanted to shut me up. Period. But why? Could it be for the same reason they asked Sue Bellairs to be on their policy review committee and then the following meeting wouldn’t let her?
When the board allows board members to threaten citizens for asking questions ? ‘you tell me who gave you those papers or you will be talking to the FEDS,? ? something is wrong. When a board will grasp at straws and lie through their teeth to shut up the public something is VERY wrong.
Instead of looking at evidence and facts presented to them with their own NOTA documents, this board would rather believe made up horror threats by Behnke and Wilson then believe what is right before them.
We the people deserve better.
Helen Barwig
Oxford
I recently read an article stating Oxford Township would have problems making payments on its $10.7 million water bond taken out in 2005.
Upon reading this article I wondered why the township is authorizing spending more bond money. Money they will have problems paying back.
At the last township board meeting on Jan. 23, 2008 the Township Board authorized spending more water bond money on three new water projects.
Besides spending money on these new water bond projects, the township is using water bond money to construct a booster pump station to fill the new water tower the township had built last year.
This water tower was also built using water bond money.
When the booster station is built and there is water in the tower, we will still not be able to use the water from the tower.
Because the tower is very high in relation to most of the water district, such as the houses in Waterstone, the water supplied to these houses will have too high a pressure.
So before we can use this water, the township will have to install pressure reducing valves to bring the pressure down to a useable range.
These projects are costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Our present water system is supplying sufficient water to the water customers of Oxford Township and in all probability it will for many years to come.
I believe our Township officials should get a grip on reality and not spend money they don’t have.
I would also like to know what the township will do if they cannot make their water bond payments.
Melvin (Buck) Cryderman
Oxford
I must say that I am quite offended by the statement made in an interview by a Nikki Hanmore-Reynolds which was published in the February 20 Leader.
She is obviously upset that the Comerica Bank is closing it’s Oxford branch and is taking it very personal.
What is quite baffling to me is how she can make such a negative statement regarding the employees at the Lake Orion branch, and I quote ‘I don’t like the Lake Orion branch….I’ve only dealt with them on a handful of times, but they’re not real friendly.?
That statement is appalling to me as I deal with the Lake Orion branch, and when I walk in the door, the employees greet me by my first name.
Now you tell me, how is that an unfriendly staff?
Susan Rosenhauer
Oxford
Dear Editor,
Absurd! The Independence Township Planning Commission has voted to direct our professional planning consultant to end a 25 year practice of giving them his recommendation on new developments under review.
Providing our community with these recommendations is exactly what we pay him to do.
The planning commissioners do not have to agree with his professional recommendation. But having his analysis and recommendation is vital to the sound planning we need to uphold the Master Plan and develop as a quality residential community.
This will also mean the loss of our planner’s effectiveness with weeding out development proposals that are so bad they should never even be presented.
For decades our planning consultant, Dick Carlisle, has earned a well-deserved reputation for providing us invaluable guidance. Developers know this and often do their best to comply with our Master Plan and zoning ordinances to obtain his recommendation.
Taking away the recommendation compromises to the point of extinction his ability to sift out the bad developments.
This bizarre action was done by the appointees of the current Independence Township supervisor who has made no secret that he wants this community to have more commercial development.
You will recall that just three years ago this same supervisor announced the now-defeated Wal-Mart and the massive big box anchored regional commercial center in the heart of our community. Only the even more massive opposition of citizens from throughout the community prevented what would have been a travesty to our way of life.
This ham-handed power play was the result of Beaumont Hospital repeatedly refusing to modify their proposed development to comply with township policies and the Master Plan. When the planning consultant would not ignore these deficiencies and give a positive recommendation, this ridiculous vote was the result’but only after that was a secret effort done in violation of the Open Meetings Act.
The new Planning Commission chairman and his sidekick, a former township clerk, are both rumored to be candidates for the Township Board later this year. As allies of the current supervisor, they are apparently on the same ‘development-at whatever-cost? trajectory that he is.
‘Sadly, this is just another step in the current supervisor’s effort to remake our community so we become generic’looking like every third expressway exit in the country’sacrificing that special character we have worked for all these years.
Unless the good citizens of this community pay attention, as they did in response to the Wal-Mart, our community’s special character will erode. As a former chairman of the Planning Commission, I know first hand the importance of the planning consultant’s recommendations, particularly the quality work he has done for us.
Fortunately this is an election year so there is a way to put a stop to this nonsense and get us back on our long established course of commonsense controlled growth for a better place to live and work. But it means we must all be prepared to participate in the effort.
Neil Wallace
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
How fortunate I am to live in such a lovely small town as Clarkston. Where else in this area can a person go outside after a heavy snowfall and go anywhere, if s/he can get out of their driveway; the city streets are cleared and salted, sometimes before the county and state roads are.
Also, how very fortunate we are to have such sincere and dedicated neighbors who are willing and able to serve our city ? a necessary ingredient in our democratic society.
But, serving in elected and appointed city positions does not mean that a person is always right, just as my observations about the city may not be always right.
What is difficult, sometimes, is to make observations about the operations of government, without someone taking those observations personally.
My recent comments about the City of Clarkston were about issues; sometimes, you can’t help discussing issues without referring to the people involved. But, that doesn’t mean the comments are personal!
Regrettably, rather than address the issues raised, the comments made in response to my recent letter to the editor address the integrity of the person(s) in the position(s).
I am strongly on record about how I feel about the integrity of the city manager; he is a man I greatly admire, and always will. But, I don’t always agree with what he, and other city representatives, does or says.
This is a democracy, and freedom of speech is one of the cardinal tenets of our form of democracy. Also, in our form of democracy, the public’s right to know is paramount.
What I find most interesting, and you should too, is that not one of the points I made in my recent letter has been refuted!
Rather, the reactions have all been about the person(s) involved. If we can’t comment about our city’s actions, or lack thereof, without the issues involved being addressed, then we are not getting the type of government we deserve.
I am truly sorry that so many have chosen to view my comments about the city as a personal attack on Art Pappas; he does not deserve that interpretation!
But, I am more deeply disappointed that the issues I, and others, have raised are being neglected.
I just wish that as much energy put into defending the person was being put into discussing the issues. The city would be better for it!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
After many weeks and months of reflection and deliberation I have decided that I will not run for re-election as Springfield Township Supervisor. At the end of this term in late November I will have been allowed to serve my community as supervisor for two weeks short of 32 years.
It is unusual for people to live in the same community for 32 years so I realize the blessing and the honor that I have been given. I have been allowed to live a life of service to my community which is a privilege not many enjoy.
I have been here so long that some might have thought (and others worried) that it was going to be a lifetime position for me but it is time for a change. It is time for a change for me and time for a change for Springfield.
I look back with pride and a sense of accomplishment but it is time to look forward. We have a wonderful community where hundreds have helped to preserve the natural beauty and maintain the balanced growth of the place we know as Springfield Township.
As I look back I think of the people who have served on the boards or commissions and helped to direct and mold what is Springfield today. It has always been a team effort and all the wonderful people who call or have called Springfield home have been a part of that team.
That is the real community ? people not places or things. People make Springfield home and to the people of Springfield, I say Thank You.
Thank You seems so little for all that you have given me but it comes from the heart. I will leave in November with a tear in my eye but filled with thanks for the honor and privilege the people of Springfield have given to me by allowing me to serve.
Collin W Walls
Springfield Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing to let you know of a great medical supply company available in your lovely town.
I am on oxygen and was in the area for an appointment on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. I had to change tanks and in doing so lost the gasket needed for the oxygen to get to the tubing.
The first company called said if I did not get the oxygen from they they would not sell me an extra gasket. Now that would have left me over 25 miles from my home with a nonworking oxygen tank.
The second company, RT Specialists (Independence Township), said they would sell me a gasket and when my sister went into their store they would not take any money for the three gaskets they gave her.
I just wanted to let the people of Clarkston know they have in their town a company of concerned and helpful people who show their humanity by helping a stranger.
Sincerely,
JoAnne Kirby
Hartland
In response to last week’s letter to the editor regarding the Boy Scout fee. Pack 108 would like to state that they promote the teachings of the Cub Scouts the responsibility of earning their own way in Scouting. The Pack believes in the value of hard work. This is the Law of the Pack: The Cub Scout follows Akela. The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill.
It is also important that the community is informed of the order of events that took place this past year.
Per recommendation developed by National BSA, the Pack Committee assembled last April, to discuss the activities for the 2007?2008 year of scouting. There were three main objectives of the meeting. The first was to determine what activities the committee would propose to do for the upcoming year. The second was to determine what activities were going to be extra ‘out of pocket? activities. The last was to estimate the cost of each activity. Once the committee had established the core ‘paid? for activities, along with the associated cost, a proposed budget was drafted. The estimated annual budget for Pack 108 was then divided by the number of scouts in the pack. The proposed budget was e-mailed to all families in the pack, with a note stating that the pack would be voting at the next parents meeting to approve the budget. At the parents meeting the budget was reviewed, voted on and approved. The annual budget is also posted on our web site at www.oxfordpack108.org.
Cub Scout Pack 108 has three fund-raisers at the beginning of the scouting year. Popcorn sales started at the end of September and ended October 22. Wreaths started October 2 and ended November 6. Pizza Kits started October 2 and ended October 16.
How a Cub Scouting family pays for their year of Scouting is entirely up to the individual family. The choice of whether the annual registration fee ($25) and Pack activity fee ($150) are paid using money earned through fund-raising, paid out of pocket, or a little of both is entirely the family’s decision. Everyone needs to contribute, to ‘help the pack go.? Each Scout has the opportunity to earn their year in Scouting, with their parents support.
In past years, families that chose not to participate in fund-raising were told that the cost for each Cub Scout family was $120 per year with a $35 re-charter fee. However, this was not enforced and families that chose not to participate in fund-raising kept on participating in Cub Scout activities and drained the packs? bank account. The pack was in a budget crisis and needed to take steps to resolve this situation. The following activities were discussed at the parent meetings and voted on for approval.
What does a Scout receive for $150 for a year of Cub Scouting in Pack 108? The pack provides a fall family camp, a spring family camp, pack family swim night, Blue and Gold banquet, Pinewood Derby, summer picnic, entertainment for first pack meeting, family Halloween party, family Christmas party and all awards/patches earned by the boys for the entire year. The family camps include all of the food for the weekend, lodging, crafts, BB gun, archery, glow stick hikes, fishing, bonfires and games. At the Blue and Gold banquet the pack provides food, entertainment, and awards. At the Pinewood Derby, dinner is provided, prizes, trophies, and the top three boys from each group compete at the district Pinewood Derby. There are also building and custodial fees for the use of the school where many of these activities are held at. All of these pack sponsored events encourage and promote family members to participate.
Pack 108 promotes community service by doing an annual food drive for Oxford/Lake Orion F.I.S.H., and participates in the annual Oxford Christmas Parade. During the Pack Family Christmas party, the Cub Scouts wrote letters to the Troops overseas. Also, dens have visited the Hope Senior Center and brought treats and played games with the seniors. Pack 108 is continually looking at ways to serve the community.
The pack would love for this family or any other family to be a part of our leadership team and help make a difference in our pack. We desperately want people that care this much about our boys and Scouting to make a difference in the lives of our Cub Scouts.
Committee Members of Cub Scout Pack 108
In the February 13 issue of The Oxford Leader, someone anonymously expressed concerns with Pack 108’s participation fees and the process the pack has adopted to collect monies. Previous to the current program, the pack would allow participants to ‘pay as you go? for the various activities that the pack participates in a given year. Under this arrangement, parents, otherwise know as volunteers, would have to make deposits for specific activities using their own money in hope that enough people would participate at a reasonable price to get their money back. In some cases, these people might lay out as much as $400 to reserve a campsite or such. Is it fair to those people to not raise or request this money well in advance of the events? Is it fair to the eight kids that participate in the event that the price is $50 plus food? I think that the program that Pack 108 adopted based on interaction with parents who attend the monthly parent meetings and the volunteers who run the pack was intended to address the concerns of the volunteers involved in organizing these events. This pack has organized events monthly which are open to all family members. Many of these events require deposits months or even a year in advance.
What I have just described to you is what I call the cost of ‘not participating.? We must understand that someone pays these costs even if your son does not go camping. Pack 108 tries very hard to offset out of pocket costs from families by offering fund raising events. This year, most kids raised a good portion of the $175 by selling popcorn, wreaths and pizza kits. As a Pack, 108 is not given the choice of when to sell popcorn. The Christmas wreaths had to be out by the Christmas season and the pizza kits were sold in the fall to not conflict with the fifth graders selling pizza kits this time of year. I agree with the assessment that these were all bundled in a short timeframe. I am going to participate in the next parents meeting to express my concerns with this and maybe offer some suggestions on other fundraising ideas that might not have to be so seasonal. As a volunteer in this organization, I promise that I will reach out with more opportunity to assist families that are not afforded the opportunity to fund-raise for what ever reason. This is certainly an area for improvement. Maybe we offer an ala carte program that requires one to pay or fund-raise in advance these activities. I will propose this idea at our next parent’s meeting.
In short, Cub Scouting is an organization made up of volunteers who run the Pack based on the participation of its members. Participation in the events, recruitment, fundraising, parents meeting and volunteer leadership is what guides Pack 108. Nobody wants to see someone who participates in these activities leave Scouting. I am not asking you to pay for my son’s camping experience; just help me find a way which does not bring hardship to families such as yours and mine and keeps kids in scouting.
Rich Green
Veteran Scout and Volunteer Den Leader
Meals on Wheels of Oxford and Lake Orion would like to thank CJ’s Cafe, Lake Orion Nursing Center and Kruse and Muer of Lake Orion for providing the holiday meals for our homebound senior citizens. Because of these establishments and our dedicated holiday drivers, the homebound seniors in our area were greeted with not only a delicious hot meal, but a wonderful smile and holiday visit.
Thank you to all who gave their time during the holidays to provide for others.
Oxford/Orion Meals on Wheels
Schools closing for cold and inclement weather is not a decision that is taken lightly by any school district. I know because in addition to being a taxpayer myself, I am one of the people out on the bad roads at 3 a.m. who help make that decision for one of our neighboring districts.
Schools don’t make the decision to close because no one would care or because the decision won’t be scrutinized and questioned. Parents and school boards are more demanding and willing to express their opinions now than ever before. Believe me, we hear it from both sides and all angles when we make a decision to close or not to close during inclement weather. I must say we get more negative calls when we don’t close and some think we should have, than when we do close.
Last Monday, (Feb. 11) when Oxford and Orion closed, my district also closed. We couldn’t get enough buses started to pick up the kids. In the district I work for we consider closing when the temperature combined with wind chill is cold enough to freeze skin in a ? hour. Believe me, kids and parents don’t always make the wisest of choices when dressing for conditions. You only need to ride by a high school on a cold day at dismissal time to see that. If a kid gets frostbite while waiting for a delayed bus the headlines won’t read ‘Stupid Boy Frostbit Because Parents Didn’t Dress Him Well.? The school district will get the blame.
The State of Michigan requires a minimum number of classroom hours for children. If a school district doesn’t make those hours they must make them up or lose funding. If less than 70 percent of students show up the district can’t count that as a day of school. That would mean that an extra day would be added and all those employees would have to be paid for a day not in the budget. Contrary to popular belief, the districts can’t just produce that extra money. That is why you close instead of just not providing transportation. Also if you have driven by a high school at dismissal and saw the traffic on a normal day imagine that traffic times two. That is why ‘no transportation days? are not a good idea. I didn’t even touch on the safety issues of putting all that extra traffic out on poorly maintained roads and ice.
Delayed starts provide just as many if not more problems for working parents as closing. Except when the school closes you know where your children are and if they are safe. If they have to go out after the parents are gone to work then there is that added worry of their safety. Most parents place their child’s safety above all else. It’s very popular to attack educators and education these days. Believe me it’s not a ‘who cares attitude? it’s a ‘we care attitude? and I have many 12-hour plus workdays to prove it. Come on out and join me some morning at 3 a.m. if you don’t believe it.
Gerald Podzikowski, Oxford
I applaud Mrs. Monroe on saying what everyone else in the district is thinking. ‘No Transportation Days? or ‘Alternate Pick-up/Drop-Off sites? make more sense than cancelling school all together.
As a parent of both a kindergatener and second-grader at DA I am appalled at the number of days off because of the weather. I understand when we get 10 inches of snow or an ice storm that coats the entire region but when it is ‘cold? outside? Tell the parents to do their job and parent their kids and tell them to put some clothes on or pull up whatever clothes they are wearing.
I would rather be late getting to work knowing that my kids are getting the education that my tax dollars are paying for rather than spending more time at home because of weather.
It is time to realize that our disctrict needs to make some consessions on days off, cut the vacation schedules, or something to make up these days. A day here or there might not seem like a lot but when the kindergartens only go every other day, one or two days can be an entire week. Come on school administrators. Time to step up or step aside!
Jim Brzezinski, Oxford
Dear Editor,
School closing for cold and inclement weather is not a decision that is taken lightly by any school district. I know, because in addition to being a taxpayer myself, I am one of the people out on the bad roads at 3 a.m. who help make that decision for one of our neighboring districts.
Schools don’t make the decision to close because no one would care or because the decision won’t be scrutinized and questioned. Parents and school boards are more demanding and willing to express their opinions now than ever before.
Believe me, we hear it from both sides and all angles when we make a decision to close or not to close during inclement weather. I must say we get more negative calls when we don’t close and some think we should have, than when we do close.
Last Monday (Feb. 11) when Oxford and Orion closed, my district also closed. We couldn’t get enough buses started to pick up the kids.
In the district I work for we consider closing when the temperature combined with wind chill is cold enough to freeze skin in a half hour. Believe me, kids and parents don’t always make the wisest of choices when dressing for conditions. You only need to ride by a high school on a cold day at dismissal time to see that.
If a kid gets frostbite while waiting for a delayed bus, the headlines won’t read ‘Stupid Boy Frostbit Because Parents Didn’t Dress Him Well.? The school district will get the blame.
The State of Michigan requires a minimum number of classroom hours for children. If a school district doesn’t make those hours they must make them up or lose funding.
If less than 70-percent of students show up, the district can’t count that as a day of school. That would mean that an extra day would be added and all those employees would have to be paid for a day not in the budget.
Contrary to popular belief, the districts can’t just produce that extra money. That is why you close instead of just not providing transportation. Also if you have driven by a high school at dismissal and saw the traffic on a normal day imagine that traffic times two.
That is why ‘no transportation days? are not a good idea. I didn’t even touch on the safety issues of putting all that extra traffic out on poorly maintained roads and ice.
Delayed starts provide just as many, if not more, problems for working parents as closing. Except when the school closes you know where your children are and if they are safe. If they have to go out after the parents are gone to work, then there is that added worry of their safety.
Most parents place their child’s safety above all else. It’s very popular to attack educators and education these days. Believe me it’s not a ‘who cares attitude? it’s a ‘we care attitude? and I have many 12-hour plus workdays to prove it.
Come on out and join me some morning at 3 a.m. if you don’t believe it.
— Gerald Podzikowski
Dear Editor,
Meals on Wheels of Oxford and Lake Orion would like to thank CJ’s Caf?, Lake Orion Nursing Home and Kruse and Muer of Lake Orion for providing the holiday meals for our homebound senior citizens.
Because of these establishments and our dedicated holiday drivers, the homebound seniors in our area were greeted with not only a delicious hot meal, but also a wonderful smile and holiday visit.
Thank you to all who gave their time during the holidays to provide for others.
— Meals on Wheels of Oxford and Lake Orion
Dear Editor,
Finally the issue of the temporary sign makes it back to the paper. I was glad to see the coverage (‘Signing off,? Jan. 30) but perhaps some additional historic perspective is needed.
Clarkston’s current Zoning Ordinance, which addresses signage, was adopted in 1999.
The limitation on signs that the business owners now claim is ‘no signs at all? is what has been the law for over eight years. Until last year it was not enforced and the only reason it probably ever became an issue was that about three years ago the number of temporary signs was becoming ridiculous.
They were out during the day, out at night when the stores were closed, they fell on cars, business owners were actually fighting over where they could be located, they blocked the use of the sidewalk, and I am sure many recall last year when they were even in the streets taking parking spaces.
While the city has a history of not enforcing many of our ordinances, how far did everyone think they could go before the city had no choice?
Three years ago, when the issue was first raised, the city council decided to place a temporary moratorium on enforcement of the sign ordinance, which they weren’t enforcing anyway. The planning commission discussed it for two years in public meetings that very few business owners attended.
At the meeting where they finally decided to keep the existing ordinance, only one business owner was in attendance, even though the subject of the meeting had been publicly announced.
That one business owner did put out a temporary sign but said she didn’t care if they were allowed and she would stop if that was what was required.
It took some notices from the city manager, and some polite reminders from our police, but eventually most of the temporary signs disappeared. A notable exception is Max Broock who likes to put their temporary sign right next to the permanent sign that is in front of their temporary location on Depot.
Meanwhile they have decided to not move back into their permanent building on Main Street (‘Max Broock can’t go home again,? Jan. 30) that has two permanent signs on it.
Apparently for some businesses you can never have too many signs and if they happen to be in violation of the local ordinance, it doesn’t matter to either the business or the city. I hope this is not what all the business owners want to do.
Now don’t get me wrong, I think our downtown businesses have been ignored for far too long and I think very few of us promote and patronize the businesses enough.
I recommended Mr. Bondy, a Clarkston resident and business owner, for the planning commission because I believe the business owners need to be represented and have their voice heard.
But again, let’s look at the history of this issue. The signs are, and always have been, illegal.
One of the reasons these temporary signs are illegal is because they impede the safe use of our sidewalks for their intended use which I am pretty sure is for people to walk on, not to fill with signs.
That means the correct procedure is to either obey the law or get the law changed, not to ignore the law.
So here is my opinion and I hope it provides at least a little assistance in solving this problem. The businesses do need advertising and promotion but they cannot have it if it puts the public at risk and harms or hinders others.
The sidewalks are public, for walking and for getting to the businesses.
I don’t want our sidewalks, or the streets, filled with signs. I want them filled with people. Put the signs on buildings, put flags out ? also against the ordinance but I think we can change that.
How about in the planters that are outside the stores? How about on all those light poles that have nice little brackets on them and generally have nothing on them? How about community signs at the parking lots and intersections so people know where things are and what else is in town? How about the businesses and City working together and come up with a solution that does not hinder the use of the sidewalks by people?
Let’s all be a little more creative because that’s what being successful in business is all about. It is also what makes a successful city and I think we all agree that would be better for everyone.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Anyone who knows anything about the Clarkston city government knows Art Pappas has done an outstanding job above and beyond the call of service.
The Clarkston city government is as efficient and well-organized as it is because of Art Pappas. He has done his community a great service by serving as clerk, treasurer and city manager.
There is nothing illegal or even unethical about him holding these various posts. The vague accusations in a recent letter in this paper are unfounded and irresponsible. And it is odd that the same person just weeks ago wrote in with deservedly high praise for the work Art Pappas has done.
Since the time Art Pappas announced his earned and well-deserved retirement, I and others have tried to persuade him to stay on in some capacity. We are fortunate he has relented and agreed to stay on as part-time treasurer. That was his decision. There was nothing unethical in the efforts to persuade him to continue to serve.
Fortunately, we have had plenty of time to think about how these various jobs should be performed. The city council has established a sub-committee of Kristy Ottman, Chuck Inabnit and me, to begin the process. We sought and received advice from the Michigan Municipal League, which recommended that this be handled by the council rather than by a citizen committee.
It is a very typical approach and recognizes it is the council’s responsibility to make this selection.
Trying to find a replacement for Art Pappas in any one of these capacities will be difficult. To find a replacement for all three positions may seem impossible. I am confident the Clarkston City Council’s deliberate and open approach to this significant transition will best serve the community.
Sharron Catallo
Clarkston Mayor
Dear Editor,
Thank you to the local churches and businesses that shared their space for senior center programs while the new building and the Carriage House were under construction last fall. We are very grateful to them for helping us keep these programs going:
Calvary Evangelical Lutheran ? Gentle Yoga and Strength and Stretch;
Clarkston Community Church ? Melody Makers band practice and Trip parking;
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection ? Euchre and Pinochle;
Deer Lake Racquet Club ? Drop In Bridge.
Thank you also to those churches that continue to offer their activity spaces throughout the year. It is due to the generosity of these local churches that the senior adult activity center is able to offer a variety of exercise and health programs:
St. Trinity Lutheran Church ? Power Volleyball;
St. Daniel Catholic Church ? Tai Chi;
Clarkston United Methodist Church ? Line Dancing; and
First Congregational Church ? Flu Shot Clinic.
Margaret Bartos, Coordinator
Independence Township Senior Adult Activity Center
Dear Editor:
With interest I read the article in the Feb. 6 edition of The Clarkston News regarding the DPW overtime abuse.
City Councilman Cory Johnston questioned aspects of DPW practice and policy. Mayor Catallo thinks safety ‘is much more important than writing in a policy manual. ‘We don’t need to be overwhelmed by rules.?
Well, that may be true to an extent, but rules must be written as clear guidelines to be followed otherwise they are subject to interpretation or ignored. DPW Supervisor Bob Pursley acknowledged ‘guidelines in the employee handbook are vague?? and City Manager Art Pappas ‘told me to do what we’ve been doing and we’ll address it later.??
Well, when does later come? When the city is in deficit? Who is supervising the DPW supervisor? Who calls into question the budget as it’s being spent taking note of approved budget, actual spent and projected outlay at current rate?
Then, curiously enough, further along into the paper, there is a picture of a tree on Main Street that was downed by strong winds and caught on power lines. Part of the caption read, ‘Workers with the Department of Public Works cleared it away within a day.? Why was the DPW involved at all? A matter of safety because of the power lines? Well, then, wasn’t that really a concern of DTE and the personal property owner? (Editor’s note: the caption was in error. The homeowner contracted out the tree removal.)
I applaud Mr. Johnston for his tenacity for accountability by all.
Arlene Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Although I am not a resident of Clarkston, I feel compelled to respond to Tom Stone’s letter to the editor last week.
Having grown up in Clarkston, and now residing in another small town, Chelsea, Michigan, I realize that city politics can be fraught with conflict.
But to imply that Art Pappas is unethical and incapable of serving Clarkston could not be further from the truth.
I have known Art Pappas for 41 years. I am 100 percent certain of his honesty, work ethic, and commitiment to Clarkston.
I have witnessed it first hand, since he is my father.
Mr. Stone, you should be ashamed of your letter. Art Pappas has the most intergrity of any man I know.
My entire family and countless Clarkston residents are proud and thankful for what he has contributed to the City of Clarkston.
Amanda Pappas Higgins
Chelsea
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Oath and the Law are memorized by each scout and encourage them to do their best, do their duty to God and their country, to help others at all times as well as encourage physical, mental and moral strength. It is my opinion that Pack 108 of Oxford has gotten away from what Boy Scouts is all about.
In a struggling Michigan economy when many of our friends and families are losing their homes and some of us are barely keeping our own homes, our children should not be told that they must raise $175 or they must drop out of Cub Scouts. No child should be excluded because they cannot pay the amount the Pack has determined the cost to be for each boy to participate in all scheduled activities. Not all the boys participate in all the activities yet it is my understanding that the budget is set to include all current scouts.
When I explained that my family was in financial crisis and could not pay that amount, I was told that I should keep in contact with my son’s den so that next year, if our financial situation improved and we could afford the budgeted fee, my son could rejoin. In effect, my son was kicked out of Cub Scouts because we would rather feed our family than allow one of them to remain a Cub Scout. I am certain that this is not what the BSA would consider appropriate. It is the goal of BSA to include any boy regardless of their circumstances.
Many parents that I have spoken to feel that the $175 amount is too high considering their children do not participate in all scheduled activities. They feel that they are paying for other children to go to camp when their own child is unable or chooses not to attend. Many also feel that instead of paying a flat fee per year, that they must raise or pay out of pocket, that there should be a smaller fee per activity that those attending pay. Paying per event would be much easier for many people to afford than paying one large lump sum. This would also allow them to choose the activities they would like most to attend.
I understand that in order to run activities that funds must be raised. The fundraising should be spread out over time instead of three fundraisers done within a three-week period. A true budget is based on the amount of money that is available not the amount of money we would like to have. To penalize the boys that cannot provide the pack with what they consider to be adequate funding to participate is unconscionable. Pack 108 is teaching our boys that money is more important than they are. According to the Scout Law, BSA should help those in need not exclude them based on their financial capabilities.
Name witheld upon request
I would like to address the issue of our school districts closings this winter. While I no longer have children in Oxford schools, I do pay school taxes and therefore have a voice and opinion.
It seems to me that there are some alternatives to closing schools on ‘snow days.? Delayed starts or a no-transportation day are two. Parents who work outside the home could bring their children to school on their way to their jobs. I know that keeping children ‘safe? by closing schools is the criteria here, but how safe is it for parents to have to make the choice between a day’s pay or leaving their children home alone for eight hours? Not everyone has options at their disposal for the care of their children when school is cancelled. It is my understanding that if a ‘no transportation? day is announced, 30 percent of the children would not show up. But that means that 70 percent will. I’m not sure I ‘get? that.
As for closing schools when the temperature drops below zero (or whatever THAT criteria is!), do you really think that parents won’t dress their children properly when they go to school? Or that outdoor recess will be allowed? Again, a delayed start or, if the back roads are not passable, a no-transportation day would be a viable alternative. Today, Monday, Feb. 11, Oxford and Orion were the only major school districts closed in Oakland County because of the cold. So does that mean Oxford and Lake Orion are COLDER than the surrounding cities? Again…I don’t ‘get? that.
The thinking used by our school district needs to be re-evaluated when it comes to closing school. It causes a ripple effect on the local economy, not to mention a loss of learning for the children.
The attitude of ‘who cares, it’s only one day? makes me think that maybe our educators aren’t doing such a great job if we feel that each and every day isn’t important to our children’s education. If that’s the case, let’s just go down to four days of school per week and cram five day’s worth of learning into them. The ‘who cares? attitude filters down to our children, who will someday be adults with jobs and careers. That’s not the mindset they need to have.
Deb Monroe
Oxford
The Oxford High School Wrestling program would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Little Caesars of Oxford for sponsoring the Pin-4-Pizza promotion at our only home league meet. It was a great success and your support spurred our wrestlers on to victory!
Oxford wrestling team, parents and coaches
Dear Editor,
Regarding former appointed Assistant/Deputy to the Supervisor Jill Verros — as stated in the in the old Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel movies, ‘This is a fine kettle of fish.?
I am dying to find out why’the Orion Township Board rolled over and bestowed Verros a $340,000 settlement instead of taking it through the court system? Why is it that this board did not have enough faith or proof to back up its claim that she was not eligible for benefits?
By what I have heard it was the township’s insurance company that decided to roll over and settle to save anymore legal expenses. Therefore, Jill Verros did not win a court decision either by a judge or a jury.
Why did Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk want the suit to be settled as quickly as possible? Was it because the whole issue developed in his office? Part-timers do not qualify for benefits in most scenarios. So, where and when did Jill Verros qualify as a full-time appointed assistant?? When did the board vote to’make her position full-time?
Ms. Verros: ‘The board knew that the attorneys would advise them that they could not legally discharge me. The Supervisor [Jerry Dywasuk]’and I had already advised them in writing of that fact.?
Stated in the Verros’s contract, ‘Employee’s relationship with the Township is one of employment at will.? So, what does ‘at will? mean in contracts with Orion Township? The same as what the word ‘is? meant to Bill Clinton?
I don’t think my FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests were truly fully fulfilled regarding Verros’s various contracts wherein she signed, waiving her right to compensation.
The contract read, ‘the Employee shall not be eligible for, and shall not receive, any paid leave time, any insurances (other than those required by law) or any other fringe benefits including those provided to other Township employees.?
This settlement is currently around a third of a million dollars. Nice chunk of change.
All together the settlement could come close to half-a-million dollars. Did this board not use the attorneys they have hired to go over Verros’s various contracts with a fine-tooth comb?
It really turns the general public against hiring or appointing any more assistants or deputies to the supervisor. It also makes you wonder if we should do away with elected supervisors and instead hire a township manager.
The taxpayers not only want answers — they deserve answers for every fine distinction of this tremendous, insufferable settlement, even if the insurance company will pay all or nearly all the costs. They need answers not because Ms. Verros won in court, but because this board settled before it went before a court, judge or jury.
Better yet — Maybe all of us should look into the ways and means to sue our township. The insurance company can come up with a settlement and we can recoup all our property tax payments, mortgage, medical’and’children’s college expenses, and secure our retirement.? Hey, how about an around-the-world trip?
— Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
The F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Team 302 of Lake Orion High School would like to thank Baldwin Caf? owner Dave Chappell for the support that he has given to the team.
Dave allowed the team to put a collection can on the counter where not only Dave but his patrons have generously donated to the team. Also Dave provide a wonderful lunch, of his ‘famous Coneys,? to the team this past weekend. They were great.
Thank you Dave and the patrons of Baldwin Caf?.
— Team 302
Dear Editor,
Am I the only guy in this country who’s fed up with what’s happening? Where is our outrage?
We should be screaming bloody murder.
We’ve got a gang of clueless bozos steering the direction of our schools right over a cliff. We seem to have boards of education in Oakland County, Waterford Schools just to name one, that instead of trying to attract the most talented people into education as a profession are actually driving them away by demanding massive pay cuts and massive reductions in benefits to the poorest paid professional employee group in the United States.
That’s right; if you define a profession as one that requires a college degree, a state certified license to practice that profession in the first place, and continuing college education in order to continue to practice their profession, then doctors, lawyers and teachers qualify as professionals.
So why at a time of severe economic stress is anyone even suggesting offering less money and benefits to enter the teaching profession or to continue to stay employed there when just the opposite should be true in order to attract the most talented and most competent people from the Collegiate world to provide better futures to our kids?
Let me suggest at least two obvious things that can easily be done and should have been done years ago in our public schools:
1. A quick look at any local public school districts easily reveals that these organizations are multi million dollar organizations including buildings, land and payrolls. They are no longer organizations that can afford to be shut down every June and opened up again every September and provide an additional six weeks of vacation time when they are operating.
The simple solution is to get over the fact that Michigan is no longer a farming community, our kids are no longer needed on the farm for planting crops or harvesting crops.
They are needed with skills to enter our working society that can compete in the global economy. It is long over due that education and the operation of our schools are on a 365 day per year basis.
Of course, some new thought would have to be given to vacation planning, course scheduling and the like, but these are problems that can and should be solved long before anyone decides to cut some one else’s pay and benefits in order to make a balanced budget.
2. Most any organization that you can point to pays their employees based on performance, at least at the managerial level. Teacher unions who continue to insist on automatic pay increases every time a contract is negotiated are just not being realistic.
School boards who negotiate minimal or no pay increases in exchange for leaving the group health care program untouched, and then years after the low or no pay increase packages have been accepted, try to reduce health care anyway are just as unrealistic and possibly criminal in their actions.
Pay increases based solely on how an employee performs the job that they were hired for is long overdue. Some schools have made truly poor attempts at performance based evaluations of their teachers in the past.
I have noticed that there are common problems with every system I have seen used in education so far.
Schools tend to have administers evaluate employees.
These administrators tend to be very poorly skilled as performance evaluators and often use very subjective evaluation tools as a result. Some of these administrators have actually never been a classroom teacher or if they have been it was generally so long ago they might not know good solid teaching methods if they saw them.
A better solution might be to have administrators, union reps and actual teachers be part of an evaluation committee. A board of education can make or deny pay increases based on the evaluation results.
Evaluation tools themselves are generally very poorly conceived and have a great deal in them that have nothing do with how the teacher performs in the class room.
Attendance at professional meetings, dress standards, whether a teacher participates in extra curricular activities, although should be treated as a positive bonus, have nothing to do with how they are performing at the job they were hired to do; and that’s teaching our kids.
Until schools can operate efficiently as a full time year round organization and evaluate and pay their employees on a performance basis rather than a union negotiated basis for all employees then I believe no school administration has any right to reduce someone else’s pay and benefits across the board.
But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads and says ‘Don’t rock the boat,? let’s “Stay the course.?
Stay the course? You’ve got to be kidding.
This is America, not the Titanic.
I’ll give you a sound bite: Throw the bums out of boards of education and unions as well who cannot or will not manage their organizations in a reasonable and professional manner that rewards efficient school operation and performance based pay.
You might think I’m getting senile, that I’ve gone off my rocker, and maybe I have.
But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore.
The people running these school districts are given a free pass to ignore the dignity and professionalism of their employees and simply take the easy way out rather than finding the higher road of finding a system that works and solutions to problems that are fair in operating that system.
Respectfully,
Dave Cleveland
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
What in the blazes is going on with our Clarkston City government?
Last year, the city manager formally announced that he would retire by October of this year, although his written announcement was not made public for about a month.
Then, the mayor declared that there was no need to start a replacement process until after Jan. 1, 2008, and that she and the city manager would get together to discuss the matter.
Before 2007 ended, there were rumors about secret conversations, not including the city council, about drafting a particular person to fill the position.
The city council did agree to make itself the City Manager search committee, rather than form a Citizen’s Committee as had been done in looking for a new police chief; and it decided to discuss some form of separation of the duties which are currently being done by the current city manager, i.e., manager, clerk, and treasurer.
Interestingly, it may be unlawful, and is certainly unethical, for a municipality to combine the duties of clerk and treasurer, which has been done for years by the city.
Then, at the Jan. 28 city council meeting, the city manager announced that he is done as city manager and clerk as of June 30 but is willing to stay on as treasurer.
No information was given as to how this decision was made or by whom. Apparently, the process by which this “decision” was did not include the city council, and certainly not was not done publicly.
Also, the city manager has refused to prepare a “Five Year Economic Plan” for the city more than once. Indeed, he has said that it can’t be done.
Do we want this person to be our city treasurer in these severely challenging economic times?
Now, there is a notion that the three roles, city manager, city clerk, and city treasurer, be part time positions. Since the City Charter requires the city manager to supervise the other city departments and is, thereby, in charge of the day to day operations of the city, who is in charge when the manager isn’t in?
All of this leaves the city council with just four months to decide how the city manager’s job is do be defined, prepare a proposed budget for the role(s), formally announce the position(s), and collect resumes, interview candidates, hold public hearings, and to select one, or more, people to do the job(s).
Who is in charge in Clarkston? Does anyone else care?
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
In reply to your article ‘Signing Off? in The Clarkston News (Jan. 30), do any of the businesses complaining about not using sandwich boards for their business in downtown ever consider if you have a wheelchair, or a stroller and a dog?
It used to be very difficult to get through our sidewalks with sandwich boards up. Even worse, if someone was approaching you, there was no room to pass. We already have trash containers, Stone Flower Pots and benches.
I’m all for no sandwich boards in the village, and especially keeping the produce and flowers outside of Rudy’s Market to a minimum for safety.
Let’s think of everyone when making these village decisions and keep strolling through our quaint village a pleasure for everyone.
Thank you.
Julie Field
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I agree with Ms. Pete, I think the whole thing is a joke the way things turned out in the village.
JoAnn Van Tassel being fired, four council members meeting together (and we all know more than once) and our great Village of Lake Orion, which I love, is being disgraced and laughed at.
It’s a big joke and it makes me ill to think that our new village president did not know that he paid township taxes. And he might want to learn a little more about Robert’s Rules of Order.
I am still a Lake Orion resident and wish that all this would pass, but with some of the council members, I highly doubt that it will.
— Debbie Smith
Dear Editor,
I would like to express a big ‘thank you,? as a cancer survivor in the Orion area, to Joan Sheridan Hoover of Heritage Spinning & Weaving and her many volunteers for another outstandingly successful Knit Michigan event this past weekend.
For knitters and fiber artists, it is one way that we can give back a little for all that we have been given by others during our journey to survivorship.
Thanks, Joan. I’m already looking forward to next year!
— Jill Bastian
Dear Editor,
I recently had the honor to review and judge the work of seventh and eighth grade students as part of the Michigan Regional Future Cities Competition sponsored by the Engineering Society of Detroit.
In these times of economic and political problems, it is my opinion that if these students represent the future generation of leaders, our future will be much better than what our current leaders are offering us.
These students are bright, innovative, motivated and concerned about the future. All the teams had to create a computer model, write an essay, build an actual model, present as a team, and answer questions from the judges.
The five finalists then had to present to a room filled with their student peers, engineers and representatives from some of the leading corporations in Michigan.
How many of us would be able to do that?
The winning team will now go on to the national competition in Washington D.C. In my opinion, every team that competed was a winner, as they are thinking about the future, working together and actually planning for it.
Unfortunately, unlike these seventh and eighth grade students, I don’t thing any of us are really working together and looking at where we are this year and where we want to be in 10 years or even in 50 years.
I am an engineer by profession and involved in the design and construction of buildings of all sizes and shapes. I work with other engineers, architects, owners, bankers, developers, and municipal building departments every day.
We all work to one goal, a safe building that meets the clients needs and ideally the community’s goals.
We are all separate people and companies that have no need or intent to convert, defeat or eliminate each other, only to work together.
Traffic, water, sewers, taxes, and potentially most important, preservation of our green spaces and environment, are all issues that need to be addressed.
These are issues that are essential to maintaining our area in the manner many of us have come to expect and the reason many of us choose to live here.
As development continues on M-15, Sashabaw and Dixie Highway we need to decide if we want more commercial and residential development, what is the overall impact, how will it benefit all of us and how will it affect our future.
As someone who makes a living from the design and construction of buildings, it certainly is important to me as is clean water, less noise, green spaces and the ability to safely and comfortably walk through the community.
In my opinion, we all need to start talking about how to deal with this and we cannot continue to ignore each other just because we have separate local governments or differing opinions.
If we don’t, those bright and energetic seventh and eighth grade students are going to have it much tougher when they really are responsible for running the world.
Cory Johnston, PE
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Joseph Mastromatteo for the generous donation that he made to the North Oakland Community Coalition.
In March of 2007, a group of concerned parents and community members came together to foster a responsible, drug-free environment where healthy decision-making is valued, and where individuals and families thrive. The North Oakland Community Coalition was established as a result of the hard work and commitment of these coalition members.
The coalition promotes a sense of belonging in a healthy environment free of alcohol and substance abuse by uniting community members and developing community strengths for all.
Many community members worked hard to establish the NOCC and our organization needed a place to call home. Dr. Mastromatteo stepped forward in this time of need and donated an office for the North Oakland Community Coalition.
Our new office is located at 312 S. Broadway in the Georgetown Professional Building on M-24 at Atwater.
If you would like to learn more about the North Oakland Community Coalition, visit www.northoaklandcoaltion.org or contact Mrs. Shawna Sawyer at (248)520-3786.
Our next general membership meeting is Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Orion Township Public Library.
Dr. Mastromatteo, we cannot thank you enough. Our community is grateful to have such a generous and supportive member. Thank you again for your kindness and commitment to our community.
— Executive Board
North Oakland Community Coalition
Dear Editor,
My college business professor use to say, ‘A smart person can make a lot of money when surrounded by fools.?
Well, our township elected officials just squandered $340,000 taxpayer dollars to settle multiple lawsuits against our township elected officials, Bastian, Young and the township board for the illegal discharge of former township employee Jill Verros, who was a victim of retaliation for reporting violations of employment.
Verros? side said ‘they were disappointed that their evidence against Bastian and Young will not be made public,? but Verros said she is pleased that the matter is now closed so she can put it all behind her.
The township taxpayers are also victims in this case, and less fortunate as it will cost them $340,000 dollars to settle what Mrs. Verros’s attorney said is a ‘significant settlement occurring so early in the case speaks volumes and sends a powerful message to the Board of Trustees that retaliation for reporting violations of employment will not be tolerated. Regrettably, they chose to ignore the employment laws and willfully violated the law by doing so.?
She added, ‘This was an arrogant abuse of power on their part and resulted in the escalation of a simple matter into serious and particularly egregious violations of my Constitutional rights.?
This $340,000 dollar settlement for gross stupidity, lack of knowledge for simple HR law, and the ‘arrogant abuse of power? should not be tolerated by the Orion taxpayers as it is coming out of their pockets, not the pockets of the foolish, arrogant Orion Township elected officials who would not even follow, or listen to the advice of their own township corporate council, who is being paid to attend all township meetings, and advise township officials on all legal matters!
Times are tough folks, and money just doesn’t grow on trees! Ask yourself, how many of us would still be employed after a $340,000 dollar mistake like this?
This money could/should have been better spent for road, safety-path, park, or library improvements! The bottom-line is several Orion officials screwed up big-time, and you just can’t bury a screw-up of this magnitude, someone needs to be held accountable here!
— Dan Myslakowski
Dear Editor,
The water that floods the roadway and adjacent properties, causing property damage and safety problems is not a new issue. My family moved in July 1977. Soon after Orion Twp. ‘improved? and turned over the roads to the Road Commission in the next subdivision (Pine, Walnut, Vernita and part of Elkhorn).
This roadwork resulted in a water run-off problem ever since. Spring melting of snow, or even a heavy rain, results in many hardships for the ‘downstream properties.?
Numerous calls to every agency possible all fell on DEAF EARS! The township, county, and state ggencies? all claim it’s not their PROBLEM.
Reason for refusal seems simple to them: we (Sunset Hills) are a private subdivision. Even though the same tax rates apply to Sunset Hills residents, no services concerning roads and drains apply to ‘US.?
This subdivision was platted in the mid 1920s, which created our problem, as it was prior to current laws.
About 10-15 years ago, our antique drainage system, was repaired thru the hard work of many volunteers. To date it works (most of the time), but it just cannot handle the deluge of water from outside the subdivision.
Any type of property being developed today would have to include a DRAINAGE PLAN that would address run-off water.
If the water problem from Pinetree, Vernita, Walnut and Pine was taken care of, issues on Elkhorn Road would ‘dry up.? The Road Commission is mainly responsible, but their answer to complaints was ‘water runs downhill.?
Orion Township should represent the owners that pay taxes to them, and PRESS the issue to the right agency to fix the PROBLEM. We need HELP.
Anyone interested in seeing the problem firsthand, feel free to call me. I am listed in the phone book, and willing to walk around and show the problem to them. To date, after many years of phone calls NOBODY will even come out to be shown, or contact me with a constructive response.
— Dale Kotila
Dear Editor,
Orion Township Fire Station #3 Goodfellows would like to personally thank all those who made our 2007 Christmas Drive a success.?
Thank you to the local Orion businesses who donated everything from cash to toy trucks and smoke detectors.?
Thank you to Orion residents who purchased the special Goodfellows edition of The Lake Orion Review and contributed toys, cash and winter clothes.
Thank you to the Orion Township Fire Department who provided working space to sort & wrap donated items.
The heartfelt gratitude expressed by the families who received baskets made this a worthy effort. God Bless America.
— Station #3 Goodfellows
I would like to say that Pat Fitchena is a great person and helps those in need. I, for one, several years ago didn’t have transportation for my son to get from Addison Twp. to Oxford for Headstart. They cut funding and they didn’t provide transportation, she worked it out so he could get to Headstart and continue with his speech classes that he desperately needed.
I, for one, would like to thank her with my whole heart. Because of her and the wonderful Oxford school system he is doing wonderful with his speech. Get facts before you criticize a wonderful person like Pat Fitchena.
Margaret Koski
Addison
The Village of Leonard has joined with the Oakland County Mainstreet Program. We are a Mentoring Community, which means we are working with another community, Ortonville, for guidance and information. Our Chair is a new resident and businessman, Dave Bertonlini. We are striving to renew and to preserve the rural character of the Village of Leonard.
On March 15, we will sponsor a recipe walk in the village with local businesses and organizations. It will be like a treasure hunt with each location offering at least one recipe for persons to pick up. This will be a fun event to bring awareness of the Mainstreet Program in Leonard, local businesses and organizations. The time will be from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. Come and look for the ‘gold? that is in Leonard. Locations will be listed for pick up at Rowland Hall (23 E. Elmwood St.)
We would like area businesses and organizations to supply at least one recipe ? can be more than one if you choose. We will supply bags to collect the recipes in. You will need at least 50 copies of each recipe. If more are needed that day, we can make copies for you. We will have a prize for the first person to collect all of the recipes. We are also asking each contributor to donate $10 toward the cost of this event. We think this will be great fun. Please join us. We are open to any suggestions to make this more successful.
Our next regular meeting of the Mainstreet Committee will be on Thursday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Rowland Hall. Come and join us.
Charlene Sutherby
Village of Leonard Mainstreet
Committee Member
Helping others, especially children, is something we strongly believe in. Last year, we took on a new project and teamed up with the Salvation Army in the ‘Coats for Kids? campaign. Any gently used coat that was brought to our clearners was cleaned free of charge and then donated. We collected just over 45 coats in less than a month’s time. We want to thank each and every person for their donation. It was amazing to see such enthusiasm and effort from our Oxford/Orion community. Our goal for next year is 100 coats!
Mia’s Cleaners
206 S. Washington St., Oxford
Dear Editor,
On behalf of myself and all of the Kroninger family, I wanted to thank you so very much for the wonderful article on my parents, Richard and Lucille Kroninger, that C.J. Carnacchio wrote and published in the Dec. 12, 2007, edition of The Clarkston News (as well as some of the other wonderful Sherman Publications papers).
It is surely the most amazing tribute to two absolutely wonderful human beings and parents that I have ever read or that we, the Kroninger family, could’ve ever expected when you called us to do an article on their lives.
They truly touched and cared about so many people in so many different ways, and your article helped to ‘get that message out? to those that might not have had the pleasure to meet them.
Your article has also helped many of us during the difficult times that accompany losing two very valued loved ones.
Thanks again to you and Sherman Publications for such a truly wonderful article and tribute to my parents.
Tim Kroninger
Troy
One thing that no one has bothered to bring up is the jobs (Kohl’s) will bring to this area!
Todd Lawrie in the January 16 edition remarked that Kohl’s should conform.
He speaks about requiring Kohl’s to meet some standards is not unreasonable.
I would say that standards regarding safety of the public and standards required by building codes and etc. are needed, but I don’t feel that they should be requiring something about village face fronts for something that isn’t in the downtown historic area.
We need industry and believe you and me, it will come whether we want it or not.
Be reasonable when asking of requirements.
This is why Michigan economy is poor because we have law makers that don’t understand business and want it to be about their power instead of what is best for the area as a whole. It should be based on a few people’s perspective.
Bring Kohl’s to the area.
I happen to think the front of Meijer’s village look doesn’t change the fact that it is Meijer’s and it doesn’t look like a village to me.
Margaret Koski
Addison
Each business the Oxford Towship Planning Commission has turned away has cost the township treasury $300,000-$400,000 in lost property tax per annum.
Treasurer Joe Ferarri and Supervisor Bill Dunn are saying there’s no money to fix water problems or to finish the lower level of the township hall into a sub-station for the sheriff’s department.
So far, the planning commission has turned away $600,000-$800,000 and with the loss of Kohl’s, it could be $900,000-$1.1 million per annum.
If Oxford Township can afford to turn away businesses that would have provided living wage jobs to close to 900 residents, many of them single mothers and teenagers, then there are residents, then there are no money problems here.
That means no increase in tax, water or sewer hook-ups and no increase in bond issues for the rest of us to pay.
In 2007, Oxford-Orion FISH struggled to help over 1,500 families with food. The village is asking people to adopt a family.
Where is the sense?
Jan Overley
Oxford
This gentleman and all of those with the same belief should start a group and raise the money to buy all the property they want to direct the use of.
There is simply no market for what is called ‘Research and Industrial.?
Who is going to build the additional roads that will be required for the many workers that will come with research industrial development?
Retail, brings traffic at times of the day when our over-used roads can best handle the additional use.
The story would change if these people had the tax bills and all the costs associated with non-homestead property ownership.
To all citizens that want to close Oxford Township for business, start buying all the lands that you can afford and direct its use as you the owners see fit.
Martin Scypinski
Oxford
C.J. Carnacchio’s opinion column ‘My Way? on January 16, 2008 hit the nail very succinctly on the head.
I could not agree with him more regarding the arrogance of some of our current and former politicians.
Funny how board member Eric Wilson’s demeanor did a complete 180-degree shift at the following NOTA Board Meeting after Carnacchio’s column appeared.
It’s a shame how some elected and appointed officials have the opinion that once they’ve taken office they have become nobility.
I thought our founding fathers started and won a revolution to rescind the ideology of nobility vs. ‘peons??
Centuries later we still have those who don’t recognize liberty, justice and equality for all.
Well, there are more than a few of us who would like to really help crown them!
Mary MacMaster
Lake Orion
I wonder what the NOTA members are thinking after the director told them Danny Poole committed wrong doings. Eric Wilson wanted a criminal investigation against Danny Poole which resulted in finding nothing wrong. So, I guess whatever is in Danny Poole’s file is just a bunch of hog wash like the person who is saying all these things.
I do know that our tax money is not being spent on NOTA the way we the people wanted it to be spent. Seniors are put on the list for riding if they have the room for them. Other people are on the top of the list for rides to work and back home five days. These people are not even seniors. Most people have to find their own ride to and from work.
The board knows that there are more requests for rides then NOTA can provide, yet the director on her own chose to not run a bus ‘to save money? even though the board had budgeted for it.
I do believe the NOTA board members need to start paying more attention to facts instead of director hear say. Even the unemployment judge said the NOTA director’s information was not trustworthy and her ‘technique of writing the claimant up in a disciplinary action? is deceitful.
I hope NOTA board members will stop being spoon fed and start thinking for themselves because they are using taxpayers money and we the taxpayers deserve better.
Helen Barwig
Oxford
Dear Editor,
I noticed that Oxford’s Champion of Cheap Shots has found ‘his way? into the pages of The Review.
One not familiar with this assassin might marvel at a talent for discerning disdain on the face of a public official from 20 paces. However, his drivel repeatedly demonstrates an open contempt for any citizen with the temerity to participate in any forum of civic or community activity.
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Obrecht, Mr. Marleau and Mr. Dywasuk have been added to a growing list of responsible members of their communities so honored by the Master of Molehills. Gentlemen, you should consider it a Badge of Honor.
— Jim Porritt
Dear Editor,
C.J. Carnacchio’s, opinion column ‘My Way? on Jan. 16, hit the nail very succinctly on the head. I could not agree with him more regarding the arrogance of some of our current and former politicians.
Funny how board member Eric Wilson’s demeanor did a complete 180-degree shift at the following NOTA Board Meeting after Carnacchio’s column appeared.
It’s a shame how some elected and appointed officials have the opinion that once they’ve taken office they have become nobility.
I thought our founding fathers started and won a revolution to rescind the ideology of nobility vs. ‘peons??
Centuries later we still have those who don’t recognize liberty, justice and equality for all.
Well, there are more than a few of us who would like to really help crown them!
— Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
During the recent Michigan Presidential Primary,’Gov. Jennifer Granholm remarked that ‘voting for a woman who potentially will be the next President of the United States gave me goose bumps.?
Well, having a Governor who has taken leave of reality, is in over her head, who when seeking guidance about Michigan’s future surrounded herself with former Democratic Governors whose DNA contains tax increases, who is the last to know when companies are vacating the state, who grants pay increases to state employees, who refuses to privatize services and endorses taxes on services such as singing telegrams ? gives me the chills and a huge headache!?
It is unfortunate that seeking ways to attract new business and relieving our burdensome tax structure doesn’t give her goose bumps.’But obviously when it comes to leadership, lame ducks don’t get goose bumps!
— Bill Kalmar
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to praise a local business that is close to celebrating their two-year anniversary.?
I’m talking of Pugh’s Party Store at 511 Heights Rd.’I first stepped in there on my way back from ice fishing, during the foggy weekend we had a couple weeks ago.’I saw a sign that said LIVE BAIT, and figured what the heck, let’s see what they have.?
Upon entering, I met Dwight, one of the owners.’He is truly one of the most down to earth people there is. He began to explain to me how they came about owning the old ‘Rick’s.??
During our talk he told me how I had to try a slice of pizza, made with their own ‘homemade sauce,? on the house.’While I ate it, with a grin, he also told me of their other favorite pizza: the ‘Coney Island? pizza.?
Well, we finally got our first Coney pizza on Friday night, and on Saturday we ordered another.’It is really that good.?
Both times we ordered, I had the pleasure of dealing with Joyce.’Anybody that pleasant to be around should have Joy in their name.?
Now for you ‘Nay Sayers? (the ones who say there is no way you would ever try a Coney pizza) you are probably the ones who’disagreed with’Jim Delavan, but looked forward to seeing what he had to write every week.?
As for me, I’ll take another pizza please with a side of Jim.
— Mike Vines and Family
Dear Editor,
I wonder what the NOTA members were thinking after the director told them Danny Poole committed wrongdoings. Eric Wilson wanted a criminal investigation against Poole, which resulted in finding nothing wrong. So I guess whatever is in Poole’s file is just a bunch of hogwash, like the person who is saying all these things.
I do know that our tax money is not being spent on NOTA the way we, the people, want it to be spent. Seniors are put on the list for riding if they have the room for them.
Other people are on the top of the list for rides to work and back home five days a week. These people are not even seniors. Most people have to find their own ride to and from work.
The board knows that there are more requests for rides than NOTA can provide. Yet the director, on her own, chose to not run a bus ‘to save money,? even though the board had budgeted for it.
I do believe the NOTA board members need to start paying more attention to facts instead of the director’s hearsay. Even the unemployment judge said the NOTA director’s information was not trustworthy and her ‘technique of writing the claimant up in disciplinary action? is deceitful.
I hope NOTA board members will stop being spoon-fed and start thinking for themselves, because they are using taxpayers? money and we, the taxpayers, deserve better.
— Helen Barwig
Thank you for this year’s great coverage of the Oxford football season. When I am not able to go to Friday’s game, I know I can always read about it in your newspaper.
Each week, it is exciting to read about the Varsity football game. Sometimes your description of the plays made me feel that I was at the game.
Also, I like to read about the coach’s feelings about the win or loss of the game.
In addition, I like how you capture the game with pictures. The action photos of the players show their determination and hard work.
It is also fun looking at the fan’s pictures and how they are enjoying the game.
I appreciate all the good photos and articles on the Oxford football season.
Please keep up the good work in covering this sport.
Travis H.
Oxford Middle School Student
On behalf of myself and all of the Kroninger family, I wanted to thank you so very much for the wonderful article on my parents, Richard and Lucille Kroninger, that C.J. Carnacchio wrote and published in the November 29, 2007 edition of The Oxford Leader (as well as some of the other wonderful Sherman Publications papers).
It is surely the most amazing tribute to two absolutely wonderful human beings and parents that I have ever read or that we, the Kroninger family, could’ve ever expected when you called us to do an article on their lives.
They truly touched and cared about so many people in so many different ways, and your article helped to ‘get that message out? to those that might not have had the pleasure to meet them.
Your article has also helped many of us during the difficult times that accompany losing two very valued loved ones.
Thanks again to you and Sherman Publications for such a truly wonderful article and tribute to my parents.
Tim Kroninger
Editor’s Note: You’re very welcome.
The Oxford Lions Club would like to thank all the people who helped make our annual Christmas Basket Project a great success.
The club could not complete this project without the help of The Oxford Leader, Meijer, Vaughn Custom Sports and the Oxford Middle School’s food drive.
Plus, we want to thank everyone who bought Goodfellow newspapers to help us raise the necessary funds and those who helped us buy, wrap and deliver the clothes, donated toys and food.
This year, the Lions Club provided food and/or clothing to a total of 70 needy people in our community.
This number included 38 children.
Happy New Year to one and all!
Charles Garrard
Oxford Lions Club President
Thanks for your column (My Way Dec. 26) about Kohl’s.
I agree with you on that and with the economy the way it is, I wouldn’t be surprised if they (Kohl’s) didn’t say, ‘To heck with them? and move on.
I love Kohl’s and will be disappointed if it doesn’t happen.
Helen Dick
Oxford
The failure of the Oxford Township Planning Commission is due to the lack of understanding of what the basic structure of a chartered township is. The fact that the township liason (Trustee Pat Fitchena) continues to state there is only one Oxford shows she does not understand.
We stopped being one Oxford when the township became chartered. The responsibility of the township trustees and the PC was to develop an identity separate from the village. We have our own government and it is her duty as an elected township trustee to provide for the growth and to meet the needs of the township of Oxford and not for the village. We are not a simple continuation of the village.
The needs of the people of this township have never been met. In 22 years all this PC has done for us is replace one grocery with a big box grocery and that took them three years.
The damage they have done to this township is irrepairable. They have driven Target, Home Depot and now Kohl’s away by disparaging and degrading their corporations and subjecting the representatives to verbal abuse until they pack up and walk away in disgust.I witnessed it and walked away sickened by it. The loss of nearly 900 jobs for this township and county is a disgrace on the PC and the township board that appointed them and a slap in the face to the residents of this community that could have used those jobs as well as to L. Brooks Patterson. Three viable businesses and hundreds of jobs have been turned away. Not just from Oxford Township, but from Oakland County as well.
The Oxford Township trustees must step up immediately and end this inexcusable abuse of power, ignorance, arrogance and foolishness. This PC has never represented the decent people of this township. They represent themselves and special interest only. They have no intention of allowing viable shopping into Oxford Township, how many more years do we have to wait?
Jan Overley, Oxford
I completely agree with the letter to the editor written by Mr. Gleisner. Your editorial opinion column concerning the Kohl’s Dept. store was both arrogant and condescending. We moved to Oxford because of the charm and character of this town. We support businesses downtown, we love that we can walk anywhere and we appreciate the older neighborhoods. We moved here precisely because it is not filled with strip malls. If I want to go to Kohl’s I will get in my car and drive the twenty minutes it takes to get to the one in Auburn Hills. Have we become so lazy or busy we require everything right at our doorstep even at the expense of our own community?
Renee Upham
Oxford
I am rather surprised at the shortsightedness of some people. To require of Kohl’s to meet some standards is not unreasonable. I for one do not want to watch Oxford slowly sink into a strip mall flash that you miss if you blink as you travel through it.
Why not set some standards for these retailers to adhere to? They, after all, are the only ones to truly benefit from placing their store in our community. If you call minimum wage opportunities a contributing factor of a strong base for community development then you are setting your standards rather low.
What Oxford needs is a base of research-development-medical or similar opportunities that can be augmented by retail.
For an example of how planning and development can work together all you have to do is travel to the east coast of America and see how communities retain their identity while allowing retail and fast food to have a presence.
Why are we entertaining demands of retailers to maintain their ‘identity? at the expense of Oxford’s identity? They want to be in this community because they realize an opportunity to profit by their presence.
They are not coming here as a public service with only the good of the community in mind. I for one applaud the P.C. for their stand and hope that they continue to set stringent standards for those that wish to become part of ‘Our Community?.
Todd Lawrie
Oxford
I am Jerry Griffin, President of the Northeast Oakland Historical Society at 1 N. Washington St. in Oxford. I have been a member of the historical society for 13 years and a life member for the past eight. I was born in 1928 and raised in Addison Twp. and the Oxford area all my life, which also includes three years in the service to our country.
I take exception to the insinuation made that I or the other volunteer docents at the museum do not know anything about the artifacts or the running of the museum. All of the docents that volunteer their time graciously are very knowledgeable of our artifacts and are a wealth of community history. It was stated by the DDA member that we are open only three hours a week. True, we are open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, but we are also open in the spring, summer and fall the same hours on Wednesdays too.
Also, we have many special tours for area school children in the spring and fall, and adult groups that come from many museum groups as far away as Hartland, Armada, Pontiac, Rochester and Troy.
We also participate in the local festivities of downtown Oxford. This past August, we had about 350-375 visitors from 1-5 during Celebrate Oxford, as an example. We operate the museum at no charge for admission. We do accept donations for operations. We volunteer our time, to give back to our community with our appreciation to the many items that have been donated and given to the museum over the past 35 years we have been in existence for everyone in the community.
As president of the historical society, I have yet to be contacted personally about being moved out of our present location to another building that would not be suitable as a museum, just to have another vacant building or empty lot in downtown Oxford. In my opinion, the museum is located in an ideal location for the local community and I do not believe it to be an eyesore to the downtown area.
I would like to personally thank all of the people who have called and written to me in support about this subject. It gives me great pride to be the president of such an important part of this area’s history.
Jerry Griffin
Northeast Oakland Historical Society
If the items in the museum are of as much interest as indicated in the article, integrating the museum items into the Oxford Public Library would be a good move to consider. The items may be of greater interest than the fish occupying center stage and also less expensive to maintain.
The downtown is in dire need of shops and new businesses that will bring about growth and change. Museums are great but generate zero dollars to the growth and well being of the downtown area.
John Pustelny
Oxford
I hope the community will show support for Pat Fitchena. She has always been a strong supporter for the Oxford community. The handling of this situation is so wrong. There are many of us who have known Pat for years and know she has always worked for the best interest of others especially senior citizens.
Mary Thrasher, Oxford
Dear Editor,
I received an interesting letter regarding the column I wrote on the Shick Farm, which appeared in the Dec. 5 issue of The Lake Orion Review. In that column, I remarked that the origin of the name ‘Bunny Run? was unknown.
That letter related the following account of the naming of Bunny Run Country Club and Bunny Run Subdivision.
In the late 1920’s or early 1930’s, there was a contest for naming the subdivision and country club. Floyd Ellsworth Darling entered the name ‘Bunny Run? as he had noticed many bunnies running around the property.
Floyd’s name was chosen and he won two lots in the subdivision. Four generations of that family have lived in the Bunny Run subdivision since the 1920’s.
The letter I received was from Angus S. Hinds III, the great-grandson of Floyd Ellsworth Darling. Angus and his wife still live on Long Lake Blvd. in one of the family houses.
— Jim Ingram
Dear Editor,
People should try reading once in a while instead of listening to talk radio. I’m referring to Elaine Pantak’s letter to the editor regarding the Congressional vote on H. Resolution 847 stating that Christianity and Christmas are important and her criticism of liberal Democrats including Nancy Pelosi.?
My first reaction was why is Congress wasting their time with resolutions about the importance of religion instead of doing something about health care, the economy, the war and the environment. Then I wondered why, if they were voting on the bill, why someone would vote against it.’The answer was easy to find on the internet.?
Rep. Jim McDermott (Seattle) voted against the bill as a protest of the President’s veto of the bill that provided health care for uninsured children. He felt if the Congress couldn’t support a real issue, he wasn’t going to vote for a silly resolution. He further stated that he didn’t think a vote was needed by Congress to tell us Christianity and Christmas are important. Most of us know that already.? My guess is that is not the case about Ramadan. Even so, Congress should be doing more important work.
Ms. Pantak wrote incorrectly that Nancy Pelosi voted for the Ramadan bill and against the Christmas bill. As most high school students know, the Speaker of the House rarely votes on bills unless it is to break a tie or an important Constitutional question. Contrary to Ms. Pantak’s letter Rep. Pelosi did not vote on either bill, which is the norm for the Speaker of the House.
As for liberals and Democrats?195 voted yes on the Christmas bill as opposed to 177 Republicans that voted yes on the Christmas bill. I don’t think you can conclude by this vote that liberals are against Christmas and Republicans are in favor of Christmas.
I recommend that in the future Ms. Pantak tries reading to get her information, or at least checking the facts before she writes more misinformation in future letters to the editor.
— Tony Rothschild
Dear Editor,
The staff of the Orion Senior Center would like to thank Ms. Sharon Gire, director of the Department of Aging, who came and gave an interesting talk about the different agencies that can help the seniors of the state of Michigan.
She gave us a great insight into not only what the state can do for seniors but what the federal government has done for seniors. She made it very clear that there is a lot more work to be done to help our senior citizens, and also gave us direction as to what committees we can participate in to help let the legislature know what seniors need.
We would also like to thank all of the people who attended. We hope that Ms. Gire’s talk helped them. We know we learned many different things and new ways to network with other agencies that we weren’t aware of.
— Bill Kokenos
Dear Editor,
I am seldom at a loss for words but then we all lost Tink (Frank G. Ronk). How does one pay tribute to the best friend, citizen, firefighter, supervisor, barber, dad, husband, grandpa, son, brother and all around problem solver we ever had?
Someone once said no one is indispensible, but Tink may be the exception.
No one can replace a man who felt our pulse, our moods, our needs, and filled us with laughter. He made us feel better when we were down and put out our fires, literally, and solved our problems large and small.
You could sleep well at night knowing all was well when Tink was on call 24 hours a day, and he made us proud to say we’re from Clarkston.
The only small comfort we can all take now is that he is at eternal rest and peace. He is with his mom, who led us all before, and he left Steve at the helm.
From all of us, goodbye, old friend, auf weidersehen.
Jim O’Neill and family
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Area Youth Assistance would like to say thanks to the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union staff and their members for their generosity in providing both gifts and hopes during these rough economic times with their gift giving tree program.
They truly displayed the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. Time and time again during our annual distribution I had parents/grandparents come up to me and say thank you so very much. I didn’t know how I was going to provide any gifts for my children this year.
But thanks to everyone who participated in the Giving Tree every child in the CAYA program awoke Christmas morning to find something waiting for him/her under the tree.
Joyce Bleim
CAYA
Dear Editor,
Our fourth annual Stuff-a-Bus was a huge success! I’d like to thank all who made it possible for the Clarkston families to enjoy a better Christmas.
Thank you to Dr. Al Roberts for letting the Clarkston Community Schools Transportation Department continue this event, our Director Kevin Bickerstaff, our mechanics Craig Dellowe and Tom Harmon, our volunteers Eric Berry, Alan Burnham, Sherry Carpenter, Tina Fay, Juanita Gilbert, April Guilds, Fred Haynes, Diane Hodson, Lorri Kaczor, Pam Kaczor, Colleen MacLeod, Mary Miller, Mike Morris, Carol Peck, Charlie Robinson, Bruce Schlink, Evelyn Woods, and Samakka Shabazz, and, of course, the community for their generous donations!
Thank you!
Tammy Layton
Clarkston Schools Transportation
I am so angry about last week’s column about the Planning Commission that I am unwilling even to address this letter to the editor. My last letter to the editor was edited so stupidly that it reversed the entire meaning of my comments.
For your information, the Planning Commission is supposed to do some planning, as well as upholding as much as possible the rural character of our township. This desire of our citizens has been evidenced time and again through surveys, elections and through comments at meetings. Oxford Township has unfortunately in past years overstepped the desired and reasonable lower density goals, favoring some money grubbing developers (for instance, Waterstone).
How would you like it, Mr. Editor, to live at the edge of Oxford Village in a home facing a humongous cement block wall? This is what Kohl’s is proposing. They want to come to Oxford, let them try to fit into our development concepts, or stay out!
As for your intemperate, insulting and unjustified remarks and accusations, you owe the Planning Commission, and specifically Ms. Roesner and Mr. Lepping, an abject apology. This is not the first time that you’ve voiced extreme views and vent them on the editorial page in an inappropriate manner.
Henry Gleisner, Oxford
Let me see if I have this straight.
We don’t want Kohl’s unless the building has the ‘quaint village? facade. Would someone please explain how the facade of the Oxford 7 Theater fits in this grand scheme. Maybe the DDA would like them to change the facade to look like the old Oxford Theater with the Opera House look.
We want to take one of the historic buildings downtown and move the historical museum out of it so we can put in a ’boutiquey restaurant? or a ‘coffee shop.?
Don’t we already have that in Victoria’s Delights and Starbucks?
Do the members of the DDA lie awake at night coming up with some of these ideas and the reasoning behind them?
Maybe their time would be better spent learning some of the history of our ‘quaint village? and then they can donate their time in the historical museum so that is can be open more than three to four hours a week.
OK, enough of the sarcasm. On a more positive note, the column by Mr. Ball (‘High School Athletes Can Make an Impact Too? – Dec. 26) was a breath of fresh air. However, in the article he mentioned that in her senior year Clare took on a new sport. In actuality, she took on two new sports, of which I personally had the honor to work with her in one. She was determined and driven to improve and was always the last one at practice. It takes a special student athelete to take on a sport that you have never played and work so hard at it. It was a pleasure to have her on the team and work with her and I would like to say thank you for all her hard work and thank you Mr. Ball for mentioning her and all those mentioned in your column.
Fred Heichel, Oxford
All I have to say to you C.J. is Amen!!
I grew up in Oxford. I love the museum, it shows the past and how Oxford grew as a community. We can’t let someone like Chuck Schneider take Oxford and it’s history away. He must not have any concept of history and how it plays a vitale role in the future. It shows kids what Oxford was. Heck, Pattersons has been there forever is he going to take hold of that too! I think Mr. Bill Patterson would be turning in his grave or even haunting Mr. Schneider!
I know many people who have lived here all their lives and I know they would feel the same way. All I can say to Mr. Schneider is drop it! Don’t even think about it!
Sharon (taken from our website)
I am writing in response to the idea of moving the historical museum.
As a teacher, I was shocked to hear about the possibility of the museum moving. I have taken elementary classes to the historical museum for field trips (It is within walking distance of two elementary schools!) The building’s architectural features inside and out make it a perfect setting for teaching our children about Oxford’s history. It is also valuable to help shape our history of Oakland County and Michigan. An appreciation for history is important to cultivate in children for so many reasons, many of which you touched on in your column (‘Historical Museum Should Stay Put? – Jan. 2).
Let’s not forget the volunteer, unpaid, docents. They are so knowledgeable and have great stories to share with our kids. What about them? What could that building be other than it is? A historically significant building that is also a historical museum!
Doesn’t anyone else think it is a jewel of our downtown? Please don’t tell me it’s another coffee shop! How many do we really need? Shouldn’t our Oxford retain it’s unique character? With the box stores and chain restaurants we need to hold on to and find value in that which sets us apart.
Barbara Johnston, Oxford
I was surprised to read in the January 2 publication of The Oxford Leader of the suggestion of the new member of the DDA, Chuck Schneider, to move the museum into the former township hall.
I’d be suspicious of his motives since he is a real estate developer and owner of numerous downtown properties, but doesn’t know what he’s talking about when it comes to the museum.
Although Mildred Schmidt did have a remarkable knowledge of the museum, there are others who do also, and he apparently didn’t talk to them when he made the remark ‘No one else knew anything but her.?
The museum is open on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. but is available to be visited more hours in the summer, open when the village has special celebrations, such as Celebrate Oxford, and always special tours can be arranged for groups from schools, scouts, senior citizens, clubs, etc.
Many more volunteers would be needed to open the hours he suggested.
Speaking only for myself, I can’t think of a better use for the old Oxford Savings Bank building than a museum.
It’s such things as parks and museums that give ‘heart? to a small village.
Helen Dick, Oxford
Why do you waste the space (on) Jim Sherman’s drivel?
It seems like the space could be better used to extol the virtues of world peace, lower gas prices and organic dog food.
Mike Barton (taken from our website)
Dear Editor,
At this time of year, it is most interesting to know what is going on in Congress regarding Christmas.
Listening to talk radio (1210 AM), I head that Congress was voting on the celebration of different religious festivals.
They votes ‘yes? for the Islam ‘Ramadan? holiday and most of the Indian religious festivals, including Hindu, were a ‘yes? vote, but the Christian Christmas was voted ‘no;? and was also ‘present,? whatever that means.
Mr. Barney Frank voted ‘present,? as no surprise, but so did Mr. Conyers from Michigan. He wouldn’t vote for the Christian Christmas. Hear that, Detroiters?
Since there is much talk about separation of church and state, why before Christmas does Congress have a vote regarding religious holidays?
Most of those who voted ‘no? for Christmas were liberal Democrats, so I wondered how Nancy Pelosi voted. She voted ‘yes? for Islam and ‘no? for Christianity.
So are these Congressmen so afraid of offending everyone but the Christian majority of this nation? And one wonders why Congress cannot protect our borders, our jobs, our economy or our freedom.
— Elaine Pantak
Dear Editor,
When you raise taxes $1.4 billion, and there is only $350 million left, that is not a surplus, or’an accomplishment to be proud of. That is a net increase in uncontrolled spending of over a billion dollars!
The self-serving bureaucrats in Lansing are not listening to their constituents as real people have, and are losing their jobs, losing their homes in Michigan in record numbers. Michigan leads the nation in unemployment, in home foreclosures, and in the number of people and families leaving a state. All during the tenure of our current elected Lansing representatives.
These Lansing representatives have done NOTHING to help the Michigan economy, done nothing to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs, of home foreclosures, of people, families leaving the state. Partisan politics, fighting, and the inability to pass a balanced budget for over a year is not leadership that will turn Michigan around!
Raising taxes on the people of Michigan is NOT the answer. Balancing the budget, cutting pork and a plan to prioritize expenditures and control spending is. It is evident that we are in a one-state recession under the lack of Lansing leadership!
The tax-and-spend mentality of Lansing can never work. A change in the way Lansing does business is six years past due. Leadership is past due. Meaningful CHANGE is past due! Make a difference; Make a CHANGE this August, and November.
— Daniel Myslakowski
Dear Editor,
The U.S. auto industry finds itself in a ‘perfect storm? of health care, energy costs and globalization.
Health care, however, plays a big role.
Manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Chrysler, absorb $1,500 per vehicle to cover health care for employees and retirees.
Foreign automakers have national health care in their own county and don’t have the same cost disadvantage with plants in the U.S. ? they have few retirees and workers are much younger.
People pay $10 a gallon for gasoline in other parts of the world so vehicles there are fuel efficient by U.S. standards. U.S. produced vehicles were designed when oil cost $35 per barrel. Today we see oil prices near $100 per barrel.
If ‘Green is the new Red, White, and Blue,? which is more patriotic ? to buy the most fuel efficient vehicle or to buy an American made vehicle?
To do both requires getting the cost of health care out our manufactured goods and services.
Automakers are moving their suppliers and plants out of the U.S. to other parts of the world where labor costs are much less. It’s as if Wal-Mart was in charge of purchasing for the auto industry.
This will have drastic implications for Michigan’s manufacturing sector.
I’ve been with Chrysler for 35 years. Those familiar with ‘The Perfect Storm? might see, as I do, an analogy for company provided health care, a failed U.S. energy policy, and the effects of globalization.
Health care should not be an employer provided benefit.
Phillip Reid
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We would like to commend the Clarkston Cafe and the Milzow Realty on Main Street for the beautiful lighting. I’m sure the whole community is delighted by it.
Perhaps this will set an example for the rest of the merchants for next year.
God bless you.
The Smarts family
Clarkston
I must admit that I have not always agreed with your opinions in the past, but on the subject of the planning commission and the Kohl’s project you are correct (C.J. Carnacchio’s Dec. 26 My Way column). Kohl’s is a quality corporation that will bring Oxford a significent tax and employment base and a very needed commercial development alternative to Meijer.
I was at the (Dec. 13) planning commission meeting that evening and had the opportunity to review the proposed building elevations. From what I reviewed, the proposed elevations were a classic architectural design, which would not become dated in 5-10 years. The proposed elevations contained a variety of high quality building material such as brick, glass, stone and metal. To say the least this was not your prototypical Kohls store pulled off the corporate shelf.
What the planning commission fails to see is that visual image of the project is not just the building architecture.
The visual image of a project is the total package from building architecture and material selections to landscape architectural design elements and amenities. From site plan layout configuration to lighting design and fixture selections.
If the ‘Village Look? is so importation to the planning commission what happened with Tim Horton’s and Chili’s?
James Butler, Oxford
Thank you for saying what I think many of us Oxford residents were thinking in regards to the silly roadblocks that the planning commission is putting up for Kohl’s. You are right on target with every point you made in your column (C.J. Carnacchio’s Dec. 26 My Way), and I am sure I am not the only one that thinks so. And by the way, I don’t own a pair of barn boots, but if I did, would not ever wear them to go out shopping . . . anywhere. ? Laura Murphy, Oxford
hl’s and the Township Planning Commission. It is nothing short of sheer idiocy for the Township Planning Commission to begin to believe that fake facades will make big box stores ever be anything more than what they are. Imposing such ridiculous guidelines on these developers are nothing short of counter-productive. I guess that all of the counter-productivity is appreciated because many of the Township Planning Commissioners have been re-appointed.
Looking like Downtown Oxford indeed. How many buildings in downtown Oxford have a 500-700 foot deep parking lot in front of them? None that I can count. How many of your readers would actually be fooled into believing that any of this is ‘an extension of Downtown Oxford?? Perhaps the Township should focus more on getting some development here that will actually help to pay down the burgeoning water debt and maybe finally put some water in that million gallon water tower that has never held a drop of liquid. It does however make a fine monument to governmental pork-barrelling.
Perhaps the Township should get real, up to date, and consider enacting some ordinances that would require or (God forbid) reward for the development of Green Buildings that have features like roof gardens, rainwater storage systems for lawn maintenance, solar heating, wind power, and the list goes on and on. The city of Grand Rapids has done this and the whole thing is an amazing success.
All of this ‘my way or the highway? planning hooey is truly proof positive that our government is at least 180 degrees out of sync with the universe and perhaps not even interested in protecting it’s residents and taxpayers. All that I can say is, what a load of crap. ? Steve Allen, Oxford
Wow, I am impressed with this column! (C.J. Carnacchio’s Dec. 26 My Way). Thank you for finally writing a much needed tongue lashing to the planning commission … something I bet ALL or most of the residents of Oxford have been wanting to do for a long, long time.
Aside from the few businesses in the downtown area that have manage to hold their own thus far, the majority of ‘quaint? storefronts sit vacant. I would think the planning commission would welcome Kohl’s into our area with great anticipation and excitement.
To the planning commission, I say this … ‘stop being so afraid of change and start opening your minds up to the possibilities that could be.?
Elizabeth Gould, Oxford
Dear Editor,
As you sing ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem? this Christmas season, pray for the Christians there.
To find out why, read the December National Geographic’s ‘Bethlehem 2007 AD? and watch the song on YouTube.com, ‘Bethlehem Christmas Cancelled.?
The original painting of the last image on the wall, ‘Bridges Not Walls,? was witnessed personally by Clarkston resident Clair Thams. Another image of her work can also be seen in the song’s illustrations.
Pastor Bob Walters, retired
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
It is apparent NOTA has some problems. We, the people, voted out SMART busing then we put in our busing for seniors and handicapped. What happened to what we, the people, wanted?
A letter written by the NOTA director stated NOTA has to remove hair appointments, extra shopping, and social events. There is no NOTA money for this. No money? Why is there NOTA money to pay for catering services to Pat Fitchena? Why is there money to spend busing written communications to lazy officials who can’t be bothered making their own arrangements for pick-up? Where does Pat find the money to drop off board packets to the homes or workplaces of officials having nothing to do with NOTA?
Maybe there is no MONEY for seniors because we need money for other things. Maybe NOTA wants it for the $3,000 for attorney fees, to shut Sue Bellairs up. Someone does not like Sue asking questions. Is that because they (the NOTA board and Pat Fitchena) do not have the answers?
Read last week’s paper about NOTA employees saying the director, Pat Fitchena, was not performing her duties. It appeared Fitchena had no real answers as all she could do was call the complaint a sham, unsigned, and that the allegations were unfounded and not proven. Then she did state, ‘oh, yes, this happened, but?.?
Pat seemed more concerned about the employees who didn’t voice a complaint at a meeting with the supervisors than the many who did.
It appears that Pat or NOTA Chairman Sutphin didn’t take the time to go over all the allegations or even try to see for sure why there were employee complaints to begin with.
Why did Sutphin and Fitchena go into an attack mode because someone asked questions and voiced concerns? What kind of a director and chairman does this? A real caring person such as Fitchena?
Quoting Fitchena, ‘I wish to God I could bring this man’s (referring to Poole) personnel file out into the public.? What does this mean??? Does she forget that Poole didn’t stand alone in the complaint? If his file was so bad, why did he work with Pat from 2004 until 2007 and was always considered a good employee previous to Fitchena’s employment with NOTA?
Shame on Fitchena and Sutphin for the way this issue was handled. Shame on the NOTA board for not taking care of a formal complaint in the guidelines set out by the Open Meeting Law and conducting an impartial investigation. Shame on the NOTA board for continuing to sweep the issue under the carpet and shut up anyone questioning anything.
Is the public aware that ONLY AFTER questions arose that the NOTA board, at their last meeting, motioned to limit public comment ? recommended by Sutphin? Why?
Who paid for all the bus rides to Rochester to see their Senior Center to promote a new center for here? And who does Pat think she’s kidding by saying Smart paid for a ticket for wrong plates on NOTA’s bus and a bench warrant for a NOTA driver.
Maybe the NOTA board needs to see that ticket, warrant, and receipt of who paid what.
This entire issue needs to be looked at by each and every NOTA board member individually before opening their mouths to the public.
It is admirable that Pat’s sister wrote a letter to the editor defending Pat, but a third party needs to be brought in for the sake of Oxford, Addison and Orion. We do not need another OESA dilemma and Gary Ford-like leadership. We, the people, deserve better.
— Helen Barwig
Dear Editor,
The Holidays are a time to be thankful. And, one of the things I am thankful for is a safe and secure place for our seniors to go.
Others have written that the new center being used by our seniors is a waste of money, rather than a savings.
I wish to differ.
For years, knowledgeable people in the community have known that the senior center was not safe or secure; it was just the opposite. It was a ‘tired? and ill-suited former home, which had been reconfigured to try to serve our seniors.
It was not handicapped accessible; indeed, wheelchair bound visitors had to be carried into and out of the bathroom. While annual efforts were made, at rather high cost, to maintain the building, it continued to be a safety and fire hazard ? or, as some have put it, a multitude of lawsuits waiting to happen.
Yes, several efforts to pass million dollar millages to finance a new center failed to win voter approval, for a variety of reasons. This did not make the problem go away, but it did call for a reframing of the solution.
Among the options considered was the former South Sashabaw Elementary School, which was no longer needed by the Clarkston Schools.
After months of meticulous investigation by a host of local contractors, it was determined that it might have taken thousands of dollars, perhaps $250,000, to make the building operational as a safe and secure place for our seniors.
Three of the major concerns were the cost of asbestos containment, the cost of air conditioning, and the cost of annual maintenance. Clearly, the building was better suited to be torn down, as it was, providing needed playing fields for our school children.
Another site given serious consideration was the main building at Baycourt Park. However, it was learned that the building was being used by the Parks & Recreation Department for many events.
Also, the park’s location, at the southeast corner of Independence Township, made it inconvenient for many reasons.
Given the lack of success of these efforts and others, the Independence Township trustees decided that it could not wait any longer; it could not continue to have our seniors placed in harms way.
So, it made the difficult decision to use existing township resources to construct a safe and secure center, which could be used by our seniors and others, as soon as possible.
Today, we have a new facility, about the same size as the old home, which is safe, secure, air conditioned, and completely handicapped accessible.
Thanks to the work of many contractors, township employees, and volunteers, this facility gives the township a facility, perhaps valued at nearly half of a million dollars, for about $250,000 in expenses.
I think that most of us in the community are thankful!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Congratulations, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, for providing the venue for the fantastic community parade.
Thank you to the chamber for all of the preparation. Accolades to all of the participants for their hard work and incredible creativity.
This is a fantastic community.
The Schultz family
Clarkston
Christmas. We think of gifts, trees, lights, meals. But is this what Christmas is truly all about? Isn’t there more to Christmas than this?
There is. The story of Christmas actually began in a garden. God supplied a perfect place for His most treasured creations to live. He gave them everything they would ever need to be totally happy, eternally healthy, and able to live along side of Him without anything hindering their relationship. He also gave them freedom of choice. In exchange for life in paradise, God asked for only one thing: that His creations obey the single rule He had given them. But they didn’t. Satan deceived them, and they broke the rule. Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and has stained every person who has ever lived since then. The result? Death and separation from God.
God is a God of love, but He is also a just God; He can’t simply ignore sin. His purity, holiness, and very nature won’t allow Him to come into contact with sin. A price had to be paid, but no one in this world could ever come up with the payment. Without God’s intervention, all of Mankind was destined for an eternity in Hell.
Several hundreds of years later, as predicted over and over in the Old Testament, the story of Christmas continued in a most unusual way. Someone from out of this world came into this world to offer Himself as payment for sin. Jesus, God’s own Son and at the same time God Himself, left Heaven and squeezed His Godness into the tiny form of a baby. He entered a virgin’s womb, lived some 34 years on earth without ever committing a sin, and willingly died nailed to a cross. He then rose from the grave, conquering both sin and death. And He did it all for us.
The Christmas story continues today. This baby Jesus came to offer us eternal life. He asks us to simply believe the truth of His story. If we understand we can do nothing on our own to get right with God, admit we are sinful and in need of a Savior, ask God to forgive us for our sins and help us lead a life pleasing to Him, and ask Jesus to enter our hearts and be the Lord of our lives, then we come to God on His terms and will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. The hymn writer states the prayer this way: ‘Cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us today!?
God, through His Son, has offered to us the greatest gift of all time: eternal life with Him. Have you accepted His gift? Will you accept His gift?
Jeff Trott
Romeo
The experience of Florida and California should be examined for affect on restaurant business. Bottom line ? no change! Ireland has even banned smoking in pubs.
Yes, business should make their own decisions, but, not at the taxpayers? expense.
It costs everyone to treat the increase in health care for employees caused by second hand smoke, and smokers? absenteeism,
As an ex-smoker as of July, 22, 1981, 10:35 a.m. CDT, I have stopped in the entrance way of restaurants and left due to the smoke smell. Also, I stopped bowling (198 average in college) when I couldn’t have a drink afterwards in the bar!
Reuben Flatt
Oxford
This letter is in regards to Sharon Muradian’s letter on the NOTA Director Pat Fitchena that appeared in your publication on December 12, 2007.
If, as Ms. Muradian stated, the NOTA Director Pat Fitchena has tightened the ship then I have to ask what kind of example Fitchena is setting by laying her hands, or ‘fists? on anyone let alone any of the employees?
How do we know if Mr. Poole’s allegations are untrue if they have not been properly and thoroughly investigated? We’ve been told through print that an unofficial ad-hoc subcommittee did the investigation. Who were these people that were on the makeshift, non-official subcommittee? Who did they interview? What did they research and investigate? How did they arrive at their conclusion that the complaints were invalid?
There were at least half-a-dozen other NOTA employees that appeared before the Supervisors? of Orion, Oxford and Addison to voice their complaints. That is more then sufficient to warrant an objective, above-board, non-biased investigation. I would think that those who did not come before the Township Supervisors? feared repercussions. By Ms. Fitchena’s response an individual complaint would not stand a chance of being considered of value, let alone being heard.
C. J. Carnacchio’s editorial comments in The Oxford Leader were right on, ‘it’s so very important to have an agency, like the sheriff’s department, look into this and settle things one way or the other.? ‘I would hate to see Oxford torn apart-along with Addison and Orion’by another special authority hell-bent on protecting a favorite employee from allegations. Let’s do it right this time.?
Hiring an attorney to do an investigation is serving the NOTA Board’s best interests, not the NOTA employees making the complaints, the seniors needing services or the taxpayers. No wonder the employees did not want to approach the NOTA Board.
As far as the allegation of ‘threatening job security, ‘Fitchena said when employees constantly complained or threatened to quit, she told them, ‘go ahead. There’s other people looking for work. If you’re so unhappy, then go somewhere else.?
Does not that statement made by the NOTA Director Pat Fitchena tell you that there have most definitely been employee complaints and threats of quitting due to a problematic and uncomfortable work environment? Does this sound like a professional director?
The only time she’s [Fitchena] used NOTA resources has been to cater numerous NOTA functions. ‘I have catered I can’t tell you how many NOTA events,? she said.
Wait a minute! ? the Director of NOTA, Pat Fitchena has catered ‘numerous? NOTA functions? What functions? How numerous? What were they for and where did they take place? Was taxpayer money used to pay for these functions and her catering services? Isn’t this without doubt an abuse of her taxpayer paid position and a conflict of interest to use her private business to cater for a public entity in which she holds the position of director? Mull that over.
I have one last issue of concern. The NOTA Director also sits on a township board as a trustee and therefore a decision-maker. As a township trustee when a NOTA issue comes up that requires a vote she has to abstain from voting or it would be considered a conflict of interest. Therefore, due to her dual conflicting positions her constituents lose one voice on their elected township board.
Mary MacMaster, Orion
It is apparent NOTA has some problems. We the people voted out SMART busing then we put in our busing for seniors and handicapped. What happened to what we the people wanted??
A letter written by the NOTA director stated NOTA has to remove hair appointments, extra shopping, and social events. There is no NOTA money for this. No money? Why is there NOTA money to pay for catering services to Pat Firchena? Why is there money to spend busing written communications to lazy officials who can’t be bothered making their own arrangements for pick-up? Where does Pat find the money to drop off board packets to the homes or workplaces of officials having nothing to do with NOTA?
Maybe there is no MONEY for seniors because we need money for other things. Maybe NOTA wants it for the $3,000.00 for attorney fees, to shut Sue Bellairs up. Someone does not like Sue asking questions. Is that because they (the NOTA board and Pat Fitchena) do not have the answers?
Read last week’s paper about NOTA employees saying the director, Pat Fitchena, was not performing her duties. It appeared Pat Fitchena had no real answers as all she could do was call the complaint a sham, unsigned, and that the allegations were unfounded and not proven. Then she did state, ‘oh yes this happened but?.?
Pat seemed more concerned about the employees who didn’t voice a complaint at a meeting with the supervisors than the many who did. It appears that Pat or NOTA Chairman Sutphin didn’t take the time to go over all the allegations or even try to see for sure why there were employee complaints to begin with.
Why did Sutphin and Fitchena go into an attack mode because someone asked questions and voiced concerns?
What kind of a director and chairman does this? A real caring person such as Fitchena?
Quoting Pat Fitchena, ‘I wish to God I could bring this man’s (referring to Poole) personal file out into the public.? What does this mean? Does she forget that Poole didn’t stand alone in the complaint? If his file was so bad, why did he work with Pat from 2004 until 2007 and was always considered a good employee previous to Fitchena’s employment with NOTA?
Shame on Pat Fitchena and Sutphin for the way this issue was handled. Shame on the NOTA board for not taking care of a formal complaint in the guidelines set out by the Open Meeting Law and conducting an impartial investigation. Shame on the NOTA board for continuing to sweep the issue under the carpet and shut up anyone questioning anything. Is the public aware that ONLY AFTER questions arose that the NOTA board at their last meeting motioned to limit public comment ? recommended by Sutphin? Why?
Who paid for all the bus rides to Rochester to see their Senior Center to promote a new center for here? And who does Pat think she’s kidding by saying Smart paid for a ticket for wrong plates on NOTAs bus and a bench warrant for a NOTA driver. Maybe the NOTA board needs to see that ticket, warrant, and receipt of who paid what.
This entire issue needs to be looked at by each and every NOTA board member individually before opening their mouths to the public. It is admirable that Pat’s sister wrote a letter to the editor defending Pat but a third party needs to be brought in for the sake of Oxford, Addison and Orion. We do not need another OESA dilemma and Gary Ford like leadership. We the people deserve better.
Helen Barwig
Oxford
Dear Editor,
‘Both Porter and Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk said the landfill has an odor, which is not necessarily how they want people to be welcomed into Orion.?
That is putting it mildly!
Drive by some morning as I do at 6 a.m. in the late spring, summer and early fall. It’s more than an odor, it’s a STENCH!
It is about time that something was done about the smell. I have written letters, to no avail.
Couple the stench of the landfill with the hundreds of seagulls that leave droppings that turn M-24 almost white at times, and it’s unappetizing and, in my opinion, unhealthy.
— Norma Peters
Dear Editor,
Michigan has many problems. The biggest ones are the state budget and the low level of middle and high school education.
The largest item in the Michigan budget is education. I cannot, for the life of me, understand why we should not reduce the unreasonable system of over 600 school districts with mostly incompetent school boards, with 600 administrators and administrative staffs.
To consolidate the school districts, as Florida and other states have done, could not only easily balance our state budget, but would probably result in a better level of education.
In our area (North Oakland County), which supposedly performs above Michigan average, the test results show that 31-percent failed reading, 43-percent failed writing, 38-percent failed English language and 39-percent failed math.
Not only that, we have this ridiculous system of ‘social studies,? which is a mishmash of supposed history, geography — which needs to be drastically reformed.
We and our representatives must find the courage to confront the teachers? unions and explain to the citizens of this state the pernicious and destructive influence they wield in opposing the necessary reforms. What we need is a Margaret Thatcher approach.
— Henry Gleisner
Dear Editor,
This letter is in regards to Sharon Muradian’s letter’on the NOTA Director Pat Fitchena that appeared in your publication on December 12, 2007.
If, as Ms. Muradian stated that the Fitchena has tightened the ship then I have to ask what kind of example Fitchena is setting by laying her hands, or ‘fists?’on anyone let alone any of the employees?
How do we know if Mr. Poole’s allegations are untrue if they have not been properly and thoroughly investigated? We’ve been told through print that an unofficial ad-hoc subcommittee did the investigation. Who were these people that were on the makeshift, non-official subcommittee? Who did they interview? What did they research and investigate? How did they arrive at their conclusion that the complaints were invalid?
There were at least half-a-dozen other NOTA employees that appeared before the supervisors of Orion, Oxford and Addison to voice their complaints. That is more than sufficient to warrant an objective, above-board, non-biased investigation. I would think that those who did not come before the Township Supervisors? feared repercussions. By Ms. Fitchena’s response, an individual complaint would not stand a chance of being considered of value, let alone being heard.
C. J. Carnacchio’s editorial comments in The Oxford Leader were right on, ‘it’s so very important to have an agency, like the sheriff’s department, look into this and settle things one way or the other? I would hate to see Oxford torn apart-along with Addison and Orion’by another special authority hell-bent on protecting a favorite employee from allegations. Let’s do it right this time.?
Hiring an attorney to do an investigation is serving the NOTA Board’s best interests, not the NOTA employees making the complaints, the seniors needing services or the taxpayers. No wonder the employees did not want to approach the NOTA Board.
As far as the allegation of ‘threatening job security,? Fitchena said when employees constantly complained or threatened to quit, she told them, ‘go ahead. There’s other people looking for work. If you’re so unhappy, then go somewhere else.?
Does not that statement made by the NOTA Director tell you that there have most definitely been employee complaints and threats of quitting due to a problematic and uncomfortable work environment? Does this sound like a professional director?
The only time she’s [Fitchena] used NOTA resources has been to cater numerous NOTA functions. ‘I have catered I can’t tell you how many NOTA events,? she said.
Wait a minute! ? the Fitchena has catered ‘numerous? NOTA functions? What functions? How numerous? What were they for and where did they take place? Was taxpayer money used to pay for these functions and her catering services??? Isn’t’this without doubt an abuse of her taxpayer paid position and a conflict of interest to use her private business to cater for a public entity’in which she’holds the position of director? ‘Mull that over.
I have one last issue of concern. The NOTA Director also sits on a township board as a trustee and therefore a decision-maker. As a township trustee when a NOTA issue comes up that requires a vote she has to abstain from voting or it would be considered a conflict of interest. Therefore, due to her dual conflicting positions her constituents lose one voice on their elected township board.
— Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
Driving on the freeway isn’t fun.
People drive way above the speed limit, weave in and out of traffic, and tailgate if they think you are not driving fast enough, even when you are going over the speed limit.
Also, this dangerous driving behavior wastes gas. We know that driving the speed limit, or less, at a steady pace is the best way to reduce gas consumption. And, we need to seriously consider saving gas.
On another front, we are well into hunting season.
A major problem is illegal deer baiting. It is rampant this fall, despite new laws and larger fines. And, it may contribute to the spread of TB.
The point is that, in all settings, it isn’t just laws, ordinances, or regulations which manage to save us from ourselves, to get us to obey the mandated limits on our behavior — it is the fear of being caught and punished.
And, that depends on those chosen to enforce our laws — our police officers, sheriff deputies, state police, and conservation officers.
It is no wonder that the behavior I began by describing is occurring.
At the same time, it is no coincidence that the budgets for the “public safety” staff to enforce many of our ‘limits? have been severely cut.
The fewer police, the more negligent some people become.
If we want people to obey the law, then we need more police ? on the roadways, in our forests, on our streets. We need to restore the funds necessary to maintain order. Not to do so is neglect, and the ‘law breakers? will come!
As an aside, I am fortunate to live in the City of Clarkston, which provides police protection 24/7.
This includes police cars driving through neighborhoods several times a day, house checks for those who register, surveillance of Depot Park, and monitoring of business areas.
They are active, not just reactive. We choose to pay for these services and they are worth it!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Forrest Milzow, in gratitude to The Clarkston Farm and Garden Club for caring for the planters on Main Street in downtown Clarkston, hosted the club’s annual December Christmas luncheon at his Deer Lake Athletic Club on Dec. 3.
Garden Club members were treated to a delicious lunch with excellent service in the beautiful, festive Back Court Restaurant, and the members would like to publicly thank him for his generous gift.
We are grateful to Mr. Milzow and his staff for providing us with the perfect ending to our busy year of activities.
Sincerely,
The Clarkston Farm and Garden Club
Dear Editor,
In 2005, on recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed the REAL ID Act which established national security standards for state driver’s licenses including U.S. citizenship or lawful temporary status.
The issue still remains, however, that states like Michigan can adopt their own standards and legislation regarding the issuing of drivers licenses to non citizens and unlawful aliens in residence in their state.
Driver’s licenses are the primary identification document in the United States today.
They are used to obtain other identity documents, such as copies of birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other types of ID to establish a false identity, to transfer funds to a U.S. bank account, gain access to federal buildings, board airplanes, and enter into other vulnerable locations.
Driver’s licenses allow individuals to purchase firearms, rent vehicles, and rent airplanes.
Lax standards and loopholes in existing systems also allow terrorists to obtain driver’s licenses and abuse the identity process.
In fact, the majority of the terrorists involved in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, used driver’s licenses to establish multiple false identities that allowed them to slide past law enforcement officials and violate security at U.S. airports.
States should not ever be allowed to issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants for these very reasons, in my opinion.
There is a reason for people becoming properly documented when they legally arrive in this country. If they are not here legally, they should punished and deported for the felons that they are.
To provide drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants is simply providing an open door to multiple abuse opportunities, many of which are obviously dangerous and a national security risk.
Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion. I strongly encourage any one who reads this to also voice their opinion to their state senator and congressperson in Lansing, and their U.S. senator and congressperson in Washington; unless of course we would like to see history repeat itself.
Dave Cleveland
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Being one of the co-founders of the new organization Independence Goes Green I wanted to write to ask for help.
We are half way to our goal of $10,000 to raise money to conduct an official poll to see if we have resident support in a millage to raise money for open space.
We intend to conduct this poll in February of 2008. The township has given us their support if we can get a favorable response to our poll, 60 percent or more.
In reading Conservation magazines from across the country, and studying this subject, I just wanted to emphasize three things.
1. Preserving open space raises property values.
2. People want to live where there is open space and parks.
3. Townships save tax money where there is open space.
There are many other reasons but perhaps these are the most important in today’s economy. If anyone would like to help, please send checks to Independence Goes Green, Box 1591, Clarkston Michigan 48347
Thomas Pytel
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Farm and Garden Club wishes to thank the Clarkston area residents for their overwhelming support of our recent Christmas Greens Market, which we held Saturday, Dec. 1, at The Church of the Resurrection.
As you know, we use these proceeds to beautify the community, so thank you for helping us to achieve our goal!
Anita Andes
Greens Market Chairman,
Clarkston Farm and Garden Club
Sincere thank you’s to those that stopped by to say ‘hello? and donate hats and gloves to our Giving Tree.
It was a nice way to get out of the cold, enjoy complimentary coffee, cocoa and cookies and support a good cause!
Lisa Jones
Coldwell Banker-Shooltz Realty
I can’t believe you would devote so much print in your Dec. 5 paper to Mr. Poole, the disgruntled ex-employee of NOTA. It’s obvious the man had desires to be the new director and was extremely upset when the new director, Pat Fitchena, was named. This man sounds like he set out to tear down this woman instead of being a supportive and helpful employee.
In spite of him, Pat Fitchena has brought great success to NOTA like it never had before. During her three years there, NOTA has received $1.5 million for their operation when they were on the verge of bankruptcy when she first arrived on the scene.
Employees were wasting incredible amounts of time and doing their own thing, sometimes disappearing and no one knowing where they were. When Pat came on board, she had to tighten up the ship before it sank. She had to be a tough leader to get NOTA operating the way it should and that made some of the employees very unhappy.
It sounds as though this Mr. Poole is trying his best to ruin the wonderful reputation of Ms. Fitchena!
I ask you, why did this man go to the township supervisor instead of to the NOTA board directly?
I ask you, why did Mr. Poole (if he is indeed the letter writer) wait this long and only submitted this letter after he was denied unemployment which Ms. Fitchena fought against him receiving?
Why is he making all of these allegations that turn out to be untruths?
It’s apparent Mr. Poole is a valley of misinformation and has made many incorrect accusations against NOTA and against Pat Fitchena. Examples being the safety of the vehicles (always inspected as required by law) and what Pat Fitchena does when she is away from the office (she’s attending numerous business meetings with potential donors and possible supporters for NOTA.)
Pat has dedicated a great portion of her life to Oxford. She is a true giver of herself and of her time. She has been a trustee for 16 years, also on the Planning Commission for several years and now the director of NOTA. She was nominated for the Business Woman of the Year award and has been a great advocate for the future of Oxford’s senior citizens.
It is a tremendous shame that this man and his cohorts have received this much attention as they try to destroy the reputation of a woman as fine and dedicated as Pat Fitchena is.
Sharon Muradian
Orion Twp.
Dear Editor,
I can’t believe you would devote so much print in your Dec. 5 paper to Mr. Poole, the disgruntled ex-employee of NOTA. It’s obvious the man had desires to be the new director and was extremely upset when the new director, Pat Fitchena, was named. This man sounds like he set out to tear down this woman instead of being a supportive and helpful employee.
In spite of him, Pat Fitchena has brought great success to NOTA like it never had before. During her three years there, NOTA has received $1.5 million for their operation when they were on the verge of bankruptcy when she first arrived on the scene.
Employees were wasting incredible amounts of time and doing their own thing, sometimes disappearing and no one knowing where they were. When Pat came on board, she had to tighten up the ship before it sank. She had to be a tough leader to get NOTA operating the way it should and that made some of the employees very unhappy.
It sounds as though this Mr. Poole is trying his best to ruin the wonderful reputation of Ms. Fitchena!
I ask you, why did this man go to the township supervisor instead of to the NOTA board directly?
I ask you, why did Mr. Poole (if he is indeed the letter writer) wait this long and only submitted this letter after he was denied unemployment which Ms. Fitchena fought against him receiving?
Why is he making all of these allegations that turn out to be untruths?
It’s apparent Mr. Poole is a valley of misinformation and has made many incorrect accusations against NOTA and against Fitchena. Examples being the safety of the vehicles (always inspected as required by law) and what Fitchena does when she is away from the office (she’s attending numerous business meetings with potential donors and possible supporters for NOTA.)
Pat has dedicated a great portion of her life to Oxford. She is a true giver of herself and of her time. She has been a trustee for 16 years, also on the Planning Commission for several years and now the director of NOTA. She was nominated for the Business Woman of the Year award and has been a great advocate for the future of Oxford’s senior citizens.
It is a tremendous shame that this man and his cohorts have received this much attention as they try to destroy the reputation of a woman as fine and dedicated as Pat Fitchena.
— Sharon Muradian
Dear Editor,
I found the opinion of Michelle Tynan very interesting, as one seldom has the opportunity of knowing the artist’s point of view, especially on what is a very public piece of art.
I would also like to congratulate James Sherman Sr. for being a patron of the arts and allowing this work to grow and change.
At the last City Council meeting, a resident of Independence Township complained about how long this was taking and that the artist had a sign advertising herself. The sign could be in violation of local zoning and should be dealt with accordingly.
As far as how long a work of art should take, I would think it takes until it is done. I actually think the ongoing show may be as entertaining as the final product and certainly is not harming anyone.
How often do any of us have the opportunity to watch an artist’s work grow and progress?
My congratulations to Mr. Sherman and Ms. Tynan for doing considerably more than a plain beige wall.
And the big question as to whether this will be judged as ‘art? or not, I suppose that is something for future opinions in this newspaper. I will always praise the effort.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We may be looking at our last opportunity to save some critical rural areas in Northwestern Oakland County. Proliferation of malls, hospitals, sub-divisions, pharmacies and other businesses are eating up our open space, stressing the infrastructure and increasing congestion.
Most of us chose to live here for the rural, pastoral views and way of life. It is now fast disappearing and we should take action to retain some natural areas and open space for our kids and grandkids and to maintain our quality of life.
I urge everyone to get involved with land conservancies, sportsman clubs, the Clinton and Huron River watershed groups, Clarkston Watershed Group, etc. to support action. If everyone starts speaking up our political leaders will get on the band wagon.
Jim Reed
Dear Editor,
A lot of young men and women, as well as their parents think that enlisting into the military is an automatic death sentence; but is that the reality of it?
Well, to be frank, no. Young men and women that enlist into the US Air Force are actually 3.5 times safer in Iraq than they are roaming the “safe” streets of America!
Two researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study that found Airmen deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom had 0.37 deaths per thousand people compared to 1.32 deaths per thousand for the US population aged 20 to 34.
What does that mean? Civilian adults at home are 3 ? times more likely to die than Airmen currently deployed!
Obviously this number is higher in the bigger cities. But why is this the case? Because through Basic Training and the Air Force environment kids are forced to mature quickly and become responsible citizens who are less likely to take unnecessary risks, our supervisors and leaders look out for the safety of those in their charge and countless other safety precautions in place.
The study looked at the deaths of service men and women in Iraq from March 20th 2003 and September 30th 2006. During that time the Air Force only lost 26 Airmen. How many people tragically lost their lives in Oakland County during that period? Contact your local Air Force recruiter to learn more about this as well as the 100% tuition assistance that the Air Force offers at 248-625-1266.
Sources: Air Forces Times article by Erik Holmes; Study by Emily Buzzell and Samuel Preston of the University of Pennsylvania.
Jonathon E. Zolnai, SSgt, USAF
Enlisted Accessions Recruiter
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter as a call to action for all citizens of Independence Township.
I have heard the following statements many times.
Beaumont’s proposal is dead, isn’t it?
Now that McLaren is approved, Beaumont won’t be.
Oh, I thought Beaumont had dropped that proposal.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Beaumont is just getting started in looking for approval and we all need to speak up & say NO. No, we will not change our community to better fit into your plans and become the new North Troy or Upper Royal Oak.
On Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. at the Independence Township Library, Beaumont Hospital is presenting, to the Planning Commission, a plan that will forever change the face of our community. Those of us that live near the proposed site are asking for the assistance of every person that lives in Independence Township to show up and stop them.
Does Beaumont want to come to Clarkston for the money? Sure. Does Beaumont want to come to Clarkston to combat McLaren from cutting into their Oakland County business & patient market? Sure. Does Beaumont act as if they are doing us a favor by coming to Clarkston? Sure. But are these the reasons I believe Beaumont has no place in Clarkston, specifically the 63 acres at Exit 91? Please remember Clarkston Exit 91 – M-15 ? Main Street. Are these reasons I believe Beaumont shouldn’t be approved?
No, business is business. The reason I believe the Beaumont project shouldn’t be approved, is because Beaumont is asking our township to change our community to fit their needs.
The 63 acre Beaumont Hospital proposal is currently 30+ acres zoned as commercial office (OS2) ‘the Pit? & 32+ acres zoned as residential acreage (R1-A). The 32 acres of residential property doesn’t include five additional acres their facility partner is actively & aggressively attempting to purchase on Cranberry Lake Road. Let’s round it up to 37 acres of residential acreage for argument purposes. The Beaumont Hospital proposal is asking our community to rezone the residential property from residential acreage to commercial office. The approved McLaren project actually upgraded some of the property zoning from commercial industrial to commercial office. Beaumont is attempting to force a large square peg into a small round hole. Why? Please see the paragraph above.
Clarkston has prepared for growth. The Sashabaw business corridor was designed for projects of this size, not Main Street. The Beaumont Hospital plan does not meet the guidelines & expectations of the proposed PUD (Planned Unit Development) they are asking for. Changing the property zoning, changes everything in our community.
I challenge everyone to drive down Sashabaw where the approved McLaren project will be located. The Sashabaw business corridor. Commercial property on a two lane avenue w/ turn arounds to control additional traffic. Then drive down M-15/Main Street & Cranberry Lake Road. Two lanes to control the highway exit traffic which quickly pear down to single lanes. One way up the hill to the elementary school and the other way leading right into Downtown Clarkston. All the way surrounded by residential property. Will this all change in our community if the Beaumont Hospital is approved? Yes. Do you think Beaumont will stop with this? How about the property across the street where the hotel was voted down a few years ago? Beaumont can add that to their ‘community hospital? project. Why not a Beaumont highway exit right off I-75 on to Holcomb Road? Won’t happen? Can’t happen? Please take a ride down to M-59 & Dequirdre in Troy if you don’t believe it can.
Are you ready for increased traffic everyday? Are you ready for more traffic lights on M-15/Main Street? Are you ready for Main Street to be widened to two lanes right into downtown? Are you ready for every short-cut seeker driving down your residential street looking for the next great ‘cut-through? to avoid traffic? Are you ready for increased noise and light pollution? Are you ready for a Genesys Hospital type parking lot here on Main Street? Are you ready for this rezoning precedent to be established in Independence Township? If this precedent is established, do you think this will be the last time our community will be asked to sell-out? Are you ready to change the small town atmosphere of Clarkston that we all cherish?
Please mark your calendars and make a difference. Tell Beaumont ‘No thank you,? Dec. 13, Independence Township Library, 7:30 p.m.
Curtis Sosnowski
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
CJ’s would also like to thank the Lake Orion Police Association for their help with the successful Thanksgiving dinner, along with all of the groups and individuals that were thanked in last week’s letter.
— Carl and Joan Slomczenski
Dear Editor,
He would ignore his oath made to the people to uphold the Michigan State Constitution in order to abide by some Federal mandate and what was promised to public employees. That is what I was told in a return phone call from Jim Marleau, my Michigan representative.
Rep. Marleau called me on November 28 addressing my concern about school election dates being proposed. He then brought forth his disagreement with me on House Bill 4451 – the Health Care Trust Fund for government employees. Within this House Bill and companion bills is the unconstitutional denial of the people’s right to vote.
Representative Marleau told me that certain Lansing lawyers disagree with my assessment of the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment, Article IX, Sections 15 and 26 that mandates the right of the people to vote.
I faxed him a letter requesting copies of the attorney/s opinion/s along with the law/s and the date/s when enacted.
No law, act, bill or legislation can supersede our Michigan State Constitution. Any laws running counter to and preceding the passage of the 1978 Headlee Amendment were made null and void.
Representative Marleau’s first ‘promise? in office was to not only uphold the Michigan State Constitution, but along with that covenant he ‘promised? to stay within the boundary limitations that it places on government and all elected and appointed officials.
— Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
Well JoAnn Van Tassel, where shall thou goeth now?
I remember when I first moved to Orion Township in 1992. You were then the Orion Township Supervisor, seeking a fourth term, and history shows you were soundly defeated by former Clawson Mayor A. Douglas Brown.
I also remember why, or to put it more plain, the big reason why you lost that ?92 election: triple digit assessments on homeowners, properties and businesses.
The taxes here in Orion Township were one of the highest in Oakland County, considering what you received for your tax dollar. For example, you didn’t get trash pick-up and you had a volunteer fire department and the Oakland County Sheriff as your protection ? which makes your homeowner insurance rates higher.
Also, you had a reputation as being hardnosed and nasty if people didn’t agree with you or see things your way.
I will say one positive thing about you though, Ms. Van Tassel, you’re not two-faced. As the old saying goes, ‘What you see is what you get.? At least you stuck to what you believed in, whether I or the general population here in Orion agreed with some of your standards.
But the council of Lake Orion has spoken and that is woe of being a city or village manager, you serve at the pleasure of a mayor and/or council.
As you may be aware, Ms. Van Tassel, society is rapidly changing. The younger generation of today will have a different concept on how they want their society operating than their forefathers of 50 years ago.
One thing no one can take away from you, JoAnn Van Tassel, you are an original!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
Independence Trustee and Candidate for state representative of the 44Th district, Dan Kelly conveniently left out some important information while defending his supposed ‘savings? of our tax dollars on a new ‘temporary? senior center (‘New center was best solution,? Nov. 7).
Contrary to his claims, there were better choices than using $250,000 of our money to build a new ‘temporary? senior center. But those choices weren’t good enough for the ‘we won’t take no for an answer ? tax and spenders that continue to ignore the voters of Independence Township.
According to published reports, the other choices included the mothballed school on Maybee Rd. and a building at Baycourt Park. It was reported in your paper that the school on Maybee Rd. could have been renovated and used for a ‘temporary? senior center at a cost of $100,000. Instead it was quickly demolished. The decision to build the new ‘temporary? senior center by trustee Kelly was not a savings, it was a loss to taxpayers of $150,000.
The building at Baycourt Park was another choice that would have saved tax dollars, But instead of pursuing that option, officials claimed that it was ‘too far away? to be used as a senior center. Only now have we found out what it was ‘to far away? from. Turns out, the Baycourt building was ‘too far away? from being the brand new building they have always desired.
It was amazing to see how quickly the Maybee Rd. school house was demolished and removed after a $250,000 tax surplus was discovered and a proposal for a new building was quickly made. With it’s quick demolition, that option was taken off the table. Thanks to that decision taxpayers lost over $150,000
Our trustees continue to ignore the one option mentioned by Mr. Kelly that really would have saved taxpayers money. No senior center. Taxpayers have continually said that we do not want our tax dollars used to support a program that is used by a select group of 10 to 20 people.
And let’s not forget about the ‘savings? we’ve gotten since our trustees decided to hire a new law firm who’s fees are now double the costs of what the township was previously paying. Another example of trustee Kelly ‘saving? us money.
Only a career politician would have the gall to claim that he has saved taxpayers money by spending more money than was necessary to fund a program that we said we do not want. Claiming to have saved taxpayers money on this project is a ridiculous claim and one that won’t soon be forgotten by voters.
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Is backdoor politics at work in thwarting Independence Township’s attempt to spur economic development and create new jobs for the community? I think so.
For over 15 years, Independence Township has invested considerable money, time, and effort into developing the Sashabaw Corridor. As a result of that investment, the township was lucky enough to attract a world class medical center to be developed by McLaren Hospital and the Clarkston Medical Group.
The $600 million project headed up by McLaren and Dr. James O’Neill’s group is expected to create 4,000 jobs and be an anchor for years to come on the Sashabaw Corridor. The influx of these high paying jobs, as well as the benefits derived from having a local full-service medical center, was a major factor in the Township Board’s decision to create a Corridor Improvement Authority, ‘CIA.? Unfortunately, it appears the township’s efforts at beneficial economic development may be threatened by behind-the-door politics.
For over two years, Independence Township has worked on developing a fiscally modest CIA of local citizens to assist in the orderly and controlled development of beneficial projects, like the McLaren Medical Center.
Township officials have met with Oakland County representatives numerous times over the past two years to discuss their commitment to the Sashabaw CIA and its associated economic development.
Despite the county’s apparent support of the McLaren project and encouragement of the CIA, the county has delayed, and on no less than three occasions, changed the criteria for their approval of the Sashabaw CIA.
This constant changing of the CIA criteria has cost both the county and township taxpayers thousands of dollars in wasted fees and unnecessary expenses.
This is no time to play politics. The Independence Township Board has decided to no longer waste time and money by repeatedly responding to ever changing requests and politically motivated criteria. If necessary, we may have to go it alone.
Dan Kelly, Trustee
Independence Township Board
Dear Grandma and Grandpa Kroninger,
This is a letter that should have been written many years ago. I feel that I have so much to say. Well, here I go.
Grandma and Grandpa, I would like to say thank you for being there for Mark and I. I can say that I have many good stories to tell ? from breakfast at Grandma K’s, where she would make my brother Mark and I anything we wanted in the morning, from eggs in a blanket to French toast sticks and so on. She was not only a good cook, but a wonderful mother. I was fortunate to have two full-time mothers.
I have had many good memories with my grandmother. From playing cards and doing puzzles, and even teaching me how to knit. Most grandkids don’t like going to their grandparents? house, but even to this day, I still loved going to visit. The past three years, my grandmother was not doing very well, so my grandfather took care of her. It was hard because she was not always herself. I really missed her.
My grandfather has been the biggest role model in the world for me, not only as a great father, but a wonderful husband to the end, only I wish I could fill his shoe someday. My grandpa was like a father to me. He went to every sporting event I ever had. Anyone that knows my grandpa has probably heard a sports story about my brother and I. We had a tradition with my grandpa, he would take us deep sea fishing every year. It started off with the big ferry boats to private charters. My grandpa did these things for us because we loved it.
My grandpa quoted this all the time, and now I really know why he said it. He always said ‘he would rather do things for us now than when he is gone.? He really got a joy in seeing my brother and I love everything he did for us, and he did it a lot.
I still to this day think my brother and I are the luckiest people in the world for having such great grandparents. I just thought I would share just a few stories on how wonderful my grandma and grandpa were to Mark and I.
Ryan Austin
I am writing to alert Oxford Township and the Oxford Multi-Lakes (Tan, Squaw, Mickelson, Clear, Cedar, and Long Lakes) residents about the impact the Oxford Twp. Central Water System has on depleting our lake levels and in creating an impending financial liability for township residents.
Historically in Oxford Twp., the developer of a new housing project assumed financial responsibility to drill and set up a well water system on their property for the benefit of the housing units being built there. This was done for the Red Barn, Michelson Shores, Oxford Woods, and Oxford Oaks subdivisions.
For the Waterstone Development, the Oxford Twp. Board decided to combine township well systems and create a Township Central Water System. An $11 million water bond issue was authorized by the board.
Initially, the Michelson Shores? and Oxford Woods? well systems supplied the water needs for the early building and development of Waterstone. The Oxford Multi-Lakes residents began to notice a lake level drop but blamed this on the Drain Commission’s management of the lake level control and the amount of water allowed passing through the control dam.
The township board authorized drilling four new wells just north of the Tan Lake shore line and marsh area. With the Michelson Shores? two wells, there are now six wells, each within 50 feet of the Multi-Lakes? shore line and marsh area.
The four new wells came on line in April, 2007 – coincident with this year’s drastic loss of lake level. During the summer, approximately two million gallons per day were pumped from the Multi-Lakes? water basin into the Waterstone and the M-24 business development areas. This is approximately equal to filling six football fields with one foot of water at an average rate of 1,400 gallons per minute, and then doing it again every day of the summer.
Our homes and lake systems sit on very porous ground made up of gravel and peat beds. Common sense ought to tell us that when you pull two million gallons per day from the lake aquifer, gravity will pull water down through our lake bottom to replace this well water. The underground pressure loss also diminishes the flow of spring water that previously supplied our lake system.
I expect we will see even greater lake level losses as Waterstone continues to develop and the township central water system is further expanded to other new businesses and development projects.
We need to do some things differently and we need to question how we are spending our tax dollars. The following highlights a couple recommendations and questions for thought and action.
The Multi-Lakes? level control dam gates are being replaced because there is a risk of impending failure. No engineering expert or elected official is willing to guarantee that these repairs will restore our lake levels. These repairs are being assessed on the backs of residents living in a lake district that was established back in 1975. Shouldn’t the new township central water system users be included in paying for the cost of the dam repairs and lake level maintenance?
The current well head usage strategy should be adjusted to minimize the water pull from the wells located next to the Multi-Lakes? shore line. Unfortunately, there are only two wells at Oxford Woods and these wells can not carry the full central water system load.
A summer lawn and outside water usage ban for the township central water system should be initiated. Multi-Lakes water should not be used to start and green lawns in the Waterstone gravel pit area.
The township must investigate and drill new wells in the north end of the Waterstone development (outside the Multi-Lakes? drainage basin) and make these wells the primary supply source for the Waterstone and M-24 development area.
There are quiet conversations and rumors that the $11 million Oxford water bond will default. New home and business development has slowed and there are not enough new township central water system connections and users to pay off the $11 million bond debt. What is the current financial report and projections for this bond? Should life-long township residents have to assume financial responsibility for something that new building developers should have paid for? Maybe the historical approach of each new development providing their own water source was right.
It is time to get involved, ask questions and demand answers. An Oxford Multi-Lakes District Association is being formed to marshal our collective voices and voting power to impact positive change and action. Please contact Larry and Yvonne Dudley at (248) 431-7621 to get involved and lend your support.
Harvey Westley
Oxford
I am probably playing with fire as my husband would say ? but I think C.J. Carnacchio is watching too many Geraldo investigative reports dealing with corrupt officials abusing tax dollars.
Wow ? I never thought I would be called an overpaid, arrogant, out-of-touch, fat faced public servant selfishly living off the public trough. Well maybe fat faced ? that was fair. And I thought being a cartoon in my hometown paper or the Apple Dumpling Gang photo ? which hangs proudly in my office ? couldn’t be topped!
This reminds me of another time long, long ago ? during my first term of office. I never went to any conferences then ? too busy spending all my own time and money fighting a corrupt police department and its governing board while being hung out to dry by a runaway media. When the dust settled trustees were forced to attend OPFEC/ OESA meeting after meeting, month after month ? all for free ? just like C.J. would do.
Now, I’m not complaining because this is my town too and you do what you have to do. When the good old boys and their chief and leaders were no more, Oxford taxpayers realized a substantial savings ? probably enough to pay for all conventions long after I’m dead and gone. Hmmmm ? I think my face was fat even then.
Unfortunately, I’m not equipped any more to drive 10 hours back and forth to Detroit in rush hour traffic for four days straight and I can’t get any friends to foot the motel bill as I have in the past. From my experience, no money is saved by cutting education and expecting people to do a good job.
Your local elected and appointed officials come to office blind because they’re just ordinary taxpayers like C.J. They need to be trained. And sometimes with education comes mileage, motel rooms, food, etc. Depending on what jobs you are assigned, some officials need more training, some less in order to keep up with ever changing rules and laws ? that affect you. My personal choice is the January MTA conference because it is all inclusive of my job duties and I’m for lumping it all together to save time and money.
There are conferences and various governmental classes all year. If life was an internet classroom, as C.J. suggests, then we could close up all our colleges, fire all our teachers and just sit back and surf the world free web. We’d all be geniuses ? for free! Unfortunately, if you look around you’ll see that life just doesn’t work that way.
And will folks have fun at the conference? No ? we all sit around like a bunch of ogres and when the day is done, we march off to solitary assignment (wink, wink) to our rooms for fear an investigative reporter might report that yes ? we’re just like him at the end of the day.
C.J. like everyone else is entitled to his own opinion. I laugh at his antics ? approve of some, frown at others and admit I love to read them. I certainly don’t worry about them. I know that Oxford voters will elect or boot out candidates based on their voting history and job performance ? not because they go to seminars or have a fat face.
And when C.J. reminds you all who went to MTA ? maybe he’ll also list who voted for what and who didn’t ? who got rich ? who didn’t ? the important stuff ? because it’s free information and we the people want to know.
Sue Bellairs, Oxford
Dear Editor,
Oxford/Orion FISH wishes to thank all those who contributed to our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
We would like to thank all those schools, students and parents who brought food for those who now can have a great dinner for the holidays.
Also, we owe a debt of thanks to the Forbidden Wheels Motor Club, who donated 50 turkeys to the pantry for distribution to our clients.
Thanks also goes out to the many people who helped transport the food to the pantry, sort it and pack the many bags of Thanksgiving fare.
We especially would like to show our appreciation to the National Honor Societies from Oxford and Lake Orion High Schools.
This year, we will distribute 209 turkey dinners with all the trimmings, including cherry or pumpkin pie, to our less fortunate neighbors.
Most of all, we wish to thank the loyal volunteers of FISH, who spend many hours of their weeks, often daily, to help us provide for the needy of our community, especially at this time of year.
— Oxford/Orion FISH
Dear Editor,
There’s something you should know regarding your phone number.
Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and you will be given the person’s name and address.
If you then hit MapQuest, you will get a map to the person’s house. Everyone should be aware of this! It’s a nationwide reverse telephone book.
If a child gives out his/her phone number, someone can now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious and alarming.
Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tried my number and it came up along with the MapQuest and directions straight to our house.
I did fill out the removal form for myself and I encourage you all to do the same.
In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to google.com, type your phone number in the search bar and hit enter.
If you want to block Google from divulging your private information, complete the removal form. Removal takes 48 hours.
Check your own number and, although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact, you may know someone who needs to know this.
— Roy Blankenburg
Dear Editor,
It’s about time.
I moved out of the Orion area partly because of the total ineffectiveness of the village council, and the abysmal traffic on Lapeer Road.
A governmental body that tables every possible issue for further review; until they can ‘find? some obscure reason for saying ‘no? is not providing community service to anyone except council members themselves. Which is what many citizens of Lake Orion suspect is every council member’s primary motivation in running for office in the first place.
Every other small Hamlet within earshot of Lake Orion sees progress and life-style improvements… but not Lake Orion. Look at how lovely Oxford has become.
As an example, I give you the big ‘Charette? conducted by the village council and paid for by taxpayers several years ago, which was supposed to be a catalyst for improvement in our community.
All it did was line the pockets of the vendor.
I’m still waiting to see the implementation of the first ?30 day action plan? suggested by the high dollar city planner hired by the council. What a CHARADE!
The village needs new leadership and now is a good opportunity to bring new life to the underachieving village council.
— Gavin Dooley
Dear Editor,
It is what it is! And I am not convinced yet.
Don’t get me wrong I like JoAnn Van Tassel, I have known her for many years and I truly believe she has done a lot of very good things here. But the only thing moving forward in the Village is my taxes.
How many thousands of dollars have we spent on studies, Charettes, master plans and now ordinances. And nothing seems to be going anywhere. It’s gridlock and I am paying for it dearly in my tax dollars.
If I am going to pay as much as I do in taxes – it’s time for some action. Enough is enough.
In the 16 years I have lived in the Village of Lake Orion, not once have I had a Village Council member or candidate ever come to my house or ask for my opinion on the street, yet all of the existing council seem to ‘have their hand on the pulse of the Village.?
Would that be the pulse of the Village of Lake Orion Downtown residents in the DDA or is that the pulse of the Village of LAKE ORION who live on the water and pay substantially higher taxes for everything, yet get no service or support from the Village of Lake Orion as a whole?
Guess I’ll vote with my feet…Oh forgot, I can’t sell my house either, my taxes are too high!
— Lisa & Jeff Simpkins
Dear Editor,
Thanksgiving dinner at CJ’s was a big success.
A big thank you goes out again this year to the Flaming Pistons Car Club, Oldies D.J. and all the cruisers that supported the weekly car cruise nights in the Lake Orion/Oxford area. Their very generous donation is appreciated very much.
Thanks also to CJ’s employees, loyal customers, Lake Orion Lions Club, Lake Orion Police Association, Hanson’s Running Shop, Caramagno Foods, Tom & Son Dairy, Del Bene Produce, Knights of Columbus, Metropolital Baking Co., Snug Harbor, Alice P. Young, C.P.A., Betty Spezia and Carl Schreiber.
Also, thanks to Jacobsen’s Florists for the beautiful center pieces and the children from Christ the Redeemer who made the beautiful placemats.
The wait staff was remarkable thanks to all of our young helpers and all of the volunteers who helped make this event possible. Your time and hard work are very much appreciated.
Leftover food was taken to the Grace Temple Missionary in Pontiac. All leftover monies will be donated to various charities.
Thanks again!
–Carl and Joan Slomczenski
C.J.’s
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Lake Orion Education Foundation, I want to thank The Lake Orion Review for all of their support.
You have done an amazing job of helping us get the word out to the Lake Orion Community about the Foundation.
Thank you for your promotion and coverage of our events and grant distributions. Our most recent event was on Nov. 10, ‘An Evening for Education 2,? where we were able to raise over $20,000.
LOEF’s next event is ‘Golf Fore Kids 3? at Devil’s Ridge
on June 17, 2008. We look forward to working with The Review on this event also.
— Karen Appledorn
Chairperson, LOEF’s
‘Evening for Education 2
Dear Editor,
Being a cyclist, as well as a frequent driver on Michigan roads, I find Ms. Allen’s approach to bicycle/automobile safety disturbing.
First, Ms. Allen claims that cyclists do not pay to operate their chosen mode of transportation on the roads. This is not true. While we may not pay to operate our bicycles on the road, a clear supermajority of cyclists do pay the required registration fees required to operate motor vehicles on the road.
Second, Ms. Allen attempts to make the argument that bikes should not be on the road because they have less metal than a car. She further cites an example of why it is safe for a large, slow moving farm tractor to use the road, offering the reason that it is composed of more metal than a standard automobile.
This argument fails on its face. If the legality of a vehicle to operate on the road were determined by the size of the vehicle, with reference to the comparable size of other vehicles on the road, many vehicles would not be permitted to operate on public roadways.
Following the logic of Ms. Allen’s argument, are we to believe that a motorcycle should not be allowed to ride on a public road for the simple reason that it will ‘lose? in a collision with a standard car? Or, utilizing the same logic, should we ban the use of semi-trucks, since they will decidedly ‘win? in a collision with any other type of vehicle, other than another semi-truck?
I doubt that Ms. Allen seriously intends either one of these suggestions, but they only demonstrate the logical flaws in her argument.
Rather than criticizing cyclists as a general group, Ms. Allen should instead direct her criticism at the poorly dressed cyclist that she encountered. Indeed, this individual was operating in facial violation of the law, and should have been appropriately punished.
But, the answer is not to require cyclists to move off of the road, or to simply yield to vehicular traffic. Instead, the answer is, and is in fact implemented by the majority of ‘cyclists? (which term, does not by itself include all of those who ride bicycles; would you consider a 10 year old to be a ‘cyclist??) to operate in a safe manner, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, on the public roads.
Further, the argument that cyclists should not operate on the road because others may be ‘high, drunk, or yapping on a cell phone? begs the question.
Should a person really avoid using a public facility because the conduct of another might detrimentally affect their use of that facility? The answer, I think, is no.
To abide by this principle would be to no longer operate ANY vehicle on ANY roadway, for the sole reason that there ‘might? be people out there operating any number of vehicles in a careless fashion. Clearly, this is no solution.
I think that Ms. Allen’s rage might be better directed at ensuring proper enforcement of existing traffic laws, and more efficiently sharing the road with other members of the community.
Finally, her argument that cyclists should not ride two abreast when it might impede traffic is in conflict with the plain language of ‘What every Michigan Bicyclist should know? which states in part, that riding two abreast is permissible ‘when lane width permits.? This does not imply that riding two abreast is only permissible when there is a designated bike lane (which are sorely lacking in most of Michigan), but only limits the permissibility based on exceedingly narrow traffic lanes.
As I have yet to come across a traffic lane in Michigan that is less than 8 feet wide, with the majority of traffic lanes being 11 or 12 feet wide, it seems quite reasonable for two cyclists to ride abreast when riding on the road. This helps to fulfill a safety goal (which is at the heart of Ms. Allen’s tirade) by making the cyclists more visible to other traffic.
After all, most will concede that two motorcyclists riding side by side in one lane are much more visible than one riding solo. By riding two abreast, the cyclists achieve their goal of enjoying the benefit of their transportation, and at the same time are able to perform it as safely as possible, given the circumstances.
Concededly, traffic might be somewhat impeded by one cyclist, or two riding in the lane. However, few people seriously complain about a properly signed horse-drawn buggy using a traffic lane, and that occupies the entire lane.
The underlying fact hiding in Ms. Allen’s rant is that she does not want to be inconvenienced by somebody operating a more eco-friendly, albeit slower, method of transportation than she chooses to operate. This point is underscored by her (thinly) veiled threat at the close of her article, ‘All I can say is you’ve been warned, since you seem to lack common sense to begin with.?
Does she mean to suggest that she is no longer going to provide cyclists with their legally granted rights, without respect for their safety? Sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
— Bryan Smith
Dear Editor,
The 2007 winter real and personal property tax bills will be mailed by Dec. 1 and will be due by Feb. 14 without penalty. The total winter millage is 7.3431 mills, compared to 8.8839 mills on last winter’s bill.
To determine the winter tax bill, most residents can multiply their taxable value by 7.3431 mills. The exception will be for those who have any special assessments. These special assessments could include such items as street lighting, drains, lake boards, road paving projects, water, or sewer projects.
The tax bill will not include any county operating millage. Over the last three years, the county operating millage of 4.19 mills has been shifted from the winter to summer with the final 1.39 mills being placed on the 2007 summer tax bills.
In addition, the Independence Township Board of Trustees voted not to override any of millage reductions due to the Headlee Amendment roll back. That amounted to reducing township tax rates from 7.0378 mills last year to 6.8870 mills this year. There will be .2415 mills for Oakland County Parks and .2146 mills for Huron Clinton Metro Parks to complete the total 7.3431 mills. The two park millages have been and will continue to appear on the winter bill.
Dog licenses for 2008 will be available at the Treasurer’s Office starting in December. Owners of current licensed dogs will be receiving a post card in the mail from Oakland County Animal Control.
Please bring the post card as well as a current rabies certificate and sterilization papers with you when you are purchasing the dog’s license. You may wish to call the Treasurer’s Office at 248-625-5111 ext. 211 to confirm we have received the tags from the county.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township treasurer
Dear editor,
In reading Dan Kelly’s letter regarding his actions on the building of the senior center in Clarkston (‘New center was best solution,? page 6A, Nov. 7), I feel he missed the most salient point in all of the backlash directed at him and the current board.
Dan Kelly and the Township Board want to be lauded and applauded for a job well done in the construction of the new senior center. He waxes eloquent on the money savings and the safety of the new building and how brave the board was to finally address this longstanding issue the voters had repeatedly turned down to fix.
The problem, Mr. Kelly, is the board, in a typical government response, tried to get the voters to spend millions for a center you already had the funds to provide.
We were threatened with park and program closures unless we complied with giving more money.
The cherry on top, of course, was the repeated title of the ‘new temporary senior center? in every article written in the last three months as if to remind us that we owe them a better facility in the future.
As a hard working taxpayer, I feel quite vindicated in my belief that I pay quite enough in taxes already, thank you, and obviously the money appeal was a big farce.
I truly hope the township budgets its money wisely in the future because they will have a hard sell convincing anyone they need a tax increase. I know I won’t believe anything anyone on the board says for some time to come.
They should all be ashamed of the theatrics and out right lies they told simply to get what their greedy hearts wanted. I’m delighted the seniors have a new safe building but they should thank all the people in Clarkston for it, not just the Township Board.
They would have had it sooner if more level headed people were involved.
Mary Walker
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Recently, the Independence Township Board of Trustees passed revisions to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance that will effectively control keyholing on the township’s lakes.
Residents of many of the township’s lakes helped support this effort, and we are grateful to them.
At the meeting of the Deer Lake Property Owners Association Board of Directors on Nov. 2, 2007, we unanimously voted to thank the members of the township board for finally passing, after a 20-year struggle, the amendment to the township zoning ordinance that will regulate keyholing on Independence Township’s lakes.
Congratulations to all of the board for this significant action, which will help preserve the lakes and maintain water safety, while not compromising the existing rights of the township’s riparian owners.
We are also indebted to Stuart Cooney, Steve Joppich, and Dick Carlisle who helped to make it happen.
The key to implementation of the adopted anti-keyholing provisions now lies in the hands of the township’s Planning Commission.
Unfortunately, the planning commission twice voted to turn down the proposed anti-keyholing amendment.
We are hopeful that, in the future, they will act with the best interests of the township in mind, as expressed by the township board’s actions.
Gene English, president
Deer Lake Property Owners Association
Dear Editor,
Let’s set the record straight with regard to the new Independence Township Senior Center.
For over 25 years, Independence Township has run its senior center programs out of a dilapidated and unsafe farmhouse located at Clintonwood Park. Despite thousands of dollars on a yearly basis to shore up the poorly constructed farmhouse, the building, which was neither fully handicap accessible nor even safe for the seniors who occupied it, was in need of structural improvements and simply was unfit for its current use.
In short, no private entity would have been allowed by the township or any government to use this old farmhouse for the kind of activities run at the senior center.
Over the past 10 or 15 years, several dedicated citizens have worked hard on various proposals and millages to improve this condition. Most recently, Tom Stone and Mel Varra attempted to convert an old school building for senior programs.
Additionally, substantial millages were proposed to operate and build far more extensive senior center or community center projects. At the end of the day, the voters rejected the multimillion dollar millage increases.
The Township Board was forced to deal with the longstanding issue of continuing to operate its senior center programs out of an unsafe and unfit building.
I am proud to have been part of a board that faced the issue head-on and, with the invaluable help and expertise of Building Director Dave Belcher and Planning Commissioner Sam Moraco, built an economical and modest senior center.
For less than $200,000, the senior center building was constructed and subsequently appraised at more than $350,000.
We also improved the existing parking lot, which added much needed parking to Clintonwood Park. Finally, the Carriage House was completely renovated to allow for the entire community’s use as a meeting place.
Having completed the project with the help of volunteers and dramatically reduced contractor costs, the township has significantly reduced the inefficient operating and energy costs of the old senior center.
In other words, our solution saved the taxpayers of Independence Township millions of dollars when compared to any other proposal on the table. The only other ‘solution? would have been to have no senior center at all.
This was not viewed by the board or myself as a political issue.
When faced with problems, we cannot stick our heads in the sand. If we have made a commitment to run senior programs, there is a related cost and responsibility to do so safely.
As a board, we met the needs of our senior programs in the most efficient way possible. My advocacy of a part-time state legislature and my run for state representative is based on our need to increase government efficiencies and reduce wasteful spending on overpaid politicians, without eliminating a community’s basic services to its residents, such as our seniors.
The new senior center is an example of maximizing those efficiencies.
Dan Kelly
Trustee, Independence Township Board
Candidate for State Rep., 44th District
Dear Editor,
This is a great project (‘Modern ideas for historic building,? page A12, Oct. 31) and something that will serve both these young students and The Clarkston News building well into the future.
That they are also working with a historic building is even better for them, Clarkston, and our history. May I suggest that they, or a future team, also consider Clarkston’s history and the Clarkston Mills Mall?
The mill is where it all started, it was powered by water, not fossil fuels, and most of it is still in place.
There is also an abundance of water at the Mill and Mill Pond which are both very close to 5 S. Main Street.
Perhaps geothermal for 5 S. Main or perhaps hydroelectric in cooperation with the Mill?
I wish these students the best of luck and hopeThe Clarkston News continues to report on their efforts.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
We just want to say what a nice article it was about Katelyn and Jenna Coats (‘Athletes of the Week,? page 16A, Oct. 24).
It was very informative and well put together.
We know how hard the girls worked to get to where they are now, as OAA champs. You’re a winning team and we are so proud of all of you.
We sincerely appreciate your coverage of our team.
Gramps and Gram
Roger and Rose Landry
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
A special thank you to the following contractors and individuals who made the Independence Township Senior Activity Center possible: Advance Asphalt, Accurate Sitework, AFCO Manufacturing, American Container, Andersen Window, Automated Building Components, Bailey’s Crafted Cabinetry, Burke Building, Cacho Masonry, C.A.Scott & Son Excavating, C&J Caulking, City Electric Supply, CJS Mechanical Inc., Clarkston Tree Service, Creative Ceiling, DMB Building, Drayton Plywood, Dynamic Poured Walls, Extreme Electric, First Rate Plumbing, Gale/Proside, Hogan Excavating, Hunt Construction, Karen’s Advance Carpet, L&H Plumbing, Martini & Associates, Mossoian Painting, Muraca Building, Northern Comfort Systems, Northern Construction Services, North Oakland Trim, Oxbowindo, Paint Creek Tile, R.Santia & Son Inc., Service Glass, Sherwin Williams, Smede & Sons Steel Supplies, Smooth Finish Concrete, V-Wall Drywall, Wauncom Communication, West Friendship Material, and Wimsatt Building Materials;
Township Board, Supervisor David H. Wagner, Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen, Treasurer James R. Wenger, Trustee Charles E. Dunn, Trustee Daniel J. Kelly, Trustee Larry Rosso, and Trustee Daniel F. Travis;
Construction Managers David Belcher and Sam Moraco; and
Facility Maintenance, Anthony Hool, Brandon Wyke, John Smith, Kevin Daniels, and Scott Lenhart.
David Belcher
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
In regards to the Letter to the Editor from Laura Allen, it is a misconception that cyclists must ride on the white fog line.
According to Michigan law, cyclists, with only a few exceptions, have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. They are only required to ride as far to the right as ‘practicable.?
That means they are not required to ride through potholes, glass, gravel or other debris on the road. There are also other circumstances (such as alongside parked cars or where the lane is too narrow to share with motor vehicles) where the cyclist is allowed to ‘take the lane.?
By law, cyclists are also allowed to ride two abreast. And when making a left turn, cyclists can also ride in the left and left turn lanes.
To her point that some cyclists just do not know how to properly ride in traffic. I wholeheartedly agree. As a League of American Bicyclists Certified Cycling Instructor, I see many cyclists that don’t ride with traffic, don’t stop for stop signs or traffic lights, or don’t have proper equipment for riding at night (a headlight and rear reflector is mandated by law).
I agree that any cyclist breaking the law needs to be ticketed. However, before you start throwing stones, be sure you know what the law is. Even some police are ignorant of traffic laws as they apply to bicyclists.
Concerning her statement about cyclists using ‘bike paths,? you are four times more likely to be involved in an accident on a multi-user path than on the road due to the mix of users. Many cyclists ride at speeds above 18 miles an hour, which when mixed with walkers, skaters, children, and people with dogs and strollers, can be a recipe for disaster.
Additionally, some cyclists are not just riding for exercise but are commuting to jobs and riding on errands. Bike paths are not everywhere, nor do they go to every destination. In fact, bicyclists do need to ‘Share the Road? properly, as do cars.
Laura probably does not feel the school bus or the farm tractor is not sharing the road. Everyone needs to respect everyone else’s right to the road to avoid conflicts.
Bikes and Cars: Same roads, Same rules, Same rights and responsibilities.
— Al Lauland
Dear Editor,
I am an Orion resident and have served on the P&R Advisory Board for over five years. I am confident that Rock Blanchard did nothing wrong with regard to allowing fill to be donated to the community and used at Friendship Park, despite debris or clay with small amounts of impurities.
I hate to see him used as political fodder considering how hard he has worked-overtime and special projects as well-for the community.
For years I have been subjected to abusive bullying tactics by Will Wilsher and his soccer supporters, primarily’Delores Giekere, who gives a lot of support to Jill Bastian to be heard directly by Ms. Bastian instead of Rock when they don’t get their way. They act as if their political support entitles them to direct access to the Board for their petty issues.?
Unlike other communities, OOSL is independent from the Township. The club and its affiliate, LOBOS, want to control local soccer and keep other clubs out of ‘their territory? by political control. It must be money at the core, or else they would just let the Township run the program (soccer).
Several years ago my son was involved with a new club, Lake Orion Dragons, and had to overcome Delores and Will to obtain any field access, despite the club having all LO residents. Only Rock and Mr. Dywasuk were supportive.
They (the soccer clubs seeking control) have never forgiven Rock (or Jerry) for allowing my son’s team to exist and have access to the townships resources (that we all pay for). Isn’t it odd that Mr. Wilsher would vehemently oppose allowing children to play travel soccer in their own town by forming their own club with a different view than OOSL or LOBOS? Will Wilsher is the soccer club hatchet man.
In order’to control local soccer, the clubs feel that they need to get Rock out of P&R. They want to’run this’aspect of Parks and Recreation instead of working with Parks and Recreation like other organizations.
Rock has always tried to be fair, but LOBOS and OOSL demand control. Since Will and Burke Cueny get support from these organizations (Cueny lives down the street from Steve Alliston of LOBOS), they are champions of any cause for the clubs, including getting rid of Rock.
How far will they go to seize control? This August, Steve Alliston threatened to sue me when it was determined that the field access could no longer be tilted in favor of local clubs without jeopardizing state funding for the Township. He wrongly suspected I represented one of the outside clubs looking for field space in LO (Metro Stars). I don’t, but the point is made by the threat.
The Board and the P&R Committee were only reacting to state law mandates to either share fields equally amongst local and out of town clubs or fund your community’s operations without state funds.
In essence, Steve Alliston, Will Wilsher and their soccer crowd think that the community should jeopardize its funding to continue favoring the local soccer clubs in terms of soccer field access.
I fear people like Will Wilsher who use politics as a weapon. He stood up at a recent meeting and announced safety concerns over’the contents of the clay’material on the Friendship Park’field site. He tried to scare the public for no reason as the risk of friable fibers from the clay is negligible. He either did not do his homework or he just wanted to scare people unnecessarily for his purposes. What he is doing is disgusting. He cares not for the community, but only for himself and his narrow interests.
I am certain Rock Blanchard did nothing wrong. He is just in the way of strong political interests willing to run him down. They are the ones who should be investigated, not Rock Blanchard.’Just follow the soccer money and you will find your answer.
— Joe Bird
Dear Editor,
The Orion Firefighters Association would like to thank Kroger Food & Pharmacy, located on Lapeer Road in Lake Orion, for their generous Halloween donation.
Each year, our Firefighters Association opens the doors to the fire hall in the village to area trick-or-treaters, offering refreshments and a chance to win a door prize.
Thanks to Blaine, Mike and Stan, Kroger managers, we had plenty of apple cider and cookies for all the kiddies to enjoy.
— The Orion Firefighters Association
Dear Editor,
After reading ‘County announces plan to build home for Schraugers,? (in the Oct. 31 edition of The Review) hopefully I should be touched that we still have some people out there that have feelings and compassion for their fellow human beings.
True, this is a tragedy that should never happen to anyone. Nor can anything be more devastating than losing a home to a fire or Mother Nature’s sometimes wicked ways with tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.
Another wicked way that a person can lose their home is by not paying your property taxes.
In my estimation, the law states that if you are delinquent on your property taxes for two years, then the county seizes your property, gives you one year to pay your back taxes with interest and penalties, and if you don’t pay after the third year, the sheriff comes and throws you off your homestead. Correct me if I am wrong in my estimation.
To me, this tax law is as inhumane as a fire or other natural disasters striking your home.
Usually before any government meetings, a prayer or two is recited, and the logo sometimes states ‘In God we trust!? on the walls of many government buildings.
It seems to me to be pretty hypocritical to say to say prayers to one’s higher power and then violate one of the commandments (‘Thou shall not steal?).
Because that is exactly what the property tax seizure law is, STEALING.
I’ve stated this before and I will state it again, when you own your property free and clear, the government has no right to seize it. In fact, the government shouldn’t be taxing our homesteads and incomes at all.
I would suggest that some of you view the DVD, ‘One People, One Movement, Freedom For All,? narrated by Aaron Russo, which will explain in better detail what I’m writing about.
There is an old Jewish law which says, ‘Government shall not seize or own private property.?
In closing, I will say that when the government seizes your property from you, they are no different than the cockroaches and termites that destroy your property as well. And you know what usually becomes of cockroaches and termites!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
It’s ironic that Independence Township Trustee Dan Kelly, who is now a candidate for the 44th district’s state representative, would claim in his recent letter in your paper that if elected he would push for a part-time legislature with reduced salaries and benefits for legislators to save taxpayers money.
Unfortunately, Independence Township taxpayers already know what it’s like when Dan Kelly attempts to save them money.
Just one example of Trustee Kelly’s quest to ‘save? taxpayers money in Independence Township has now cost taxpayers well over $250,000 for a new ‘temporary? senior center, even though he was told three times by failed election proposals that it was not wanted.
Wasting tax dollars on proposal elections that were overwhelmingly defeated and then ignored by Kelly was a slap in the face to the township’s voters and another waste of our tax dollars.
Kelly has already shown Independence Township taxpayers that he is practiced at the art of wasting tax dollars and unsurping the will of the people by ignoring their votes by building ‘temporary? projects that benefit a select few.
His performance on the local level should be an indicator of what taxpayers should expect if he is elected to be their state representative.
A vote for Dan Kelly for state representative would be a vote for more of the same. Damn the taxpayer and spend, spend, spend!
Michael Powell
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
Tuesday, Nov. 6, is Election Day. In the City of the Village of Clarkston there are no issues on the ballot and all three candidates for office are running unopposed.
The city council recently approved the only nominee for the council position vacated by former council member Bill Rausch. This means that a majority of next year’s council will be there without any open discussion of the issues, without opposition, and most importantly without the public having a true opportunity to decide who should represent them.
It is not how I want to be elected to office and not a situation I enjoy. I hope that everyone still comes out to vote as it is still one of the most important rights we have and it should not be ignored.
It may also give some indication to the city council of how the people want to be represented. In additions to voting, consider attending a city council meeting, meet your representatives, find out what they are doing, and voice your opinion on what you think should happen in our city.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Clarkston City Manager Art Pappas has written a letter to the City Council indicating that he will retire within the next 12 months, after around 50 years of service to the City. He will be sorely missed!
It has been my distinct honor and privilege to have known Art for nearly 40 of his 75 years on this earth. He is the most honest, sincere, dedicated, and likeable person I have ever known. I wish him nothing but the very best for his future.
Our City Council has a series of most important tasks ahead of them: 1) They need to ‘debrief? Art, who is the repository of the operational legacy of the City; 2) They need to familiarize themselves with the City Charter, which assigns to the city manager many tasks including the duty to ‘supervise and coordinate the work of the administrative officers and departments of the city….?; 3) They need to decide what qualifications they want in a city manager ? there will never be another Art Pappas; 4) They need to initiate a process by which they will search for the next city manager; 5) They need to analyze the budget to determine an appropriate pay scale for the next city manager; and, 6) They need to develop a process whereby they will select the next city manager.
We who elect our mayor and city council, as the residents of the city, need to appropriately honor Art Pappas for his exemplary work on our behalf, to monitor the process of replacing him, and to support his successor.
This is a time of change for our city. With the guidance of the mayor and the city council, and our oversight, the transition to a new city manager can occur smoothly.
Best wishes Art!
Tom Stone
Clarkston
I’m concerned about the groups of teenagers roaming the streets of Oxford Village and creating problems for residents.
They gather in groups of anywhere from three to nine individuals and disturb the neighborhood with rowdy and mischievous behavior, and sometimes vulgar language.
They don’t appear to be underprivileged children ? they are well-dressed and have cell phones and money to spend at Starbucks (and leave their used containers on the lawns around the area).
Some of us are now living in fear of what will happen next as we have witnessed malicious acts near our homes and the kids don’t seem to care who sees them (maybe they want someone to pay attention to them?).
Now they’re actually coming right to our doors and in our yards to play pranks – so far, they’re harmless, but, as I said, we fear what this might elevate to in the future.
Parents, do you REALLY know where you’re kids are and what they’re doing, or are you assuming they’re where they said they would be and behaving as they should? Do you care what your teenagers are doing with their time?
Do you encourage them to get involved in school, church, or community activities, or are they left on their own to fill the hours however they please because they’re bored?
Do you provide a place in your home where they can gather for supervised fun instead of allowing them limitless free time?
I don’t believe these are bad kids, but their behavior is causing concern.
If they’re not pointed in the right direction, I’m afraid there are going to be some real problems ahead.
Parental supervision and discipline are key, and I hope to see a decrease in this disturbing activity soon.
Name Withheld Upon Request
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter in response to the article about Project SHALOM.
I have lived in the Lake Orion/Oxford area for the last 30+ years and I was one of the original youths that started this project way back when. I am so proud and happy to see that this is still going strong.
The original idea for Project SHALOM originated from our youth group trips to Mountain TOP down south. Mountain TOP is basically the same idea as Project SHALOM, except it involves churches from all over the U.S.
The gist of this is to mix up the youths from all the churches into different work groups so that there are no more than two or three people from each church in a work group.
There are a half-dozen or so ‘base camps? in Tennessee that the work groups start out from everyday. You work hard everyday for a week, and make new friends from all over the U.S.
I went down there for three years in a row and it was a wonderful experience. That is what spawned the idea that maybe we could do something like that for the people who needed a little help around our own neighborhood.
As I said previously, I am so PROUD and it warms my heart to see that Project SHALOM is still going strong!! Keep up the wonderful work!!
— Shannon S.
Dear Editor,
Billy K., you are truly a man of keen wisdom and foresight, how you write with such common sense (thought long buried by most people).
Keep it coming, Love it.
On a separate note, you forgot to indicate that the ‘Axford Drain? and the ‘Osgood Drain? are overlapped. How, I don’t really know.
The Axford Drain (if the OCDC people could find it) drains to Paint Creek ? or with a little digging could reroute to the Osgood Drain at S. Detroit Blvd.
The Osgood Drain runs into the Graham Lakes at the fishing site off of Miller Rd. and into other lakes by small streams and on to the Frost Drain (which I never heard of before 7-8 months ago, and I have lived here for 72+ years).
The OCDC can’t seem to find/fix the Axford Drain problem and can’t/won’t explain how/why these two drains overlap almost to the same street numbers.
Now there is a plan ‘in the works? to relieve the problem, as in spend money.
Just for the heck of it, how many of you that own property in the two above drain areas are taxed a special assessment maintenance tax? (in the lower right box on your tax bill).
Not too many, I’ll bet, but those of you in the Frost Drain area were sent a letter informing you of a special maintenance assessment of $0.25 on taxes due. This information letter cost the Oakland/Addison/Orion taxpayers $0.39.
Spending $0.39 to inform you of a new $0.25 tax just doesn’t make good math, that’s a $0.14 loss multiplied by the number of letters sent. Don’t ask me, ask the OCDC.
— Roy Blankenkburg
Dear Editor,
I don’t know if anyone else has noticed lately, but Lake Orion certainly seems to have a thriving bicyclist population. Unfortunately, some of them haven’t figured out yet that they are supposed to ride on the white line.?
Over the past month I’ve followed two going down the middle of the lane holding up traffic, and one was INSANE enough to get on M-24, in the center of the lane from Atwater, all the way up to Wendy’s before he got over to where he belonged. Another bright cyclist decided to try Heights Road in black lycra at dusk (a risky proposition if you ask me), with no lights or tape or anything.?
These kind of brazen acts are going to lead to someone getting hurt, and it won’t be the person in the car.??
As’a driver, I don’t mind going around them on the white line or on the side of the road, but when they HOLD UP people because they have to ride in the center of the’driving lane, I find that kind of arrogant, as if they are the ONLY people on the road!’It’s almost as if they’re shouting ‘Hey, look at me!? I’m exercising and I’m important!?’Bicyclists need to understand they SHARE the roads, not own them!
The township has gone to a LOT of expense to create numerous trails in the area for bicyclists to ride on, along with the ‘bike paths? which are sidewalks OFF the road!!!?
Yet there are some who just seem to feel that they have to have the challenge of riding on our streets.’And while many of them do have helmets and pads, that won’t protect them when they dress inappropriately for conditions (black at night?) and hold up traffic in a obnoxious manner.? There needs to be enforcement of the laws for bicyclists for their own protection, before one of these people gets seriously hurt.
The League of Michigan Bicyclists has a pamphlet out called ‘What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know? and I think these need to be handed out wherever our Lake Orion bicyclists hang out, because I’m really afraid one of these people is going to get hurt or killed on our roads at the rate it’s going.?
I don’t mind sharing the road, but it would be nice if bicyclists would be a bit more considerate of the motorists sharing the road with you.
— Laura Allen
Dear Editor,
Clarkston Community Schools Administration has decided to cut five buses and five bus drivers for the 2007-8 school year.
It appears that Clarkston schools has plenty of money for administration buildings but runs short when money’s needed for teachers and bus drivers. The administration complex on Clarkston Road east of Main Street is a shameful waste of our tax dollars.
Because of the fact that the administration has cut so many bus drivers, my children’s bus stop has been moved to a very unsafe three-way intersection at Hillsboro and Hillman.
I have written letters and spoken to the Transportation Director Kevin Bickerstaff, Executive Director Business Services Bruce Beamer, Superintendent Al Roberts and the Board of Education President Steve Hyers.
All, save Kevin, have responded in a condescending, arrogant manner. For example, two of the letters have said, ‘it is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to see that the child gets safely to and from the bus stop.?
If a child were to get hurt before or after getting on the bus, would the administration would feel comfortable saying, ‘It wasn’t our responsibility??
This statement also completely ignores the realities of most working families? lives.
In my letters and phone conversations, I have detailed the hazards present at the new bus stop. They are:
? The visibility is very nearly zero when turning north onto Hillman from Hillsboro. State law ‘requires…200 feet (visibility) where the speed limit is less than 35 mph.? At that time of the morning, cars are racing out of the subdivision so as not to get caught behind the buses. On Sept. 21, a car just missed my son as he waited at the bus stop for his sister’s bus. The driver never saw him.
? The buses are so full that most seats have three kids each. Kids sitting halfway off a seat are in a dangerous situation.
? These kids will be sharing the unplowed, essentially ‘two track? roads with cars this winter, risking being hit by cars as well as dangerous slips and falls.
? By eliminating five buses and drivers, the Clarkston Administration has placed budget considerations above the safety and welfare of our children.
This administration has taken the ‘Governmental Immunity Law? to the extreme. This law, in which ‘a governmental agency is immune from tort liability if the governmental agency is engaged in the exercise or discharge of a government function? has allowed the Clarkston School Administration to take a ‘we couldn’t care less, it’s your problem? attitude.
Decisions are made based on guidelines and budget concerns with little regard to common sense or parental input. It is my view that big changes are needed in Clarkston schools.
John Moore
Davisburg
Dear Editor,
The pig was not preserved but nature and clean water have a much better chance after 180 guests, sponsors and donors kicked up their heels for the vital cause of land and water preservation at NOHLC’s Wild Night Out Goes Country.
The barn doors at the Lazy J in Milford were flung open on a balmy October evening, two sandhill cranes wandered the east field, the sun set through the west doors and WE do-si-doed our way to a barn-buster.
Thanks to our sponsors, donors, advertisers and volunteers, we expect final proceeds of $33,000. Top honors must go to our underwriting sponsor, Silverman Development for their generous financial support which made the event possible.
Other sponsors were: Don and Sue Topping, Art Concepts Gallery and Framing, Coats Funeral Home, Beaumont Hospital, Consumers Energy, Hubbell, Roth and Clark, and McClaren Health Care.
Ninety conservation-minded local businesses and individuals donated to our auction. The Clarkston News ran a enticing article that week which helped produce a sell-out. It is especialy gratifying to know that some cheerleaders were urging the Wolves on victory that night, and others were giving a ‘hip hip hooray? to saving places we love. What a community!
Carolyn and Bill Wood
NOHLC Wild Night Out VII Chairmen
Committee: Bill & Katie Anderson, Linda Burnham, Phil & Ann Dutton, Dave & Diana Hopper, Bob & Joanne Inskeep, Chet & Jan Koop, John & Penny Mason, Del & Joan McCrary, Lois Robbins, Wayne & Nancy Strole, Don & Sue Topping
Dear Editor,
The Clarkston Farmers? Market volunteers have been celebrating the generosity in all of your comments, suggestions and support.
We want to thank all of you, who have spent time and energy responding to our ideas regarding the merging of the Clarkston Farmers? Market with Art in the Village.
The sentiment regarding the closing of the market after just eight weeks this year was overwhelming? we never expected that so many people would want the market to run longer and in conjunction with the existing event.
Such deep appreciation is hard to come by. Thank you to all of you who bowled us over in your insistence that we run longer!
In terms of opposing thoughts, we are prepared to hear many different opinions. We apologize if in our suggestions, hard feelings have arisen.
Our intention is to raise cooperative ideas. We do not feel damaged by negativity we have received. Although we may be having difficulty communicating with a part of the Historical Society over this, we embrace their work and dedication to the Clarkston area, know that they are very important group of caring people in our community and look forward to days when we might work with more compatibility together. There is potential even in opposition.
We still feel that with careful planning, both events could benefit on that Saturday. Market volunteers all went down at various times and scouted out the site this year just as we did last year and the year before that, and found a busy but workable space.
Research is telling us what is working in other small towns across America when it comes to sharing space, and we like those ideas: What if we shuttled cars? What if we closed the market a little early on that day? What if we used the space a little differently that day, perhaps shifting our vendors toward the rear of the lot that we use, creating parking spaces available to both events?
We just don’t want to disappoint our customers and we want our vendors to continue to find the Clarkston Farmers? Market to be a market that they can trust to carry them through the harvest season.
In a hungry world, we are striving for abundance, not indigestion. Our customer bases are very much the same, so 1,200 people does not necessarily mean 1,200 extra cars and our events only overlap by 2 hours. People seem to really like both gatherings and there are many ways to create a safe place. Hearing how passionate people are about this farmers? market is what inspired our first letter that ran in this paper a few weeks ago.
These things having been said, we are delighted to say that we have made some decisions for the 2008 growing season that feel like they support everyone involved and reinforce the integrity of the farmers? market.
Opening day will be July 19 and we will run through the end of September, with the exception of the Saturday that Art in The Village runs. Maybe in the mean time, we will come up with a safe, workable logistical plan.
But perhaps the farmers? market has gained the strength to sustain itself even while taking this Saturday off? We will see in 2008.
Although we had a hunch, we could not have predicted that the market would experience this kind of success this year, with an average of 1,200 people buying directly from local farmers and artists each Saturday morning.
We are growing. We want to extend our gratitude to our volunteers, who gave their time.
Our growers and artists who take the leap each season with the unpredictable rain and sun by signing up to sell at our market ? you make the market and are a reminder to all of us about what hard work it is to create beauty, whether it’s pieces of food or pieces of art.
A remarkable woman by the name of Helen Nearing once spoke these words to a friend of mine: Doing what you love, in a place that you love, with the people that you love, and being kind.
They certainly fit. While the Clarkston Farmers? Market is in hibernation this winter, we continue to welcome your ideas, thoughts, and support ? valuable tools for a new market in an old community.
Thanks so much for a wonderful season and thanks for reading!
Anissa Howard, founder and co-manager with Chris Hardman
Clarkston Farmers? Market
P.O. Box 51, Clarkston, MI 48347
www.clarkstonfarmersmarket.org
Dear Mr. Rush,
I too, am not someone who would normally write to a newspaper regarding an editorial. However, B. Brown’s letter ‘Double-dipping charge offensive,? did give me the push to do so.
I did not take offense to his anger at the amendment of the Michigan House Bill 4799, and I can empathize with his frustration of his ‘guaranteed? health insurance changing since his retirement. I feel taking away or changing benefits that were guaranteed and from people living on a fixed retired income, is tragic and unfair.
However, when I read his comment that ‘teachers are sharing in cutbacks, as other people are,? I felt the need to respond, even though my opinion and response are un-related to the initial ‘double-dipping? topic.
I don’t believe that any state employee is ‘sharing? an equal burden that ‘other people? are with their benefits.
First case in point, pensions. I don’t believe there are too many ‘other people? that are newly hired or have even worked 20+ years that have seen the word ‘pension? in their new employee handbook or current employee benefits. The comfort and guarantee of a pension is non-existent for most of us.
Brown also shared his increased prescription co-pays. I would like to share an example of what increase ‘other people? have had.Three years ago, I was diagnosed with MS. I take three medications, and I initially paid $30 for a three-month supply for each one.
Last year that co-pay increased to $90 for two of the medications and $30 for the other medication, which is the only one available in a generic version.
This year my prescription co-pays are $326.58 for one, $300 for the second and $16 for the generic medication. I am not being ignorant, knowing that our medical coverage is nowhere near the same level that any and/or some state employees are getting.
My sister-in-law, who is a teacher, takes one of the medications I take for an un-related condition. She takes double the dosage I take, and her co-pay is $10/month.
My co-pay is $326.58 for three months, and if I took her dosage versus the one I take, my cost would be 653.16, her threee-month co-pay is $30!
In addition, nothing in my ongoing medical treatment is covered 100 percent until after our deductible of $6,000 is met, and only after we have paid out the initial $3,000 is anything covered at 80 percent. It would be nice if the $2,570.32 I will pay out in prescriptions this year would be applied to this deductible, but it is not.
‘Other people,? have also incurred cutbacks unrelated to medical. They have incurred lay-offs, increased work-loads, benefits eliminated, no annual pay increases or extensions and little or no bonuses paid due to the economy and profitability of their companies and not due to individual performance.
I realize that state employees have faced many of these challenges as well, but I still see a lot of pay increases being approved by government and school boards even though their budget deficits far exceed those of many private businesses.
I don’t believe I am being ignorant, thinking that state employee’s benefits have not had the same ‘cutbacks? we have had.
I would love to be shown that their benefits and cutbacks are comparable. I would be less frustrated, knowing that we are all equally struggling and/or trying to make things better, especially in our current economy and state.
It would also bring me great comfort, knowing that the recent increase in all of our state taxes is not going towards new pensions and/or benefits that ‘other people? have never seen or will see.
Karen Winkler
Independence Township
I was an occasional reader of ‘Jim’s Jottings,? and after reading a few months ago that Jim was going to ‘save money? by not using soap when he washed, I avoided tha column altogether. That was one of the stupidest things I had ever heard.
Unfortunately, the column in the Oct. 13 issue caught my eye when I saw the words ‘think-hygiene-first-campaigner? up in the corner. I took a chance and read the column.
The fact that someone only brushes his teeth once a day, on top of not using soap is in complete contradiction to ‘hygiene-first.?
I agree with Jim in that I don’t want to shake his hand, as a matter of fact, I don’t want to be in the same room with him. Perhaps someone should do him (and everyone around him) a favor and tell him that he stinks.
Irish Spring Man
Brandon
On behalf of Oxford High School students and myself, we would like to thank you for contributing to the Josh and Tim Schrauger Family Fund.
Through a community-wide effort, we were able to raise over $4,600 ? $1,000 of which was raised at the Homecoming Game, from the very generous community members of both Oxford and Lapeer East.
Please let your staff, students, parents and PTO members know that their generosity will be very much appreciated during this most difficult of times and is just one more example of their kind spirit and compassionate hearts.
Glenda Williams
Asst. Principal at OHS
Dear Editor,
Hurray for Mike Setto, owner of Orion Keg and Wine, who made the decision to boycott Miller Brewing Co’s products from his store until he hears a major apology from the company for their beer manufacturer’s logo on a poster depicting the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with Jesus and his deciples posed as scantily dressed homosexuals.
This despicable poster was made by the organizers of the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco, which Miller has supported for several years.
Mr. Setto, a Chaldean native of Iraq says this is the most embarrassing thing he’s seen since moving here in 1970.
I applaud him for his decision to stand up for what he believes in and not contribute to people who are devaluing our Christian beliefs. We need more Mike Settos in our world!
— Char Follis
Dear Editor,
I am sure that many who read this will think I am only writing because my son was involved. And they would be partly right, however, I am not only writing this for his sake, but for the sake of the 12 seniors and 6 underclassmen involved.
My complaint is with The Review’s coverage of Lake Orion’s Homecoming Court. Or should I say their lack of coverage.
I don’t understand why The Review couldn’t put in pictures of all the kids on the court, along with their names. There were lots of pictures online of Oxford’s homecoming. Why not Lake Orion’s?
This is our little hometown newspaper. These are the kind of pictures we should be having in our paper. We only have one high school, so the big events at that high school should receive much better coverage than the less than adequate coverage The Review gave this event.
It’s great that we have so much coverage of our school athletes, but in a school the size of Lake Orion, where only a relative few get to have a moment of recognition, it would seem that these kids should be entitled to their few minutes of ‘fame? as well as athletes and other groups.
One little blip about the winners just doesn’t cut it, Review. Shame on you for not letting these kids have their moment.
Since you won’t do it, I will. Unfortunately I don’t have pictures, but I will at least let the kids see their names in the paper. Congratulations to all of the students who were chosen to represent their classmates during the Homecoming festivities. We’re happy for you.
Freshman Court (Class of 2011): Brianna Baird and Cameron Goodall
Sophomore Court (Class of 2010): Chiara Allen and Phil Serzo
Junior Court (Class of 2009): Lauren Kerr and Zach Zotos
Senior Court (Class of 2008): Emily Dykla, Nick Dykman, Kelsey Fish, Joe Graffeo (King), Taylor Hammerl (Queen), Kevin Kelly, Hannah Knight, Alex Leas, Tony Mattar, Sarah Pavliscak, Taylor Phillips and Ethan Ruhland.
— Kyle Dykman
***
Editor’s note: We thank the writer for submitting these names, as we did not receive them from the school.
Pictures were taken of members of the court during the parade, but many did not turn out, unfortunately. A color photo gallery from the parade did, however, appear online and a photo page ran in our Oct. 10 issue.
Dear Editor,
On Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, I think I witnessed what I believe to be perhaps one of the biggest cover-ups in Orion Twp. history, ‘The Friendship Park Dirt Dumping Scandal!?
This, in my estimation, could be another Vista Sludge Hauling Scandal that occurred some 25 years earlier, in the city of Detroit, under the leadership of then Mayor Coleman Young, who, if you remember, escaped prosecution but Water and Sewer Director Charles Beckham and Vista Sludge Hauling Director Darralyn Bowers were given hefty fines on top of prison time, as well as dismissal of their jobs.
What irks me about this Friendship Park scandal is the game of AVOIDANCE that Orion Twp. Supervisor Gerald A. Dywasuk is playing with former Orion Township Trustee Will Wilsher, instead of going ahead and finding out who dumped that so-called illegal fill at the Friendship Park field.
Jerry and the trustees went ahead and approved a $375,000 (or thereabout) payment to clean up the mess at Friendship Park, but only because of Will Wilsher standing firm. I believe Mr. Dywasuk is doing this clean-up in the hopes that maybe this annoyance will go away, much like the missing file from the Gingellville Community Center scandal back in 2005.
In fact, I was surprised to find out at the conclusion of the Oct. 15 Trustees meeting that the G.C.C. missing file case was solved. Well, Jerry, when was this case solved? Because when I talked with former G.C.C. director Pam Hutchison the following day, she was surprised as I was that Orion Twp. had solved the case of the missing file. So who did it, when did it occur and in what papers were the stories printed? And was anyone charged with a crime?
But you know one thing I’ve learned about politics and politicians is that 98-percent of them don’t tell you the truth. They have a tendency to cover up and hide the facts, the same in my view goes for attorneys, especially those holding public office.
Citizens beware, these are some of your tax dollars at work!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
I disagree with my old friend Tom Stone’s criticism of Margaret Bartos, the Independence Township senior coordinator. No one has done more for the seniors and senior programs in Independence Township than Margaret Bartos has. No one worked harder for the new senior center ballot proposal than she did. And, no one is more pleased with the new ‘temporary? senior facility than she is. She deserves every citizens? praise and support.
Rather, the criticism should be of those members of the Township Board who led the board to ignore the clearly expressed wishes of the voters by the resounding rejection of the ballot proposal for the third time. The vote was so significant that it clearly signaled the rejection was not just on an economic basis, because a substantial number of voters believe we should not have a separate senior facility or programs.
I was an active member of the ballot proposal committee and worked hard for its passage. I believe that if we are going to have a senior center, we should have one that adequately meets the needs of the seniors and senior programs. The voters disagreed. I accept that. Our ‘leadership? did not accept it.
They could not accept it because an election year now looms at which they would have been called to account for their failure to get a new senior center. At the last election, those ‘leaders? garnered the senior vote by promising a new center. Unfortunately, they did not actually work on the ballot proposal campaign. If they had, they might have been able to deliver on their promises directly.
Concerned more about their re-election than the clearly stated desire of the voters, these ‘leaders? led the board to dip into the township savings to provide a ‘temporary? senior center. However, the reality is this new center will not be temporary. The voters, having rejected a separate senior center three times, even faced with replacing a dangerous outdated facility, will not now approve a ‘permanent? facility… not for decades.
I am pleased the community seniors now have a safe and better facility. I am grateful for the volunteers, township employees and those who donated materials and time for the ‘temporary? facility. I am proud of Margaret Bartos for all she has done for seniors and this community. I am disappointed in those board members who led the Township Board to ignore the will of the voters.
Neil E. Wallace
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I could not agree more with the recent movement for a part-time legislature in response to the recent state budget mess.
Not only would a part-time legislature save millions of dollars for the taxpayers of the state and reduce the exorbitant amount of useless legislation, most importantly it would send a true messageof reform to our so-called elected leaders.
Proposedlegislation alreadyexistswhich would requirethe legislatureto complete their work withinthe firstfour months of a calendar year andmeet in session no more than 90 days during that period. Since on average the current ‘full-time legislature? has only been in session approximately the same number of days, the change would simplyrequire thattheyget down to the business of the State ina quicker and more efficient manner.
Such legislation would force the legislature to deal with the budget and all legislation in a timely manner, thus avoiding the ridiculous current situation of State programs not knowing their budgetfor the following year, and school districts not knowing their funding for threeor four months after they have passed their own budget.
It is simply irresponsible for a legislature to wait until the last day of the fiscal budget plus four hours to hash out the behind-the-scenes deals that occurred on Oct. 1.
I have decided to run for State Representative of the 44th District to push for true reform in Lansing, includinga part-time legislature. In addition to the above benefits, we will send a message to Lansing and the career politicians that we want change, and it begins with citizens and taxpayers overseeing our government.
It should not go unnoticed that at the same time that billions of dollars in new taxes were agreed to, nothing was done to reduce or save any monies from the legislators? salaries,benefits or lifetime health care. A part-time legislature is therefor needed to send Lansing the message.
Dan Kelly
Independence Township trustee,
candidate for State Rep., 44th District
Dear Editor,
It may be little early to summarize the year in Clarkston but a lot has happened and this can all get lost in the end of year excitement.
We have a new police chief and a full time police force. By all accounts both are working out quite well.
We have a new bridge in Depot Park thanks to the incredible efforts of Jim and Gini Schultz.
We have agreed to do a study with Independence Township and Oakland County to see if there is a way for our two municipalities to work more efficiently together and perhaps even lower the cost of the services provided.
We celebrated Clarkston’s 175th anniversary, had our usual parades, Concerts in the Park, Farmer’s Market, and Art in the Village, although those last two groups need to talk to each other since it seems to me that farmers coming to market in Clarkston is part of the history of Clarkston.
Grants were obtained from the Oakland Native Partnership Initiative for new landscaping along the Lower Mill Pond, at the Main Street and Washington parking lot, in the hopes of making a future mini-park by the water’s edge. Another grant was obtained from the Wildflower Association of Michigan and used to start a Children’s Garden by the Depot Park playground and the new bridge.
We hope that once this is done it will entertain and educate both young and old about interesting plants and their benefit to us and the environment.
It was a lot of fun to plant mostly because of all the help we had from the children who were at the playground. At the end of this year we should have a presentation from three graduate students at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment on how Depot Park can be made even better. There is more, but that’s not a bad list for one year.
So what’s next? In my opinion there are still a lot of things to do but I have been told by more than one person that I have far too many interests and causes.
Probably true and this would become far too long if I went into all of them, but here are a few to think about. Our parks and the environment will remain high on my list. If we damage either one of them it will take an incredibly long time to bring them back.
We need to get more people involved with what is, or should be, going on. We need to make it easier and safer to enjoy our city and to get around with less traffic and parking problems.
We need to keep the Village of Clarkston the unique place it has always been. A place that is better enjoyed at a walking pace instead of just driving by. This can make all of our lives more enjoyable, it can actually reduce our costs if planned correctly, and we can help others understand what many of us already enjoy about living in Clarkston.
If you are interested in Depot Park, walking or bicycling in the area, landscaping at lakes and streams, native plants, or anything else that you think will improve Clarkston, let me know. Let everyone on the City Council know. Let everyone on the Independence Township Board know.
Get involved and believe that you can make a difference. It happened this year and there is no reason to think it can’t happen again.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston City Council member
johnston@villageofclarkston.com
Dear Editor,
Thanks to the ‘Friends? volunteer workers, staff at the Orion Township Public Library and all of the community for contributing to the success of our September book sale.
We also appreciate the donation of paper bags for our Saturday ‘Bag Sale? from Hollywood Market on Lapeer Road and the Baldwin Road Kroger store.
All of this ‘team? is making our sales a success.
We will start taking donations of books Dec. 1 at the library and our next ‘gently used? book sale will be Jan. 29 (Friends member preview) through Feb. 2. See you then.
— Marie LaLone English
Friends Book Sale Coordinator
Dear Editor,
We urge all homeowners in the Indianwood Subdivisions, i.e. Supervisor’s Plat No. 7, Indianwood Shores, Indianwood Shores No. 3 and Indianwood Hills Subdivision, to attend the assessment hearing of the Lake Improvement Board for Indianwood Lake, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Orion Township Hall.
You do not have to be a member in good standing to attend.
These subdivisions, consisting of approximately 200 homeowners, are governed by the Indianwood Homeowners Association, made up of 12 residents. The riparians and non-riparians are divided in number of homeowners.
The treatment of Indianwood Lake is governed by the Lake Improvement Board for Indianwood Lake. The present board consists of elected Township Treasurer Alice Young, Kim Boesl (Treasurer’s Office), Larry Obrecht (an Indianwood Lake resident), elected County Commissioner Michael Gingell and Brian Bennett (Oakland County Drain Commission).
Every five years, a meeting is called to determine the practicability of a five-year project and for reassessment.
It appears that the 200 +/- homeowners are not included in the practicability study, are given no opportunity for input except for the night of the meeting and certainly do not have a vote in the matter, especially in view of the fact that a vote has to be taken that evening in order to get the new assessment on the Dec. 1 tax statement.
One would have to assume that these meetings are scheduled at such a late date to leave no room for opposition. (Our own personal opinion in the matter is that Mr. Obrecht should not have a vote in the matter unless the other 200+ homeowners are also allowed to vote.)
In the year 2002, the assessment for non-riparians increased 150-percent, from $45 to $113. The proposed assessment for the next five years for both riparians and non-riparians is a 23-percent increase.
The estimated annual cost for treatment and harvesting of Indianwood Lake is $85,782.
For no other reason than the condition of the present economy, the undersigned strongly urges the Lake Improvement Board for Indianwood Lake to VOTE ‘NO? TO ANY INCREASE IN THE UPCOMING ASSESSMENT and to consider a decrease in same.
— Marvin and Wanda Gensler
Indianwood Road residents
Dear Editor,
Thank you to everyone who visited the Moose Tree Nature Center in Lake Orion for the first ever Open House. The animals (and staff) were so excited to see all of our new friends!
Rocks were painted and are now lining the landscape in the front of the center.
Door prizes were given away and much food was eaten.
Please visit the Nature Center located next to Webber Elementary, at 3191 West Clarkston Road in Lake Orion.
Building hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You may also visit and click on the Nature Center link for more information.
— Sarah Manzo
Editor’s note: For more on the open house search keyword: Moose Tree.
Dear Editor,
Long overdue is a big thank you to Charles Dunn and Dan Kelly for all their efforts in seeing to the senior center receiving funds from the ‘found? money in the township coffers earlier this year.
As many of you have heard or seen, the old center is down and the new one almost finished.
The carriage house has been refurbished and is looking very good and improved.
We are most pleased and thankful someone took ‘the bull by the horns? for a new complex that will provide handicapped people better access and all of us healthier and safer accommodations. The senior center has always been very well used, but now more of us will use it in comfort and ease.
Dave Belcher is to be thanked as well, for all his efforts in taking on this project. He has been thoughtful of staff and senior needs in his considerations of what is needed and how it will be used.
Thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard each and every week there and staff who go above and beyond duty.
Last, but not least, Margaret Bartos has been doing a marvelous job in getting the old center cleaned out and ordering for the new center and working hand in glove with Dave Belcher.
She definitely gives more time than paid for and works in the best interest of this township’s seniors.
Sincerely,
David and Sandra Meyer
Independence Township
Dear Mr. Rush,
I do not write to newspapers regarding editorials or columnists? articles because it is usually a waste of time. However, your article in The Lake Orion Review concerning the Michigan House Bill 4799, which amends the State Employees? Retirement Act, really ticked me off.
First, some background on me, I taught junior high and middle school English for 32 years before retiring in 1997. At the time, I thought I was set financially. However, I soon learned that my pension would not stretch enough to cover all my expenses. Luckily, a position for an ESL (English Second Language) teacher opened in my old school district in 1998, and I was able to return to work two days a week. Not only did the money save me, but the boredom that I had experienced during my year of retirement was gone and I felt useful again.
Now, as to why I’m upset.
First, the term ‘double-dipper? is offensive. You make it sound as if I am taking money that I don’t earn. Believe me, the school district gets more than its money’s worth from me. I’m in the building by 6:30 a.m., but I don’t log in on my time sheet until 7:15. That’s a lot of free minutes over the course of a year that I give the district. If I don’t work the two days a week with the ESL students, someone else will. Why should I be denied the right to work? Who better to work in the building and help these students than someone who knows the teaching staff? The district doesn’t pay me health benefits or retirement. My replacement would cost the district these benefits. I work cheap.
Over the ten years of my retirement, the state has changed my ‘guaranteed? health insurance several times. I’ve seen my co-pay and deductible increase several times. My prescription co-pay started at $4 a prescription. Now, who knows what the formula is for figuring out how much I pay. One of my prescriptions costs me $70 and another one costs $90. While checking the Internet yesterday, I noticed that the Legislature has made more changes in our health benefits. I’m afraid to read the detailed list to see what they have taken away now. So, you see, teachers are sharing in the cut-backs as other people are.
Since HB 4799 passed the Senate on Sept. 24, a committee will have to resolve the differences with the house version. But it looks as if I and other retired school employees who work in schools will be out of a job Jan. 1, 2008. This means that five of the seven ESL teachers in Lake Orion and several substitute teachers will be gone. It also means that I have to find a way to make up for the missing two days of salary so I will be able to pay the following bills: prescriptions, medical bills, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, my sister’s and brother-in-law’s life insurance because they can’t afford to pay the insurance, and my taxes. These are the things that I used my ‘double-dipping? money for.
Sorry this letter is so long, but you really ticked me off. I’m used to reading about teachers being smeared in the papers by people who don’t know what they are talking about. Usually, I can just ignore the articles. Mother always said, ‘Ignore ignorance. It will eventually go away.? I couldn’t ignore it this time.
By the way, if state employees have had it too double-dipping good for too long, does that include legislators? Did you know that most legislators? yearly pensions are greater than the salary that I made the last year I worked? I can think of one in particular, Orion’s retired state senator. Does that seem fair? But then, they write the laws.
— Betty J. Brown
Dear Editor,
Margaret M. Boggs, if you would take the time and read my letters in the Orion Review more carefully, it may surprise you that these are only my views and opinions.
I’ve spent a lot of time studying 9/11. Maybe I would suggest that you do the same before you spout off about me being a foolish, sad man who lives to denigrate others.
If you think going to war and killing people and destroying countries is the way to live, then I would rather be a sad man, but I don’t consider myself foolish, like you describe.
I am not a liberal, like you have labeled me. In fact, you don’t even know me. I consider myself a homesteader who believes that every person who owns their homestead should keep their homestead and not have the government keep a permanent tax lien on it in the name of property taxes.
The same for the income tax.
Also, when local community centers, such as the G.C.C. fall victim to government greed and start being taxed, I suppose you think it’s okay to sit back and say and do nothing while the government slowly destroys your, and our, freedom and liberties.
History shows that nothing ever gets settled by wars, they only lead to other wars.
But, as the late Ricky Nelson said in his 1972 song Garden Party, ‘You can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself.?
But, in the meantime, like me or hate me, I shall return, Mother Nature willing.
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary, I want to thank Lisa Sokol, her staff at the Orion Senior Center and especially Mr. Golling for putting Lake Orion on the map once again.
I personally spoke with many visitors from as far away as Hadley, Michigan who came to the city’s first annual Car Cruise and each had only great things to say.
I encourage residents and businesses to jump on board next year, for this one-of-a kind, family fun event in our community!
— Pamela Barc
Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary
Dear Editor,
In response to Lois Whitham’s’Letter to the Editor’on Oct. 3 — regarding the presentation at the Orion Township Board Meeting’by Mr. Cucinelli on the wetland violations.’I need to inform Ms. Whitham that Mr. Cucinelli and his wife weren’t the only ones present who reside in that area.
I had a very good friend and her husband in attendance at that meeting.’I’ve known this woman for nigh onto 28 years.’We attend the same’church and I had sung’in our choir with her for almost 20 years.
My’friend also informed me of the illegal dumping that has taken place in this wetland by both a utility’and a tree service’company.’This friend is a very gentle, sweet and soft-spoken person and the last thing she would do is bear false witness against anyone.?
I don’t fall all over people because they are young, good lookin? and magnetic, Ms. Lois Whitham.’Nor, am I mesmerized’by someone who has a position, title or is well-to-do.?
The proof in the pudding was the slide presentation given by Mr. Cucinelli, and the information given to me by my’friend who has lived there for over 40 years.’This’friend has a reputation as an honest, forthright gentlewoman.’The last thing’to call’Mr. Cucinelli or anyone else’who’is suffering’needlessly with’this circumstance is a ‘snake charmer.?’Name-calling’is not becoming, Ms. Whitham, especially against one of the victims.
Is Ms. Lois Whitham’denying the fact that both Mr. Kotila and Mr. Moon have been cited’either by Orion Township and/or the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for despoiling a wetland?’If she’can produce proof of that, then I guess I’ll have to worry about my reputation.’Until then, I’ll hold my head high.?
— Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the nice article about me and my family in your Sept. 5, 2007, issue, ‘Write Out Loud? column. However, you missed something important.
You wrote of ‘one dynamic family with a strong man at the head of the family.? But that is only half the story. The family is also headed by a strong woman: Margo Butki. We are an egalitarian partnership. And Margo is much, much more.?
Margo’is funny, she is caring, she is thoughtful. She is a creative cook who cooks for many, with love. She is smart, she is witty, direct, down to earth, a very grounded person. A very loving person. She is awesome.
She is there for me. She is there for our family and our extended family. She is there for our friends. She is there for people in the community. As a psychiatric nurse, she helps people who struggle with mental illness (including me, her husband, as I struggle with depression in this cancer journey). There are many amazing stories about Margo.?
Together Margo and I raised four sons, with our home open to so many more. Our network of supportive friends has grown and Margo’s open-heartedness is a great part of that. We have been a team throughout our 38 years of marriage. Margo needed to be added more fully to your fine article.
Margo is an amazing person. And I have had the benefit of an amazing partnership.
With loving appreciation for Margo, in all her glory,
— Ernie Butki
Thank you for the lovely article on adoption (9/26/07), it was both heartwarming and informative for anyone considering adoption. My husband and I are fortunate enough to have three beautiful adopted children. Although our children were all from Michigan, I know many singles and couples who have adopted from all over the world.
There is one correction I wish to make to the article where it states ‘Due to the state’s adoption laws, the couple chose to adopt from a different state so they could have what is called a ‘semi-open? adoption??
Semi-open adoption has been legal for over 20 years in the state of Michigan. Michigan allows 1) Closed adoption- no identifying information 2) Semi-open adoption, birthmother chooses adoptive parents personally or through an agency, exchange pictures occasionally through a 3rd party (no last names or addresses exchanged). 3) Open adoption ? Birthparent chooses adoptive parents, there may be an agreement for occasional contact, names and addresses known by both birthparents and adoptive parents. We have experience with both open and semi-open in our family.
Ann O’Neill, Oxford
I would like to make a comment about the Breast Friends of Inside Out Fitness, the team from Oxford that walked in the Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day this past weekend. They are a wonderful group of women that worked long and hard to prepare their minds, bodies and spirits for this event. I can say this wholeheartedly, because my mom walked with this team. They strapped on their home-made bra hats and ‘Whoo-hoo? clothes and stepped out to change the world.
Watching these ladies cross the finish line at the Henry Ford museum was inspiring, but not half as much as watching them parade, hand-in-hand into closing ceremonies. I have never been so greatly touched in my life. These women are awesome! They are shining beacons of hope for the countless thousands of women battling breast cancer, and for those who have come through the struggle on top.
The Breast-Friends ask each other, ‘hey breast friends, can I get a whoo-hoo??, I ask the Oxford area the same question, ‘Hey Oxford, can we give the Breast Friends a whoo-hoo!?? They deserve that. They deserve so much more.
Melissa Scott
Heartfelt congratulations to the Oxford Varsity girls swim team for their recent record-setting meet! Our community should be very proud of these girls, for their accomplishments after only two years as a team.
For two years, there has been a new swimming facility at OHS, though it is serving half its purpose. What is missing is a swim team for the boys. Why shouldn’t our teenage boys have the same opportunity to experience the competition, the individual growth and school pride that our girls do through swimming? It is time for Oxford High School to let all its students participate in using this new facility. It is time for a Varsity boys swim team. Karen Raczka, Oxford
Editors Note: The Oxford Athletic Boosters pays for the girls swim team to operate, not the school.
Dear Editor:
We were astonished by the Guest Viewpoint published last week in The Clarkston News.
Unfortunately, not addressing the inaccuracies and innuendos would be an injustice to both the supporters of the Farmer’s Market and dedicated volunteers of the Clarkston Community Historical Society (CCHS).
The CCHS and the Farmer’s Market organizers have had many long, involved conversations over the last two years, but it appears the facts bear repeating.
Art in the Village has been held on one Saturday and one Sunday each year for the past 33 years. As the society’s main fundraiser, profits are used to support the Clarkston Heritage Museum, care for Clarkston historic artifacts, provide programming for children and historical lectures for the public.
Other local community groups, such as DAR, Garden Club, Boosters, St. Dan’s and many more, also count on the event for fundraising every year. We are all non-profit groups.
The festival draws 15,000 patrons to the park and over 100 volunteers including boy scouts, seniors, students and even your next door neighbor. All monies raised at Art in the Village go right back into the community.
Depot Park, its surrounding lots and Depot Rd. are active with artists, patrons and cars throughout the weekend beginning Saturday at 7 a.m. and ending Sunday at 7 p.m. Saturday morning by 10 a.m. the parking lot that the market usually sets up in is full to capacity.
There simply is not enough room to share the space with another event.
This fact was recognized by the City Council back in 2005 when the market organizers first sought and received approval ‘to run Saturdays through the season with the exception of Art in the Village weekend.?
CCHS has studied this area specifically for the last two years just to ‘see if there was ANY possibility? for the two events to run co-currently.
By 10 a.m. on Saturday any observer can say, without question, that two events in the same location would create a safety hazard with parking issues and traffic congestion problems.
CCHS has directly supported the market from day one. We were one of the first local groups to recommend, via formal letter, to the city that the Farmer’s Market be welcomed into the community.
In that same spirit, CCHS has offered to the market organizers free use of Art in the Village publicity such as signs, posters, flyers and newspaper ads to communicate that ‘the market would be back next week,? or to direct patrons to an alternate location.
But they haven’t taken us up on our offer.
We’ve invited the market organizers to observe the space on Saturday during Art in the Village with us so they can see for themselves how their event can’t fit into the space.
But we haven’t seen them yet.
They continually push to bypass the requirements set by the city to run the market in the lot we so desperately need during Art in the Village and we have consistently replied: We use that lot. Please respect our needs. We only ask for one weekend each year.
For over three decades, CCHS has worked diligently to meet the goals of our mission to preserve Clarkston’s rich history. Art in the Village has been the means to meet these goals each year.
As board members, we are charged with the responsibility to turn out a professional, enjoyable and safe event for the community to be proud of and we take that responsibility very seriously.
Along with the many others in the community, CCHS hopes the market season will continue into October as it has before because, after all, we are market shoppers, too!
With the enthusiastic interest the market has attracted and supportive publicity in place, it seems certain patrons will remember to return the weekend after Art in the Village.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Arkwright, Bart Clark, Laura Covintree, Debbie DeVault, Kim Huttenlocher, Glenida Olafsson, James Schultz, Jonathan Smith, Toni Smith
Board of Directors,
Clarkston Community Historical Society
Dear Editor,
Don Rush’s article on why Michigan sucks, and the pending shut down of Michigan (at least as of Friday afternoon) have caused me to wonder, yet again, what politicians in Lansing do.
Gov. Granholm and Sen. Bishop both took time out of their busy schedules to bash each other’s political party while saying nothing about the real issues surrounding the $1.8 billion deficit in the Michigan budget, other than it was the other party’s fault.
As an elected official in Clarkston I sometimes disagree with the opinions of my fellow officials but I try to argue the merits of their opinion, not which political party they believe in.
For the record, all political candidates in Clarkston run non-partisan and the local budget is still balanced, at least for this year. I’ll thank our city manager for both of these as I am not sure elected politicians had a lot to do with either.
Cory Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Your story ‘Township holds the line on property tax,? (Sept. 26 edition), concerning the 0.1508% property tax rollback had political double talk from Independence Township Trustee Dan Kelly that needs to be clarified.
Mr. Kelly’s statement that ‘what we did was effectively lower taxes and that is a pretty unusual thing to be doing these days? was not an accurate statement of the facts.
A more accurate statement would have been, ‘what we effectively did was raise your taxes by 1.037% using the inflation rate multiplier and then we rolled back them back by a mere 0.1508% which resulted in a 0.89% property tax increase to you.?
The inflation rate multiplier raised the taxable value of every home this year by 1.037%.
Hence a 0.1508% mill rollback by the township is still a 0.89% increase in property taxes.
Considering that just last year the township took in $600,000 more than it needed, a property tax rollback of 1.037% was called for and would have still created a surplus.
Informed taxpayers know that property taxes are always raised when the millage rate rollback is lower than the inflation rate multiplier.
Sincerely,
Michael Powell
Independence Twp.
Dear Editor,
The 33rd annual Art in the Village show, sponsored by the Clarkston Community Historical Society, proved once again to be very successful, raising over $20,000 to help fund the Clarkston Heritage Museum along with other CCHS programs.
Many thanks are due to over 125 volunteers who helped make the weekend a hit!
To the 100 community members, young and old alike, who manned the Antique Tent, Cider Tent, Merchandise Tent, Silent Auction Tent and provided Artist Relief over the weekend: We couldn’t have done it without you ? thank you, thank you!
Additional thanks are in order for Boy Scout Troop 199 who handles trash and recycling maintenance along with Smith’s Disposal who donates trash removal every year.
Thank you to Bob Pursley and his DPW crew for their efforts all week long to prepare the park and lend a hand during the event.
Thanks to Frank Latimer who made artist shuttling to off-site parking possible by donating his Chrysler vehicles all weekend.
And finally, thanks to all community members who join the festivities each year by including Art in the Village in their weekend plans!
I would like to extend very special thanks to our Board of Directors who volunteer hours and hours of time in the year of planning it take to present each Art in the Village show and throughout the weekend: Bart Clark, Laura Covintree, Debbie DeVault, Kim Huttenlocher, Glenida Olafsson, James & Gini Schultz and Jon & Toni Smith.
These dedicated volunteers strive to improve the event each year and always appreciate your feedback.
Next up for CCHS is our second historic barn tour, Born in a Barn, AGAIN! to be held Oct. 21 from noon – 4 p.m.
Ten historic barns will be featured in this self-guided tour located in the city and the township. Each barn will be complemented with barn animals, craftspeople at work or antique farm equipment.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the CCHS office at 248-922-0270.
This event is a wonderful way for young and old alike to spend a Sunday afternoon on a fall day in Clarkston!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Arkwright, President
Clarkston Community Historical Society
Dear Editor,
Irresponsible, absolutely irresponsible: the comments made by Margaret Bartos, and by Annissa Howard and Chris Hardman, as stated in the Sept. 26 Clarkston News.
Senior Center: Margaret Bartos is the coordinator of the Independence Township Senior Center. Upon viewing the nearly completed new building, in which the senior center will be housed, she said: ‘What we are getting today is a very small building to replace the one we have.? She does go on to explain that the new building ‘is not moldy ‘has handicap accessible hallways and bathrooms and small activity area and small offices ?.?
What is irresponsible about Ms Bartos comments is that they ‘damn with faint praise? a facility which no one thought would happen. The residents of Independence Township voted last November, for the third time, not to fund a new, multimillion dollar facility.
And, there continue to be many in the township who oppose having any kind of separate facility for seniors.
It was largely through the efforts of a group of concerned citizens and elected officials that something did get done. It was clear to everyone who visited the senior center that it was seriously unsafe and placed the lives of occupants in danger. Something had to be done before disaster occurred!
After a variety of plans were carefully considered, the Independence Township Board of Trustees offered to replace the old building with a newer and safer one. The result is that in less than a year after the disappointment of last election, a new building will replace the old one.
The new building has more usable square footage, handicap accessibility, a covered entrance for delivery of challenged seniors, a new phone system, municipal water, better lighting, and will operate more efficiently.
Also, the separate ‘carriage house? has been completely remodeled into a larger space including handicap accessibility.
All this was accomplished within a budget of $250,000. Thanks go to the diligent and dedicated work of township staff and area contractors, who also donated some of their time and resources, worth thousands of dollars.
Let us be grateful, enjoy the fact that our seniors are now safe, and, then, begin to look to the future!
Clarkston Farmers? Market: Founder Annissa Howard and co-manager Chris Hardman made many irresponsible remarks in their letter to the editor. The closing of the market on one Saturday to avoid conflict with Clarkston Historical Society’s Art in the Village was necessary, not for petty reasons, not for metaphysical reasons having to do with food and art.
It had to do with capacity and safety.
Clarkston is a small town ? one-half square mile of land in which less than 1,000 people reside. For such a small town, it is amazing how many ‘big ideas? occur in it every year: parades, marathons, street fairs, markets, for example.
Thank goodness they don’t all occur at the same time.
As a small town, Clarkston can handle only so much at one time; it does this very well, with people coming from miles away just to enjoy the events.
Parking alone is a challenge for each of the events hosted by the city, as is traffic. Several police agencies, supported by volunteers, do their best to manage the challenge.
The number one question for them and for the city is the safety of those who drive and those who walk to and from the events.
It is impossible to understand why anyone would want to have more than one of these events occur at the same time.
In addition to parking for patrons for the events, there is the challenge of parking for vendors. They need to be in some reasonable proximity to their products. Such parking for one event is difficult enough.
Many of us who live here go to the Farmers? Market in Waterford periodically. On occasion, they have had to close for a day or two, but people still return. And, the market has not only survived, it has thrived.
Traditions add to the character of our community, as does the generosity of the organizers of the traditional events.
Art in the Village, sponsored by the Clarkston Historical Society, is one of those traditions. And, the society has given a great deal back to this community.
The Clarkston Farmers Market has been a nice addition to the many delightful events which characterize the city. Perhaps, it will become one of the traditions, as well as give back to the community.
We need to appreciate what we have in this lovely community, even as we strive to make it better. We have to work together; compromises have to be made; realities have to be accepted.
Irresponsible remarks by people who ought to know better do not help!
Arlene and Tom Stone
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
Kudos to Marie English and her crew of volunteers for another very successful Friends of the Library used book sale, which netted $5,000!
— Doug and Jill Bastian
Dear Editor,
We are sending this letter to you to draw attention to a shameful and dangerous deed that is being done to our children in our small community in Lake Orion.
I hope you have a few minutes to hear about our problem that we, as parents, face everyday during the school year. And that is to provide SAFE TRANSPORTATION, for our kids to get to the only non-profit organization after school.
There are many reasons why the Boys and Girls Club enriches our community. It is a safe and controlled environment for our kids to go to until we as parents get off of work, instead of being home alone or, worse yet, roaming the streets and maybe getting into trouble.
Recently, our club moved into a new building located on Waldon Road, which is outside of town (middle of nowhere). We used to be ‘downtown? for years and there was never an issue about getting our kids there, because there were more ‘scheduled? bus stops.
But now our Lake Orion Bus Transportation Dept. has denied any stops for our club. They do have a few scheduled stops for a Sub Division that is ‘close? to the club, that they said our kids could use. But this stop is a quarter of a mile away. And the only thing that separates the stop to the club is nothing but a winding path that is surrounded by wooded fields. You can’t even see the club.
Now what kind of parent would I be if I let my seven-year-old daughter walk, by herself, to get to the club? I would be putting her in DANGER!!!
Hence, the Bus Transportation Dept. is doing that. God forbid if anything happens (abduction) to those kids that have to walk, is it going to take something like that to see to the problem???
We are only asking for one stop in the afternoon, when they go by the club on a constant basis everyday.
Yes, just in case you are wondering we have been through all the channels with our Board of Education, our Transportation Dept. and our Director of Business Services Dept. The situation was even explained in a recent issue of The Review. But we have fallen on DEAF EARS for over a year now.
Most of us are hard working, taxpaying, single, low-income parents trying to raise our families the best way we know how, and we can’t afford the latch-key programs or to pay a babysitter or send them to a Licensed Day Care Center. Which, by the way, the Bus Transportation Dept. WILL ALLOW A BUS STOP FOR A LICENSED DAY CARE CENTER.
Other communities, such as Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford etc. will get their kids to their Boys and Girls Clubs. Why not Lake Orion?
We need a LOUDER voice to help us with our problem. Please help us by contacting the Board of Education and the Transportation Department and let them know what you think.
— Concerned club parents
Dear Editor,
It seems odd that I should write a letter to the editor when really I would like to write a letter to Mr. James Delavan.
Since he is a obviously a reader of this paper and a frequent contributor, I will address my comments to him through your newspaper. I thank you in advance for this forum…
Mr. Delavan,
I have read, always with great interest, your musings on our local government.
I have always looked forward to your Letters to the Editor, so much so that when I discovered they were limiting your letters to every other week, I would pick up my Orion Review thinking, ‘Oh, will Mr. Delavan’s letters be published this week or next??
I will no longer be looking with interest for your Letters to the Editor.
Your comments about 9/11 being ‘an inside job? have so disgusted me that I now believe what the vast majority of involved Lake Orion residents have known all along: You are a foolish, sad man who lives only to denegrate others with your silly, sophmoric tirades.
You have joined the ranks of tired, ridiculous liberals everywhere who are unable to argue facts, because the facts don’t work in your favor.
To use the 9/11 tragedy as a conspiracy to forward your attitudes regarding our township supervisor and board’s activities borders on the extreme, if not the insane.
I am SO over you.
— Margaret M. Boggs
Dear Editor,
I have watched Ms. MacMaster for many years at the township meetings. I considered you to be a watchdog for the community and was under the impression you were a reputable person.
After reading your Letter to the Editor in the Sept. 26 issue of the Orion Review, I not only question your intent, but your credibility.
Mr. Cucinelli is young, quite good-looking and has the magnetism of a snake charmer. His presentation was full of innuendoes, part truths and part fabrications.
My question to you, Ms. MacMaster, is did you take the time to find out what was fact or what was fiction? Do you even know where Sunset Hills is?
More importantly, why would you put your good name on issues you are not familiar with without checking all the facts?
A reputation that is respected is hard to recover after attaching it to a questionable project such as this.
From now on, please do your homework.
— Lois Whitham
Sunset Hills homeowner
Dear Editor,
I was in attendance the night that Nick Cucinelli, his wife and others who live around Elkhorn Lake came to present their complaint to the Orion Township Board.
It seems their neighbor, Mr. Dale Kotila, has been given numerous citations from Orion Township as well as a Notice of Violation from the Michigan State Department of Environmental Quality for filling in wetlands.
Kotila also created a berm on a private subdivision road owned in common and equally by others in the subdivision. Thus, causing flooding at least a foot deep and creating dangerous and treacherous conditions for driving and walking when the road turns to ice.
Dale Kotila’s comments to The Lake Orion Review regarding Mr. Cucinelli’s complaints, ‘He’s trying to come into a community where everything has already been settled.?
By what I witnessed at the board meeting the issue is not settled. Mr. Kotila and his alleged rock throwing wife had better realize that Mr. Cucinelli and all the others in attendance are not trying to come into the community — they are already in the community and own property.
There were many in attendance that viewed the slides that Mr. Cucinelli presented of the damage caused to his property and the road.
Property owners have rights whether they’ve recently moved in or have owned a home for 30 years.
According to’Mr.’Cucinelli, a Mr. Jerry Moon has also been found in wetlands violations’by the DEQ for creating similar problems for those residing in the subdivision.?
Why would either Mr. Moon or Mr. Kotila be given Notices of Violation by the DEQ if the wetlands did not exist as they have claimed?
If the DEQ can’t or won’t take action to protect the wetlands, then why are we paying taxes to keep’this bureaucracy in existence if they are inept at enforcing Michigan’s wetland laws? Maybe the agency should be abolished and help cut Michigan’s debt.
I know if I’was in a similar circumstance as Mr. Cucinelli and his neighbors, I would ask all those who are having their property rights trampled on to pool their money and sue those creating the damage for their eyeteeth. I would also see to it that the violators were made to pay to have the wetlands restored to their original circumstance.
— Mary MacMaster
Dear Editor,
I wonder if the people of Orion Township or the citizens of the United States are aware of the deception and lies that they are being fed by our so-called government officials.
I have my doubts about 9/11. The more I study the goings on, the more I believe that 9/11 was an inside job and not Osama Ben Forgotten. Alex Jones on 9985 Short Wave and Tom Hartman on Air America, 1310 AM, present a lot of interesting facts about 9/11. If you care to listen, they both go on the air at noon every day, the same time as ‘Mush? Limbaugh.
Locally, we seem to have the same old garbage that never goes away.
We never found out who took the file about the Gingellville Community Center tax status prior to the GCC having to close up after being ordered by the State of Michigan Tax Tribunal to start paying property taxes, even though they had a 501c3 status.
I went out and tried to get the people to protest this action, but I guess the Monday Night Football games were more important than watching your community crumble.
Now, the issue with Friendship Park enters into the picture. It seems there was some illegal dumping of dirt at the park.
Will Wilsher, a former Orion Township trustee, came forward and wanted an investigation done.
Then Orion Supervisor Gerald A. Dywasuk went and pulled Mr. Wilsher’s item off the meeting agenda, because Mr. Dywasuk claims the attorneys ordered it to prevent a lawsuit.
Just who or what are you trying to cover up for Jerry?
The culprits that did this dumping should be paying for this clean-up, not the citizens of Orion Township. But you and some trustees thought it would be okay to take one-third of a million dollars, again without the citizens? permission, and spend it in the hopes that everything will get cleaned up at Friendship Park, and the citizens will forget about Will Wilsher and his crusade to make those that did the damage pay.
Well, just to let you know, Mr. Dywasuk, Will Wilsher is not going to give up, and neither is yours truly. So long as Mother Nature is willing, I will be around like a fly on a cube of sugar to keep my eye on you, Jerry!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
The Orion Senior Center would like to thank John Cooper and the rest of the’Golling Pontiac-GMC staff for their help and for sponsorship our first annual Classic Car Cruise. Without them this’event would not have been as successful as it was.
We also extend our thanks to our staff at the Orion Senior Center for time they spent to prepare and plan this event.
A big thanks to our major sponsors; Golling Pontiac-GMC, Carvel of Oakland Township, Culver’s of Lake Orion, the Orion Chamber of Commerce, Pee Wee Patch, Sports Authentic of Rochester, UAW Local 5960, Walgreen’s on Baldwin Road in Orion Township, WOMC 104.3, the Sign Center, the Lake Orion’Sunshine Rotary’Club, the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Orion and the USMA.
A special thank you goes out to our trophy sponsors and’the companies that made donations toward our door prize raffle. We wish that we could list all of you, but our list would go on and on.
In addition, we’would like to thank all of the newspapers, radio stations, ONTV of Lake Orion and Oxford TV for their help in getting the word out about our show.
We also thank the Orion Township Board for their support of this event.?
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the 220 car cruisers who attended this event. You made our day and we hope that we made yours.
We look forward to seeing you all next year!
— Bill Kokenos
Dear Editor,
We have enjoyed the farmers market in Clarkston for the past three summers.
We cannot imagine who, why or what would cause the season to be cut so short this summer, with the market ending last Saturday, Sept. 8.
The market is one of the bestevents in Clarkston. The vendors, as well as, the market coordinators, only shrug their shoulders and shake their heads when asked why.
So we are asking, why?
Jim and Mary Telfer
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
I was at the Farmer’s Market today and heard that the market was closing early this year.
I was so disappointed to hear that the market would be closing Sept. 8. The crowds and selection have been larger than last year and as a community member I have been so pleased with what appears as a successful year.
I noticed that even the restaurant in town has lines on Saturday as people are waiting to get in for breakfast. I can’t help but think that the Farmer’s Market has boosted even this.
Fall is so beautiful in Clarkston and it would be so sad to see the market close so early this year, just as the harvest is in full force.
I would urge planners to reconsider this decision and at least give the market until the last week in September.
My family looks forward to Saturday mornings and we appreciate the community effort that is put forth on our behalf to have the privilege of this market.
Neena Griffin
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I want to thank everyone who helped me with the video drive for the YWCA Interim House.
Together, we collected 367 videos and DVDs that I will deliver to the shelter in Detroit this October once the renovation of their community room is complete.
I also want to thank The Clarkston News for being the collection place and for Trevor Keiser’s story, which let people know about the drive.
I have to stop collecting now because we have so many tapes and DVDs.
I know the kids and the moms will enjoy some great movies like The Wizard of OZ, Oklahoma and many Disney movies and some fun shows like The Brady Bunch, Sponge Bob and many cartoons.
Thanks again everyone!
Sincerely,
Emily Frasa, age 8
Independence Township
Dear Editor,
As the father of a U.S. Navy 2nd class petty officer currently serving with our multi-national armed forces in Iraq, I want to thank Ms. Mallory Yaroch, Review Staff Intern, for her heart-warming and well-written article in the Aug. 29 issue of The Review entitled, ‘Beaumont honors local soldiers.? She is certainly another asset to your staff.
We can attest to the fact that Ms. Michelle Schmalz, of Winfire Management, has indeed taken a deep personal interest in, and love for, all our servicemen and women who serve our country and who are in harm’s way each and every day.
We appreciated her personal visit and tireless effort she expends in carrying out her ‘Michelle’s Vision,? and are very grateful to her.
Our gratitude also extends to Louise Downs, founder of Desert Angels, to JoAnn Fabrics and to Ted and Bonnie Dickens of Oxford One-hour Photo for their generous contributions to this wonderful recognition of military loved ones.
Whatever our opinions about the war may be, all the officers and enlisted soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in Iraq are truly deserving of our love, prayers and support. Whenever their return home may be, it will be to happy tears and open arms.
Sadly, those who have fallen won’t hear our expressions of gratitude which we carry in heavy hearts.
— Richard and Beth Webster
Grateful parents of our sailor in Iraq
Editor’s note: We second those thoughts on the troops, and a huge thank you from our staff goes out to both Mallory and Tom Hickey, who worked with us as interns this summer.
Sadly, both Mallory (Central Michigan University) and Tom (Birmingham Roeper H.S.) have returned to school for the fall, but we appreciate their efforts and promise ‘not to let the paper slip? in their absence.
Dear Editor,
On my recent visit to Lake Orion, I was amazed and proud to see how much had been accomplished at the Veterans Memorial Park.
I was there the day they placed the memorials around the center (profiled in the Aug. 15 edition of The Review).
Thanks to all of the volunteers who are spending so much time and effort in the beautification of the grounds.
Lake Orion, you have something to be proud of, so please support them.
— Ellen Carlson
Former Resident
Dear Editor,
With Michigan’s economy leading the nation in unemployment at over 7-percent, for just those who meet the criteria to be included in this statistic, why has a college education gone up nearly 30-percent in just two years, when all the politicians keep saying Michigan can only get out of this economic funk by better educating our kids?
I have two sons attending Wayne State, and I just received a bill for over $9,500 for just one quarter, and then to top that off they spent over $1,000 for books for just one quarter!
With the state and federal governments cutting back dollars to support higher education, this simply amounts to another hidden TAX INCREASE on the soon-to-be extinct middle-class.
Way to go, Lansing, the last thing I need is more taxes, on top of all the other increasing cost-of-living expenses like energy, food and insurance, to name a few.
The only concern out of Lansing these days seems to be the bi-partisan support for the legislature to extend their self-serving TERM-LIMITS!!! Your priorities are truly pathetic, and soooo out of touch with Main-street America.
— Daniel Myslakowski
Dear Editor,
After attending the Monday night Orion Township Board Meeting on Sept. 4, I am going on a verbal tear directed at our illustrious Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk who has, in my opinion, conducted himself as an elected tyrant.
I know there is no love-lost between the two of us. Dywasuk assuredly did not like my opinions during public comment of his former deputy/assistant to the supervisor lawsuits against the township and two of our elected officials. But, witnessing our supervisor having another temper tantrum and blurt out unceremoniously that I favor the clerk’s and the treasurer’s offices defies convention. Forget about my ability to counter his explosion.
Since I champion honesty, I have to admit that Supervisor Dywasuk’s outburst is correct, and in my opinion he has proven himself not worthy.
Mr. Dywasuk also has a habit of interrupting and injecting himself when a motion has been put forth. As supervisor and therefore chair, his actions are improper. The supervisor is only to act in the capacity of the conciliator and not interrupt with his opinions. It seems that Mr. Dywasuk has to be continuously reminded of what his duties and limitations are as the supervisor and a member of the township board. He also has a habit of interrupting the other board members when his ire is in full swing.
At one point during a discussion on an issue before the board and after others involved had left the podium I approached the podium. Mr. Dywasuk told me to sit down because the board was not through with their discussion. I had not interrupted their discussion, but to appease him I sat down. Albeit, I let him know that I expected, as a citizen, to have my say. What did Mr. Dywasuk do? After the motion was made to take a vote, he railroaded the vote through and let me know that I could no longer speak on the issue because the vote had been taken. Mr. Dywasuk’s actions are enough to have a professional mime go into a verbal frenzy.
I don’t care whether Mr. Dywasuk likes me or anyone else at the meetings — he has no right to deny a citizen and taxpayer the right to speak. That includes any individual in the audience who previously sat on the board. I would suggest that our supervisor refresh himself on our federal and state Constitutions that he has taken an oath to uphold, as well as the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
Nevertheless, the board meeting was adjourned with items left on the agenda to hang in limbo. I guess they’ll wind-up in Dywasuk’s perceived time capsule, where most of his so-called investigations of wrongdoing also remain.
Oh, and by the way, I would like to lend my kudos to our Orion Township treasurer, whose investments have awarded returns of over $447,000.
I also hope that wiser heads will prevail on the board and see to it that our clerk’s office acquires at least the part-time person needed for the coming primary and census. This person will replace a now retired full-time position.
Seems as if we can all forget about the much needed Human Resource person for the near future, since Mr. Dywasuk’s former deputy/assistant is no longer vying for the position.
— Mary L. MacMaster
Dear Editor,
Let’s see, every first and third Monday of each month, the Orion Township Board of Trustees meets to serve its citizens, with information on what could be improvements or betterment in the community lifestyle, or so we are made to believe.
In reality, I see a different scenario, one of self-serving grandstanding and bickering among trustees and elected officials, such as the clerk, treasurer and, of course, the honorable supervisor.
I am going to abstain from mentioning any names at this point, but I will mention one person’s name that may be a solution to the ongoing problem of disorganization and lack of political science that this present board is showing.
I would suggest that the supervisor step down on the trustee board meeting nights and appoint former trustee Burke Cueny to run the meetings.
Mr. Cueny seems to have the magic touch on keeping a political meeting organized.
In the past, I have watched him fill in as chairman when the Orion Township supervisor was absent. Every item on the agenda was taken care of, and the meetings were over by 9:15 p.m., not midnight or 1 a.m. with agenda items left over, as seems to be the norm with this present board.
What does a trustee get paid per meeting? I believe it’s around $150-$175. Well, as a taxpaying citizen, I think that these trustees should be docked $25 for each item on the agenda that they leave incomplete.
I believe that this is a fair penalty. After all, if you remember, the trustees though it was fair to charge us a 10-percent late penalty charge on our water and sewer bill if it wasn’t paid by the due date!
People of Orion Township, we have to wake up and start showing these elected officials where the root of the system is. It’s US, not them, and the more citizens we get to realize where the root is, the better off we’ll be.
We, the people!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
490,050,000 gallons of water.
I find it laughable that the lakefront homeowners are so upset over the early end to their, and I quote, ‘precious boating season.?
Isn’t the larger concern that a biblical flood will be flushed down Paint Creek after it has starved for water all summer??
I understand that legal precedents have been set long ago to maintain lake levels.’These precedents will likely never be reversed.’That does not make them right.?
What I will never understand is the human indifference to the negative effects of such unnatural water management.?
So while you fret over the loss of a few weeks of boating, be sure to pay no mind to the trees you hear falling as the once pristine Paint Creek and its banks melt away during these deluges.?
In my opinion, unless you are a lakefront property owner, which most of us are not, Paint Creek and its trail are the most compelling reasons to live here.’Access is virtually unlimited, quite the opposite story on the lake.
I will never understand why lake levels cannot be maintained with more gradual raising and lowering of the dam in conjunction with our rainy seasons and winter runoffs.?
With a little research and effort, the creek and lake could thrive all year long.? Yes, there would be lower points for the creek during the dry season, but not to the point it is now with better water management.?
The evidence of rapid erosion is there.? Many areas of the creek that one could jump across just a couple years ago are now 20 feet wide.?
So, try to see the other side in which an ecosystem is being destroyed, and understand that there is much more at stake here than a few ‘precious? weeks of boating.
–Jeff Aisthorpe
As an Oxford school teacher, I read the Aug. 29 Leader editorial with great interest. The column criticized Oxford’s test scores for the new Michigan Merit Exam (MME).
Having worked at the high school for over ten years, I can attest to the fact that the staff is made of knowledgeable and motivated people with a work ethic so strong that majority of Oxford’s staff work many hours each week beyond the requirements in our contract. While many employers pay time-and-a-half for overtime, the coaches and club sponsors work for as little as $5 and hour after their regular day. Oxford’s staff continues to do this with little recognition from others, but because of their commitment to their vocation and the students.
With all of this hard work going on, you might wonder why test scores ranged from 56 percent to 86 percent. You have to look at the number in context. Oxford’s test scores are higher than Michigan school’s average and Oakland school’s average. That means when you look at a 61 percent in math for Oxford, it shows that we did much better than the state average of 46 percent and better than the county average of 56 percent. Oxford did better than 22 of the 30 schools in Oakland county on the MME. If you look even closer at the scores, the picture improves. In Oxford we receive about $7,000 per student from the state, yet still out scored Lake Orion where they receive about $9,000 per student. In fact we beat several schools that receive more state funding than Oxford. The only schools that did manage to have a higher test scores also get more funding than we do. When you look at these numbers in context, it is clear that Oxford has reason to celebrate.
It is also important to keep in mind that a standardized test like the MME is only one measure of a school’s success. This new test was designed as a tool for people to compare their local school against all Michigan schools. I am not an advocate for characterizing the success or failure of a school based on scores from a single test. Standardized tests are not designed to consider other factors of development such as electoral classes, sports and clubs, or behavioral and emotional development. It is also difficult to assess higher order skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity on a multiple choice test. If too much emphasis is placed on answering multiple choice questions correctly, students may develop skills at memorizing facts, but not fully comprehend the deeper fundaments behind the facts.
Oxford has clearly stood out as one of the best schools in Oakland County based on our MME scores because the teachers here have also taken the time to identify what the state is testing and preparing students for those areas. I’ve have also seen first hand that teacher do not only teach to the test, but use their judgment and experience to inspire, guide, and help students prepare for their future as life long learners.
David Okasinski, OHS CAD teacher
To simply say that Oxford ‘teens? vandalize school property because they are bored is a stretch to say the least. Oxford is an ever growing community with multiple opportunities to occupy ones time.
I myself was a ‘teen? of the community but four years ago. Between all the sports offered and the parks with lakes one needs to not look far to be left with little time for anything else.This was definitely a personal choice and not a matter of being bored.
It is unfortunate that we attribute destruction of property and vandalism to ‘boredom? instead of stupidity. Last time I got bored I picked up a newspaper and now I’m writing a letter to the editor. ? Chris Glass
We are ever so grateful to the many that saved our precious loved one on Sept. 1 on Squaw Lake. Nothing would be payment enough for what these strangers did.
To Dr. Kevin Robertson of the HealthFirst Medical Center on your balcony, thank you for listening to my screams and realizing that they were not from kids having fun on the lake. Thank you for stabilizing her neck, so permanent damage did not occur, and for staying with her until EMT arrived. Thank you for saving her life.
Terry Roehr, as the first EMT on site (within minutes) thank you for trying to calm her, stabilize her and administer trauma treatment. You were so careful and gentle with her, knowing that permanent damage could occur. You, sir, saved her life. Bless you.
To the person that phoned 9-1-1, thank you, whoever you are. Bless you. Thank you for saving her life.
To the jet-skier who heard my cries for help, left his jet ski and swam to me. You lifted her from me and into the boat so we could drive to the shore where the doctor was waiting.
Thank you, if you had not done what you did, I don’t know if I could have made it. Thank you for saving her life.
Many details are sketchy and I know there were many more that helped get the children off the boat, helped pull the boat to shore and more. May God send blessings to each and every one of you.
Jenn is doing remarkably well, as the grace of God is with her.
She has no permanent damage, just very swollen, bruised and some stitches that we are told will not leave a scar.
She remembers nothing of the accident, which is a gift from God
Name withheld upon request
Dear Editor,
My wife Arlene and I frequently exercise by walking the community of Clarkston; it is healthful, informative and fun.
While enjoying ourselves, we have appreciated the beauty of our area and seen certain matters requiring attention by public officials. Also, as we walk, we recognize many other neighbors doing the same thing.
Perhaps, it is time for those of us walkers to become a bit more connected, with each other and to the community. It might add to our enjoyment and be of some help to the area.
So, what about forming an informal walker’s organization?
There is such an organization at the Great Lakes Crossing Mall, where many of us walk during the winter months when sidewalks prohibit safe footing.
We suggest the formation of the ‘Clarkston Streetwalkers? (pun intended). Our only ‘duties? would be to get to know each other better and to observe what is going on in the area as we walk.
The observations can be shared with the local government when appropriate and necessary. For example, we may find lost items, or notice a tree down, or someone injured.
If you are interested, please give us a call: 248-625-8193.
We will be looking for you!
Also, my sincere congratulations to everyone who contributed to the effort to erect the new bridge in Depot Park, especially to Gini and Jim Schultz who spearheaded the effort. It is a wonderful addition to the Park.
Tom and Arlene Stone
Clarkston
Dear Don,
Reading your Aug. 29 (The most wonderful time of the year) column made me recall a bus story.
I’m a Clarkston schools bus driver and one slippery morning a few years ago, I was driving middle school students to school. We just turned onto Allen Road, off Holcomb. That portion of Allen Road is paved for about 1/4 mile and was very iced up that morning. I was going slowly anticipating the sharp left curve ahead at the end of the pavement.
An impatient driver passed me going faster than he should, based on the conditions.
I told students that everyone should look to the right in 10 seconds because there would be a car in the ditch at the curve. Sure enough, there he was in the ditch on his cell phone. I gave him a ‘polite? honk and the kids all waved as we continued to school.
Thanks for encouraging drivers to be safe around buses. We want to get kids to and from school safely.
Charlie Robinson
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I find it disturbing that a committee that was formed to, in its own words, ? make one of the most important decisions for the future of this city,? would be appalled that Clarkston City Councilman Cory Johnston felt the public was entitled to know the background of the candidates being interviewed.
As one of only two residents, myself and Terry Coventry, who attended all of the public interviews, I believe it was not only appropriate, but essential that Terry Coventry share her assessment of the candidates, one of whom she had personal prior knowledge of, with the city manager.
If this committee felt there was background information on the final candidates that should be withheld from the public, then I believe it is unconscionable that they would make a recommendation other than that we continue the search for a new police chief.
Robyn Johnston
Clarkston
Dear Editor,
I am a former environmental regulator from out of state in the Federally Mandated Storm Water Program and have been appalled since returning to Clarkston three years ago at the lack of apparent manangement present within Michigan in general, and specifically within Oakland County.
Stormwater runoff, otherwise known as non-point source pollution, is the biggest threat to our water quality and will continue to degrade our surface waters exponentially as impervious surface within the watershed exceeds 10 percent.
Construction site sediment runoff is a major contributing factor to this degredation. Lack of, and poor planning and management of our water resources will additionally impact water levels in our rivers and lakes, as once infiltrated recharge from precipitation instead becomes runoff that drains out of the watershed rather than replenish it.
This is a very serious issue that can affect property values and is very expensive to mitigate, if mitigation is an option at all.
Once damage is done, it is difficult to undo. The laws and requirements that are in place that would protect our surface waters are actually quite effective when implemented in the manner of which they were intended.
However, that is not happening here. After engaging in efforts to encourage increased inspections and greater awareness and compliance, I believe increased documentation, outside of what I am able to do myself, is the only approach that may be effective in achieving the protections locally as demanded by law.
I am therefore starting up a citizens watch group that I hope to train in what the law is and what it requires, how to perform inspections and documentation, so that we might engage local officials in meaningful response, resulting in compliance.
If you are interested in learning how to contribute to protecting your local watershed and in collectively influencing the manner in which your rivers and lakes are managed, please contact me at citizen.stormwater.watch@gmail.com .
Tammie Heazlit, hydrogeologist,
environmental scientist
Clarkston
In response to the recent editorial written by C.J. Carnacchio relative to the Oxford High School Michigan Merit Exam (MME) scores, I must again assert that we are proud that our students have increased their scores in every subject area this year, with Oxford’s scores surpassing the state and Oakland County averages. This is not only apparent with the MME, but with the ACT exam as well, where again, we surpassed the state and county averages. When you compare Oxford to other districts of like size and monies received per pupil, one will find that we top the list of those districts. We, in fact, are competing in the range of districts that are substantially larger and receive much more state funding.
When interpreting scores, one cannot simply apply a standard percentage classroom grading scale to a criterion-referenced assessment such as the MME. The scoring scale utilized by such exams is established by the state setting ‘cut-scores? which determine levels of proficiency of students, based on a normalized bell curve, which is different from subject to subject and year from year. For example, the cut-scores for science may be different than the cut-scores for writing. Folks not familiar with such statistics often confuse the scores they see as a standard percentage that are often used with general classroom assessments. A ?63? does not equate to a ‘D? on such scales, but rather it indicates that 63 percent of juniors score at a mastery level from where the state drew the cut-score on a particular test. Our scores show that we are beyond the mid-range of the bell curve compared with all other districts in all subject areas.
As an Oxford taxpayer, you should be confident that your children are receiving quality education that is always striving to be better. Nowhere will you find the dedication toward our children’s education to be of greater priority. We are not satisfied with mediocrity. Our teachers are consistently working toward improving their practice, from raising standards, to modifying instructional practices, to creating new and innovative programs.
Our assessment scores have risen across all grades overall over the past several years, and we expect them to continue to do so. Our seniors benefited from nearly 1.6 million dollars of scholarships last year and at a college and university acceptance rate higher than ever. I firmly stand behind and appreciate our teachers and support staff as we tirelessly strive to work toward preparing our students for success in an ever-changing global marketplace.
James Schwarz
Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum Oxford Schools
Editor’s Note: We clearly indicated that each percentage represented the number of Oxford juniors who exceeded or met state standards on the Michigan Merit Exam.
Based on each percentage, we assigned the school district a corresponding letter grade in each subject. We graded the district as a whole the same way a teacher grades students.
Hence, we considered having 57 percent of students exceed or meet state standards in writing to deserve an ‘E.? Last time we checked, scoring 57 percent on a test was failing ? curves be damned. And let’s not forget 43 percent of Oxford juniors did NOT meet state standards in writing.
Moving on to math, 61 percent of students exceeded or met state standards and that deserves a ‘D? in our opinion.
Why? Because 39 percent did NOT.
Comparing how Oxford did to the county and state’s low averages is poor salesmanship. If three children bring home test scores of 46, 56 and 60 percent, respectively, do you reward and praise the one who got 60 because the other two did worse?
Oxford only receives $7,300 per pupil per year from the state.
The school districts that receive over $12,000 per pupil per year are the ones making A’s and B’s on this year’s ‘report card.?
I wonder all that Oxford could accomplish if we were given the proper funding.
You are asking us to do a quality job but giving us a substandard budget on which to work.
An increase in funds would allow lower class sizes, more paraprofessional services, more one on one instruction, and proper supplies.
Amy Retsel
I wonder how things would change in the district should there be the inclusion of a charter school into the area. Oxford Schools put the needs of the school first above that of the community. In closing, speaking as a non-homestead taxpayer, I find their behavior shameful.
Martin Scypinski
To Don Rush,
Reading your Aug. 29 column made me recall a bus story. I’m a Clarkston schools bus driver and one slippery morning a few years ago, I was driving middle school students to school. We had just turned onto Allen Rd, off Holcomb. That portion of Allen Rd. is paved for about 1/4 mile and was very iced up that morning. I was going slowly anticipating the sharp left curve ahead at the end of the pavement.
An impatient driver passed me going faster than he should, based on the conditions. I told students that everyone should look to the right in 10 seconds because there would be a car in the ditch at the curve. Sure enough, there he was in the ditch on his cell phone. I gave him a ‘polite? honk and the kids all waved as we continued to school.
Thanks for encouraging drivers to be safe around buses. We want to get kids to and from school safely.
Charlie Robinson
I write this letter with the hope that Teri Stiles, Chris Bishop and Mike Hamilton are elected to serve the best interest of the residents of Oxford Village in the Sept. 11 election.
This election is very important as much work needs to be done to elevate the management of this village, to reaffirm our progress as a community will be based on quality, not quantity, and that our standards are not for sale, nor our local ordinances/governmental processes to be compromised.
I wish for any candidate that is honored to receive their neighbor’s vote of confidence to act with an independent mind and possess the wisdom and discipline to relinquish their personal agendas, to view the people’s business objectively. These are high expectations we all would acknowledge, but still notions they (the candidates) and we (the voters) must not waver on. Chris Bishop, Mike Hamilton and Teri Stiles undeniably fit this profile and their motives are sincere.
I am compelled to write this letter of support and I will indeed have a snap in my step as I approach the voting booth because rarely does the opportunity present itself to choose three such competent and committed individuals. Chris Bishop, Mike Hamilton and Teri Stiles, by their actions and conduct, have honored their neighbors, honored the Oxford Village Charter and honored the process we as residents of this fine community sometimes take for granted.
I believe in my heart their only wish is to tend to our business with honor and integrity. Please allow them that opportunity and please find the time to show up Sept. 11.
John DuVal, Oxford
Dear Editor,
Living on a lake that periodically disappears for vague or erroneous reasons is frustrating. The lake is arguably the single most attractive feature about living in Lake Orion. Yet, for questionable reasons, the lake is lowered periodically and held there for six weeks, forcing boaters to end the season some two months earlier than necessary.
The reasons or justifications given for lowering the lake are seawalls, weed control and dam inspection. Let’s take a look at each one of these individually.
If you want to put in a new sea wall, the professionals will tell you that it is no easier, and therefore no cheaper, to do when the lake is down. Some sea wall installers even believe that lowering the lake has a negative effect on sea walls since the pressure on the lake side is removed, creating an imbalance.
So what we are talking about are homeowners making some kind of repairs to their sea walls, not the installation of sea walls. Does sea wall repair require six weeks of beautiful fall boating weather to accomplish?
Can anyone think of a valid reason that these people who need to work on their sea walls couldn’t do it in late October? I, for one, would never waste a good boating day doing work I could do on bad boating day.
Another reason given is that it helps control the weeds. We have been unable to substantiate that claim. People who checked with weed removal experts and Michigan State University say it isn’t true.
The final reason given is that it allows the dam to be checked. It takes six weeks in late summer and early fall to check the dam?
I believe that a majority of lake property owners would support a draw down that was scheduled for later in the year and for a much shorter time. The justifications for the current draw down schedule just don’t hold water.
— Peter J Haag
Dear Editor,
What would possess anyone to cut short our precious boating season – never mind for reasons that have been found to be totally unnecessary – but that aside, why September?
Since the draw down seems to be happening whether it is necessary or not, would someone please explain why it can’t be done in early April or in mid-October?
Since the Village Manager (who, it is my understanding, applies for the draw down permit) does not have lakefront property, possibly she does not understand the importance of keeping our boating/fishing season at its maximum. It is why we live here.
Obviously, there are 12 months in the year – the lake rarely freezes before January – why in the world would a request be made to draw the lake down in September?
— Whitney Hadley
Dear Editor,
It’s been a long difficult journey for my son the past 21 years. One mistake, one turn in the road, and Larry became prisoner #222000. He has been incarcerated since 1992 for his involvement in one drug offense that occurred in 1986.
I’m now 94 years of age, my son Larry Drum is 70; the most important thing in each of our lives is to see each other again. I miss him, and each day my thoughts are focused on his well-being. Although we speak by phone, I’m no longer able to make the trip to visit him.
We are encouraged that his release is in process, perhaps before Christmas. It was the efforts of many people in our community that helped to make this happen.
The letters, over 200, that went to Governor Granholm, and the 40 newspaper stories brought his plight to the attention of Parole Board and Governor Granholm.
Thankfully the severity of Michigan’s law has changed, allowing fair sentencing for non-violent drug offenses; sadly for Larry, the changes did not affect his sentence. Larry will be given a public hearing in October to determine his fate.
To make this happen took the efforts of too many people to thank personally. Thank you, Lake Orion, for all you did for my son. Thank you for the thoughts and letters, the stories that brought him to the attention of people who realized how severely he was sentenced for his one non-violent offense, and for your continuous outpouring of support and understanding toward Larry.
I am grateful to Representative Jim Marleau, for having faith in my son. After studying the facts in Larry’s case, Representative Marleau took action. He stood up for him and asked the judicial system to consider the facts in Larry’s case carefully before deciding that he should remain incarcerated. He met with the Parole Board personally, and asked for their considerations regarding early release. Thank you, Representative Marleau.
— Ione Drum
Dear Don,
Reading your August 29th column made me recall a bus story.
I’m a Clarkston schools bus driver and one slippery morning a few years ago, I was driving middle school students to school. We had just turned onto Allen Rd., off Holcomb. That portion of Allen Rd. is paved for about 1/4 mile and was very iced up that morning. I was going slowly anticipating the sharp left curve ahead at the end of the pavement.
An impatient driver passed me going faster than he should, based on the conditions. I told students that everyone should look to the right in 10 seconds because there would be a car in the ditch at the curve. Sure enough, there he was in the ditch on his cell phone. I gave him a ‘polite? honk and the kids all waved as we continued to school.
Thanks for encouraging drivers to be safe around buses. We want to get kids to and from school safely.
— Charlie Robinson
Dear Editor,
How many gallons of water in a cubic foot? There are 7.48 gallons in cubic foot and 748 gallons in one hundred (100) cubic feet (hcf).
In order to express large volumes of water use, this water use is expressed in acre feet numbers. One acre foot equals 43,560 cubic feet or 435.6 hundred cubic feet and is equivalent to 326,700 gallons. Just imagine one acre foot of land covered by one foot deep in water.
The Lake Orion draw down will lower the Lake level 36? or 3 acre feet.
?326,700 x 3?= 980,100 gallons/acre
‘Times 500 acres= 490,050,000 gallons
‘Weighing 2,037,955 tons= 4,075,909,202 pounds of water
‘That’s a lot of water!
— Roger Ebejer
Dear Editor,
While growing up in Leonard, I have many wonderful memories. Perhaps one that stands out is the Polly Ann Train! I lived with my grandparents, the Voughts, on a farm by the Gerst railroad crossing. Having no playmates close by, I had to make my own fun.
The Polly Ann Train came by often (I can’t remember if it was every day). I would run down our long driveway to stand by the crossing to wave to the crew. It didn’t matter if it was rain, snow or shine, I was there.
My family started calling me Polly Ann, which has stuck with me to this day. When I got old enough to go to school, I walked the tracks. Probably a couple of miles. My grandmother walked half way with me, then I went along. After all, I was five-years-old!
Many hobos traveled the tracks and many stopped at our farm. My grandmother always fixed them a plate of food, they did a little work and was on their way. Nobody much worried those days about strangers.
Later on, we moved downtown. I still walked the tracks to school, only a shorter ways from Baza St. ‘Pig Tail Alley? to school. The Polly Ann also brought me my first two-wheeled bike. We ordered it from the Montgomery Wards Catalogue. I watched the depot every day for the Polly Ann to stop every day and unload at the depot. Finally, one day, I saw the train stop and unload a big carton. Mr. Wiggins, who took care of the depot, loaded it in his pickup and headed for our house. I don’t remember who put it together, but I was a very happy 12-year-old with a shiny new bike.
I picked tiny wild strawberries beside the tracks, walked the rails and skinned my ankles, walked many miles on it. I still go by the name Polly (my name is Delores). Somewhere along the line they dropped the Ann. At 77-years of age I have a lot of good memories of the Polly Ann.
Polly West (Dalrymple)
Fort Pierce, Florida
Dear Editor,
I would like to first thank you for your sensitive, yet in-depth handling of the resignation of Teri Stiles from the Village Council. I would also like to say that your My Way column of last week was right on the mark.
Teri was a fine Councilperson and NEVER afraid to tackle tough issues or even those that peaked her curiosity. It absolutely kills me that the brunt of the skate park debacle fell squarely on her shoulders.
She withheld NOTHING from anyone. The information that I passed to her regarding the incident at the Canadian border was for her ears only, as a friend, and I believe that I may have even asked her to keep it to herself. She did just that and is now taking a hit for it.
On the other hand, when that same information was passed by me to the Council leadership and Village Management, it was for informational purposes and should have been passed along to the members of the Council – sadly, it was not. Ms. Stiles does not represent the leadership of the Council and this information was not shared by that leadership. There seemed to be, at the meeting of August 14, a number of village employees, Council Members, and Management that ALL had pieces of information that were not shared. Each piece on its own may not have seemed significant at the time, but when you put them all together ? a potential disaster may have been averted. For God sakes people, talk to one another.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologize. No, not for sharing the information or reminding Management/Council publicly that they knew, but to Teri Stiles for making her feel that she had no other option than to resign.
I regret the situation that I created and would do anything to be able to change the course of the events that unfolded afterward. I was very, very wrong for allowing others to make it look like she was the guilty party by them not stepping up and taking responsibility.
We know who it was and I for one am extremely disappointed in the lack of integrity. Teri, I am truly sorry for this situation and wish more than anything that you would reconsider your resignation.
Steven Allen
Oxford
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank Sherman Publications and the staff of The Lake Orion Review for having me on as an intern this summer. It has been a great experience and I truly appreciate it.
Colin and Cathy have shown me so much about the newspaper industry. Working with them has made this summer quite interesting! I have learned many ways to improve as a writer from both of them.
This summer also helped me learn more about the community and many of its traditions and events.
Thank you very much.
— Mallory Yaroch
Dear Editor,
The holidays bring out a particular excitement to ensure that all individuals have a happy holiday. It is a great deal of fun to shop for needy little girls and boys, buying pink and blue clothing and all the neat new toys. The Lake Orion Head Start program was a recipient of such excitement this past season, but we hear daily the greater need. As a result, we pushed for more and others gave up the fun for more crucial needs. Our deepest gratitude goes to those who participated in the following stories:
The law office of Randall S. Miller & Associates, who paid for a recently singled mother of three to take her GED test so that she may get a job. She passed. This office changed a future, not just a day. She is now at Baker College and aiming for nursing school.
The management and one special mechanic at Rochester Hills Chrysler-Jeep, who allowed service professional Kelly Cronce to complete her vision of repairing a family car for free. This allowed the child to get back to school and attend regularly.
To Lake Orion High School teacher Eric Rutledge and his class, for meeting the needs of three Head Start families at Thanksgiving and Christmas with not only toys, but bedding, new shoes, boots, entire holiday meals and much more.
To a local Lake Orion family, who repaired the heat in a Head Start family vehicle as winter approached.
To GENEX employees, who gave so that Head Start families could have the following: gas cards, phone cards, emergency kits, medical supplies, laundry soap, fabric softener, shampoo, conditioner and other hygiene products that food stamps do not buy. And they continue to do so.
Thank you all and keep in mind that ‘Need has no season.?
— Lake Orion Head Start Staff
Dear Editor,
We received a touching letter from a regular customer at the Clarkston Farmers? Market.
‘To The Vendors at the Clarkston Farmers? Market:
‘To you he was just a customer who strolled the aisle of the Clarkston Farmers? Market over the past couple of years, in his wheelchair.
‘But to him, you were his Saturdays that he looked forward all week from the confines of his hospital bed and paraplegia, to his weekly trips out to the farmers? market to talk to the locals.
‘He didn’t make it this year to the Farmers? Market, he passed away March 14, but had already been talking about his summer trips to the market on Saturdays when the weather warmed up.
‘Thanks for your smiles, helping him gather his coffee, biscuits, fruits, and vegetables. Your kindness to him over the past three years has been wonderful!
‘It truly was the light of his summers.
‘Thanks, his daughter, Neena Griffin.?
This letter had all the volunteers and vendors at the market smiling with tears in our eyes. Big thanks to co-market managers Anissa Howard and Chris Hardman. The Clarkston Farmers? Market is a wonderful addition to our community.
Pam Aughe,
Clarkston Farmers? Market
Dear Editor,
The Board of Directors of the Clarkston Community Historical Society would like to offer our congratulations to Gini Schultz and her husband James for the beautiful new bridge that now spans the river in Depot Park.
This is an incredible accomplishment and a real testament to the grassroots spirit that has been a part of the Clarkston community for over 175 years.
What a wonderful gift you have given to the village.
We know you had the support of many remarkable people but it was your vision and perseverance that made this dream a reality.
Thank you again, Gini and James. We are grateful for all of your hard work and look forward to enjoying this charming bridge for many years to come.
Toni Smith & Jennifer Arkwright
Clarkston Community Historical Society
Dear Editor,
Clarkston’s Football ‘Rush for Food? committee thanks all who helped make this 10th annual community service event a success.
On Aug. 17, approximately 150 members of the freshman, JV, and varsity football teams came together to collect nonperishable food items to help stock the pantry at Lighthouse Emergency Services, Clarkston.
The high school teams were assisted in their efforts by the Clarkston Chiefs Youth Football Association, who held a personal and paper products drive.
The teams collected and sorted approximately 3,900 pounds of food and paper/personal products. This total set a new record for the event, beating last years total by 300 pounds.
Special thanks go to Joe Lunghamer Chevrolet and GMC, Complex Tool and Machine, and the Wylie family for funding the pre-event dinner for the boys. Springfield Kroger assisted by providing needed supplies for the event.
The committee would also like to thank the CHS football coaches for their support, Lu Ann Stohrer CHS athletic secret-ary for her assistance, the CHS custodial staff, the football players who gave of their time to assist those in need in our community, and the homeowners who generously donated to this food drive.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Kenerson, publicity chair
CHS Football ‘Rush for Food?
Dear Editor,
The staff of the Springfield Township Library thanks the following businesses and individuals for their generous support of our Summer Reading programs: Davisburg Rotary, Friends of the Library, Sue Kraly, Frosty Bow, Meijer – White Lake, Angie Mozer, Bordine Nursery, Steve & Barry’s, Oakland County Parks. Let’s all support the area businesses that truly care about our community.
Francie Bauer – Children’s Services
Bonnie Moore – Young Adult Services
Victoria Trager- Circulation Services
I was leaving the Rite Aid early Saturday afternoon and had locked my car door. I thought to myself, ‘why did I do that, I never lock my door when I’m in Oxford.? When I sat down in the car I looked to my left and noticed the vehicle next to mine was not only unlocked, but all the windows were down and the vehicle was running. I thought to myself, ‘only in Oxford would someone be that brave.? Then I noticed the baby left alone in the vehicle.
While I consider Oxford to be the safest place I’ve ever lived, that just blew my mind. I waited to make sure someone came right out and sure enough a woman exited Rite Aid and got into the vehicle. It took all of my willpower not to say something extremely rude to this person.
If you read this, whoever you are, please have more sense. Even in Oxford . . .
A concerned citizen
Dear Editor,
Well, well, I see Dywasukism has made a return to Orion Twp. Not that it went away, but its founder, Gerald A. Dywasuk, our present Orion Twp. supervisor, has a tendency to bring it around to fit his agenda when the mood strikes!
Let’s take the $10M complex. Now back around 2002 if you recall, Mr. Dywasuk tried to shove a community center on us. He and the board approved to spend around $30,000 of citizen money to hire Tom Chen and Associates to give three presentations on the advantages the citizens would benefit from, by having such a complex.
The citizens of Orion Twp. spoke out and said ‘No!? but I was there when Mr. Dywasuk said, ‘I can’t see letting this thing die!?
Well now it’s half a decade later, and we still have Dywasukism here in Orion Twp. much like the Cubans have Castro to put up with in Cuba.
This $10M complex is no freebie to the Orion Twp. citizens. Your tax dollars are paying for this, and why are Dywasuk or whoever authorizing the immediate construction of this facility?
Was there ever a public hearing held for this? In fact, when I was present at the Aug. 6 Orion Trustees meeting, nothing was brought up about constructing this complex. The only words I heard were ‘Blueprints!?
After the Aug. 6 meeting was over, I had spoken with former Trustee Burke Cueny, who was also in attendance, and we both came to the conclusion that there had better be a public hearing if they plan on trying to build another civic complex.
Bond, millage or tax dollars; people, it is our money that these elected officials are using, and we have a right to say how it should be spent.
The people had said NO to this back in 2002, so under Dywasukism we take the same issue, disguise it and hope it fools the citizens.
Sorry Mr. Dywasuk, I’m wise to some of your tricks, and I hope the people of Orion Twp. are too!
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
I would like to publicly thank Orion Marine Center owners Scott and Cathy Campbell for their generosity for paying postage for the mailing of packages to the troops in June. The postage came to over $800. It was very much appreciated.
I would also like to thank Cub Scout Troop #1205 for collecting goodies to send to the troops. They worked very hard and collected a lot of needed items.
Thank you to the customers of the Lake Orion Post Office for their donations, also.
Everyone always comes through when I need help to send to the troops. I am still collecting money and items to send, will be in need of items for the up coming holidays.
If anyone has a relative or friends in the war zones, I would love to send them care packages. Just send me their name and address and a photo, to be put up on my Heroes board. You can also bring it to the Lake Orion Post Office.
God bless you all, and thanks again for all your contributions.
— Charlotte Cito
Operation Guardian Angel
c/o Lake Orion Post Office
Dear Editor,
In regard to the letter from Isabelle Colbeth, concerning the outrageous charge of $97 to set the timer of her softener.
I have been servicing people for over 50 years and have NEVER charged anyone for setting their timers. We set timers for ANYONE, for FREE.
Also, for families moving into the area that are not familiar with softener, we help them get the unit started FREE OF CHARGE.
— Bill Miller
Lake Orion
(248)693-8233
Too often we take for granted people we work, play and associate with. This is the case of Fran Bertram.
If you play golf, or any sport for that matter, real players make the game look easy. This is certainly the case again for Mr. Bertram.
These days he routinely shoots in the 70s, striking the score below his age, which is a tremendous feat.
I’ve been playing 40 years and might shoot in the 70s two or three times a season. I’ve practiced and played in my day an inordinate amount of golf and create nothing in comparison to the play of this ‘natural? athlete.
Should you be a person who watches the swing for motion and its effects to the flight of a golf ball as I do, it’s simply powerful. This only happens when mechanics are correct and a player is very fit.
Mr. Bertram still possesses both.
If you’re a player and have the opportunity to see him play, you’ve seen a rare man play a very complex game well.
If you see him, know he is a special player in a tough sport who has earned my appreciation as well as so many others. If you are a student of the game, watch his swing motion and see powerful grace.
Believe it or not, he’s a bowler you don’t want to bet against.
Why didn’t I get some of that talent?
Beats me, and so does Mr. Bertram.
Rick Heath
Wannabe Golfer
Oxford
Editor’s Note: A regular at Oxford Hills Golf & Country Club, Mr. Bertram has shot his age or lower a total of 404 times as of Sunday when he shot 77. More than 200 games were shot below his age.
Mr. Bertram has shot his age or lower on 28 different golf courses in Michigan and Florida. In case you’re wondering, he is 84 years old and has spent 60 of those years golfing.
Mr. Bertram said he plans to keep golfing until it’s time to meet his Maker. ? CJC
I wish to apologizxe to the Oxford Community. I especially want to apologize to my parents and to those who volunteered their time at 98 Glaspie on Aug. 4, 2007 for Celebrate Oxford.
I worked very, very hard on this event. I truly believed that what I was doing was right.
Unfortunately, I neglected my main responsibility to our community and the safety of our young residents.
The important thing to me is that our community now has a skateboard course.
I pray you accept my apology. God bless and peace.
Tom Smith, Oxford
This letter is in response to the letter Mary Forte wrote to the editor in last week’s paper. She stated ‘Village Council had paid someone $40,000 to tell us we need more retail and restaurants downtown.? The village council did NOT pay for this survey, the Downtown Development Authority paid McKenna Associates money from their own budget for a market analysis plan.
Village residents need to be aware that there are two government entities at work here in the village, each with their own budget. The DDA is responsible for purchasing, moving and tearing down homes on east and west Burdick, not Village Council, as I hear many of my neighbors complain about.
Kate Hall, Oxford
The Village of Oxford and the DDA are to be commended for their summer concert series. I can’t imagine why more local residents are not taking advantage of this summer entertainment. Last Thursday’s concert was excellent ? the Waterford-Pontiac Big Chief Barber Shop Chorus and the Sweet Adelines Group from Sterling Heights. There is a concert for everyone’s taste. Also, kudos to Earl Vogel regarding the trail.
Pat and Vern Oaks, Oxford
Dear Editor,
I recently called a local plumber to set the timer on my water softener, which was purchased from them several years ago.
They (2 men) were in the basement about 15 minutes, after which one presented me with a bill for $97, $58 for labor!
I was really upset. Needless to say, they will get no more business from me or my senior friends. I happen to be 92 years old and have lived here for 46 years.
— Isabelle Colbeth
Editor’s note: We suggest all residents get a quote in writing before the work begins to avoid such situations.
Dear Editor,
I was glad to see the findings of the Whall Group published regarding the funny business in the investment flap. But there are many questions which are not addressed that need clarification, like:
1. Why is the supervisor NOT meeting with the treasurer on a monthly basis? Doesn’t he need to know what’s going on with our finances?
2. Why weren’t ALL contracts brought before the board before approval?
3. Why did it take Jill Verros and Barb Armstrong to bring to the attention of the Supervisor the losses we were incurring financially with our investments? Why didn’t Alice Young, who MUST have known about the losses, bring it to the Supervisor first, or even to the board’s attention?
4. Why was a contract as a financial advisor converted to a contract as a broker? Did anyone other than Alice Young know about this and why wasn’t the board told?
5. Why was Jill Verros? position necessary, and why was she made a full time employee without the same benefits as everyone else?
6. And if the supervisor didn’t know what was in the contract, why did he sign it?
Somebody’s laying down on the job at the board, and it’s apparently more than one person. And if the supervisor’s not paying attention to the BIG things, what IS he paying attention to that he can’t even have a meeting with his staff on a regular basis?
I always thought the township board was there to OVERSEE what the township does with our money. Apparently, the supervisor doesn’t think it’s that darn important, and no one else on the board does either. The only person who was concerned is our internal auditor, god bless her. Everyone else has pretty much run and hid, like little kids, or stamped their feet defiantly shouting ‘I didn’t do it!? or ‘It’s not my fault!?
Maybe we should elect Barb Armstrong supervisor, since she seems to be the only one on the ball and capable of acting like a responsible grown-up. I’m pretty ashamed we elected these people to the board who’ve demonstrated themselves to be incapable of managing the township and its money responsibly, and completely destitute in the fine art of communication skills, despite personal differences.
All I can say is, I hope everyone remembers all this the next election. Because it’s clear to me that changes need to be made, starting with the board of trustees. We need responsible grown adults on the board, not a bunch excuse-ridden whiny kids who can’t get along. If you can’t ‘step up? you better ‘step out?.
— Laura Allen
Dear Editor,
Congrats and kudos to the Lake Orion Review and its editor Colin Baumgartner on the recent recap of the forensic audit by The Whall Group. Baumgartner’s report was well researched, well written and well balanced. Unfortunately, as with most issues facing the township, nothing will ever be altered and the report will just take up space and dust on a shelf!
For those of us who read the final report, it revealed nothing new and frankly it was a disappointment. There was no executive summary and a lack of a board presentation where taxpayers could hear an explanation never occurred. Evidently both ingredients were not a part of the original proposal and that is inexcusable and unconscionable.
Those of us who have either participated in preparing such a report or who have received similar documents find it unfathomable that neither of these components were part of the proposal. I suspect that the Lake Orion Review article will be the last we hear of this debacle and that prospect just boggles the mind!
All that remains now is for township staff to continue their practice of operating like silos where the interests of the community are left to languish. When the issue of the forensic audit first emerged I forwarded a brief report to the Board and Township staff with these suggestions:
+ Any fees over $5,000 paid to the township treasurer’s daughter-in-law be returned
+ Everyone on the board and the township staff should offer an apology for their incompetence and malfeasance in the handling of this transaction.
A very simple recommendation that would have saved $26,000 but for some reason it was felt that The Whall Report would shed some light on this – in my opinion all it did was to perpetuate the shroud of uncooperativeness and stonewalling that are hallmarks of this group. While Board members may have contributed to the confusion by not performing a more due diligence on the transaction, I find it difficult to castigate them since they all seem to be well-intentioned people who volunteer an enormous amount of their time to the community. I’m confident they share our disgust at how this whole episode unraveled.
On the other hand, when those of us from the corporate world look at this group of dysfunctional township malcontents it begs the question – why are some of these people still on the board and why are some of the township employees still employed? When the next election occurs the theme should be: ‘Anyone but the current incumbents!?
This is not a team. This is a group of warring, obstreperous, insulated, isolated, self promoting blowhards who surface every two weeks for a televised meeting and then fire a couple of vocal missiles at colleagues retreating then to their protective bunkers for another two weeks.
I suspect that when the township was in its formulation stages, township staff filled their days by issuing plowing permits to farmers with tractors. Current, more demanding events in the township seem to outpace the expertise of the current group. Let’s hope that come election time we can nominate a new group of people who put the interests of the community and its taxpayers first and abandon the embarrassment that currently resides in the township offices.
— Bill Kalmar
Dear Editor,
I read the article written by Bill Kalmar in the July 25th Lake Orion Review entitled ‘Welcome Back to the 14th Century,? were he bashes our beloved Pope Benedict XVI, God’s vicar on earth. A more appropriate title would have been ‘Personal Reflections of One Who Has Lost His Faith.?
Mr. Kalmar is a live journalist who writes with enthusiasm that what the world needs now is a more modern Catholic Church — but the dead journalist, G. K. Chesterton, wrote with rationality when he said, ‘we need not a Church that is right when the world is right, but a Church that is right when the world is wrong.?
The Catholic Church is ahead of the times, not behind it. If you are interested in hearing the truth about the Church Christ founded, call up Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) on the internet or TV, and listen to 1090 AM Michigan Catholic Radio.
— J. Mack
Since the mid-1980’s, the Lake Orion Police Department Dispatch Center has been the 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Village and Township residents for 911 calls for emergency service responses. This includes 911 emergency calls for police, medical or fire department needs.
Previous to the 911 system in Michigan, we have been the call takers and dispatchers for the Orion Township Fire Department since two-way radios were installed in Fire Trucks.
During the negotiations for the current agreement, statements were made at a public meeting and printed in this paper that are factually wrong and that falsely represented the ability of the equipment and personnel of the Lake Orion Police 911 Center.
When I read these comments, I was disturbed and concerned that anyone who lives or works in the Orion area that also heard or read the opinions would believe that your 911 Center is substandard.
Therefore, I would be neglectful if I did not make public comment on this issue?
~~ It has been proven that the Lake Orion Police Department 911 Center operates with the most advanced 911 call taking and Dispatching equipment available anywhere in Oakland County. It should be clearly noted that the Lake Orion Police 911 Center uses the same 911 call-taking and CAD Dispatching systems as all other 911 centers in Oakland County. In fact, the Lake Orion Police Department 911 Center over the past six years has undertaken a complete operational and systems review resulting in either a complete replacement of, or upgrade to all integrated computer systems, equipment and training needs within our Center.
~~ Most of these equipment upgrades were performed by participating in County wide funding opportunities and by diligently seeking and obtaining funds from outside sources, thereby not requiring funding from the general funds of either Village or Township taxpayers.
~~ The Lake Orion Police Department 911 Center is a key participant in the advanced Oakland County wide ‘Open Sky? emergency radio system that was initiated by the Oakland County Association of Chiefs of Police in the mid 1990’s and has been funded by a County wide 911 landline surcharge specifically designated for the Open Sky police and Fire Dispatching radio upgrade of all County wide locally based 911 Centers.
~~ There is built in redundancy in all of our operating systems that would allow for automatic transfer of 911 calls to other locally based 911 centers where a caller will be answered by a live dispatcher? never a recorded message, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
~~ Our staff of dedicated local 911 Dispatchers, many of whom have been serving ONLY this community for 30 years, are well trained and have received advanced training in multiple disciplines, as required for 911 police and fire emergency dispatchers. They receive thousands of calls for help every year, year after year. They have received numerous awards and citations for life saving actions in our community. We will continue updating our training assessment and needs and welcome all input.
~~ The main function of an emergency 911 Center is to receive a call for help, identify the need and location of the caller and arrange for the required emergency equipment to arrive in the quickest and safest means possible for the caller and the emergency responders. No small task. When a person calls 911 while anywhere in the Orion area, your emergency call will be answered by a dispatcher who is locally based, well trained and using the most advanced 911 dispatching equipment available, and whose only function is the needs of Lake Orion Village and Township residents and guests. Our knowledge of this area is unsurpassed, and with over 30 years experience in dispatching Orion needs, we know your street, your business and your surrounding area. Many times, we know you?
~~ In addition to the 911 police and fire duties, your local dispatchers also receive and process thousand of calls every year for burn permits and requests to burn. They also maintain computer records of all dispatching activities including utilization of the most advanced and recent audio recording technology of all communications. We also are the after hours, weekend and holiday emergency call center for the Orion Township DPW for water and sewer emergencies.
In closing, I would also be negligent if I did not discuss one of our greatest assets to our community. Your Lake Orion Police 911 Center is fully staffed and open to the walk-in public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We never close.
Our facility has been a safe haven and shelter to hundreds of persons over the years that were fleeing from harm or danger. Anyone can come into our secured facility for protection at any time. Victims of sexual assault, domestic assault and persons fleeing from virtually every crime imaginable have come to our facility, all hours of the night or day to seek refuge.
And as every disaster or emergency that has occurred involving the Orion area over the past 30 years has proven’when you call the Lake Orion Police 911 Center we will answer you and get you immediate help.
I have great enthusiasm and pride for our 911 Dispatchers and our Center. We will continue to provide the finest service available to everyone who is in need.
— Jerry Narsh
Lake Orion Police Chief
Since the mid-1980’s, the Lake Orion Police Department Dispatch Center has been the 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Village and Township residents for 911 calls for emergency service responses. This includes 911 emergency calls for police, medical or fire department needs.
Previous to the 911 system in Michigan, we have been the call takers and dispatchers for the Orion Township Fire Department since two-way radios were installed in Fire Trucks.
During the negotiations for the current agreement, statements were made at a public meeting and printed in this paper that are factually wrong and that falsely represented the ability of the equipment and personnel of the Lake Orion Police 911 Center.
When I read these comments, I was disturbed and concerned that anyone who lives or works in the Orion area that also heard or read the opinions would believe that your 911 Center is substandard.
Therefore, I would be neglectful if I did not make public comment on this issue?
~~ It has been proven that the Lake Orion Police Department 911 Center operates with the most advanced 911 call taking and Dispatching equipment available anywhere in Oakland County. It should be clearly noted that the Lake Orion Police 911 Center uses the same 911 call-taking and CAD Dispatching systems as all other 911 centers in Oakland County. In fact, the Lake Orion Police Department 911 Center over the past six years has undertaken a complete operational and systems review resulting in either a complete replacement of, or upgrade to all integrated computer systems, equipment and training needs within our Center.
~~ Most of these equipment upgrades were performed by participating in County wide funding opportunities and by diligently seeking and obtaining funds from outside sources, thereby not requiring funding from the general funds of either Village or Township taxpayers.
~~ The Lake Orion Police Department 911 Center is a key participant in the advanced Oakland County wide ‘Open Sky? emergency radio system that was initiated by the Oakland County Association of Chiefs of Police in the mid 1990’s and has been funded by a County wide 911 landline surcharge specifically designated for the Open Sky police and Fire Dispatching radio upgrade of all County wide locally based 911 Centers.
~~ There is built in redundancy in all of our operating systems that would allow for automatic transfer of 911 calls to other locally based 911 centers where a caller will be answered by a live dispatcher? never a recorded message, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
~~ Our staff of dedicated local 911 Dispatchers, many of whom have been serving ONLY this community for 30 years, are well trained and have received advanced training in multiple disciplines, as required for 911 police and fire emergency dispatchers. They receive thousands of calls for help every year, year after year. They have received numerous awards and citations for life saving actions in our community. We will continue updating our training assessment and needs and welcome all input.
~~ The main function of an emergency 911 Center is to receive a call for help, identify the need and location of the caller and arrange for the required emergency equipment to arrive in the quickest and safest means possible for the caller and the emergency responders. No small task. When a person calls 911 while anywhere in the Orion area, your emergency call will be answered by a dispatcher who is locally based, well trained and using the most advanced 911 dispatching equipment available, and whose only function is the needs of Lake Orion Village and Township residents and guests. Our knowledge of this area is unsurpassed, and with over 30 years experience in dispatching Orion needs, we know your street, your business and your surrounding area. Many times, we know you?
~~ In addition to the 911 police and fire duties, your local dispatchers also receive and process thousand of calls every year for burn permits and requests to burn. They also maintain computer records of all dispatching activities including utilization of the most advanced and recent audio recording technology of all communications. We also are the after hours, weekend and holiday emergency call center for the Orion Township DPW for water and sewer emergencies.
In closing, I would also be negligent if I did not discuss one of our greatest assets to our community. Your Lake Orion Police 911 Center is fully staffed and open to the walk-in public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We never close.
Our facility has been a safe haven and shelter to hundreds of persons over the years that were fleeing from harm or danger. Anyone can come into our secured facility for protection at any time. Victims of sexual assault, domestic assault and persons fleeing from virtually every crime imaginable have come to our facility, all hours of the night or day to seek refuge.
And as every disaster or emergency that has occurred involving the Orion area over the past 30 years has proven’when you call the Lake Orion Police 911 Center we will answer you and get you immediate help.
I have great enthusiasm and pride for our 911 Dispatchers and our Center. We will continue to provide the finest service available to everyone who is in need.
— Jerry Narsh
Lake Orion Police Chief
I am truly pleased that Orion Twp. has two great musical groups that deserve all the praise and support that we can give.
The Tom Allport Big Band and the Jump Street Swing Band!
Tom Allport’s group has got a sound of its own ,with influences of Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and Pancho Sanchez added to their musical repitore, along with vocalist Joan Crawford, who is a great jazz and blues singer, much in the tradition of Phyliss Hyman and Minnie Ripperton.
The Jump Street Band is a good sounding group with shades of Glenn Miller, Sammy Kaye, Xajer Cugart and some Dixieland added to bring the old time Walled Lake Casino Graystone Ballroom era back to this area!
Let’s support these groups and the other fine arts here in Orion Twp.
I do pass out compliments and praise when they are deserving.
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
We would like to thank the many persons and businesses that supported the Strawberry Festival 2007. Without your generous support, there would not be a festival. We appreciate very much each and everyone of you. The day was a great success, and probably for me the greatest joy was the special guests who participated. What a blessing they are and will continue to be to this community.
Our special thanks to these area businesses: Addison Plumbing, AMVETS Post 108, Anson Rowley Conractor, Bear Paw Cafe, Caroline’s Shear Inspirations, Char’s Catering, Distinctive Design, Farmer’s Insurance-Michelle Houck, Geno & Son, Glen Eisenhardt Excavating, Grace Way Christian Fellowship Church, Hallie Web Design, Heather Hills Golf Course, Heidebrecht Chevrolet, John Spezia, Lakeville Dry Cleaners, Lakeville Medical Clinic-Dr. Ram Surandren, Leonard’s Old Time Barber Shop, Leonard Post Office, Leonard Storage, Leonard’s Market, North Oakland Elks #2716, Oasis Salon, Oxford Area Schools, Road Maintenance Corp., Rochester Hills Riding Stables, Smither’s Heating and Cooling, Stoney Creek Landscaping, Steenson Enterprises, Strobel’s, The Oxford Leader.
A special thank you to our Platinum Sponsors, Addison Foods, Cooper Standard Automotive and Lakeville Inn. Also, the Leonard DPW, especially Don Irwin for his donation of his time.
Charlene Sutherby
Leonard Summer Fest. Committee
To the residents of the Village of Leonard and Addison Township,
Marie Spezia would like to thank everyone for being selected to be the Special Person at the Strawberry Festival. Marie is a very special person, 100 years special. She said many times during the festival how much she loves everyone. To know her is to love her.
Charlene Sutherby on behalf of Marie Spezia
Leonard
Dear Editor,
I have lived in Lake Orion all my life and I have raised my three children here also. Now I have grandchildren who are also being raised here, and most of my family remains here.
Naturally, growing up here, one of my fondest memories was of the July 4th celebration. Even now, my grandson, my kids and myself can not wait until the Fourth. I can honestly say not any more.
I was never so disgusted and disappointed as I was this year. This will be our last year going into town for this. No more can this be called a family oriented event.
My pregnant daughter, my five-year-old grandson, my husband and myself were shoved and knocked around just trying to get from one end of town to the other. I have never seen so many rude people in one area at one time.
This crowd consisted of at least 95-percent of rude, loud and obnoxious teenagers! Barely dressed and loud swearing everywhere.
The hour I did spend there, I saw only two policemen, and they were on their way back to the station. That was the only police presence I saw!
There were bikes, dogs and skateboards everywhere. I called my daughter, who was bringing her one-month-old, and told her not to come. I told her it was unbelievable and told her what we were seeing and what it took to even walk down there. Needless to say, she did not come.
Finally, after making our way out of that crowd, we made our way to watch the fireworks. We went to sit behind the bank at Flint and M-24. Believe me, all the fireworks were not in the sky!
With my five-year-old grandson we sat down, along with other people, and turned to see a teenage girl and boy wrapped in blanket having sex! Yes, it was very obvious, especially when the girl was trying to pull up her pants when they were done.
Yes, this will definitely be our last year to celebrate the 4th of July in Lake Orion.
— C. Wood
A very discouraged resident
Dear Editor,
I just shake my head every time I read about the complaints of the Lake Orion parking situations.
So a person cannot find a parking place immediately in front of the store or business they want to go into? This is the case in many countries and other cities too.
I have not had a problem finding a parking place ever. Yes, maybe it is not right in front of the business I am wanting to go into, but ‘oh my, so one has to walk say two or three or four blocks.? This is good for a person. Stop complaining about something like this and park a few blocks away and walk.
It is good for one’s health and as you walk open your eyes. Maybe you will see a new place of business you did not know was in the town, or you might even be able to say hello and smile to someone else who is also walking too, and maybe you can be walking with your family to the car after dining and continue some family conversations.
Take time to stop and smell the flowers.
— Therese Gavin
While taxes are a necessary part of maintaining community services, they must be appropriate, relevant, and kept as low as possible without jeopardizing public health and safety. HB 4852, a bill currently under consideration in the Michigan House Appropriations Committee meets none of these criteria. This bill would add a monthly tax to every telephone and cell phone bill in the state in order to fund law enforcement activities.
This tax is neither appropriate nor relevant to phone bills, but rather an attempt to pass along shortfalls in the state budget by creating hidden taxes.
It may be that the services to be funded by this legislation are necessary and vital in order to protect our residents. If that ius the case, then that need should be addressed openly and honestly and a funding solution arrived at in the appropriate forum. A hidden tax on our phone bills is not that forum.
I urge everyone to contact our state representative and encourage them to stand firm against hidden taxes and reject this tax shift.
Oakland County Commissioner Eileen Kowall
(R-White Lake Twp.)
I was told at a young age that we, as people, should have respect for our laws, which govern our country. I do not find it hard to obey the law, but I do find it hard to obey laws which have no respect for its citizens!
Your property tax laws are one example. If you do not pay your taxes on your homestead, the government takes your homestead away from you.
Then you have your income tax: state, federal and, in some areas, local. If you don’t pay those taxes, it usually means imprisonment and a hefty fine and seizing your assets.
It really befuddles me how these laws ever become laws, when, according to our U.S. and State Constitutions, we were supposed to vote on whether we wanted these taxes.
Remember ‘let the people decide, not your elected officials.?
There was a song out by John C. Fogerty and C.C.R. back in 1970 called, ‘Fortunate Son.? In it, the lyrics were, ‘and when they play, ‘Hail to the Chief? boy they point the cannon at you!?
That song had a message to the people 37 years ago, and it still stands true today.
‘Government by the people for the people,? not ‘Government by the Government to the people.?
— James B. Delavan
While gathering on the lake for the fireworks, a lot of people must have noticed Lake Orion Police operating boats on the lake without life vests (not a good example by law enforcement personnel) and standing up in the boat.
I’m sure he was using a lanyard at the time?
As for the excuse he needed to be able to see–I would slow down as to not make a wake, but his large wake almost pushed the Oakland County boat into a group of anchored boats.
Both of the Oakland County officers were wearing high visiblity life vests and remained seated until they disengaged the drive unit to talk to people.
I understand the need to keep the area clear for the fireworks due to the liability issues. But liability starts with common sense.
Both Orion boats needed a second rider that was capable of handling the boat in case of emergency. If the officer would have slipped and fell in his boat, the boat would have run into a lot of anchored boats. That is why lanyards are required on all newer boats.
I’m sure all of us old-time lake residents remember all the close calls we’ve have with operators being thrown out of the boat and the boat running across the lake until it hit something.
I agree on the need for officers on the water, but they need to be better trained. Once again we were lucky nobody got hurt this time.
— Keith
For some weeks now, ever since I read the new editor of the Lake Orion Review’s assessment of the ongoing problems in our township government, I have to say I was disappointed.
His basic theme, ‘Let’s move on and be positive-after all we have good people,? really bothered me. What this attitude displays to me is a complete lack of accountability. Nobody, it seems, is responsible anymore for anything.
When someone does something wrong, I think they should own up to it. They should make every attempt to correct it and be, get this, responsible. But today, it seems like ‘cheating? is a way to get ahead.
A sterling example of this was when the Director of the Detroit Zoo lied on his resume about having a PhD. He said it was a ‘mistake?-a mistake which was outed by someone who sent an anonymous letter to the board.
Bottom line, he refused to claim that he deliberately lied to get the job, instead he claimed it was an oversight. As a result, he got to keep his job, with a minor penalty of paying what amounts to a small fine. No accountability.
The city manager of Sterling Heights lied on his resume, claiming college degrees, of which he had none. He was fired, yes, but got a similar job in another municipality. No accountability.
Has anyone ever stopped to think about what a bad example this sets for our young people? It’s no wonder they think that lying, cheating and stealing is a-ok, since our officials and leaders do it with aplomb. Then it’s sanctioned by the ‘well, it will get better now? crowd, who seem to think ignoring the problem is the best way of solving it.
The more that something is ignored, the bigger the problem gets, and we have no better example of that than 9/11. The problems we have seen with the Orion Township government should not be swept under the rug, or dismissed under the guise of ‘can’t we all just move on??
I really wonder when this society is going to wake up. Probably not until the whole infrastructure comes crashing down because nobody is responsible or accountable. Sorry, it’s not my problem…
— Laura Allen
Editor’s note: The editorial referred to in this letter ran in our June 13 issue. The ‘move on? comment read as follows: ‘It’s time for everyone to put their past differences behind them and move on in the best interests of the township.?
That comment was made only in reference to the constant bickering between the board’s three full-time employees and the need for them to get past their differences.
It was in no way intended to mean ‘let’s forget about the issues,? as this letter might suggest.
The Review is currently monitoring and/or investigating several issues involving the board, some which date back multiple years.
You can look for ongoing stories in our new ‘The Update? feature each week on Page 4, and we will have more in-depth reports on a number of these topics in the coming weeks.
There are some items regarding our American rights that have not been reported in the national media. First, it should be our right to choose what we put into our bodies as vitamins, supplements and herbs. Unfortunately, Congress voted to give the FDA and their cohorts in the Monsanto Chemical Company the privilege to make that decision for us. Congress has previously okayed Monsanto to alter (with pesticides) genetically the seed of not only corn, but also soybeans and wheat.
Fifty years ago, children were not born with rare cancers including those affecting the nervous system and brain. If pesticides damage and kill insects by destroying the neurological system, why would the FDA and Congress believe they would not harm humans and animals? Could it be that the interest by Americans in organic food and vitamins, and in holistic medicine, is a financial threat to the large drug and chemical companies? Already here in Michigan, organic farmers of produce, meat, milk and grains are targets of the chemical mafia, confiscating their inventory and equipment.
My second concern is the lack of public information regarding the March 2005 treaty, signed in Texas by President Bush, Mexico’s former president, Fox, and also Canada’s Martin, to create ‘A NORTH AMERICAN UNION? erasing the national borders. Is this why President Bush wants amnesty for the illegals, allowing 12 to 20 million illegals to stay in after only 18 months? This plan will destroy our economy and national security.
— E. Pantak
On behalf of the Hot Blues and BBQ event, I would like to take the time to thank everyone that made, and continues to make it such a successful event, year after year. If I have left your name off, I apologize.
I would like to thank the following sponsors, volunteers and workers: Village of Oxford, Oxford DDA, Detroit Blues Society, Blues Revue Magazine, Guitar Center, Staybridge Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Dusty Blues.com, Detroit Country Music.com, Music Mentors, No Cover Productions, The Oxford Leader, The Oakland Press, Suburban Lifestyles, Oxford Lakes Dental Care, Robert Bunting, Mark Young Jewelers, The Tan Company, Hubert Distributors, Blues Festival Guide, Groves True Value Hardware, Oxford Community Television, Romayne and Lindsay Allen, Jim Hughes, Matt Weber, Errica Shanahan, Christy and Jeff Howard, John Burkhart and his gate gang, Oxford Lions Club, Jason Wollard, Jim Angelo, Adam Neymanowski, Jim Henry, Maureen and Dave Helmuth, Pat Paad, Gretchen and Paul Dallas, Sue, Sonny, and Stacey Jones, Alden Miller, Teri and Don Stiles, Jamie and Theresa, Lynette Johnson and Amy Alder from the Oxford Chamber, Marilyn Benner, Sara Bejma, Rose Bejma, Joe and Carol Young, Oxford Police Department ? Mike Neymanowski Chief, Oxford Police Reserves – Michael Bejma Commander, Oxford DPW ? Don Brantley Superintendent with Rudy Reyes, Rich Sands, Tom McNeese, Mike Modders, Oxford Village Council, Mike Hamilton, Chris Bishop, Clayton House, Crossroads for Youth, and countless others that gave freely of their time.
An event of this magnitude requires an extremely large amount of effort and thanks to all of you. We made it happen once again. You folks are the very best of what our community should be about. See all of you next year on the weekend of June 21-23, 2008.
Steven J. Allen
Event Coordinator
While individually thanking all of the kind people who helped out with Oxford High School’s 2007 All-Night Party would be impossible, I would like to take this opportunity to do the second-best thing and address en masse all of the parents, businesses, and other volunteers for their generous donations of time, money, and/or resources.
As a new 2007 graduate of Oxford High School and party attendee, I can say from first-hand experience that the night was so much fun, filled with all sorts of details that made it memorable for years to come. From the photo opportunity with a real Lambourgini to the hypnotist that mesmerized more than just the volunteers, the party was amazing. I don’t know one student who did not have a great time.
A special thanks to Mrs. Karen Moore, the party organizer who helped coordinate everything.
I appreciate all of the hard work you and everyone else did that made the party a great send-off from high school.
Sarah Tomaka
Oxford
Friend of Village Parks,
The Lake Orion Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee thanks you for your help and support for our ‘Celebrate Parks Day 2007.? Without your help we would not have been able to provide a fun and safe day for parents and kids at Greens Park.
Because of you and your support, we were able to provide children with arts and crafts projects such as making wind socks, bracelets and butterflies. We were able to provide t-shirts with our ‘Celebrate Parks? logo, buffalo wings, bottled water and various gifts and prizes. The games that we had, specifically the water balloon toss, went over quite well given the hot day that we were blessed with.
The Parks and Recreation Committee hopes to be able to provide the community with events such as this more often, and to greater success, with the support of people and groups like you. Please contact us with any questions, suggestions or requests that you may have to help us fulfill our goal of providing safe, fun and relaxing areas for local residents to enjoy with their families. Thank you for being a friend to our community.
— Michael Toth & Rosemary C. Ford
Parks & Rec. Advisory Committee.
Ms. Sokol,
Do you remember over two years ago, I had been warning the people of this township that there was not a good emergency plan for any of us. I was told to go and speak to the Ham Radio Group and that they would probably help me. Needless to say, my husband and myself attended one of those meetings in October of 2005.
And right away they said that they would not help me and I should not have come. So, we went our way. I had a very informative meeting at the former Gingellville Community center along with the Michigan Minute Men and a trained Cadaver dog. Very few people showed up. Although, during that time, Ms. Sokol, you did ask me to help you get a plan started for the seniors and I told you I would gladly help you. But guess what? You never got back with me. I wish you good luck. If anyone is interested in getting a plan read for the township, please give me a call at (248)391-1773.
— Betty McDowell
The Orion Firefighters Association and the Orion Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank Bill and Kristen Grannis, owners of Opa Coney Island Restaurant for the use of their business parking area and water on Saturday, June 23.
Our fundraising car wash was a huge success, the best yet!
Many thanks to area residents for their generous donations. See you next June!
— Orion Firefighters Association &
Orion Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary
I wish to express my thanks to all the Orion Township Public Library staff, all of the volunteer workers for their time, Baldwin Kroger store for supplying bags for the Saturday ‘Bag Day? sale and to the community for donating their gently used books.
The book sales are definitely a team effort. If you would like to volunteer to work the book sale, please leave your name and phone number at the library, with ‘Attention Marie English? on the envelope and they will be sure that I receive it.
Our next book sale will be the week of September 18. You may leave donated books at the library beginning on August 15. Thank you again for your support.
— Marie LaLone English
Chairman, Friends Used Book Sale
Criticizing Judge Nicholson’s handling of a case involving an underage drinker is completely unfounded.
As a substance abuse counselor for a local school district, I have worked with Judge Nicholson at many events where she speaks to our parents and teenagers about social and legal consequences of underage drinking. Her message is compelling.
It’s my understanding that Defendant Moss is currently on probation in the district court with at least two judges, for three separate crimes involving impaired driving, possessing drugs and underage drinking. For some reason, defendant and his attorney/uncle think this behavior now merits a vacation. Moss? last minute request to leave on a trip that included a winery tour was rightfully denied.
I applaud Judge Nicholson for her principled decision; although it was not easy, it was certainly right. Her rulings force young adults to take responsibility and accept consequences for bad behavior; that’s a mark of a good judge.
Shame on the defendant, his attorney/uncle, news columnists and the circuit court judge who now seek to pressure and embarrass Judge Nicholson for following the law and enforcing her court order.
The attorney/uncle came to court unannounced, without proper paperwork and sought a private ‘off the record? conversation with the judge. Any attorney will tell you that method is illegal. Instead of ignoring the law, Judge Nicholson upheld it by insisting that the attorney file his request in writing.
He responded by calling the media. Typical.
Thank you Judge Nicholson for your resistance to whining, for refusing to reward young offenders with trips out of town, and for your strict adherence to legal procedure.
— Michele Novak
While individually thanking all of the kind people who helped out with Oxford High School’s 2007 All-Night Party would be impossible, I would like to take this opportunity to do the second-best thing and address en masse all of the parents, businesses, and other volunteers for their generous donations of time, money, and/or resources.
As a new 2007 graduate of Oxford High School and party attendee, I can say from first-hand experience that the night was so much fun, filled with all sorts of details that made it memorable for years to come. From the photo opportunity with a real Lambourgini to the hypnotist that mesmerized more than just the volunteers, the party was amazing. I don’t know one student who did not have a great time.
A special thanks to Mrs. Karen Moore, the party organizer who helped coordinate everything.
I appreciate all of the hard work you and everyone else did that made the party a great send-off from high school.
Sarah Tomaka
Oxford
In the June 13 edition of The Oxford Leader, I read about the fight that occured between some young people on Polly Ann Trail. Now, I don’t live that far from the area and I have two small children that I walk with down that very path from time to time in order to reach the library. Besides having the fear of God put in my heart that we could run into that kind of scuffle on the Polly Ann, it got me to thinking about the title. Thanks, C.J., for asking that question ‘Do you know what your children are doing??
Now, I am a realist and I know that as parents, we cannot be with our children 24/7, but I think that you made a very poignant statement with that simple line.
Parents in Oxford and surrounding communities I CHALLENGE you to pay attention to what your children are doing, and who they are with on a regular basis. I work with teenagers day in and day out, and I know that when you get a group of kids together, mob mentality can certainly take over and those same sweet children can change into people that you don’t recognize. There are so many good, positive things that kids can get involved with in our community under safe supervision. Sports, volunteering, church groups, music, dance and the list goes on and on.
I think as parents that we can prevent these types of violent acts, which I chalk up to boredom, by just being more present in our kids? lives. Let’s not forget spending time with our children as a family. Do things with your children. Be involved. If your kids know they can trust you and you can trust them, we won’t have to read about the fighting, violence and other generally unacceptable behavior in our community. It is US, the parents, that can truly make a difference in how our youth spend their time.
Don’t expect the police to parent when we need to do that God-given job ourselves.
Kelly Senger
Oxford
Thank you for running my last information about Guy Kessler. I sat down and thought about sports stars from Oxford High School from the 1960s. Here are some names you might remember:
Val Sausser, Frank Hardgrove, Jim Casey, Doug Stott, Max Dunn, Big Red Newton, Mike Lantry, Jim Bates and Jeff Brady (who lettered in three sports, football, baseball and basketball and was darned good in all three).
These names are just from my memory — I don’t have a year book or old newspaper clippings to help. I know there are other names I should remember.
I would be wrong if I didn’t go into a little more detail on the following three athletes.
1. Richard Duncan: a darn tough, mean football player.
2. Dave Sweeney: the neighborhood jock who played basketball, base ball and would have been a good quarterback.
3. Jeff Brady: the most charismatic guy I ever met. This dude was handsome. When he was around women, you’d have thought Elvis Presley was in town!
Again, this is all from memory. I heard from Guy Kessler that all this information and more about Oxford athletes is on the corner of M-24 & Burdick — where Oxford Bank was is now a historical museum. I wouldn’t have known that if Guy hadn’t have told me. Oxford Bank is where I went and Bob Dick gave me the loan to get my first car.
In the 1950s, I believe, Nick Niera and Jim Drake were the top athletes to come out of Lake Orion and Oakland County. (Nick, I still owe you lunch!) Memories are what make life go on. Remember, Philippians 4-13, ‘Praise God!?
Bob Gaddis,
OHS Class of 1958
(As always, anybody who has more memories to share, give me a call at 248-673-2879.)
I wish to thank everyone who helped to make my day a special one. It was swell to see and hear from so many of my friends and relatives, even from as far away as Florida and California.
Thanks again. (Thanks Jan R.)
–M. Edward Bird
Dear Editor,
Thank you for running my last information about Guy Kessler. I sat down and thought about sports stars from Oxford High School from the 1960s. Here are some names you might remember:
Val Sausser, Frank Hardgrove, Jim Casey, Doug Stott, Max Dunn, Big Red Newton, Mike Lantry, Jim Bates and Jeff Brady (who lettered in three sports, football, baseball and basketball and was darned good in all three).
These names are just from my memory — I don’t have a year book or old newspaper clippings to help. I know there are other names I should remember.
I would be wrong if I didn’t go into a little more detail on the following three athletes.
1. Richard Duncan: a darn tough, mean football player.
2. Dave Sweeney: the neighborhood jock who played basketball, base ball and would have been a good quarterback.
3. Jeff Brady: the most charismatic guy I ever met. This dude was handsome. When he was around women, you’d have thought Elvis Presley was in town!
Again, this is all from memory. I heard from Guy Kessler that all this information and more about Oxford athletes is on the corner of M-24 & Burdick — where Oxford Bank was is now a historical museum. I wouldn’t have known that if Guy hadn’t have told me. Oxford Bank is where I went and Bob Dick gave me the loan to get my first car.
In the 1950s, I believe, Nick Niera and Jim Drake were the top athletes to come out of Lake Orion and Oakland County. (Nick, I still owe you lunch!)
Memories are what make life go on. Remember, Philippians 4-13, ‘Praise God!?
— Bob Gaddis, OHS Class of 1958
(As always, anybody who has more memories to share, give me a call at (248)673-2879.)
I see that there was a response to my article of last week regarding the Archdiocese of Detroit (?11th Commandment – Thou Shall Be Fiscally Responsible?) from Bill Roberts.
Interestingly enough, my article resonated well with scores of people who contacted me with supportive comments, and frankly, more stories and instances of fiscal mismanagement in the Archdiocese.
For the few fringe group, ‘blind faith? respondents, such as Roberts that objected to my comments, perhaps I was right on target and in the words of Colonel Nathan Jessup from the movie ‘A Few Good Men? – maybe they ‘can’t handle the truth.?
As I continue to write for The Lake Orion Review about current issues, I am sure that there will be informed, cogent and incisive criticisms of my articles. Unfortunately, this was not one of those times.
In that regard, I always enjoy reading feedback from readers especially those with myopic points of view.
— Bill Kalmar
After watching another township board meeting last week, one of our trustees voiced his frustration over the ongoing lack of communication from Supervisor Dywasuk, further evidence of no leadership.
And another agenda item, of a disgruntled employee, pushed by Dywasuk to be a full-timer with benefits against the board’s wishes, now sues a resident who questioned it, further embroiling matters.
Then, former Township Trustee Will Wilsher asked about the $500,000-plus line item cost to clean the free dirt received by Parks & Recreation Director Blanchard.
Dywasuk recently said he would investigate the source of the error, but has now declined.
So we conclude, his protocol, or lack of, is to blame.
Dywasuk leads the study for a new building to expand the costs of operating the Township, ignoring the residents? vote, ‘no more spending on the Library or the safety paths.?
It’s one thing to move the Sheriff, who will pay for their new facility, but another to allow other departments to expand their kingdoms.
Orion’s population was at 32,259 in 2006 and projected to 33,047 by 2011. So, our ‘expansion? is over!
Since the township has so much money, let’s get some of our money back; a tax cut!? And fix the microphones for the meetings.
Thus, Supervisor Dywasuk’s leadership blindly leads the charge, spending more money, when most cities and townships are fiercely cutting expenses and personnel.
If any of the township board follows his lead, who wants to bet against seeing new faces on our board in 2008, including his position?
— Burke Cueny
Former Township Trustee, retired
Well, Orion Township Supervisor Gerald A. Dywasuk, your motto should be, ‘I will not fail to mislead or disappoint the citizens of Orion Township.?
Just what did the headline say June 6 in The Review? ‘Assistant files lawsuits?!
So, my question to you, Mr. Supervisor, is why do you keep defending and praising this Jill Verros, who, in my opinion, only wants to see how much trouble and money she can make out of Orion Township, as well as two township officials and one citizen?
If this nonsense is allowed to continue any further, I can almost bet that Orion Township’s future will be bankrupted by constant lawsuits.
It seems to me, Mr. Dywasuk, that you are either lax or don’t care about Orion Township and its citizens, to allow a thing like this to happen.
In fact, what I see is that you keep defending Jill Verros, even though she is suing the township. Where are your smarts man?
A lot of people in Orion Township can see through this farce. Let’s put a lid on this garbage before it gets to the point where more citizens will be leaving Orion Township when they see their tax dollars being wasted on these lawsuits. And believe me, it can happen.
Do yourselves and the citizens of Orion Township a favor, Dywasuk and Verros, and go away. Most of us don’t need you two here.
— James B. Delavan
Why do you degrade your paper by providing space to Bill Kalmar?
He uses a lead-in pertaining to the millage election results to publish a completely unrelated tirade against the Archdiocese of Detroit.
While the Catholic Church admittedly has some problems, they should not be of major concern, or cost, to Mr. Kalmar if he is not a ? practicing? Roman Catholic. If he is a ‘practicing? Roman Catholic, I would suggest that he address his concerns to the ‘Michigan Catholic? newspaper, the Chancery Office or his local pastor or confessor.
As former Director of the Michigan Quality Council, he could perhaps provide his expertise to the Archdiocese in solving the problems.
Hopefully his services would be a lower rates than the fees listed on the Michigan Quality Councils? website, for requesting their awards.
Furthermore, I doubt that you would have printed an article containing similar accusations if they had been directed at the Muslim or other religious organization.
— Bill Roberts
Oxford Township’s 2007 Annual Clean-up Day was a very successful event. This was due to the overwhelming support and participation of local businesses, organizations and residents.
A great big THANK YOU goes out to the following participants and contributors: Helen Barwig, Bill and Sue Bellairs, Boy Scout Troop 366, Clear Lake Peace Keepers, Cross Roads for Youth, Ron Davis, Parks and Recreation Director, Bill Dunn, Township Supervisor, Patti Durr, Pat Fitchena, Friends, Neighbors, and Family of Henry Gleisner, Tom and Kevin Jickling, Jeff Kinsaz, Parks and Recreation Maintenance Director, Friends, Neighbors, and Family of Kristy Mitchell, Oakland County Sheriff Department and Inmates, Boot Camp, WAM Program, Oxford Sub Station, Rebecca Rendon, Barry & Elizabeth Ruff, Bridget Stondifer, Curtis Wright, all other Homeowners Associations, Residents of Oxford, and Local Area Church Groups, Allied Waste North America, Inc. crew, Gordon Food Service Marketplace for their discount, Lake Villa Mobile Home Park, LLC- Greg Christopher and their financial contribution, Meijer, Inc. (Oxford) Bakery Staff for getting up so early to make the doughnuts and bagels, Oxford-Waterstone, LLC and their financial contribution, Royal Oak Boring Industries and their financial contribution, TKMS Ltd., and their financial contribution, Trojan development Co., Inc., and their financial contribution, Sandman, Inc., and their financial contribution, ITW Devcon Futura Coatings and their financial contribution. And if by chance we did not mention your name or organization WE also THANK YOU!
The amount of interest indicates the importance of keeping Oxford Township a clean and attractive community, which continues to be achieved with your ongoing acknowledgment and support.
Deanna Burns
Oxford Twp. Deputy Supervisor
I wonder if Mrs. Bellairs has ever made a mistake?
I would think that a person of her age should wonder why she rushes to the negative in people.
Is there nothing in the whole community that she can speak positively about. I would suggest to Mrs. Bellairs and her former police associates those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
The voters should elect people that have a vision for the future of Oxford, not those who continually have negative words and thoughts. It’s time for Mrs. Bellairs and her fellow negative associates to become more loving grandparents and let those with a vision and positive attitudes shape the future of Oxford.
Martin Scypinski,Oxford
This letter was not for or against Joe Young ? or Gary Ford for that matter. My point was that Oxford officials entered into contracts with these individulas with both eyes open. They might tell you otherwise ? but if they did the interviews and check-ups like they said they did ? then these facts couldn’t be hidden. Put the blame where blame belongs.
Sue Bellairs, Oxford
In response to C.J. Carnacchio’s recent column concerning the wisdom of building a new township hall in Oxford, I can only say, that to conclude the piece by saying ‘By all means, let’s keep the lazy, the nasty, and the rude on the payroll? was in itself nasty and rude. It would appear The Oxford Leader has on its payroll a nasty and rude person. C.J., you are entitled to your opinion, but it is unnecessary to resort to name calling to make your point. Your credibility suffers, and casts doubts on your entire point of view, when you take this tact.
Fred Snow, Oxford
On Wednesday, May 23, a certified letter was received and signed for by my husband. Upon opening the letter it was discovered that, Jill Verros ? Deputy/Assistant for our Orion Township Supervisor had an attorney from a Mount Clemens law firm asking me to publish a retraction of a statement that I had published in our local paper on May 2.
The statement that I have been asked to retract,… ‘and Jill Verros misrepresented herself as, …someone responsible for the financial records of the township.?
In order to retract that statement it would have to be asked of the general counsel for Royal Alliance, Inc. to retract his statement in a letter, dated December 7, 2005, to Supervisor Gerald A. Dywasuk, ‘Two individuals, a man and a woman, called the Royal Alliance home office to ask about account #xxxxx. You represented yourself as someone who acted in the capacity of a mayor, and the woman represented herself as someone responsible for the financial records of the township.?
Included in the general counsel’s letter, ‘You and your colleague asked about a letter of intent.?
It would also have to be asked of Jill Verros to deny the e-mail garnered through a Freedom of Information Act Request, and dated Friday, March 24, 2006. Her e-mail was sent to the supervisor, various and sundry newspapers, Lt. Bruce Naile, our township trustees, as well as our clerk and treasurer.
In the e-mail Jill Verros admits to making three phone calls to Royal Alliance, ‘Placed by Jerry and me from his phone line on or about 11-17-05.? Other phone calls were admitted to in the e-mail. One placed by her on 11-22-05 and also, ‘Jerry and me from his phone line on or about 12-22-05.?
Now, in regards to the Royal Alliance general counsel and the question put forth about ‘letter of intent.? This also comes up in Jill Verros’s e-mail, ‘We asked him [Abe Minz of Royal Alliance] to explain what a ‘letter of intent? was since neither of us had heard the term before.?
Included in Jill Verros’s attorney’s letter to me was a copy of the Revised Judicature Act 236 of 1961 – 600.2911 Action for libel or slander.
In the Act it states, ‘An action for libel or slander shall not be brought based upon a communication involving public officials or public figures, unless the claim is sustained by clear and convincing proof that the defamatory falsehood was published [emphasis mine] with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether or not it was false.?
We have an appointed public official ‘Deputy/Assistant to the Supervisor Jill Verros? having a law firm threatening prosecution of a taxpayer and resident of the community for information that the taxpayer garnered through a Freedom of Information Act Request.
What should I retract? The information garnered through FOIA that admits in an e-mail that Jill Verros and our Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk placed the phone calls to Royal Alliance?
— Mary MacMaster
I’m writing this letter because I have some concerns about the Oxford High School Code of Ethics in the Athletic Department.
A few weeks ago, two high school kids were busted with drugs, marijuana and Oxycontin ? a drug that is related to Morphine. One was expelled and one was suspended for two weeks. The one who was suspended for two weeks plays on the baseball team. I hear he is one of the best on the team, and I assumed he would be kicked off the team for the suspension of drugs and not representing the school in an honorable way. But, as I have heard he was recently allowed to start playing with the team again.
Here we have kids that are honest and hard working in and outside of school, honor roll students, some even have jobs. They wear their uniforms with pride because they know they have earned that spot on the team and they represent Oxford the best way they can. But what kind of message are the coaches and the athletic director trying to send to the players and all the students by letting a kid play on the baseball team after being busted with drugs? Are they saying that it’s OK as long as you’re a great ball player and have talent? Or are they saying ‘well, he made a mistake, did the time, now he can play again??
I’m having a hard time accepting this as a parent of a future high school student. There should not be a double standard for kids just because they have talent. He got busted with drugs! Shame on the coaches and the athletic director for allowing this to happen. This kid should not be allowed to play at all. This is what is wrong with our society today. Look at professional football, basketball and other pro sports out there. Players are getting busted for drugs, beating their wives, drunk driving and if somebody with any brains at all would have put their foot down on these players a long time ago, we wouldn’t have the problems we are having today in sports.
Remember, this kid broke the law, but he found out its OK because he has talent. What’s next? If you are a concerned parent like me, I would like to ask your readers to start writing letters to the school board and athletic director for answers.
Name withheld
Joe Young, like Gary Ford, can only do as much as elected officials allow him to do.
Joe Young was not elected in either Hazel Park or Oxford Village. Anyone see a similarity here?
Young booted out of Hazel Park. Ford booted out of Harper Woods. Hazel Park and Harper Woods both have attorneys named Shifman.
Oxford hired both past rejects ? Young and Ford.
So, what does that say about Oxford officials ? elected by ‘we the people? to make decisions, do research, and act in the best interest of ‘we the people??
Sue Bellairs
Oxford
Some five or six years ago the residents in the area of the southeast quadrant were approached with a zoning variance request to allow the gravel parking lots that are now and have been being used for parking to be created. We were told not to worry because there were plans to pave them and turn them into part of the southeast quadrant parking within a year or two. Since that time I have received a couple more letters from the Zoning Board to allow continued use as they are now. I made it a point not to contest the variance as I feel that in most cases we do need the parking to support our area merchants. This being said I wonder how long it would take to have these lots paved if they were a couple of hundred feet from our planning commissioners homes?
Now, the part that is kind of funny is that some of our commissioners for some reason couldn’t figure out why the fire department wants to keep Mill Street a straight line as much as possible. Have those of you that would like to have Chief LeRoy take time to explain this looked at a fire truck? They tend to be easier to use if you drive them in a straight line and are not trying to make offset corners. They do tend to be a little larger than the average vehicle, stop by a fire station and look at one sometime. Maybe if you ask the fire chief he will take you for a ride in one and let you play with the siren!
The other part is even better, I have been listening for years to the talk about a safety issue. If you are so concerned about a safety issue you more than likely will have a lot less of a liability concern if you remove the gravel covered, unlit, irregular surface you have now and replace it with a well lit paved surface that can be kept clean and also snow free in the Winter months. The ‘Use at Your Own Risk? sign that was and may still be there is only going to do one thing, prove who has a better lawyer, the village or the person that slips (township residents don’t chuckle ? your record isn’t too hot with lawyers either).
What it all comes down to is I am tired of waiting for you people to do something with this while you complain about every plan that is presented. It’s gone on long enough now ? either pave it or plant it and make a park out of it. Next time the letter comes from the Z.B.A. you can bet that I will be first in line to say no.
Dennis Moser
Oxford
The Osborn family wishes to thank everyone who came out to the Rely for Life Cancer walk last Saturday and Sunday. Our team, Chris’s Cowhands, had a great time raising funds for the cause. We want to thank all the walkers that supported us. We were in charge of the Survivors Reception and therefore wish to thank Costco, Achatz Pir Co. and Krogers (Bloomfield Hills and Oakland Twp.) for the cake, pie, water, supplies, etc.
Thanks to all who generously gave us items for our silent auction and to those placing bids making it a success. A BIG thank you goes out again to Sherman Publications for being our Corporate Sponsor for the third year.
The Osborns
Oxford
Thanks so much to everyone who worked on my campaign and especially to every Lake Orion Community Schools voter who took the time to cast his or her ballot in support of my re-election.
The next four years will not be easy for public education in Michigan. Here’s my vote for solving these problems together.
— Bob Gritzinger
Lake Orion Community Schools
Board of Education
The May vote is exactly what the people of Orion wanted, no new spending on anything at this time.
It really doesn’t matter if it was done on election day or by absentee ballot, the people who seemed to care voted, and the outcome should be final.
If there was a higher turnout, it may have gone the other way, but that didn’t happen. That tells me that there are a large number of Orion residents that really don’t care one way or the other.
So let’s move on, try the vote in a few more years when hopefully the state of the Michigan economy is in much better shape.
Right now, like it or not, the people of Orion have spoken, and the issue was voted down.
— Bill Denver
I was invited to share in the Survivor Ceremony in Friendship Park on Saturday, May 19 for the Relay for Life.
It was my first experience at such an event and I was moved by the many survivors who accompanied me during the ceremony and around the track for our victory lap.
I later returned for the Luminaria Ceremony to honor not only other survivors, but also those who have lost their battle against this disease.
Thank you to the committee for planning such a memorable event. I hope to participate next year as well.
— Mary Harkins
Survivor
I would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped out at the Orion Senior Center’s flower & craft booth during the Flower Fair.
I would also like to thank all of the people who braved the below normal temperature and bought crafts, flowers and ice cream.
Your support helps to enrich all of the programs that we have at the Senior Center.
A special thanks to Carvel Ice Cream, which is located at Adams and Silverbell, for supporting our Senior Center too.
— Bill Kokenos
Why don’t you, the media, present the whole story about rising gasoline prices? What you normally put into headlines are words that are sensationalizing and inflammatory. You could try looking beyond your nose for some facts. They are available.
At present we have the same refining capacity today (89.6%) that we had after hurricane Katrina and Rita knocked out some of the gulf refining operations. This capacity is up from the recent depressed level of 85%. Normally at this time of the year this capacity is running at 93-96%.
In simple terms, this is called ‘Supply and Demand.? Last week, in the country of Dubai, the Oman Refining Co. announced that they will be seeking to import gasoline as their 106,400 barrel per day refinery is shut down until early June, creating less supply and more demand. This is a new occurrence.
Do I like paying $3.59 for gasoline? No. But I also realize the price is justified, based on facts. The price of crude oil and gasoline are set on ‘world markets,? by ‘world traders.? Every time a country like Venezuela nationalizes what was a private oil company investment, or a problem occurs that requires shutting down a refinery, the ‘world market traders? bid up the raw cost they are willing to pay to keep their supply flowing. There is a price premium for the uncertainty of supply.
Your representatives (i.e. Hillary Rodham Clinton) who want to confiscate oil company profits as outrageous, (Exxon made a 11% net profit on sales last year), sensationalize just like the media. You don’t hear facts like Microsoft made a 36% net profit on sales, more than three times what Exxon made.
The solution is for anyone who wishes to complain, do so to their federal representative who block offshore drilling, over regulate the building of refineries with their ‘do good? legislation. The last U.S. built refinery went into service in 1976. None since that date.
Demand that your legislature shorten up on the permit process (10 years), location restrictions, not in my backyard (NIMBY), and other unnecessary regulations. New refineries are being built, but overseas, not in the USA. Just to update a refineries? emission equipment for new regulations, these companies have to jump thru hoops. So instead of WHINING, try capitalism. Buy some oil, gas and refining company stocks.
— David Janman
It’s that time of the year again. Members of the Lake Orion Fireworks Association met this past week and began making plans for Lake Orion’s annual fireworks display. It’s tentatively scheduled for June 30 (must be approved by the Lake Orion Village Council).
My former boss, Jim Sherman, Jr., has again given the OK to put donation envelopes within The Ad-Vertiser. Sherman Publications has for many years provided this service to the community. Thousands of dollars have poured into the fireworks fund because the generous people of this community love the tradition of fireworks over Lake Orion during the July 4th holiday. They have been willing to write a check and mail them to us in a timely fashion.
Our other big fundraiser in 2007 will be a breakfast, scheduled for June 17, at Buffalo Wild Wings on M-24 in Lake Orion. We’re just starting to make plans for this event, so look for more information in this paper in the future.
Other area businesses, in the past, have supported this event by making numerous money or food donations, holding car washes or donating a portion of their food sales on a given day. I hope they will do that again this year.
Other businesses have allowed us to put donation canisters near their check-out areas. Remember, every little bit counts.
Our fireworks committee is very small. We volunteer our services every year because we don’t want to see the spectacular lighted display over the lake disappear because of a lack of interest. PLEASE HELP US.
— Elaine Stieb
Mary MacMaster, your beef is not with me. It’s with the Oakland Press reporter, who stated that the findings in the audit on the Alice Young debacle were that it was UNETHICAL. All my information came from this paper and the Oakland Press.
It also appeared from the Oakland Press story that Mr. Dywasuk agreed with that conclusion, which should be no surprise to you.
The simple fact is that Alice Young has made excuse after excuse in both papers. If what you say is true, then why didn’t she use that reasoning to explain herself? All I’ve read is that she was new to the job, it was Mr. Dywasuk’s fault, she got permission, it’s a political vendetta, etc. etc.
Top it off that she continuously states that it’s nobody’s business how much money her daughter-in-law made off the deal – you say $0, the papers reported approximately $6,000. But I suppose they get their figures and their news from the sky, right? Or maybe Mr. Dywasuk dictates it?
And again, you’re mixing apples with oranges. I don’t think anybody’s debating that she didn’t do her job. That’s not the issue. The issue is that what she did is flagrantly unethical.
Anybody who’s in a position of that importance knows that they are to avoid conflicts of interest and any appearance of impropriety, because it undermines the public’s confidence.
An audit was not unnecessary, it was appropriate, in the interest of public transparency! You see it as an unjustified expense, I see it as something needed to get to the bottom of the issue.
As far as Ms. Bastian goes, it was Ms. Young in her editorial, where she accused Ms. Bastian of having a political agenda to get her, along with Mr. Dywasuk, that caused me to state what I did. It was simply ridiculous for her to say that Ms. Bastian would play such games. She’s never been that kind of person. Instead, she’s done her job efficiently and quietly.
I don’t think anybody would disagree with you that there’s been some very controversial shenanigans going on within our government. In the end, I can’t trust someone who has such poor judgment and a lack of concern for transparency in government.
— Laura Allen
We have a few quick ‘thank you? notes and one apology:
To our volunteers and contributors:
Thank you for your time, money and ideas on the bond campaign. Your support of the library is clear and appreciated. Thank you to Poppyseed and Carl Cyrowski for hosting several of our meetings and work sessions. A special thank you goes out to Indianwood Golf and Country Club for hosting our ‘Ice Breaker? fundraiser.
To our local voters:
We thank you allowing us to make our bond proposal presentation to you at over 50 of your homes, clubs and meetings. We were especially pleased when we heard from you that you had arrived at these presentations with hard questions for us and left the meetings with your questions clearly and professionally answered. Confirmation of your understanding and agreement to the proposal can be seen in the 53% approval we received in the local vote, a 10% improvement from the 2005 vote.
To our absentee voters:
We offer you a apology for not providing you in a timely manner with all the information you may have needed for a fully informed decision. Our campaign started in January when many of you were already in your warm winter homes. Your approval numbers were up by 2% since the 2005 election, but a strong majority of you voted to not support the library bond. We did receive an email from one of you which contained much misinformation. We responded with factual information and then received a gracious response that we had not provided you with this information. For this again we apologize.
Where do we go from here? We make do with what we have for now. The problems of community growth and our aging building will remain problems for the foreseeable future. At some time soon we will again have to come back to you, the voters, for your direction.
The Library Expansion Committee.
— James Phillips
The Board of the Orion Township Public Library met after the May 8 elections to discuss the outcome and the defeat of the bond proposal to renovate our library. We were shocked and devastated after winning eleven of the fourteen precincts to learn that we did lose the vote. After further discussion and review, we are not sure this loss is representative of the will of the Lake Orion/Orion Township community. We have many individuals to thank for their support throughout the campaign and have heard from many disappointed community members regarding the outcome.
Before the absentee vote was tallied, the bond issue was well ahead in votes. The absentee votes were then compiled. 62% of those voting absentee voted against the bond proposal. At this point it is difficult to know if the absentee voters disapproving of the library expansion opposed it on its merits, were not familiar with the issue or are part-year residents with a single agenda of not raising taxes, regardless of the cost to our community. We do know at the end of the election 53% of those going to the polls voted in favor of the library bond proposal. The question was defeated, however, due to the absentee ballot.
The issues of library overcrowding and aging infrastructure deteriorating are not going away. We still have the same problems. For those of us that live here and raise our families here, the library is the hub of our community and increases our quality of life. It is imperative we keep it available and current.
We are not sure if the voters of Lake Orion/Orion Township have spoken ? Is the library in its current state what the majority of residents really want? Or do Lake Orion/Orion Township residents want a library that is evolving and growing to continue to meet the diverse needs of our growing families and community?
— MaryAnne Thorndycraft
President, Orion Twp. Library Board
I am extremely disappointed in all who voted against the library proposal. I think it was a HUGE mistake and you all should be ashamed!
A library is one of the most valuable resources that a city/town can offer. I bet none of you actually did the math before you hastily completed your ballot.
Let me help you with it in terms that you will understand… One newly released movie per week for a year from your local movie store = $257.40 ?’OR?? Six newly released best sellers from your local retailer = $180.00 ?’OR?? One venti chai latte every morning before work = $1,000.00 per year.
Seriously? You couldn’t spare an additional $200 per year on the opportunity to increase the value of your home by improving the area that you proudly call home?
Priorities people, priorities! I think you need to review yours.
— A concerned resident
Oxford/Orion FISH would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Lake Orion for their generous response to the Letter Carriers? Food Drive held on Saturday, May 12.
Once again, the community has provided for the needy of our area. This year, the total food collected weighed over 10,000 pounds. That’s five tons of provisions for the hungry.
There are just so many people to thank, but ultimately, it is the postal workers who not only collected the food from the community, but also helped load our trucks to transport the many bags of food to our pantry.
We also cannot forget the many volunteers who helped us sort and store the food on both Saturday and Sunday.
— Oxford/Orion FISH
My son, Gary, had a chemical burn accident on the 7th of May. His cornea in one eye is burned. He may need stem cell replacement and a cornea implant. His vision is 20/2200.
The accident happened at work and was not his fault. He will get full compensation for the accident.
PLEASE PRAY FOR COMPLETE RESTORATION OF HIS EYESIGHT and keep me in your prayers as well.
— Diane Biron
I would like to take a moment to thank one of our judges that presides over our community: Judge Lisa L. Asadoorian.
I cannot thank her enough for the sincere gratitude, compassion and concern she has for our community.
As many of us know, we only hear from our elected officials during their election year and when that time goes, so do the candidates. That is certainly not true with Judge Asadoorian.
She was re-elected to another six years in November 2006. Since her re-election she has made several appearances and fullfilled many commitments in Lake Orion and Orion Township.
To show her true commitment to our community, Judge Asadoorian went to Lake Orion High School and spoke to all the juniors and seniors on Thursday, chaperoned the Lake Orion High School prom on Saturday, hosted a Town Hall Meeting for the members of the Lake Orion community on Monday evening and presented Youth Recognition awards to Lake Orion students on Tuesday evening.
This is just an example of a few things she has done for our youth, parents and community. In addition, Judge Asadoorian presides over 11 jurisdictions and she treats each of them as if they were her only one.
My hat goes off to her and I can honestly say that the vote I gave her has paid off!
Thank you, Judge Lisa L. Asadoorian and keep up the good work, our community appreciates all you do.
— Michele Novak
On behalf of Drs. Kubinski, Hanby and Ferri, Sue, myself and the rest of our great staff would like to express our sincere appreciation to The Oxford Leader, Bill Rzadko from Ad-Rite and On-TV for the terrific advertisements we had for our One-Day garage sale fro the Relay for Life cancer fund. With all of your help, we were able to raise over $1,600 in one day for the cancer fund. Thank you so much. We really couldn’t have done it without you!
Robin and Polly, North Oakland Dental Group
On May 8, the people of the state of Florida will vote on the issue of eliminating the state property tax in favor of a state sales tax hike from six to eight percent.
If this issue passes, it will mean the end of property tax assessors, assessments and the peace of mind that the local or state government cannot seize your property or homestead for failure to pay your property taxes. This in exchange for a two cents on the dollar sales tax increase.
Sorry if I sound repetitive, but Florida is offering their citizens a far better deal than we ever got here in Michigan.
At least if this proposal passes, the people of Florida will have a true ownership of their property, and not be fed some phony garbage like we in Michigan were duped into back in 1994 with Proposal A.
Right now, for example, the people of Orion Township lost the Gingellville Community Center last December. They were ordered by the state of Michigan, through the efforts of Township Assessor John Atwell and the lost file, to pay property taxes they could not afford. This was a tax exempt community center for 67 years until the township and state said, ‘If you don’t pay, you don’t stay.?
At the same time, the Orion Township trustees grant huge property tax abatements to General Motors and Cobasys.
I read State Rep. James Marleau’s letter in a recent Review editorial page. Mr. Marleau, I have a suggestion for you: Give some thought about introducing a bill in the state House to eliminate the state property tax, much like they are doing now in Florida.
I believe the people in Michigan, and especially your district, would be happier than a cat eating a fish if you sponsored this type of legislation. Who knows, you may even make history and become famous as the man who saved the homestead and, Mr. Marleau, I may even start to believe in what you say.
Don’t forget, J.M., that you work for the people, the people don’t work for you!
— James B. Delavan
I have eaten at every restaurant in the village in my three years here. None, none touch Wendy’s on Lapeer Road for consistently friendly service.
My wife and I are not huge fast food consumers, but when those days hit, it is not even a question where to go. The service is fast and always friendly.
One time I got home and noticed they left out my fries. I went back and they gave me fries and a frosty for my trouble, without even asking to see my proof of purchase.
Whoever the manager is there, they must run a tight ship and care for their staff because their employees seem to take a good deal of pride in their work.
I am as guilty as anyone about getting worked up in regards to the way things work in the village sometimes, so I thought I would take the time to write a letter about a group of people who seem to have it figured out.
Fast food or not, they do business the right way. Thank you, Wendy’s. Keep showing us how it’s done!
— J. Aisthorpe
This letter is in response to Laura Allen’s letter published on April 18.
In phone calls to Royal Alliance (who former Investment Advisor Diane Young clears her securities through) Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk misrepresented himself as the ‘Mayor,? and Jill Verros misrepresented herself as ‘someone responsible for the financial records of the township.?
This is ‘unethical activity,? and in my opinion if this is how they conduct the township’s business they are the individuals who should resign, not Treasurer Alice Young. Ms. Young has conducted herself admirably despite the vicious brickbats that have been wrongfully tossed at her.
I don’t know how Ms. Allen came to the conclusion our Township Treasurer owes our Township Clerk Jill Bastian, ‘an apology for the slur of her good name.? What slur?
Alice Young stated in her Guest Opinion in The Oakland Press, ‘I encourage anyone who wants to know the truth to obtain a copy of the Forensic Audit report from Clerk Jill Bastian’s office.? That is exactly where you direct someone to get a free copy of the Whall Group’s Forensic Audit report. All reports are to be obtained from our clerk’s office.
Would Laura Allen please designate the page or pages in the Forensic Audit that stated Township Treasurer Alice Young was unethical? Nothing within the report stated our treasurer did anything unethical, let alone unlawful, or illegal. Neither did the report say our yownship treasurer or clerk committed any form of fraud. So, I suggest Laura Allen and anyone else request the free report and read it before they give out any further false information.
Whether you are a township, an individual, or a group of investors, most of us generally go to a financial advisor for investment advice. The investment advisor then lays out a plan of investments and it is up to the individual or entity to choose which investment/s to select. The financial advisor does not make the investments for you.
Township Treasurer Alice Young did not hire her daughter-in-law, Diane Young. Our Orion Township Board on December 20, 2004 voted to accept Diane Young’s proposal and hire her. Treasurer Alice Young abstained from the vote after consulting with both the township’s attorney and the Michigan Township Association. Nor, was Diane Young paid any commission funds from the township.
Our township treasurer diversified the township’s overall portfolio, because anyone with half a wit of sense knows that you do not put ‘all your eggs in one basket.? This serves to protect the assets as the various investments rise and fall. Alice Young preserved the township’s principal in the ‘overall portfolio,? that follows the objective 3.1 for township funds.
I would firmly suggest that our township board vote to eliminate the position of Assistant to the Supervisor, thereby, duplicating the decision of a previous board. Removing Jill Verros from the employment of our township should be their ultimate objective.
Many of us are of the opinion that she has caused the taxpayers unnecessary expense in pushing for a forensic audit, and also believe Verros has created division, discord, and much too much unnecessary discomfort for many of those who work at our Orion Township Hall. In the opinion of many, Ms. Verros has neither the qualifications nor the deportment to be the person to be in charge of Human Resources, let alone Deputy to the Supervisor.
Also, in the firm opinion of many, as well as myself ? Ms. Verros persecuted and blatantly targeted Alice Young in the perceptible hope that Ms. Young would resign, thus opening up the opportunity for Ms. Verros to be ‘appointed? to replace our elected Orion Township Treasurer.
As for Township Coordinator Barbara Armstrong bestowing the title ‘Internal Auditor? on herself in the Forensic Audit report ? there is no such title in our township records. If Barbara Armstrong wants to follow the misinformation path of Ms. Verros, then it would be my wish, and I’m sure the wish of others, that she also vacate employment with our township.
— Mary MacMaster
As an involved parent in the Lake Orion school system, I feel it is my duty as a community member to be as informed as possible when it comes to elections that impact the future of my children.
I take the upcoming school board elections extremely seriously and this is what I have discovered. The three candidates in this race are all qualified on the surface.
Bob Gritzinger is an experienced board member with a proven track record of guiding our schools to the respected level that they are at today. He is the current Vice President and his experience will be valuable when dealing with the upcoming budget issues.
Tiffany Weber-Phillips has demonstrated leadership, teamwork and the ability to immerse herself in worth while programs that have benefited every student within the Lake Orion school system. Specifically, she has been a key contributor to the fundraising efforts of the Lake Orion Education Foundation (over $45,000 has been raised and distributed to our teachers which funded education programs in our schools). Additionally, she spearheaded the Headlee Override Parent Committee in last year’s election which secured over $500,000 in school funding.
The third candidate, Kelly Roy, is a former teacher in the district, and has been a member of TEAM. Her energy has been focused on one subset of the student population, the special needs department. Also, in a time when each of us is experiencing decreasing benefits and increasing costs associated with health care and pensions, I worry that a former teacher will find it too difficult to properly analyze the school employee’s compensation structure fairly.
Please take the time to make an informed decision about the future of our community and please vote on Tuesday, May 8!
— Amy Burtraw
May 8 is almost upon us, an important date for Lake Orion Schools as citizens vote to fill two seats on the school board.
Having been a resident in the community for 14 years we have seen many decisions made by the board that have directly impacted our children’s education. In this time of great budget restraints, and increasing scholastic expectations, it is imperative that we choose candidates who will put our chidren first.
Bob Gritzinger, has a proven track record. He has served two consecutive terms as a school board trustee, and has already faced many of these issues in his eight years.
As a Certified Board member of the Michigan Association of School Boards, we feel he is not only qualified, but experienced.
As our state’s economics continue to challenge our district, a board member with his previous experience and knowledge is a must!
As they prepare for the unknowns that are being handed down to our district from Lansing, we are confident that Bob and the current board are meeting these challenges head on.
Reelect Bob Gritzinger, our current board vice-president, and keep our board moving in this positive direction.
— Jerry and Dawn Gottschalk
With the School Board election one week away, we would collectively like to share with the community information about Kelly Roy. Our experience is that she has always demonstrated and actively encouraged the nurturing and support of children and the educational programs in our community. She has served as a teacher, committee member, volunteer, and conducted countless hours of research. One of her strengths is the ability to utilize and balance these skills. With an undeterred focus and vision on students? needs as the top priority, she handles situations with thoughtful consideration and respect for all. It is easy to understand why she was endorsed by the Lake Orion Education Association.
A board member’s role directly impacts decisions about educational programming, so it is extremely important to have members who understand the full picture before making those decisions. Kelly has that background. She brings 17 years of experience in the field of education to this role. More information on school board members can be found at www.masb.org or www.nsba.org.
Recognizing the importance that every community member make an informed, educated decision about which candidates to nominate to fill the roles/responsibilities of a school board member, we would invite you to view the candidates on Channel 10, on Friday May 4, Saturday May 5, Sunday May6, and Monday May7 at 10am, 3pm, and 6pm in an open forum that was held at our local Orion Twp library.
— Holly and Nick Modock
As long as we are part of this world, taxation will be with us. The benefits we share as a result of our taxes are numerous and varied, such as: education, fire/police protection, clean parks, libraries, mostly-decent roads, etc…
However, when the economy is tight and families? budgets even tighter, it is irresponsible to seek additional taxes for non-essential services or upgrades.
Voters made this point clear last year when it came to a new senior center, and we have the chance to voice our opinion again, May 8th.
Our library already functions well as a library and, though it is great to have everything be ‘state-of-the-art,? in today’s economy, my family’s resources would be better used on my family.
I have read numerous comments stating that the average homeowner will ONLY pay and additional $75/year, should we create this new tax.
I would suggest that instead of a new tax, the library board ask for voluntary $75 donations. This would make it obvious the number of families that have the money available and are willing to spend it in this manner.
On May 8th, please vote ‘NO? on the new property tax for the library expansion. It does not make sense to forcibly take this money from people who have already been stretched thin through several lean years.
— Bruce E. King
I hope you’ll join me in supporting the much-needed renovation and expansion of the Orion Township Library. As an Orion Township homeowner, parent, freelance editor, book lover, and a proponent of education for all, I believe that our library is the center of our community, at its very heart.
Not convinced? What’s in it for YOU? Need a reason to vote YES? I came up with a few:
The Top 10 Reasons to Vote YES on the Orion Township Library Bond Proposal May 8
1. Cheap entertainment and advice. Tired of dishing out money to rent DVDs, or to buy bestselling novels or home improvement how-tos? Check out the latest movies and books for free; but note #2.
2. About 80 bucks a year. If your home has a taxable value of $130,000, that’s about $80/year in additional property tax- about the cost of two Tigers tickets, two hot dogs, two beers, and parking- and you can deduct it on your federal income tax.
3. Increase your home value. Great libraries build great communities, and vice versa! Quality of life indicators like excellent educational and cultural institutions, parks and recreational facilities, etc. make our township a better place to live.
4. Computer and Internet access and research assistance to boot! If you find yourself without a computer or Internet access at home, you can get online at the library, with individualized help from an information professional who doesn’t charge a consulting fee.
5. Obscure and familiar magazines. From Archaeology Odyssey to Canoe & Kayak, Mother Jones to Time, Babybug to Yoga Journal, a wealth of subjects is available!
6. Educational programs for adults. For example, the Financial Series in April, presented by experts in the field, featured ‘Starting a Small Business in Michigan? and ‘Keep Your Money: Retirement Planning.?
7. Something for everybody: children, teenagers, adults from 18 to 108. Storytimes, homework help, book discussion groups, gardening workshops and travelogues.
8. Your chance to be a local philanthropist. Just like steel magnate Andrew Carnegie 100 years ago (the Gilded Age’s version of Bill Gates), you can help fund your library for the improvement of society. Even though you’re not a millionaire. (Or even if you are.)
9. Books without borders. Owning your own personal copies of books is nice. But having free, unlimited access and borrowing rights to the wealth of published material that exists in this wide, wonderful world is priceless.
10. A great place for R&R&R (resting, reading, relaxation). Have you ever curled up in one of the library’s reading chairs with a good book? ‘I think it is good that books still exist, but they do make me sleepy.? -Frank Zappa (1940-1993). Uh-oh. Make that a great place to nap, too.
I could go on, but you catch my drift. For further information, call the library at 248-693-3000 or go to www.orionlibrary.org. Please get out and vote on May 8!
— Amy Marcaccio Keyzer
Past President, Women’s National Book Association/Detroit
When I grow up, I want to be a zookeeper. The library has so many books about animals that I can check out. I can even check out my own movies.
I have my OWN library card!
I like to play with the puppets.
I love to read books and the Summer Reading Program is great! I like to write my own books too. I hope someday they will be on the shelf.
I like to watch the fish in the tank with my cousin, Gracie. We also like to read together in the boat snuggled up with the pillows and big stuffed animals. We also play games on the computers.
Miss Claire, Miss Linda, Miss Marge, Miss Kristen, and Miss Stephanie all have lots of cool, fun stuff to do when we go for programs!
— Will Hoppe
First Grader & Future Zoologist
Paint Creek Elementary
I am disappointed in the Library Board’s choice to place their failed 2003 millage proposal on the School Board’s May 8 ‘Stealth Election.?
Instead of taking the ‘high road,? and placing the millage question on last November’s or the November 2008 general election, it appears their strategy is not to find out what the majority of Orion Township voters want, but to rely on the fact that historically only 10 to 15% of voters turn out for spring elections.
They have mobilized their supporters and they will need only seven to eight-percent of the registered voters to push through their millage.
I personally believe that any millage request should only be allowed during a general election. Based upon the following factors, i.e.; state economy and looming tax increases: falling house values with increased property taxes; gas prices; the uncertain future of Chrysler workers and their benefits, I personally believe this is the wrong time to add additional tax burdens to Orion Township residents. But what do you think???
Please make the extra effort to vote on May 8 and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.
Let’s ensure your opinions are counted and prevent eight-percent of the voters from imposing their will on the silent majority.
— Thomas E. Sanna
The Orion Township May 8 ballot will contain two proposals concerning the future of the township’s safety/bike/walking paths.
Their passage will allow the township to complete most of the unfinished sections of the pathway system within the next few years.
If these proposals do not pass, it will take over 50 years to complete the system under the current millage rate. If these proposals are passed, there will be no need for additional ballot requests for safety paths for 20 years.
The cost to the owner of a home valued at $200,000 (taxable value ($100,000) will be $26 per year over the current tax.
If they are passed, Orion school children will be able to walk safely to school. Orion residents will be able to use the safety paths without running into dead ends and travel safely by bicycle to Clarkston, Rochester, Oxford and beyond.
So that we all can benefit from the completion of the system within the next few years, please vote yes for Orion safety paths on May 8.
— Wayne & Jane Zimmerman
I support the Orion Township Public Library’s May 8 ballot issue for renovation and expansion of its current building and I hope you will too!
Phenomenal growth in material circulation and computer demand have made it impossible to add more books or computers without taking away space for reading or gathering. Growth projections show that the situation will only get worse. The building is 20 years old, wearing out, and is inefficient by today’s standards.
Unfortunate as the current Michigan economic climate is right now, Orion Area residents will get a huge ‘bang for the buck? in this environment. Interest rates for bonds are low. Material costs and construction labor are low.’This will translate into more books, better equipment and better furnishings for the same amount of money.’Waiting for better times will cost more and provide less.
Now is the time.’Please vote yes.
— Jim Abramczyk
I am writing in support of the bond issue to expand and renovate the Orion Township Public Library. Voting YES May 8 helps our library to continue to support our community by providing quality materials and resources.
We have lived in Orion Township for almost 30 years. We have raised our three children here. In those 30 years we have seen many changes.
One area has remained constant however, our public library. Our library has been able to serve my family throughout the years. They have been there with bedtime story hours when our children were young.
As they grew, they participated in Summer Reading Club and Battle of the Books. As they grew older, the library was there with resources for research projects and fun activities such as all night parties with parent chaperones.
When they went to college they used databases and meeting areas, not to mention the books they took out for pure enjoyment of reading.
The library is there for recreation, enjoyment, culture and education.
Personally, I have used the library to provide low-level adult reading materials to tutor another adult to learn to read.
I have found tax forms, checked out movies, listened to audio books, gone to cultural events, used the meeting rooms, gone to used book sales, just to name a few.
I am sure these are just a few of the ways my family has benefited from the Orion Township Library. The value of our library is immeasurable!
Our library is now over 20 years old, and our community has expanded and changed. Our library must keep up and make sure they are ready to support this evolving community.
Vote YES May 8 for OUR Library.
— MaryAnne Thorndycraft
Late, very late on Thursday evening in one of the girls? dorms at Camp Howell Nature Center I heard fifth grade teacher Lynae Farmer’s voice boldly state, ‘Clear Lake students and parents are the best! They really are flexible just like the rubber bands in our camp survival kits!?
This was the positive attitude reflected by all of the teaching staff present at Camp Howell during this week’s fifth grade camp trip.
At about five o’clock in the morning I remember principal Susan Hannant encouraging a group of girls who were among the very few ‘well? students left as they sat exhausted in the dorm’s doorway waiting to go home.
She sang to the girls ‘If you’re happy/healthy and you know it clap your hands.? The girls responded with a group clap and a tired smile.
Teacher Jackie Wiscombe pulled double duty running between cabins making phone calls delegating to those around her necessary roles and whatever else it took to tend to the student’s needs, as did the other teachers Mrs. Teague and Mrs. Night.
There was not a moment during the evening that a teacher was not addressing the needs of the children in some way whether cleaning vomit, holding sick children, or wiping tears, they were up all night doing whatever was necessary.
These teachers are to be thanked whole heartily.
As a parent of a Clear Lake student I feel blessed to have these committed women serving my child not only as teachers in the classroom but as caregivers who are genuinely committed to the well being of the children in their care.
The entire staff responded with professionalism, tenderness and compassion to our children. Clear Lake parents be confident that your children are not only educated, but they are loved by their teachers.
Thank you, thank you to the awesome teachers at Clear Lake Elementary!
Toni Ufolla
Oxford Oxford
The May 8 election is quickly approaching and I would like to introduce you to a candidate that I think is highly qualified for the position on the Board of Education. Her name is Kelly Roy.
She has been endorsed by the Lake Orion Education Association, as the teachers? choice.
Kelly has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Curriculum, Instruction and Leadership. She has served as a teacher in the Lake Orion Community for seven years.
Her continued commitment to the community consists of her involvement as a former board member of TEAM Network, in which she is still heavily involved in the development of the mentoring program, LOCS committee work consisting of Special Education and Middle School Concepts, active volunteer in educational programming at Blanche Sims and Paint Creek, an active researcher in education and has collaborative efforts with local and state educational professionals and leaders.
Kelly has a strong commitment, clear understanding of progressive education, assertive leadership, interpersonal and research skills, and integrity that will allow her to collaborate with board members, staff, students, families, community, and professionals at the county and state levels to safeguard our programs and ensure that LOCS continues to respond to the increasing needs of students in our ever-changing global society.
There in no doubt in my mind that Kelly will give the board the time, energy and diligence required to maintain the quality of programming Lake Orion is so widely known for, in this time of economic struggle.
She is one to research both the economic and educational impact of any decision.
I strongly urge you to research Kelly Roy and what she has to bring to the community and get to know her. I think you will be very supportive of her views.
— Tracy Gora
I disagree with those who say the tax increases required for the May 8 Orion Township Safety Path and Library Expansion Proposals are not warranted. I want to pose the opposite viewpoint.
Both the safety path system and the library are assets which improve quality of life and raise property values.
Once funded, both can be enjoyed by all of the citizens at any time at no extra cost. In financially strapped times, the educational, entertainment, exercise and, in the case of the safety paths, safety they provide makes a lot of sense.
Finally, 100-percent of the revenue generated is targeted only to those uses.
Completion of the proposed projects results in $36 million in added assets to the township in less than five years.
And how much does it cost to acquire these assets? It will cost a homeowner with a $100,000 taxable value home $88/year – about 25 cents a day. Compare that to other things you might value; for example, your cable TV bill at $1.25/day.
Every year these projects are delayed, their cost increases more than $1 million/ year. It seems obvious that delaying these projects is like delaying repairs on your home ? the situation will only get worse and more expensive in the future.
I think it makes good business sense to complete these projects as soon as possible. That is why I will vote yes for all of the safety path and library proposals on the May Ballot.
— Julia Brinkmann
Over the last two years, I have attended several seminars put on by Oakland County, FEMA and the Michigan State Police. Basically, they all covered the same topic, the changing face of a community and changing to meet the developing needs.
The fact that soon, 50-percent of the population of Michigan will in the near future be classified as senior citizens was the main concern. Wondering how this figure would impact my community, I looked at the Orion Township Master Plan.
The senior population in the year 2000 was 7.5-percent, but the projected senior population in 2020 is 45.5-percent.
The impact on the community is staggering and we are all effected, from residents to businesses to township management. Emergency plans for citizens of special needs and also a plan for safe and healthy options for exercise, leisure time activities and transportation are a must.
The old adage, ‘Things get better or worse, they never stay the same,? was never truer than today. If we don’t plan for the future today to meet the demands for tomorrow, what kind of a community will we have in the future?
The cost to a community for adult inactivity is $1,175 per adult. The projected population for 2020 for the Village of Lake Orion and Charter Township of Orion is 42,151 with 17,914 of those being senior citizens. The impact on the community financially would reach $21,049,155.63.
To maintain the positive momentum a community must change to meet the needs of its citizens. A new senior center, an addition to the library and the completion of the safety path system are things needed now to meet the needs of the future.
If these projects are accepted by the voters, they should be completed within the next five years, making this community ready for the future.
— Edward M. Peters
As a high school teacher within the Lake Orion Community Schools and a parent of a child in the district, I am extremely concerned about the future of our school system.
With past and future budget cuts, I have experienced firsthand the impact the school board can have on our educational system. To date, I feel the school board has done a great job of preparing the district for these cuts and implementing a strategy without disrupting our children’s education.
For the upcoming school board elections on Tuesday, May 8, I feel that we need to elect an individual who has the ability to work well with the current board, bringing a fresh approach with creative new ideas, who has a solid understanding of our educational system, ability to make an impact on legislative leaders and has the business and educational background to help manage a $65 million budget.
My thorough knowledge of the candidates leads me to firmly support Tiffany Weber-Phillips for Lake Orion School Board.
As an educator, parent, and involved community member, I ask that you join me in voting for Tiffany Weber-Phillips for Lake Orion School Board.
— Dave Whitaker
LOHS Teacher
In November 2006, the Village Council approved and sent an Agreement for Dispatch Services to the Orion Township Board that called for a 30% increase. The previous Agreement was based on the 1990 Census, and the new Agreement is based on the 2000 Census.
Orion Township had a 40% increase in population from 1990 to 2000, and it continues to grow by another 10%. When you compare the population increase plus the commercial and industrial growth in the Township, a 30% increase in the cost of dispatch services is a bargain.
The Fire Department has added a new fire hall, new equipment and at least 4 full time employees since the last Dispatch Agreement was signed. The Village Council is seeking an increase of $21,000 in the new Dispatch Agreement to compensate for the increase in population and construction in the Township.
The initial Agreement and the one sent to Orion Township on April 10, 2007, after being revised to include the items the Fire Chief wanted in his proposal dated March 29, 2007, have both been reviewed and approved by the Village Council before being sent.
As an appointed official, I do not have a vote, nor am I in a position to make any demands. I simply represent the position of the elected officials of the Village. It’s a shame that Mr. Schrah didn’t reveal that he’s an Oakland County Deputy Sheriff in his letter.
— JoAnn Van Tassel
Lake Orion Village Manager
Citizens of Orion Township,
There is an election on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the usual 14 Orion Township voting precincts.
On this ballot, voters are being asked 1) to elect two (2) candidates to the Board of Education and 2) to approve a library bond to expand the Orion Township Public Library; 3) to renew the current safety path millage to maintain the existing safety path system; and 4) to approve a bond for the construction of an additional 9 miles of safety paths and trails in the community.
If you wish to request an Absent Voter Ballot, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (248)391-0304, ext. 104, clerksoffice@oriontownship.org, or 2525 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360.
Sample ballots may be viewed on the Township website: www.oriontownship.org.
Please get informed and remember to vote on May 8!
–Jill D. Bastian, Clerk
Charter Township of Orion
Last Friday evening was a great night for downtown Lake Orion thanks to all who participated in the fourth annual art crawl and wine tasting.
Over 100 people were on the streets of downtown, checking out the art, enjoying the weather, trying to figure out what all those silly clues meant and seeing the variety of businesses that our downtown district has to offer.
The sold out event finished at Elements with appetizers and wine tasting.
The Orion Art Center is grateful to all who participated, including the artists, businesses, food and prize donors, Lake Orion DDA, Elements, all the volunteers who helped with clues and preparation, Karen Purdon, CJ’s Sandbar for taking care of all those glasses, and the Positive Vibration Wine Bar.
Thanks again, and we will see you next time in downtown Lake Orion!
— Reggie Harrison, Director
Orion Art Center
Some folks might be a bit confused about why there are two safety path proposals on the May 8th ballot. Hopefully this explanation helps.
One of the proposals is simply a renewal of the existing millage that we have been working with for the past 20 years. This millage, which expires next year, has allowed us to complete a significant number of paths.
Passing this renewal will allow us to continue to slowly build new paths and maintain the existing ones.
The problem with the existing millage is that most of the paths that still need to be built are the expensive ones, land to acquire, foot bridges, tree removal, moving fences and other obstacles, etc.
It will take a long time to get these built, and it keeps getting more expensive every year.
The second proposal attempts to address this problem by selling a bond to get the money up front to build the majority of the remaining paths. This would allow us to build these paths now, not in 30 or 40 years.
The current unpredictability in gasoline prices, and lack of school buses on side streets make getting our safety paths completed appealing for expanding non-motorized transportation, and for our children’s safety.
For more information on the proposals, visit http://www.orionlibrary.org/safetypathproposals on the web.
— Edwin McBride
As a long time resident of Lake Orion, I have seen the library grow from one location to another as it grew to keep pace with the community. It’s a special place for me.
It started when we first moved to the area in 1977. My grandmother would take us to the library when she did her genealogy research and we would listen to Linda Nixon (Children’s Librarian at the time) read stories.
Today, no one could imagine the library only being the size it once was in the building it occupied on M-24 (now the Michigan Catholic Credit Union). Yet that is where it would still be if the millage wasn’t approved in 1987 to build the current much larger library.
When the library opened in its current location, I enjoyed being a page at the library for two summers during college. I know that experience contributed to my interest in being a life long learner.
I used many of its online resources (even from home) when I recently went back to school and got my master’s degree in education.
As a parent and teacher, I use the library on many levels and now have become more involved in supporting it through volunteer activities.
As Vice President of the Orion Township Friends of the Library, I have become keenly aware of its growing needs.
The planned expansion may seem big. However, compared with the growth in the community and the changes in the library technology and collections, I feel the planned expansion is about the right size.
The library cannot continue to deliver the quality of service and materials that we enjoy in its current facility.
The Orion Township Library was named a Library of Excellence by the Library of Michigan in 2006. Nevertheless, we didn’t need the Library of Michigan to tell us we have an excellent library.
It took a great director, board and staff…and the commitment of the community to support a great library to make it what it is.
I plan to vote ‘Yes? on May 8 for the library expansion and hope you will too!
— Ellen Parker Hoppe
Somebody at the Orion Review is being disingenuous. They’ve soft-pedalled the recent ‘official? findings of the independent investigation into the Alice Young/Diane Young investment debacle. Their findings? It was unethical.
I’m sorry, Ms. Young, but in most professional codes of ethics it’s made very clear that you’re not to have conflicts of interest in anything, because it undermines the public’s confidence.
You state in your article that it’s frankly nobody’s business how much money your daughter-in-law made. That was taxpayer money, not yours!
We as citizens have a right to know what’s done with our money, and you as a public official know that you are responsible. Maybe you need to read the ICMA code of ethics again. I find it difficult to believe that a person with a job of your responsibility would not know about conflicts of interest. Are you seriously trying to tell me you never sat through a class on ethics at some point in your career?
Mr. Dywasuk is quite right, you should resign, Ms. Young. If he had done what you did, not only would he lose his job, but he’d be found guilty of being in violation of ICMA’s code of ethics, and he would never be able to get another job as a city manager (or township supervisor). That’s the penalty for violating ethics.
Ms. Young, you are a public servant. You are entrusted with investing and keeping track of the money that the people pay you. You are never to allow yourself the appearance of impropriety. I learned that in my first class in Public Administration. Saying you’re sorry, you’re new, and whatever plethora of excuses you care to make doesn’t cut it. You should resign, and resign now, for failing the trust of the people you represent.
I believe if Mr. Dywasuk is serious about how important such an issue is, he should either amend or draft within the code of ethics for the township (hopefully there is one) that conflicts of interest are to be avoided, and no dealings are to be made with relatives of any kind. This prevents the kind of shameless behavior on the part of one township official, who refuses to be responsible for her actions as dictated by more than one profession.
Ethics are important. They build trust and character in any organization. One sure way to know when an organization is corrupt is when ethics and ethical training are ignored or abandoned. I sure hope that the township board recognizes this and takes such a violation of the public trust seriously. This needs to be addressed, right away, so that the public can have confidence in its officials.
I’m waiting, Mr. Dywasuk….
— Laura Allen
I think that A. Carlson probably has it right about the ‘grouchy old man? who writes every week to your paper. I’m 83 and watch the township meetings on cable TV.
Mr. Delevan always yells at the township board and is not nice to them at all. Just look at the meeting earlier this month.Mr. Dywasuk tells him that his three minutes are up and he gets yelled at.
Mr Delevan yells, ‘Your time is up. You are finished. Why don’t you do everyone a favor and resign??
This is not proper public behavior. In fact, it is just plain bullying.
— Elizabeth Moses
I cannot believe what I am hearing or reading in The Lake Orion Review. The Village of Lake Orion Police Dispatch is requesting a 30-percent increase for fire dispatch for the Orion Township Fire Department.
Correct me if I am wrong, but don’t we have citizens losing their jobs, GM Orion Plant got another tax break but we are supposed to bow down to Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel with her demands to again bail out the Village of Lake Orion.
The village is landlocked and has problems paying for the services they provide. The days of the wide open township wallet should cease.
I do believe the dispatch services could be provided by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for about a 50-percent saving.
Let’s do what is right for the tax paying citizens of Orion Township. Refuse to pay the ransom increase by the Village of Lake Orion.
— Art Schrah
Thank you so much for taking an interest in our Clarkston Road concerns and using our local media to get the township and road commission leaders? attention.
For the past several years we have been playing ‘pass the buck? with our local officials and road commission.
Now with the media and public attention, we may get something done that will fix the problem long-term.
— Bonnie LaTorre
I read this article (‘There’s a serval in the house, April 11) and had to laugh just a bit.
As anyone in the rescue business knows, buying an exotic cat is not a rescue, it’s buying an exotic cat, and people do it all the time with the thought that they can make these animals into pets.
Another thing that struck me as funny was the fact that Ann talks about having to bottle feed her new cat. Again, almost everyone buying an exotic cat buys them at a very early age with the intention of bottle feeding the animal in hopes that it will bond with them.
Personally I don’t think servals should be ‘pets,? but for Ann to talk about creating a sanctuary because of people doing the same thing she did is typical of most people who like to say, ‘do as I say, not as I do.?
As a non-profit rescue facility in Oregon, we care for over 40 small wildcats and are very honest when we say, we started out buying a bobcat that we thought would make a great pet. We were wrong!
But at least we are honest about how we started, and stories like this just rub me the wrong way.
To promote buying hybrid wildcats such as a Savannah is very sad to me when there are thousands of beautiful domestic cats that are euthanized every day because they can’t find homes.
Seems to me that a rescue mindset would see that breeding more cats when thousands are killed doesn’t make much sense.
But then none of this story really does.
Cheryl Tuller
WildCat Haven
Integrity’Excitement’Organized? Visionary’Leadership!
These are just a few of the words which describe the feelings I and many other community leaders share when we think of Tiffany Weber-Phillips. These are the qualities we need in a person to be a Trustee on our Lake Orion School Board.
Throughout Michigan there’s a common message being shared amongst the people, and that message is, ‘We need entrepreneurial leaders to step up in our communities and share their experiences with others and help guide our youth into this new global economy we’re all facing.?
I am here to tell you that we have just that quality of leader running for the Lake Orion School Board in the upcoming election, her name is Tiffany Weber-Phillips. Tiffany worked for me for almost six years; she helped create a multi-million dollar company that is locally based and is conducting business in 30 states today. Her skills range from project management and corporate organization to finance; within one year she created the infrastructure within Walltek Design Build, Inc., enabling us to succeed in today’s marketplace.
The members of the Lake Orion School Board are facing many issues pertaining to the economic environment of Michigan; families are being forced to move from the district due to job relocations and/or their economic situations. We need leaders who can help find solutions to retaining and attracting residents to this community. This will in fact help the unfortunate financial situation that our school district is in due to the state’s economy. The wonderful irony of Tiffany representing this community on the school board is that she is a graduate of Lake Orion Community Schools. She knows our families, our business community and school district. We are fortunate to have a candidate running that is so dedicated to our community and district and that strongly values public education.
Please join me in voting for Tiffany Weber-Phillips on Tuesday, May 8, 2007.
— Todd Garris, CEO
Walltek Design Build, Inc.
I would like to thank everyone in the Lake Orion Community for helping me while I got sick and landed in the hospital.
Everyone has been helping me so much until I get better. We live in a wonderful community and I thank everyone again for their support.
See you soon at Sagebrush.
— Erick Czaplinski
I was amazed to see the article printed a couple of weeks ago written by Bill Kalmar. Not only did it attempt to insult the Senior Center Advisory Committee by name calling, but it offered nothing of substance as an alternative.
Mr. Kalmar claims to be a former Director of the Michigan Quality Council. If he is, why isn’t he more interested in improving the quality of life for senior citizens in Orion Township and it’s surrounding area?
He claims that there are ‘other alternatives to a Senior Center? but fails to mention them. There probably are some, but at what cost? The O.P.C. in Rochester charges from $175 to 260 per year for nonresidents, not to mention the 10- to 20-plus mile drive to get there. There are Health clubs in the area but they cost over a thousand dollars per year for membership. These are not very palatable alternatives for those on a fixed income.
I think that while male senior citizens are more likely to join a health club, women are not. In a recent discussion with my wife, this very subject was brought up. My wife’s objections are ‘It’s too noisy! It’s too crowded! Why don’t they have times available for seniors only??
I also suspect that my wife and senior women in general are more intimidated by others in the club. I think that if she were slogging along on a treadmill, the people on both sides of her running marathons would not please her.
When the Senior Center advocates, speak they speak for all seniors. The able, the disabled and all of those in between. There must be programs available for everyone. There must be gentle exercise programs available for seniors; Tai-Chi for instance in order to maintain their mobility or even to gain some of it back. There must be social programs with their peers so seniors do not feel alone and left out of society in their later years. There has to be activities that seniors can take part in, not just observe. There must be resources for caregivers, possibly even adult day care for short term relief of the caregiver. This is not just for the healthy seniors, but for all.
Mr. Kalmar only seems to speak for himself and able seniors, not the rest of us. As for my wife and myself, we both have health problems but are doing the best that we can. My wife in addition, is mobility impaired and uses a cane to get around (sometimes two). Because of this (or in spite of it) I am a member of the Orion Senior Center Advisory Committee, although I am only speaking for myself in this letter, not for any of the others on the committee, the Senior Center, nor its staff, or the Township, in this letter.
The Orion Senior Center itself is an old structure with limited parking. In addition, it is small and in the Village Historical District, so there is very little that can be done externally to provide the room necessary for the programs needed by seniors in the area. Something else has got to be done. Plans are in place to delay the inevitable, but the Senior Center needs much more room somewhere else for new programs.
At first, when Mr. Kalmar called us all ostriches, I felt defamed and took it as an insult but on later thought, I see it is a compliment. When an ostrich stands straight up with its head erect, its eyes are 7 to 9 feet off of the ground… it can see a lot further into the future than a person of normal height.
— Paul Knasinski
This is an e-mail I just received:
Louise,
I believe my brother-in-law is either en route to the US from Iraq, or will be shortly. Thank God!
A few months ago, he sent a letter to a relative thanking them for the boxes of food. If he had not received the boxes that day, the Marines would not have eaten! My relative was outraged and sent a copy of the letter to various political figures. We had no idea that our troops go without food some days. Please let the packing people know that what our troops get in those boxes may be all they have to eat that day. You are doing a great service! I do not know how it is with the Army, but the Marines do not have a kitchen or ‘mess hall? that travels with them.
I am really looking foward to seeing my brother-in-law and I am most anxious to hear what is really going on in Iraq from someone who has firsthand experience.
Thanks for all you do, Louise!
— Louise ‘Desert Angel? Downs
***
Editors Note: Desert Angels, Inc. is now a non-profit organization, meaning donations can now earn tax-breaks.
***
And, don’t forget…
The Desert Angel and Dr. Matthew Kopera will hold another ‘Packing Party for the Troops? on April 17.
In addition to the drop-off site at Dr. Kopera’s office (Suite 207 of the Beaumont Medical Building at 1455 S. Lapeer Road), The Review is offering a downtown Lake Orion drop-off site at our 30 N. Broadway office by this Friday.
Along with providing items, those interested in helping can join the packing party at Dr. Kopera’s office on April 17 from 4-7 p.m.
Donations to help cover the cost of postage ($8.10 per box) are also encouraged.
For more information, contact The Review at (248)693-8331 or Louise ‘Desert Angel? Downs at (248)736-6403.
I believe that it’s time for Joe Ferrari to resign his position as the township treasurer. This is the second time he has been involved in a harassment suit and the residents are sick of it. Who could have any confidence in such a person to allow him to be the treasurer of our township? He has already cost the taxpayers money from the last charges and now here it is again. How much will this cost us? We need a person that is honest, kind and trustful to have as our treasurer. It’s time to say goodbye to Joe.
Sandra Schefke
Oxford
This is an e-mail I just received:
‘Louise,
I believe my brother-in-law is either en route to the US from Iraq, or will be shortly. Thank God!
A few months ago, he sent a letter to a relative thanking them for the boxes of food. If he had not received the boxes that day, the Marines would not have eaten! My relative was outraged and sent a copy of the letter to various political figures. We had no idea that our troops go without food some days. Please let the packing people know that what our troops get in those boxes may be all they have to eat that day. You are doing a great service! I do not know how it is with the Army, but the Marines do not have a kitchen or ‘mess hall? that travels with them.
I am really looking foward to seeing my brother-in-law and I am most anxious to hear what is really going on in Iraq from someone who has firsthand experience.
Thanks for all you do, Louise!?
Louise ‘Desert
Angel? Downs
As companies like General Motors and Chrysler are laying off workers and companies like Delphi file for bankruptcy, it’s no surprise that Michigan’s economy is struggling.
Our state continues to experience some of the highest unemployment in the nation; 2.5 percent higher than the national average. Job growth and creation will not be an immediate, overnight fix ? it will take time. In the meantime, we are facing a constitutional budget crisis that needs to be fixed now.
Now, more than ever, we need a strong backbone and courage to make tough decisions but protect our priorities ? not by further overspending taxpayer dollars and requiring residents to foot the bill.
What the governor has proposed: a $1.5 billion sales tax on consumers. This budget plan consists of 50 percent new taxes but only 10 percent new cuts. Included in the governor’s Michigan Business Tax is a proposed net increase of more than $1.4 billion, most of which would be paid by working class Michiganders and the state’s largest employer ? Michigan’s small businesses.
By increasing the burden on the average person, we are most likely making the problem worse. It is expected that businesses will pay more than $1 billion and individuals will pay more than $445 million. The governor is claiming that these new taxes will only cost around $65 per taxpayer, but as the cost to businesses rises, so does the price we have to pay for their products and services.
When an average Michigan family loses income, they are forced to cut back. Government spending has increased by more than $3 billion over the last four years during a time when Michigan families have been focusing on their budget and trying to live within their means. Government agencies? inability to budget properly does not give them just cause to punish citizens.
The hard-working residents of northern Oakland County pay taxes for the state to do a job. It is not unreasonable to expect that job to be done well. I will fight to make sure state government values and appreciates you and your hard work by funding our priorities like roads and education without raising your taxes.
— State Rep. Jim Marleau
Well, well, Mr. A. Carlson, it sure makes me feel good that you and your wife kept reading my comments each week, or should I say every other week, in the Orion Review.
It’s a shame that you are cancelling your subscription because of my letters.
You know, if you and your wife don’t like what I write to the Review Editor, then you don’t have to read it or agree with it. But apparently my comments must grab both of your attentions.
You see, Mr. A. Carlson, I learned when I was a child that if you don’t stick up for your rights and what you believe in, then no one else will do it for you.
In other words, stick up for yourself!
Apparently, I would believe that if the U.S. federal government came to your home one morning and told you and your family to leave your homestead, that you would leave and not put up a fight to keep what you have earned and owned.
If and when this ever happens, and the warning signs are out there if you clean the dirt out of your ears and open your eyes, you may think a lot differently. You might thing twice about calling me a ‘grumpy old man.? And who are you, Mr. America?
I’m not afraid of sticking up for what I believe in, especially when our elected officials choose to waste our tax dollars and then have the gall to raise the taxes even more.
If you are happy living in this type of government where your taxes on your property increase year after year, then don’t cry when you can’t pay the ransom. People like you, Mr. A. Carlson, are the first to yell, ‘How did this happen??
— James B. Delavan
I strongly encourage Governor Jennifer Granholm to consider my solutions to the serious situation of our state’s three- billion dollar deficit.
Follow Mayor Kwamie Kilpatrick’s lead and solicit Charter Schools to eliminate Michigan Public Schools. The Unions would not be happy, but if our bankrupt state goes to court, the judge would null and void all contracts anyway.
Since the CEOs of our near bankrupt auto companies have been rewarded with multi-million dollar bonuses, our governor should encourage them to invest that money in buying our state’s assets, like the Mackinaw Island Governor’s Mansion.
Since so many of our state’s citizens have chosen to buy Hondas and Toyotas, our governor should make another trip to Japan and ask those companies to take over our economically depressed state with the profits we’ve allowed them to make.
Since a shut down of our state is on the line, our overpaid state bureaucracy in Lansing would face layoffs like so many in Michigan. Maybe then my solutions would not be unrealistic.
— Mike Buckley
The Lake Orion Lions have been serving the Orion area for over 68 years. They are part of the world’s largest service organization and serve the needs of those with hearing and vision difficulties.
Local service projects include glasses for those in need, sponsoring three teams in youth baseball, adopt-a-highway and our largest service project is the Christmas basket program where we support about 140 families with food, apparel and toys for the kids.
You have an opportunity to see what it is all about at an open house for the Lake Orion Lions on Wednesday, April 4, 2007.
This special evening will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1400 Orion Road, with social gathering at 6:30 p.m. and the program starting at 7 p.m.
Light refreshments will be available and a number of the organizations we support will make short presentations, with plenty of time for questions and great fellowship.
So please join us on April 4 for our special night. To reserve a spot or get additional information you can contact Lion Jim Pettinato at (248)209-8621 during the day or (248)391-4532 evenings.
We look forward to seeing you on April 4.
— Jim Pettinato
President, Lake Orion Lions
I am writing to remind the registered voters of the Lake Orion Community School District that we have a school board election on the May 8th ballot.
After many years of service, Lee Ann Bartley is stepping down from the LOCS school board, leaving an open position. I want to thank Lee Ann for her years of dedication and hard work for LOCS and our children (and parents). She will be missed by everyone.
In addition to Lee Ann’s resignation, Bob Gritzinger’s current term is up and Bob is running again for his position on the board. I strongly urge you to vote for Bob!
Bob is a great school board member and he genuinely cares about our children. Since first being elected in 1999, Bob demonstrated how important this school district is to him. He asks the questions, he researches the answers and he gets involved with committees and projects outside of the required board work.
Bob Gritzinger has proven his commitment to our district. Please vote Bob back in for at least another four years.
I also want to strongly urge you to vote for Tiffany Weber-Phillips to fill the open board position. Tiffany has proven she cares about our district and our children.
Tiffany has been very involved in the Lake Orion Education Foundation since it was reestablished three years ago. She was responsible for the LOEF’s very successful fundraisers allowing the Foundation to give over $25,000 in grants to our teachers and advisors in the past two years.
In addition, Tiffany was very instrumental and successful as the co-chair on the Headlee Override Parent Committee, as well as being very involved with the PTA at Stadium Drive Elementary. I have been so impressed over the last three years at Tiffany’s willingness to take charge and work hard. Our children will benefit if Tiffany Weber-Phillips becomes our new school board member.
With the current budget issues, the state economic future and the critical decisions that our school board members face, we need the expertise and proven commitment of Bob Gritzinger and the hard-work and dedication to the district of Tiffany Weber-Phillips.
— Karen Appledorn
Public Servant or Self Serving?
Curiosity has once again taken me to places I did not want to go. I requested a (free) copy of the Forensic Audit from the Clerks Office to see what all the excitement was about. WOW, I had to read all the documents three times. The first time left me in shock, the second time filled me with disbelief, but the third time is best explained by a quote from a memo to Jerry Dywasuk from Jill Verros dated Nov, 14 2005, ‘I finally figured it out!?
In a letter dated December 13, 2005 from the Township Attorney to the Township Board, the Attorney refers to the following as potentially damaging publicity for the Township:
? The Attorney had no prior knowledge of the contract in question
? The Supervisor and Clerk had no authorization to sign the contract in question
? The board’s hiring of Diane Young (the Treasurer’s daughter-in-law) as the investment advisor
? The board authorizing investments not approved per the investment policy
In closing, the Attorney further states: ‘These are obviously sensitive matters that would become public fodder if litigation were commenced.? These legal opinions, along with the information provided by the Treasurer, should have been enough to put a stop to the misguided attempt to place blame where it was not deserved.
I urge every Orion Township resident to read this audit. With our property values declining, our jobs in jeopardy, and our taxes constantly increasing, you need to see how quickly politicians can spend $26,000.00 of our hard earned money. In my opinion the audit was by no means ‘independent? and the residents should demand a refund. The errors, exclusions of evidence, and misstatements in this report are an insult to the residents of Orion Township. We should be allowed to garnish the wages of the Township Supervisor, his Assistant, and the Township Attorney to cover this cost.
I believe Diane Young and Alice Young were perhaps the only ones not doing something wrong. Jill Bastian was caught in the cross-fire because Jerry Dywasuk is blaming her for him signing the contract that the Township Attorney states she never saw. Jill Verros perpetuated most of the misinformation and taunted the board with it. Last but not least, the Trustees – all of you (except Neal) – had this information before the audit, but chose to do nothing or, worse yet, started throwing stones. I finally did figure it out; there are always people who are vindictive, resentful and willing to blame someone else for their mistakes. Unfortunately, when ‘those people? are our local government they become self serving and the people lose.
— Joseph Geraci
It was nice to read in the March 8 Oxford Leader that Oxford Township and the Oxford Village are working together to show a united front to the developers of the 1,200 acre Koenig property.
The village officers stated they were in favor of the current zoning. Under the current zoning, approximately 1,000 acres is zoned Suburban Farms 2 (SF-2), which requires a minimum lot size of five acres for each residential unit and the remaining 157 acres is zoned R-2 Single Family, which requires a minimum lot size of 25,000 square feet for each residential unit (approx. 1.74 residential units per acre).
Under the current zoning approximately 474 residental units would be allowed on the 1,200 acre Koenig property. Although it’s great to see our two local governments present a united front to the developer the, information concerning residential units per acre is misleading.
The current Oxford Township Master plan, that was adopted in 2005, divides the 1,200 acre Koenig property into five zoning districts: Hunt Country Estates, which requires a minimum lot size of 10 acres per residential unit, Acreage Estates, which requires a minimum lot size of five acres per residential unit, Rural Residential, which requires a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres per residential unit, Suburban Residential, which requires a minimum lot size fo one acre per residential unit and Village Residential, which requires a minimum lot size of 25,000 square feet per residential unit.
Although it’s hard to tell from looking at the future zoning map in the Master Plan, I was told by a planning commissioner that 700 homes was probably right.
At the Planning Commission meeting of March 8, 2005, which the Koenig property developers attended, the chairman of the Oxford Township Planning Commission stated that under the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning ordinance, 1,725 residential units would be allowed on the 1,200 acre property.
Although the Koenig property is currently zoned for 474 residential units, it’s likely the number of residential units the township will allow will be much higher.
Everyone who feels this property should be developed at its current zoning should contact the Oxford Township offices and let their feelings be known ? (248) 628-9787.
Buck Cryderman
Oxford Township
Why does the Oxford School Board find it necessary to spend $7,500 with the Michigan Association of School Boards in the search for a new superintendent ? Where did the $7,500 come from? I thought we had a serious budget shortfall?
It seems that the money would be better spent with an outside executive search firm to open the field of candidates to those in the business sector as well as those in the education field.
Isn’t it the goal to find the best candidate(s)?
I’m sure there are qualified experienced candidates in the non-academic world that know how to manage budgets, contracts and government regulations and at the same time lead people.
Better yet, why doesn’t the school board demonstrate some real creativity and leadership and find a workable arrangement of consolidating the role of superintendent with another school district?
That solution would save the Oxford School District money, the other school district money and the taxpayer’s money.
Joe Gretka, Leonard
On March 13, 2007 our House Representative Jim Marleau introduced House Bill 4451 to: ‘Allow government borrowing to pay unfunded employee health care.?
Within SB 4451 is Sec. 518 (1): ‘Through September 30, 2010, a county, city, village, or township may by ordinance or resolution of its governing body, and without a vote of its electors, [my emphasis] issue municipal security under this section to pay the costs of unfunded accrued liability.?
This language is a clear, unlawful violation of the Dec. 23, 1978 Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment contained within our Michigan Constitution because it denies our right to vote on this issue.
Article IX, Sec. 26 of the Constitution of Michigan states that, ‘The revenue limitation established in this section shall not apply to taxes imposed for the payment of principal and interest on bonds, approved by the voters [my emphasis] and authorized under Section 15 of this Article.?
Article IX, Sec. 15 of the Constitution of Michigan says that, ‘The state may borrow money for specific purposes in amounts as may be provided by act of the legislature adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the members elected to and serving each house, and approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon at any general election [my emphasis]. The question submitted to the electors shall state that amount to be borrowed, the specific purpose to which the funds shall be devoted, and the method of repayment.?
Also within the language of this bill is the language, ‘payable from or secured by any of the following: (i) Ad valorem real and personal property taxes. (ii) Special assessments.? What this means is the ability for them to increase our property taxes if the proceeds of their investments made from the money they borrowed do not grow enough to cover the interest on their debt.
Rep. Jim Marleau cannot claim ignorance of the Headlee Tax Limitation, which was voted in by the people to protect them from excessive taxation without their vote.
Similar bills were introduced last year in both the Michigan Senate and the House.
I e-mailed and faxed Rep. Marleau each time informing him of the violation of the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment.
You can call Rep. Jim Marleau at (517) 373-1798 and ask him for a copy of HB 4451, as well as a copy the Headlee Amendment.
— Mary MacMaster
The success of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan ? Orion/Oxford Club’s 9th Annual Taste of the Town was once again due to the generosity of local businesses and residents.
Thanks to the Hamlin Pub, Sagebrush Cantina, Metamora Golf and Country Club, Buffalo Wild Wings, Lombardo’s, Starbucks, Hoops Sports & Spirits, Montana’s Cookhouse, Applebee’s, Steve’s Pizzeria & More!, Olive Garden, Costco, Towers? Treats, Positive Vibration Wine Bar and Canterbury Grille for providing the food and refreshments for the evening.
As we begin programs in our new facility the support of the community is more important than ever.
Please stop by and see what we have to offer the children in Lake Orion, Oxford and the surrounding areas. We are located at 1801 Waldon Rd. Our phone number is (248)365-5000.
— Tim Dougan
Club Director
My wife asked me why there weren’t any comics in the Orion Review. I said ‘the funny stuff is on page 7 in the Letters to The Editor section.?
I said, ‘Honey don’t you know every week some pathetic, grouchy old man writes and complains about everything under the sun. That’s really funny.?
She remarked that it wasn’t funny at all, but that it was sad that he complained week after week after week endlessly about nothing anyone cares about. Simple whining.
I said, ‘Last time it was about paying property taxes.? She replied ‘But this time was also about paying property taxes. Is the Review printing reruns?? she asked.
I guess that’s all you can expect from a small time paper, small people complaining about small things.
Like Deiter from Sprockets said, ‘Your order is boring me.?
‘It is boring isn’t it?? I said. ‘I’ll cancel our subscription.?
— A.Carlson
Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Point, Pelton’s Point. I’ve been a resident of Lake Orion far longer then most of you. I won’t bore you with history, however families have enjoyed my little piece of land, the ‘American Dream? and on a lake no less for many years.
I used to have quite a few boat slips that were full of activity, which gradually changed as the slips fell into disrepair. Nobody attempted to fix them, I could not – I’m just a piece of land. There were two houses near my northern tip that used to house some families as well – these have been left to turn into eyesores now. Again, nothing I can do, I just live here. A small part of my shore erodes every day due to no breakwall. How about putting one in, perhaps ADDING some land?
I also had the pleasure of having as a neighbor a large greenish/blue house that was something to look at, until it, too, fell into disrepair, all the while things around Lake Orion began to improve – I was left to the whim of people that wanted to put a bar/restaurant on me.
One of the families that still enjoy living in harmony with me has made improvements to their house, a house that has been in their family since at least the 1940s. I enjoy them, they enjoy me, and aside from some problems with a former contractor (the one that wanted to set up the bar) I have enjoyed living here for years, decades, and centuries.
UNTIL NOW.
My concerns are as follows: The LOVC thinks about developing me yet fails, or chooses to ignore, the families that already live there and the impact that this will have on them. What happens to them, what happens to their houses?
I can’t simply pack up my troubles and move, now can I? I am at the mercy of the LOVC, something I’ve not had too much confidence in the last few years. I would prefer that you turn me into some sort of Lakeside Park, although you’ve got one a few hundred feet to the North.
Please think of me and the families that have enjoyed living here with me for years before you dig me up and dump concrete in me, ruining what green grass and trees I have left. I am balding due to global warming you know.
Your friend in nature,
— Pelton’s Point
The Comerica announcement of its abandonment of Detroit in search of an environment more conducive to ‘attracting talent? was made even harsher considering its roots in our area go back to 1849.
In past years the company was called Detroit Bank & Trust prior to its merger with Manufacturers National Bank. Back then the logo was an Indian reflecting strength, trust and agility.
The move to Dallas will now provide Comerica with the option for a new logo, that being the armadillo, the Texas State animal. Coincidentally, poor vision is a characteristic of the armadillo, so incorporating this slow-witted creature as a logo would reflect a strong tie-in with Comerica’s myopic strategic planning when it comes to its support of Detroit.
And for the finale, the statement ‘Comerica Bank – We Listen – We Understand – We Make It Work? could be changed to- ‘We Used To Listen – We’re Clueless – We Don’t Work Here Anymore!?
— Bill Kalmar
I find it only fair that I write The Lake Orion Review to thank you for the installation of the new paper box located in the parking lot of CVS at Waldon and Baldwin roads.
It is such a relief to not have to fight the machine each week for a paper, not to mention the loss of many a quarter to it. Thank you.
— L. Barber
There is an old Jewish Law that states, ‘Be there no kingdom, no government shall seize or own private property.?
In other words, the Jewish people had a strong belief that when non-governmental conglomerates, such as private landholders, homeowners, small businesses, religions and charitable organizations, were concerned, that the ruling powers had no control over the people’s right to have a home, or have organizations in regards to their beliefs.
But in the 21st Century, it seems to be a different ballgame from what the ancient Jews, or our forefathers from the 1770s, believed in.
There is an old saying that history repeats itself.
One of the reasons our forefathers came to this land was to escape the ruling powers of Kings and dictators, who seized the people’s homes and lands if they didn’t pay what was known then as the king’s ransom.
It didn’t matter if you owned your property free and clear. If you didn’t pay up your ransom, you were thrown off your land!
Much the same way it is here today. You can own your home free and clear, but if you don’t pay your property taxes to your government for two years, then you have one year to redeem yourself, then the sheriff comes and throws you off your property.
This is no different than the ruling kings and dictators of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. ‘If you don’t pay, you don’t stay.?
That’s fine for hotels, apartments or mobile home parks, where you rent or lease, but if you own your own land and home, free and clear, then you have a right to stay there until you die or decide to sell it.
— James B. Delevan
I don’t think Mr. Ferarri needs to keep his mouth shut, I think he needs to be removed from his position. This is unacceptable behavior. I am also aware of his previous charge of sexual harassment of an employee. In this day and age, we can not allow this to type of behavior to go unpunished. Paying a settlement to the victim is not good enough. We need to remove the problem and that would be Mr. Ferarri.
Gretchen Dallas
Oxford
I am writing in support of Christine Burns, Oxford Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant Manager. Christine joined the Oxford community in 2005 and came in with a positive attitude and the will to get things done. She is the best thing that has happened to the Village of Oxford in a long time. She is honest, fair, hardworking, and has bridged a huge gap between the Village and the Township. She is not working with ulterior motives and truly has the Village at heart when she makes decisions.
Village Council should not only try to convince her to stay, but they should take action to resolve underlying problems. Village Council has taken long enough to notice ‘the problem? and needs to get brave enough to solve ‘the problem.? Stand up Village Council, you are the boss. Keep the good and throw out the bad.
If the Village Council does convince Christine to stay, they need to let her spread her wings. Council needs to allow Christine to share and implement her ideas and goals. Don’t hold this girl back! The sky is the limit with Christine and Oxford needs a leader like this.
As Always, Concerned For Oxford,
Former Oxford DDA Director Amanda Cassidy
I see in The Oxford Leader that they will consolidate precincts to ‘simplify things and save money? in the May school election. How nice it would be if they simplified things and saved even more money by having the school matters on the November ballot when more people turn out. Perhaps that is TOO simple. But of course the taxpayers of the school district really don’t mind having their pockets picked by every government entity. Guess we should be used to it by now.
Sireta Neighbors
Oxford
I have a huge problem with this (Koenig rezoning) proposal. The roads can not tolerate the volume of traffic that will generate from all those houses. As it is, it takes our family almost an hour to get home from Pontiac. That is horrible in my opinion.
Also, the piece mentioned that there would be a separate water waste plant to support that subdivision, thats a crock. Wasn’t Waterstone ‘supposed? to get their own school, their own water tower? That didn’t happen so that puts strain on the rest of the citizens.
The other question is schooling, it would have to hurt the kids, Daniel Axford Elementary had to already move around the classes because there were so many new students coming in, and what about the others? There are a lot more things to think about than money.
I bring this up with other residents, they agree with me that Oxford definitely doesn’t need more housing. The tax benefit may be only for the townships, but hurts the people.
Why not promote buiness to come? Make it nice to come into our area! Target, Walmart, something like that? That will generate income on everyone’s plate, employment will help local struggling families.
Wendy Heyza
Oxford
It has come to my attention that a replacement for the retiring Addison Township Fireboard member, Robert Smith, is being sought.
I would like to recommend Marilyn Elsarelli, a long standing member of our community who has had experience on the Fire Dept., emergency medical service and emergency room experience, for the position. She would be a competent, knowledgeable asset for this appointed position.
I urge any interested, concerned citizen of Addison Township to notify the township supervisor and township board members of their support for Ms. Elsarelli’s appointment to this position before the meeting on Monday, March 19.
Patrick R. Hermann
On Nov. 7, 2006, the citizens of Orion, Oxford and Addison townships had a chance to become members of an architectural team building a nucleus to grow from. The Cornerstone was to help in the transition from middle age to senior status.
From the inquiries I have made, these are the reasons given for not passing the vote on the ballot for bond and millage for the Three Communities Together for a Senior Center: location, cost, and it was a service for part of the community and not all.
Point of fact, the location was as close to being central to all communities and the land was donated with the possibility of more land for expansion. The dirt road was to be paved by a developer of nearby property up to the senior site, at no cost to the senior site project. The $45 average cost to tax payers was much less than the price of a cup of coffee per week if dining out. In the not too distant future, 50 percent of the population of Michigan will be classified as senior citizen.
This is a transition period, just as your first day of school or your first job out of school, a life-changing period and it not only effects the seniors, but the rest of the family unit. If one doesn’t find new activities to keep the mind and body healthy, it’s very easy to slip into the four fates of ill health: depression, diabetes, arthritis, alzheimers.
In 1962 Jack Hodges, vice president of UAW Local 594, and the University of Michigan did a retirement study. Their findings were that retirees can remain active in community activities by ‘sound? programming.
In his report ‘The Evolving Role of Senior Centers in the 21st Century,? Ronald H. Aday, Ph.D, the Director of Aging Studies Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN, compares the health and welfare of citizens who attend senior centers to those who don’t. This report begins in 1948 when the first center opened in New York ’till the present covering centers from coast to coast across the U.S.A.
A summary of the findings of Professor Aday: ‘As the graying of America continues, changes in attitudes and policies toward aging will be necessary.
Inherent in the aging of America is the absolute need for people to grow old with the highest levels of health, vitality, and independence.
For this to occur, the concept of health and well-being as it relates to the older segment of the population must include the ability to function effectively in society, to exercise self-reliance, and to achieve a high quality of life.
Social policy related to the delivery of health care can no longer be construed in the traditional manner of medical care of illness management…Preventative programs common in senior centers will serve to empower the elderly, provide a key element in managing the tremendous demand of the Baby Boomers on our health care system. This holistic framework of caring for the aging must be the senior center model for the 21st century.?
If you’ll remember last November’s election, other communities had senior center issues on their ballots. This was because some visionaries could see the future and knew if we were to keep our communities strong and healthy for the future the time to act is now.
How many of the 50 percent of the population becoming seniors with unstable health situations, will it take to add to the communities deterioration?
In example, the line of reasoning that the senior, the family unit, the mom and pop business, the big box stores in the communities are failing due to demands, changing from spendable cash for goods and services, to the expenses of health care.
In a speech not too long ago, the past head of FEMA said that the destruction in New Orleans was not from the storm, but from lack of preparation.
The levees gave way and the flood waters were the reason for the damage.
The mind set was ‘we knew the storm was coming, we knew we should be prepared, but we didn’t think it was going to hit us.?
Well, the storm is coming…and some of you didn’t want to build the levees. There is an old adage, ‘things get better or worse, the never stay the same.?
The citizens of a township are a family and the community is their home, just like a personal resident’s home needs to be kept up. Today, we are planning for tomorrow, a senior center, library expansion and safety paths are needs for today to make our home ready for tomorrow.
Edward Peters
Orion Township
I am writing this letter, not only in my capacity as Oxford Township Supervisor, but also as a village resident, to express my appreciation to the village council for its unanimous vote to support and work with the township concerning the proposed development of the Koenig property.
We have heard a number of concerns about the proposed density of this development and the impact such density would have upon the township as well as the village. In that the Koenig property, which is located in the township, abuts the village boundary, it would be ‘ripe? for an annexation request by the developer if the developer did not accept a decision by the township concerning this proposed development. For this reason the village council vote is of even greater significance.
I am hopeful the developer will be willing to work with our community to arrive at a development plan for the Koenig property that furthers our land use planning efforts. I am also hopeful that this action by council marks a point in the relationship, between the village council and the township board, of new cooperation and joint efforts concerning not only land use decisions, but other matters of mutual concern that may come before us.
William Dunn, Oxford Township Supervisor
and village resident
Perhaps the reason they don’t want to read your news on the TV channel is that they would like to slide it past the people and not let them know how much it will cost this time ? the taxpayers paying $100,000 for harassment is a lot of money. I do not know the new charge, but I do know Mr. Ferarri best keep his mouth shut no matter what he thinks because he can be replaced. I question his ability to do that. Perhaps Mr. Ferarri needs some classes in public relations.
Lila Stites, Oxford
Dear Editor,
The Orion Firefighters Association thanks all area business owers and organizations for their generosity to help make our annual dinner/dance fundraiser a huge success.
— Mary Harkins
Dear Editor,
If you watched or attended the Feb. 20 Orion Township Trustees meeting, you no doubt noticed that General Motors got their $55 million tax abatement, hands down, from our Trustees.
Were you surprised? Or, maybe you could care less. Or, better yet, you have the hopes of maybe selling your home and moving elsewhere!
In all honesty, maybe moving elsewhere would be the easiest way, as I can’t help feel that our elected officials could actually care less about us as tax paying citizens. Us, the homeowners.
If you observed, newly appointed trustee, Neal Porter, admitted at the meeting that he has strong ties and, I believe, investments in General Motors, but said he could be objective in his decision about giving GM an abatement.
Well, if you could honestly buy that statement that was made by Porter, then I guess the White House will be open to anyone who cares to walk in and visit at their leisure.
And, who do you think will make up for the lost $55 million over a 12-year period?
Us, the 36,000 or more citizens of Orion Township and the citizens of the Village of Lake Orion, who actually pay the biggest share of taxes – not GM.
I am speaking of the homeowners and small businesses who are the real foundation of our society, and not the rich upper-class neocons who feed off our tax dollars.
Wake up people, these elected officials and big business corporations only care about one thing, more taxes for you and more money for them.
You see what happens when some good elected officials vote in favor of the public, like the recent tax increases initiated by Governor Granholm to tax haircuts, car washes, beauty salons, etc. It failed, so what does Granholm do? Release 5,000 prisoners back into society.
You can’t say the Governor doesn’t keep her campaign promises. If you remember: ‘In five years, you’ll be blown away.? The way Michigan’s going with you, Jenny, and Orion Township with Jerry, you’re probably right.
— James B. Delavan
Dear Editor,
The ‘Team? is the group of volunteers who give of their valuable time and energy to make our library book sales successful.
The Friends of the Library Book Sale in January was again a success.
The ‘Team? not only consists of the many volunteers, but also includes the cooperation of the Orion Township Library staff, the donations of bags from the Baldwin Road Kroger Store and YOU, the public.
Again this was a wonderful experience for myself and all who volunteered.
Remember that the library is accepting gently used books beginning on March 15 for our May Book Sale. Thank you again to our community for your ongoing support. This is a wonderful cause.
— Marie LaLone English
Friends of the Orion Library
Book Sale Chairperson
Dear Editor,
As we close the books on Snowflake Ball, 2007, I must tell you what an amazing group of people were involved from start to finish!
First, the committee, who have been working since June, was great. Thanks to Lisa Bjork, Susan Borrella, Sue Willick, Sue Welch, Leslie Clements, Julie Martin, Stephanie Brown, Bridgette Giampa, Lisa Cummins, Cindy Wheeler, Trish Donaldson and Karen Purdon.
Thank you to all our Corporate Sponsors and advertisers who contributed to the new community guide and to Karen Purdon and Trish Donaldson for laying the guide out.
Thanks to Lake Orion Community Schools for printing expertise and to Accent on Art for all the framing and matting donations.
To everyone who donated auction items, and to the 250 beautiful people who attended the ball, THANK YOU all for making this year’s event such a success.
We have a truly generous community and appreciate all the support!
— Reggie Harrison
Executive Director
Orion Art Center
Dear Editor,
There have been new developments in Larry’s situation.
As you know, Governor Granholm will be releasing 1,500 prisoners this year, most likely beginning in October. She will start with the elderly and ill.
At 70 years of age, and the second oldest prisoner at the Macomb Correctional facility, we are assured Larry will be considered favorably.
I received a call from former Governor Milliken yesterday. He was responding to several letters I sent him in the past.
His message was that he would be doing everything in his power to get Larry’s release expedited before October.
Larry is aware of these positive events. It’s likely to be one of the most difficult times he’s had in his 16 years of incarceration; waiting to know his fate is not going to be easy.
Governor Milliken could not give me any further information, but just wanted me to know Larry is no longer a forgotten man.
We are concentrating our efforts by supporting Larry personally. Friends and family are writing notes to him telling him we are asking God to help him cope with the wait, and also asking God to help expedite his release.
A letter to Larry encouraging him to be patient, telling him that he is thought of, and prayed for would be welcomed.
Also, letting Larry know that the people of his community want him back home, will give added comfort.
For those who would like to send him a note, his address is:
Larry Drum #222000
Macomb Correctional Facility
34625 26 Mile Road
New Haven, Michigan 48048
Thank you
— Susan
Dear Editor,
The following is a quote from the Oakland Township website: (www.oaklandtownship.org) regarding Harvest Corners: the Planning Commission & Board of Trustees indicated, in findings of fact, ‘that the plans met the provisions of the Master Plan.?
They are the authors of the plan. Who is better suited to interpret & administer it? The opposition would argue strenuously to the contrary. Through a campaign of fear, uncertainty, doubt, & misrepresentations they have attempted to sway public opinion away from the facts in a manner which violate Federal & State Fair Housing Laws. The facts are:
There will not be a strip mall.
Over 400 acres (600% of the required amount) of open space are provided. 284 acres is upland, the majority of which will be available to all Township residents. Conventional zoning does not require ANY open space.
There will not be a wastewater treatment plant. Sanitary sewer is at the site. A community well will be installed and the well will not affect individual wells.
Traffic will be less than a conventional subdivision as confirmed by the Township’s Traffic Consultant.
This property will not remain vacant. 742 large homes with no open space could be built on it today. Is that smart planning?
According to SEMCOG, the median value of a home in Oakland Township in 2000 was $315,700. Harvest Corners offers a variety of housing choices. The average home size is 2700 square-feet; the median sale price will be $400,000.
Twenty-five hundred high paying construction jobs and 650 permanent jobs will be generated over the next decade. These workers and future residents are certain to patronize local businesses.
The opposition is using the rezoning of 6% of the land as the issue to defeat Harvest Corners. We urge you to vote on February 27th. A non vote is a no vote.
Yes to Seniors, Yes to Parks & Trails, Yes to Historic & Environmental Preservation, Yes to the Master Plan.
For further information, please visit www.HCwelcomehome.com.
Many people might think that this is is an oxymoron. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that a conservative, in the true sense of the word, wishes to maintain, keep, and conserve anything in the true sense of value and worthwhile quality. That also does not mean that such a person would not want to add or change new things in order to foster progress.
He would be very much opposed to the destruction or change-over of things that he cherishes and that are beneficial to a great number of people.
The best example of this philosophy is the greatest American environmentalist in our history: President Theodore Roosevelt. He created over 100 years ago our invaluable network of national parks and wilderness areas.
Without doubt, he is a conservative, Republican and an avid hunter. No one has come close to creating and ‘conserving? public land for the use of all Americans and for generations.
Environmentalists have also got a true slogan: ‘Think globally an act locally.? In this sense, I have tried over the last 30 years to influence my local government to improve the quality of life in our area.
To be aware of the necessary actions to preserve good air, water, woods, and a rural lifestyle. In some respects, I was successful, and in others, not at all. I could never get a woodlands ordinance into our township, although some of our adjoining neighbors did adopt such ordinances.
I participated in the creation of the North Area Citizens Conference. We initiated the yearly pick-up of rubbish and clean up of our rural roads.
I served on many commissions: township sign ordinance commission, State Boundary Commission and many others.
I also belonged to many environmental organizations over the years, but I have quit most of them. They have become one sided partisan agendas and into Political Action Committees during the last two decades.
A good example is the Sierra Club. It was created by John Muer to preserve some of the natural beauties in California. In my opinion, it has become a center of political hacks.
This is only one example.
The ‘global warming? is another case. It has become a political issue. Impartially, it is not scientifically proven that it is caused by humans. Volcanic eruptions in the past have spewed out more carbon than human activities in decades. Recently, it has been discovered that termites and ants also contribute a large amount of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Worse of all, the controversy exhibited in the movie created by former vice president Al Gore, which is accepted by many environmentalists as fact, which it is not.
The political left has gotten hold of this theory. In Europe, for example, the far left Socialist and Communist parties have adopted it as their credo.
It reinforces anti-Americanism in blaming the U.S. for being a major source of contamination and not having adopted the highly controversial Kyoto Agreement. China and the underdeveloped countries are far worse contaminators than the U.S., but by blaming the highly industrialized U.S., they demand sacrifices by us that would be injurious to our economy. Go figure that scenario.
To a certain degree, I also question the ‘labeling? of conservative and liberal.
Today, many socialists and extreme leftists are labeled liberals. That was not always the case in history. That is why I think that the description of being a conservative and an environmentalist are very compatible terms.
Henry Gleisner
Oxford
I have been told and believe it to be true that you should NEVER have an argument with a man who buys ink by the barrel. I respect Mr. Carnacchio and his opinion, but his column last week regarding Addison Township and its proposed budget could use some actual facts.
As many of our citizens are aware, the State’s budget cuts have, over the last few years, severely impacted our revenue. In response to those cuts, the Township has had to do many things we didn’t want to do. Our involvement in many initiatives had to be reduced or eliminated while we struggled to achieve a balanced budget, once again, while not raising taxes. We are fortunate that our last few years of struggle have resulted in a budget that allows us to once again participate in most of our activities, while recognizing that our staff, who have worked long and diligently to ensure that we achieve our goals, also face the same taxes and increased costs of living as everyone else. We have added a cost of living adjustment for staff, which we have only done once in the last four years. A few facts and corrections:
N.O.T.A. ? For many years, Addison Township was paying far more of the costs of operating N.O.T.A than our residents were utilizing. The formula had the Township covering 25 percent of the costs with only 7-8 percent ridership. This had to be addressed and the formula readjusted. This year, we not only made our contribution, but we increased it by $3,500 to help pay for a new vehicle.
Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance ? our contribution is in this year’s proposed budget.
If anyone looked through the entire budget proposal, he would have found a Road Improvement item of over $50,000 of Township money plus $100,000 of Tri-Party funds.
The alleged ‘increase? of operational millage referred to was NOT an increase; the Township was asking voters to not implement a Headley-mandated rollback of the millage. This was a return to a level previously established by the voters.
Much of the Township’s economic recovery can be credited to our attorneys, who not only reduced their retainer and hourly rates, but recovered about $100,000 in legal fees, plus the settlement of several court actions that saved about $110,000.
We as a staff have worked hard to conserve costs, to the point where we reconfigured our staff and eliminated two positions, and took on additional duties. Addison Township has done what it had to do in order to manage its needs most effectively. It is more irresponsible to be throwing names and adjectives around than to recognize what can and can’t be done, and when things that you couldn’t do at one point become feasible once again. We are proud of our record and pleased to be able to participate once again in some of the activities that fall within our ability to finance. Addison has always been responsible to its residents and constituents. They are our first concern.
Addison Township Supervisor Bob Koski
Editor’s Note: Just a couple quick things ? 1) The requested operational millage in May 2005 was a tax increase ? read the law sometime. Asking voters to approve a millage rate higher than what they’re paying now, even if it was the same rate they originally approved nearly 30 years ago, is an increase. Property and taxable values go up, so paying the 1978 millage rate on the same property is a larger cost to taxpayers today then it was back then.
2) True, Youth Assistance is in this year’s budget, I didn’t say it wasn’t. But the board in 2005 voted to eliminate it because the township was in financial crisis. It would have been cut had not the Clark Fund donated $5,000 to pay for Addison’s participation.
3) The township quit paying its portion for road chloriding and the split sheriff’s sergeant because it supposedly couldn’t afford them. Will funding be reinstated for those before pay raises are given?
4) And how about the Polly Ann Trail? The only way Addison paid its back dues was with $4,000 in private donations raised through equestrian events. The only way township officials say they’ll rejoin is if the trail’s office is moved to the township offices so that can be considered a $4,000 a year ‘in-kind contribution? (i.e. no cash) from Addison. Doesn’t sound like Addison is pulling its weight here.
In response to Jennifer McLaughlin’s letter regarding the downtown parking, it’s always been a problem and will continue to be so. And no, I don’t think Dr. Caruso was kidding!
The village granted the Cantina a variance of 192 parking spaces when there weren’t that many available. But, if that had not been granted, the Cantina would not be open for business.
That said, it is to the detriment of the village to not have had enough foresight two years ago to plan ahead for the additional parking the Cantina would require. The rest of the businesses in the downtown are now suffering for it.
What additional revenue for the other businesses are you referring to? If customers have no place to park, they go elsewhere to shop. Plain and simple.
Also unfortunate for the business owners are those who park illegally, pull U-turns in the middle of the street (there is a sign that clearly states no U-turns), park in designated loading zones, take up parking spaces that are clearly for other businesses, and, last but not least, illegally park in handicapped zones.
There are additional parking spaces in the Children’s Park parking lot (which is never full), but people don’t use them. Is walking to the Sagebrush from there, past other businesses (to shop, I’m sure), too far? Apparently so.
As to the Fourth of July, if you read The Lake Orion Review, there have been letters written several years in a row regarding what a problem the fair is to businesses, not being able to receive shipments, customers not being able to get to the shops, due to no parking.
I have lived in the township for 32 years, shop downtown and I can tell you that parking is a HUGE problem.
Maybe what is needed is for the two-hour parking ordinance, along with illegal parkers, to be strictly enforced.
The village can then put all that ticket money into an interest bearing account and build a parking structure we can all use.
The village could also give up their private parking spaces and donate those back for public use and they can park in the Children’s Park unused spaces.
— Name withheld upon request
On Nov. 7, 2006, the citizens of Orion, Oxford and Addison Townships had a chance to become members of an architectural team building a nucleus to grow from. This cornerstone was to help in the transition from middle-aged to senior status.
From the inquiries I have made, these are the reasons given for not passing the vote on the ballot for a bond and a millage for the Tri-Township Senior Center: 1) location, 2) cost and 3) a service for a part of the community and not all.
1) As a point of fact, the location was close to being central to all communities, and the land was donated with the possibility of more land for expansion.
The dirt road was to be paved by a developer of nearby property up to the senior site, at no cost to the project.
2) The $45 average cost to taxpayers was much less than the price of a cup of coffee, per week, if dining out.
3) In the not too distant future, 50 percent of the population of Michigan will be classified as senior citizens.
This is a transition period, just as your first day of school or your first job out of school, a life changing period, and it not only effects the senior, but the rest of the family unit.
If one doesn’t find new activities to keep the mind and body healthy, it’s very easy to slip into the ‘Four Fates of Ill Health,? depression, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimers.
In 1962, Jack Hodges, Vice President of UAW Local 594 and the University of Michigan, did a retirement study. Their findings were that retirees can remain active in community activities by ‘sound? programming.
In a speech not too long ago, the past head of FEMA said that the destruction in New Orleans was not from the storm, but from lack of preparation.
The levees gave way and the flood waters were the reason for the damage.
The mind-set was, ‘we knew the storm was coming, we knew we should be prepared, but we didn’t think it was going to hit us…?
Well, the storm is coming, and some of you didn’t want to build the levee. There is an old adage, ‘things get better or worse, they never stay the same.?
The citizens of a township are a family and the community is their home. Just like a personal residence, the home needs to be kept up.
Today we are planning for tomorrow; a Senior Center, Library Expansion, and Safety Paths are needs for today to make our home ready for tomorrow.
— Edward Peters
It seems some of your letter writers has missed the point completely about the parking at Caruso Chiropractic.
I’m sure he did know there would be a parking problem in the downtown area. That’s why he purchased a building with its own private parking lot (triple duh!!!)
All those parking spaces are HIS at any given time and should be used for his patients. And we are not all handicapped, FYI.
Just a thought, maybe you wouldn’t mind if I came and parked in your driveway and then you could hunt me down when you wanted to get your car out.
— Kathy Krezenski
This is in reference to your article ‘Yet another retail center? in the Jan. 31 edition.
What is the purpose of the Planning Commission?
Are they a paid body whose purpose is to look out for the well being of the community in which they serve?
What criterion do they use to determine zoning change applications? What is the purpose of zoning?
When the property formerly known as Koenig Sand and Gravel was purchased the buyers were in full knowledge of the zoning and chose to purchase the property with disregard and apparent contempt for the zoning of the property. The developer proposing the commercial development on M-24 across from Meijer’s must subscribe to the same disdain for the zoning process.
Are we to draw the conclusion(s) that the planning commission is an ineffectual and gratuitous body or that the zoning process is irrelevant? I would hope not.
I believe that they, the planning commission, are the last defense of our community from opportunists whose concern is their own immediate gratification.
These developers have already projected their capital expenditure in relation to their return of investment. They deal in short term returns.
What is best for Oxford? Not featureless dwellings placed back to back nor an endless procession of transient storefronts with an occasional big box anchor.
Oxford needs something more substantial then that. We need to draw people to Oxford to live, work, and play not to pass through and shop. The planning Commission needs to consider the spirit of the zoning that is in place and the impact of any changes made to that zoning.
The decisions that they are confronted with currently can forever change the face of Oxford.
Todd Lawrie
Oxford
Regarding the credit card issue of Mr. Young… I commend him for trying to keep some cohesion among the fragmented committees in this village.
While everyone’s taking credit regarding the two new buildings in town, I believe it was Joe Young’s efforts that made it happen.
For years, I have watched Lake Orion grow, fueled by Oxford residents spending their money attracted by the new businesses.
Over the years, I have lost job and job slated for Oxford when the developers told me they just give up on the bureaucracy (Mark Slown chased out the last one).
I give credit to Mr. Del Vigna for the maturity and wisdom to challenge and defend a fine village manager from nothing more than a petty issue, exacerbated by Mr. Bishop’s embarrassing remark as to his punishment.
Should it have been addressed? Of course, but in a more private and professional manner than trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.
I personally have not felt more encouraged about Oxford’s future only because of Mr. Young, and I hope he continues in spite of the criticism he has endured.
Gene Hampton
Oxford
Governor Granholm says, ‘The Cupboard is Empty. There is Nothing Further to Cut.?
Gov. Granholm could solve this problem is she had any guts. The financial crisis of Michigan could easily be addressed by consolidating the 600 plus school districts to a manageable 100 approximating the number of counties. But this will not happen under Granholm’s administration because the teachers? unions would be opposed, and she is tied to the teachers? unions. This proposal would also improve education considerably.
Henry Gleisner
Oxford
The members of the Oxford Women’s Club wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the community at large and The Oxford Leader staff for their support and coverage of our 3rd Annual Beer and Wine Tasting event. The money raised goes back to the community as scholarships.
Darlene Toliver
President of the Oxford Women’s Club
Every year we choose a different non-profit organization to help out and this year we chose a local woman and her daughter who are known around the community as ‘Operation Guardian Angel.?
‘Operation Guardian Angel? has a collection box at the Lake Orion Post Office for monetary donations to help defray the cost of shipping boxes overseas to the local military keeping us safe at home.
If you are like most people, you see the box when you go to get stamps and mail your packages, but you are just not sure if that box is really going where you think it is. Here is some info to help you understand better.
Girl Scout Troop #1363 spent a few hours with Charlotte and Dawn Ito at their house putting boxes together. When I first told her my troop would help, I really wasn’t sure what was going to happen. We showed up and their whole back room was filled with toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes, shirts, socks, mouthwash, soap for men and women, razors, foot deodorant pads, eye drops, face wipes, cookies, crackers, hard candy, etc? These items have either been donated or they go out and buy the stuff when it is on sale.
The system Charlotte and Dawn have is wonderful. You have to put everything in individual Ziploc bags and make separate piles of every different item. When done, you go down the line and put a Ziploc bag filled with goodies in a box and you keep going until you cannot put anything else in the box (I mean they are filled and heavy). Then they are taped and labeled (which they hand fill out every time). Charlotte then takes them to the post office to mail them out.
We started this adventure because we had made huge hearts and decorated them with a thank you letter on them and bought sweetheart candies (you know the ones with the saying on them) to give to her to mail overseas. Little did we know that we would end up taking the hearts and making 27 boxes filled with all kinds of wonderful and necessary gifts!
So, back to the donation box at the post office. It is there because it takes $8 to send one box. If you do the math, the total for sending those wonderful 27 boxes comes to $216, and if there is not enough in the donation box, Charlotte and Dawn pay for it out of their pockets.
So, if at all possible the next time you are in the post office and see the box, please take a moment and throw some change in there. Operation Guardian Angel is real and doing a wonderful and loving service for our community.
? Sandy Klersy, Girl Scout Leader of wonderful troop #1363.
Haven’t the local businesses in Lake Orion been waiting for the reopening of the Sagebrush Cantina knowing that it would boost their business as well?
Parking in Lake Orion has always been a problem but it seems to me that any inconveniences the reopening has caused should be outweighed by increased activity to our downtown merchants.
The village government should be doing more to increase the parking capacity, not restricting consumers with shortened parking times. Duh!
Dr. Caruso complains that some of his patients find it difficult traversing the distance to his office. Are there no Handicap spaces directly in front of his building?
If he has operated in this area since 1999, it should have been rather apparent that when he moved his business into the current building, parking would be a problem when the restaurant reopened due to its popularity. Double Duh!
It is difficult to believe that his business would require all those parking spaces at any given time, but so be it.
A concerted effort to pressure the village into quick and effective action (like that will happen in our lifetime) would seem to be the solution to long-term growth & prosperity, to the benefit of all.
— Kris (Kelley) Ebejer
I’m a little cautious whether I should be happy or proceed with caution over the selection of one, Neal Porter, as an Orion Township Trustee, to replace now Oakland County Commissioner Mike Gingell.
Back in 2000, Mr. Porter was, if my memory serves me correctly, on the other side of the Republican fence in Orion Township, when he and Eric Wilson were supporting Paul Van Gamper for Orion Township Supervisor, whose opponent was present Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk.
That election, if you recall, was controversial. Was it five or was it eight votes that Jerry beat poor Paul by?
I remember Neal Porter working along with Carl Cyrowski, Eric Wilson, Wes Fuelling, to name a few, to push to get Van Gamper to be victorious over Dywasuk by demanding a recount. That changed the votes from five to eight in favor of Dywasuk.
Of course, as the years went by, things seem to have mellowed out between Wilson, Dywasuk, Cyrowski, Fuelling and Porter.Or, maybe it’s just a game of ‘Political Pursuit!?
In any case, Mr. Porter, this is one ‘Squeaky Wheel? who will be observing you as a trustee in Orion Township.
I just hope you don’t become the Fifth Horseman that Garlicki, Steimel, Gibb and Dywasuk are hoping for!
— James B. Delevan
The January 10 edition of The Oxford Leader had a column stating the need to get rid of the trail council, which is right on target.
Each community should be held responsible for its portion of the trail.
In Oxford Village and Oxford Township the DPW and Parks and Recreation could maintain the trail and keep it clean and free of debris. The trail needs minimal maintenance since most of it is paved or uses crushed gravel.
The bridge across M-24 is maintained and inspected by the state and requires little to no maintenance. The removal of debris from storms, downed trees, keeping undergrowth from encroaching the pathway, and trash removal would be the main issues.
The Parks and Recreation Department in Oxford Township is experienced in this type of maintenance issues as they maintain the current safety paths throughout the year from mowing to trash removal.
More importantly, Oxford Village and Oxford Township could plan events on the trail including the Turkey Trot or other events that could bring more people to the communities and especially to the downtown shopping and restaurant district.
The simple fact is that basically the Trail Council is a repetition of government services once again and it costs taxpayers for these repetitive services.
The DPW of Oxford and the Parks and Recreation of Oxford Township could easily maintain the pathway and provide for any repairs that could and would be billed to each municipality.
The necessity to name a board member would be eliminated and that board member could concentrate on township or village business. It is my opinion that less government is best in this particular situation.
Finally, the removal of the Trail Council would allow each particular community an opportunity to plan for enhancements to the trail that the citizens demand. Government is supposed to hear the voice of the people.
The question then is how are the voices of the community heard on the Trail Council?
Steven La Joie
Oxford
Meals on Wheels of Oxford and Lake Orion would like to thank CJ’s Cafe, Lake Orion Nursing Center and the Kruse and Muer Restaurant for providing the holiday meals for our homebound seniors. Because of these restaurants and our dedicated holiday drivers, the homebound seniors in our area were greeted with not only a delicous hot meal but a wonderful smile and holiday visit.
Thank you for taking the time on your holidays to help Meals on Wheels.
Oxford and Lake Orion Meals on Wheels
We would like to thank Coach Scott Couch and the 14 wrestlers who came out to the pantry Jan. 25 to unload nearly 5,000 pounds of groceries and cleaning products for FISH.
In under an hour these mighty men got all the boxes off the pallets, up the stairs, into our building and stacked around the pantry. We were so impressed with their willingness to pitch-in and help. Oxford Wrestling Team Members, you’re wonderful. Thank you.
The Pantry Oxford/Orion FISH
Meals on Wheels of Oxford and Lake Orion would like to thank CJ’s Cafe, Lake Orion Nursing Center and Kruse and Muer Restaurant for providing the holiday meals for our homebound seniors.
Because of these restaurants and our dedicated holiday drivers, the homebound seniors in our area were greeted with not only a delicous hot meal but a wonderful smile and holiday visit.
Thank you for taking the time on your holidays to help Meals on Wheels.
— Oxford and Lake Orion Meals on Wheels
This letter is in response to your Jan. 17 front-page article regarding the local chiropractor and businesses versus the Sagebrush.
You have to be kidding — right?
How was the downtown area doing financially when the Sagebrush wasn’t open? How does the chiropractor’s office and other downtown businesses do when the 4th of July fair is in operation.
How was parking then, and how was the garbage situation? How much debris was found in the parking lots, and how were parking lots utilized when the Wagon Wheel was open for business?
Let me answer those questions.
Downtown Lake Orion was, for the most part, pretty much non-existent without the Sagebrush.
When the 4th of July fair is operating, the town is cluttered with people and there is trash literally everywhere.
I am a loyal patron of the Sagebrush. Upon its grand re-opening, I admit I parked at the chiropractor’s lot in the handicapped spot and used by handicapped sticker to do so. It was a Friday night around 7:30 p.m. I was appalled when my car’s plate number was called on the speaker system inside the Sagebrush and told I needed to move my vehicle.
Let’s add this. When people are waiting for lunch or dinner, they like to stroll through the local merchants and shop. This creates revenue for the downtown district. And if parking is such a problem, there is public parking downtown by Whiskeys.
All in all, Sagebrush is a revenue generating business for the downtown district. Plain and simple.
I think the businesses in the downtown district should welcome the Sagebrush back with open arms. Instead of being so consumed with negative reactions, I would think local patrons and businesses would feel grateful that this wonderful restaurant, with great employees, is bringing the downtown district back to life.
— Jennifer McLaughlin, Lake Orion resident since 1983
We’re out of our minds. I just finished reading an article about a new Kohl’s coming to town and right along with it, a new traffic signal!
Still in this same issue I read awful news about the Koenig property rezoning.
If that wasn’t enough bad news, the paper also ran a story about the owner of the Meriam building who pays approximately $700 annually for his property taxes here. What a week of news.
First, my prediction on the new proposed Kohl’s. It’s coming. It will happen because Kohl’s wants it to happen. And they won’t change or alter the look of the store no matter who thinks their present look is ‘not Oxford.?
And to the property owners adjacent to this new big box nightmare, I wish you all luck.
You might get the privacy wall you request and I sincerely hope you get the trees you ask for but have you completely thought about the total impact of that area?
The wall you ask for is nothing more than a band-aid. What did you do wrong that you must now live in a prison?
The parking lot on the site plan I saw in the paper is predictably huge and will require many light poles 25 to 30 feet in the air. Your backyards will be lit up virtually around the clock. Maybe you already know this and are okay with it. I’m glad it’s you and not me.
The traffic light issue for this Kohl’s is a joke because M-24 is a joke. No one on this Earth has ever stepped up to address, truly begin a meaningful process, to widen and fix what has become the most stopped up traffic hell I have ever experienced but this is another letter at another time.
Which leads me to the Koenig property. I don’t care what you do with that piece of property anymore. I don’t care because it won’t matter if it’s divided into 3,400 pieces or 5,000 or even 10,000. The property will be developed.
Thousands more families will eventually head this way. Our roads can accommodate only a set number of cars (which we’ve already far surpassed) so it really doesn’t matter that 7,000 to 11,000 more autos will be fighting for the space you and I fight for now.
Just expect your commute to at least double over time, most of it just sitting. Hooray for progress!
On the property tax issue regarding the Meriam building. The whole thing stinks and it sickens me.
I don’t blame the owner for not mentioning any problem. I’d likely do the same thing, I’m betting you would too.
What bothers me so much is that this is allowed to go undiscovered for so long. My confidence in state and local governments just took another huge blow ? not that it needed it. Thanks to all involved.
I hope next week there will be better news but I’m preparing myself for just about anything. Do you smell a Wal-Mart?
Bill Savage
Oxford
I have enclosed a copy of a poem (below) that I wrote several years ago. It is about memories of growing up in Oxford and the fun that we had in the winter. We were never bored because there was always so much to do outside.
The cemetery hill called ‘H and H? was the most popular, but the hills south of town, behind the Daniel Axford Elementary School looked like the Alps to us when we were small.
Our dad would flood the backyard and make an ice rink for us (and the neighborhood kids) and Mom would make us cocoa. The village also made a rink in the park.
I hope that you will enjoy the poem and that it will bring back fond memories for you also. By the way, my mom and dad lived on Mechanic St. for 52 years.
Claudia (Kintz) Gooden
Clarkston
‘Snow Days? by Claudia (Kintz) Gooden
We played King-of-the-hill on a snow packed mound,
we pushed, pulled and shoved until we tumbled to the ground.
We ice skated with our playmates when Dad made us a rink,
and Mom made us hot cocoa with marshmellows to drink.
We ate icicles that we had knocked down from a beam,
and had wonderful icecream made from snow, vanilla and cream.
We made snowmen and angels and a game of Fox and Geese, we played
giant snowballs, fortresses and igloos we made.
We dragged our sleds through town and up to the cemetery hill,
so anxious to get there we didn’t notice the wind and the chill.
We only had another hour until supper time ? better not be late,
we did one more belly flopper ? right through the cemetery gate.
We would go home with the coldest ears and red nose,
and the most awful tingling in our fingers and toes.
Chunks of snow clung to our rubber boots and snow pants,
Mom swept us off as we did our jumping snow dance.
Our mittens were so wet they became solid with ice,
giving us red, chapped hands that wasn’t so nice.
Stiff leather shoes drying by the stove filled with coal,
warm socks, scarves and mittens being our overnight goal.
Potato soup was steaming in the big porcelain pot,
Mom warned us to ‘blow on it? as it was bubbling hot.
We were full from our favorite soup, and we were dry and warm,
then the man on the radio announced, ‘we’re in for another storm.?
After the supper dishes were done, and we were ready for bed,
our cheeks were still sore and hot, and stayed a rosy red.
Our beds were made up with a long, white flannel sheet,
and Grandma Yarrow knitted bedsocks to warm our cold feet.
Jack Frost had painted the windows in our big and drafty house,
when morning came we raced downstairs ? too cold for even the mouse.
After breakfast, we got dressed and hurried outside to play,
we spent many happy hours on that snowy, fun-filled day.
On March 1, 2007, every property taxpaying resident of Orion Township will be receiving another property tax increase notice.
I know for a fact that our property taxes will be increased to the maximum, as I was already alerted at the Jan. 2 meeting during public comment.
Since I have lived in Orion Township, since 1993, the property taxes have never failed to increase.
I believe that most of our government officials only know two words; greed and grab!
If you don’t pay your property taxes after two years, your property goes on the chopping block for back taxes.
You have one year to redeem your property and pay the back taxes with interest before the county puts it up for sale and has the Sheriff throw you off your homestead.
I’m a true believer in homestead rights. If you own the property free and clear, then you have a right to stay there till you decide to sell it or die.
We have too many people in our government who think otherwise; that you should be a slave and beholden to their rules of control and manipulation.
Protest the increase!
— James B. Delavan
Sagebrush is too big for that little area!
As a patient of Dr. Caruso’s, I can honestly say that there is not convenient parking for his patients during dining hours.
Dr. Sam has the type of practice where he will accommodate any and all of his patients…no appointment needed. He moved to a new building due to outgrowing the old one, and now he can’t even see them.
Sagebrush should have given the location some serious thought before reopening. Three times I have tried to dine at the establishment, and have been told that the wait is anywhere from a two to three hour wait.
The building is far too small for what its clientele is bringing in, thus hurting other businesses around it. Sagebrush also has an upstairs, which is not open yet, however, they will not be serving food up there??? All because they don’t want the servers to carry food up and down the stairs.
Maybe they should visit Kalloway’s; Gary has a booming business, and his servers are not afraid to climb the stairs for their customers.
Sagebrush, stop being greedy. Accomodate all of us, with parking, tables and WAITING areas, if we should choose to wait three hours for dinner.
— Kelly Sparton
In the January 4th edition of the Lake Orion Review, there was a letter to the editor authored by me to congratulate the Boys and Girls Club for their new location, to praise the programs they offer, and to exhort the parents to take advantage of this club.
One of my girls was pictured in the article The Review wrote about the club: her proudest moment.
Sadly, my two girls will no longer be able to continue enjoying this after-school program because the Lake Orion Community Schools Dept. of Transportation refuses to create a bus stop by the club’s new location.
The closest bus stop they have available is at the Waldon Lakes Apartment complex. My two girls would have to walk a half-mile through a desolated area which puts their security and safety at risk.
My children are not the only club members that depend on the bus to visit the club after school. More than half of the club members rode the bus to the previous location in downtown Lake Orion.
Parents like me that have to commute so far to work depend on the school buses to transport our kids to daycare.
I am disappointed to see that whoever has the power to make the decision to create this bus stop have not considered how this will affect the club’s attendance.
Incredibly, the bus garage where all buses have to come to at the end of their route is located on Giddings Road, next door to the Boys and Girls Club.
My girls are devastated.
— Damaris Rushford
I just read the article from Dr. Sam Caruso.
It’s refreshing to hear someone finally has the nerve to stand up to the village council and tell how inconvenient the (Sagebrush) Cantina is to the many businesses in Lake Orion.
I am just a small salon, however the opening of the Cantina has had an extreme negative effect on my business.
My clients must now circle town several times in order to find parking down by the Children’s Park. Many of my clients are elderly and can’t walk long distances.
Once again, the village council has discouraged business in downtown Lake Orion. No parking means no business.
We previously had this problem only during the Jubilee, now it’s every day.
I understand it’s often a two-hour wait at the Cantina to get seated, and add one hour for dinner, equals three hours, right?
Well, I guess at least the police will be busy giving parking tickets for parking over two hours.
Thanks again, village council, for giving the parking variance to the Cantina. The rest of us might as well close our doors.
— Sue Beamer, Totally Hair Salon
The Addison Township Board has again fallen into the same trap they laid for themselves. For the third time they have listened to their high-priced, unqualified attorneys. The township has had to pay ($50,000) for another lawsuit that demonstrated that an attorney specializing in municipal law would be more appropriate than those they currently have on retainer and that they retained without the required bid process. By waiving Ordinance 84 they committed $142,000 for the multiple year contract.
In their infinite wisdom they lost to citizens that were seeking under the Freedom of Information Act that the township felt that had the right to modify to suit their own purposes. Sort of ‘our way or the highway? arrogance that is most unbecoming to our township.
This is compounded by another arrogant interpretation of the Open Meetings Act that they applied in their reaction to a latter from the township fire board that seemed to be another broad interpretation and fallacious based upon case law that may be determined in the future.
The first notice of the township ‘sovereignty? was when they denied the fire board admission to a closed meeting that required the township fire board to implement the decision(s) that would impact the fire budget and something that would require the spending of fire millage and fire board management. The CMS resolution was one that the township excluded the fire board input and resources. As the fire board is no threat to the resolution, admission could not be denied if they require the fire department to attend. The township through their attorney, Robert Davis, told the fire board representative they did not want him at the meeting.
This is the right time to replace the township attorneys, Mr. Robert Bunting and Mr. Robert Davis, as they have not been effective in doing their job and during this time of diminishing budget and panic funding that is causing Peter to rob Paul just to pay bills and to keep up afloat.
Phil Stackpoole
Addison Township
We would like to publicly express our heartfelt thanks to our exceptional Practice Members.
Once again, we challenged you to give of yourselves in order to help others going through a tough time, and you rose to the occasion … actually, you sky rocketed! Thanks to you, the three local families we adopted this holiday season in our ‘Giving Tree? program received EVERY single item on their wish lists (and this was on the tail end of the 12th Annual Holiday Food Drive for FISH – where you selflessly donated again!). WE had the privelege of personally delivering the gifts to each family in time for Christmas, but YOU are the true Christmas angels! You never cease to amaze us with your endless generosity and desire to make our world a better place.
Thank you for everything you do to make this community a happier, healthier one. Your leadership and spirit never go unnoticed by us!
Dr. Colleen and Dr. Marc VanHoogstraat
Lifetime Wellness ChiropracticUSA
I am so very happy that the Boys and Girls Club has a new home at the former Gingellville Community Center!
At first I was sad that they were leaving the Ehman Center because the location was so convenient for us.
However, the building was very old. I believe many parents did not send their children because the building was old and not fully utilized.
This new location opens up many wonderful possibilities and a very promising future for the club.
Parents…listen up, if you are not aware of this wonderful club get acquainted with it soon! When school is not in session (snow days for example), the club is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. This has been a life saver for my active seven year old. The $30 fee is worth it, just for these days alone.
Lake Orion Community Schools, principals and transportation, please take action to ensure that bus transportation is provided daily to this location. This really should be no problem with the bus garage literally just around the corner.
Great things can happen if we as a community support the Boys and Girls Club.
We will miss the gymnasium for the time being, but the future is so very bright at this location.
This is the very best thing that could have happened to the Gingellville Community Center!
— Cindy Zweber
Well, here it is 2007 and what has Orion Township Supervisor Gerald A. Dywasuk done for the citizens in 2006?
I know one thing he will always be remembered for: The closing of the Gingellville Community Center after 67 years of service to the Lake Orion and Orion Township area.
I’m not putting the total blame on Mr. Dywasuk, for I am surprised that fellow board members Jill Bastian and Mike Gingell didn’t step in and try to prevent this unnecessary closing from happening.
Why do I mention Gingell and Bastian? Clerk Bastian was also a member of the GCC, and being a member you would think she would whant to help keep the GCC alive. Instead, she sat back and said absolutely nothing, while Township Assessor John Atwell went to work to destroy the GCC’s 501c3 tax exempt status.
Also, I didn’t hear one word from Trustee Mike Gingell whose grandparents started the GCC back in 1939.
But Mr. Gingell is moving on to higher steps up the political ladder, as he will become District 3 Oakland County Commissioner.
He’s replacing Eric Wilson who will become an Oakland County Road Commission member and possibly a judge at a later date.
As people move up and on in life, so things must fall. I’ve been told that and heard that said many times in my life.
Happy New Year!
— James B. Delavan
It is about time somebody in Lansing started to use thier head. As a resident of one of the streets where the speed limit was going to change, I applaud the Gov. for taking a stand and doing the right thing. Three quarters of the time you can’t even do the posted speed limit on our road due to vehicles exceeding the already posted 25 mph. Most of the roads that were slated for a speed limit change are used for short cuts. The new speed limits would have for sure increased traffic on what should be considered residental roads. Thank you Jennifer!
Bill Denver
Orion Township
Kudos to Eric Pearson, Teri Stiles and Tom Benner for standing up for what is right regarding the well house construction!
Eric Pearson was hired to be the building inspector and was doing his job by ordering the stop work order. Mr. Young should be proud that his employee is willing to stand up for what is right. I totally agree with Teri Stiles and Tom Benner’s comments about the village being held to the same, if not higher, standards.
I am sick and tired of the hypocrisy and double standard some of the village leader’s exhibit. Why does the village have one set of rules and the citizens another?
Thanks to Eric, Teri and Tom for leading by example. Keep up the good work council members!
Kris Mezsets
Oxford
Oxford Twp. Parks and Recreation is offering programs such as aerobics at Leonard Elementary School.
There are many people who take classes from them and we do not receive their program book even after we have taken many classes from them.
The aerobics class at Leonard barely gets enough people and we all have to pay extra but we do not receive their book. We have even requested the book to be mailed and do not receive it.
We have been getting the Romeo Parks and Recreation book for approximately 20 years. How do they plan on a class continuing out here if they do not send us a book?
Being as we are in the Oxford School District our children and grandchildren take classes through them and now that we have a pool would probably take more if they would send the book to the 48367 zip codes.
I do not want to see the class at Leonard cancelled, but there is a minimum number of students needed to keep it going and we just barely have enough each time.
Please, Parks and Rec., start sending this program book to our zip code.
Phyllis Roe
Leonard
Let’s compare…
After-school daycare for two elementary age kids for two hours a day: $280 per month.
After-school program for two at the brand New Boys and Girls Club for four hours a day: $5.32 per month.
Congratulations to the Boys and Girls Club for acquiring their new location at the former Gingerville Community Center on Waldon Rd.
This new location is working wonderfully for the kids; my two girls love it and are really looking forward to the spring and summer to use the outside facilities.
Thank you to all the people who made possible the acquisition of this new facility.
Our children deserve a safe place to go after school where they are able to do their homework with guidance (thanks, Anna), learn to play by the rules, learn about making decisions (kids choose what activity to do from the schedule posted), join clubs that promotes community giving, and have the opportunity to build a positive relationship with members of the police department through their ‘Kids and Cops? program.
I hope parents in this area realize what a wonderful gift we have to have access to a Boys and Girls Club.
— Damaris Rushford
Governor Granholm vetoed the very necessary Senate Bill 248 to amend a recent law that took away all responsibility from local authorities for setting speed limits on gravel roads, and simply mandated a statewide 55 mph speed limit on all gravel roads in Michigan.
Granholm gave a convoluted justification for her veto as contrary to the Michigan Constitution by saying that ‘Michigan law already prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle at a speed that is too fast for the conditions of a roadway.? Such nonsense! Unfortunately, to depend on inexperienced drivers, such as young people, to drive at a ‘reasonable safe speed? is an illusion.
This only confirms my opinion that it is regrettable that we are now saddled again with Granholm. I have remarked to some of my friends and neighbors that they should not waste their time and my comlpaining about the poor conditions of the State of Michigan since this Governor was re-elected. What a pity that the voters rejected such a fine team as DeVos and Ruth Johnson. Mr. DeVos, a highly experienced, honest business man that could have done so much good.
Henry Gleisner, Oxford Township
The Orion Area Holiday Lighted Parade was a huge success again this year.
There were 66 entries, with marching bands, spectacular lighted floats and lots of special characters and entertainers.
Also highlighting the parade were decorated fire trucks from Orion, Oxford and Oakland townships, along with Oakland County Sheriff vehicles.
The crowds were larger than ever, all the way up Broadway.
The Orion Senior Center, hosting Santa post-parade, was filled with people, as was the historic Union Church this year.
We hope you enjoyed the Holly Jolly Folly and the Parade, and we look forward to next year’s events.
Happy Holidays!
— Chuck Saputo and Joe Geraci, Parade co-chairmen; OAPG Board members, Sue Turpen, Alice Young, Janine Saputo, Wes Fuelling and Carl Cyrowski
‘All we want for Christmas is the Howarth Schoolhouse.?
Those are the words on the lips of many community members in Orion Township.
The Howarth Schoolhouse is a former one-room school currently located on Silverbell Road.
Due to housing development, the schoolhouse must be removed or it will be demolished.
The Lake Orion Community Schools is organizing a fundraiser to be used toward moving and restoring the the school.
Township Trustee Matt Gibb has said the Board would be in favor of helping out, but the people of the community must take ownership of the project.
Steering the Lake Orion Schools effort are teachers from several elementary schools, with Mrs. St. Louis and Mrs. Marshall as co-chairs.
Mrs. Schenburn, a grandmother of a Blanche Sims? student, is also actively involved.
This committee is looking for anyone with information about people who have attended this school.
If you have pictures, stories, or any memorabilia you are willing to share, please contact Mrs. St. Louis or Mrs. Marshall at Blanche Sims Elementary School at 248-693-5460.
— Committee to Save the Howarth Schoolhouse
To the pickpocket at a Lake Orion business: Thanks for ruining Christmas for my family. You took my coin purse, so I had to cancel all my stuff. Now I have to wait until after Christmas to use my Bridge card (food/cash assistance).
I can’t buy family food or provide the bare essentials until after Christmas. You also took $30, and I’m sure you looked and saw I had a Bridge card.
Ironically, I was taking back some of my children’s gifts when this happened. I may live in poverty, but still give to other kids who have next to nothing due to Michigan’s bad economy.
I’m a mother of two children. My husband has epilepsy and has been unable to work or drive due to seizures. I go to school and work part time to be able to get assistance. I was looking forward to being done with my college finals, and then you rip me off and destroy the faith I have in people.
I hope you enjoyed my $30. It might not seem like alot of money, but when you are struggling, it can mean everything. Because you took my wallet I can’t buy my husband a Christmas gift, I can’t put gas in my car, I can’t go get food for my Christmas dinner, Can’t buy and fill the stockings. I hope it was worth it.
To the local people who are out shopping, I suggest you hold onto your purses, wallets, coin purses, etc. Make sure nothing is open, and when someone bumps into you, check immediately to make sure you have all your personal belongings.
Be very observant, and if anyone returns something to you they said they found, make sure you get the name, address and phone number. This time of year you have to use extra precautions, and don’t carry cash around with you.
— M.K., Leonard
‘Our Aim is Youth.?
The 59-year motto of the Gingellville Community Center is still alive as they sell their property and building to the Southeast Michigan Boys and Girls Club for about one-fifth of the value set by the Orion Township assessor.
It was necessary to dissolve the organization because of the decision by John Atwell, under the supervision of Jerry Dywasuk and direction of Board of Review members Niles Olson, Ron Spitler and Gail Jenzen.
Their claim was that the GCC was not a 501-c3 (not profit) organization. This is not true and can be checked by anyone wanting the truth.
The Boys and Girls Club is not the only organization that will benefit from the sale. American Legion Post 377 of Clarkston will receive the donation of a bingo machine, bingo boards, monitor and all the bingo equipment. Hopefully, the 150 loyal players will be able to support their bingo.
Any money remaining after taxes, attorney bills and club debts are paid, will go to non-profit organizations as voted on by the membership.
Members of the Center do not benefit in any way from the sale of the building, property or equipment.
It has been a pleasure and fulfilling experience being a 40-plus year member of the Gingellville Community Center.
— Beverly Gall, GCC vice president
We just want to thank all the Lake Orion businesses that were so generous with their donations for the Hi Hill Subdivision Lighting Contest.
Due to their support, we had 15 winners.
Thanks to: Barrres ‘n? Blades, Custom Thread and Sports, Donaldson Animal Clinic, GNE Paint Center, La Dance, Glitz Salon and Wooden Eagle.
Thanks again for your generosity.
— The Hi Hill Subdivision
Orion Neighborhood Television would like to thank everyone involved in the production of Santa Live! 2006.
This year’s 19th annual show recorded the most participants in the event’s history.
We would like to send out a big thank you to our 20-member crew who made this special day possible for more than seventy children who came to visit with Santa.
ONTV would also like to thank Tubby’s of Lake Orion for their assistance, and the Lake Orion Review for their continued support.
Happy Holidays!
— Cathy Kimmel, Outreach Coordinator, Orion Neighborhood Television
Recently, a local newspaper reported that Oakland lawmakers Bishop, Stakoe and Marleau want to challenge the new gravel road speed law, which they voted for.
Does this mean they were for it before they voted against it? Shouldn’t this have been hashed out/debated before they all passed it?
Now they want to amend it after getting an earful from just about everyone in Oakland County.
How can lawmakers get anything done if they have to re-do what they just did? Shouldn’t they have first consulted with their constituents and listened to the experts who asked them not to pass the bill?
Now, they will spend more taxpayers? dollars and most of the ‘lame-duck session? re-doing what they did.
This is legislation that never should have passed, as it conflicts with the prime directive of public health and safety first.
— Daniel Myslakowski
Our cozy little town came to life last weekend thanks to the hard work of the very dedicated Orion Area Parade Group.
Seeing the community come together and the streets of our village come alive for the parade was the perfect way to kick off the the holiday season.
A special thanks goes to parade committee member Sue Turpen, the dynamo with a knack for pulling things together in the classiest way.
Sue has been a good friend to the community and to the Orion Art Center for years. She has opened her home to meetings, gatherings, German exchange guests, and welcoming ‘high auction bidders? for her fabulous Tuscan dinners are but a few of the ways she shows that she cares.
While planning our fall trips to Italy, Sue and I realized we would be crossing paths. We met for an amazing dinner in Lucca, Italy that seemed to set my hair on fire.
Wither her usual flair, she treated me to an evening with her friends that I will always treasure.
The holidays are a time to give thanks to those who touch our lives. Orion and I are very lucky to have a friend like Sue Turpen.
Congratulations, also, to student Jesse Heath for winning this year’s Mark Turpen Memorial Scholarship.
— Reggie Harrison, Orion Art Center
We would like to say thank you for all of those who shared our sorrow with beautiful cards, flowers and memorials in memory of my dear sister, Barbara Chernauage.
We are blessed with so many wonderful friends.
God bless you.
— Mary Jean Hanson and Family
Well now, all of us people in Michigan can sit back and relax, because Jennifer ‘Tax and Spend? Granholm is back in the state governor’s chair for another four years.
Old Jenny said, ‘I’m going right back to work,? and boy did she!
It seems one of the first items on her agenda was how to eliminate the Single Business Tax, better known ast the SBT.
Granholm’s solution would be to raise the state sales tax from 6 % to 7%, better known as a tax shift.
It’s something the governor must have learned from the John ‘The Con? Engler, who gave us a tax shaft back in 1994, with Proposal A.
At least the people of Michigan got to vote on that one. Remember, your property taxes would be cut 60 percent, but the state sales tax would be increased from 4 % to 6%. Your property taxes would still increase but could not exceed 1.9 %. But once you sold your property, you no longer had that exemption. Big farce!
I’ve also heard rumors that Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is looking into ways to eliminate Proposal A for the property owners in Oakland County. Any truth to that, Brooksie?
Maybe you should start concentrating more time here in Oakland County and less time in Wayne County with Executive Robert Ficano.
We have enough problems in this county, let Detroit and Wayne County work out their own troubles.
I don’t see them coming to help us when we have problems. It’s enough that the City of Detroit controls our water and sewer rates. Did you ever look into our own water and sewer plants here in Oakland County and be free of Detroit?
Also, what became of asking the voters what they want, instead of what I believe you should have?
I hope you all get my drift, Granholm, Patterson, Marleau, Gingell and Dywasuk.
— James B. Delavan
I just read the November 22nd Lake Orion Review.
We’re living in Florida now, so I get a little behind in the news.
As to who it was that painted the gym floor at the old school, my wife, Nan, says it was Joe Dore.
She says she watched him do it. She was a cheerleader. So were Sonny Barkley and Fran Recknagel.
Nan and Fran watched Joe paint the floor and Sonny was with him.
Joe was a real good artist and I knew him.
My wife (Nannette Armstrong) was in the Class of 1950, and I was in the Class of 1949.
The purpose of this is to say that Roy Blankenburg is correct as to who did the painting.
Sonny and Fran are no longer with us, and Joe Dore is also gone.
— Bill and Nan Campbell, Port Charlotte, Florida
On Sunday, November 26, 2006, we celebrated Kareen Perry’s 50th birthday with 85 friends and relatives.
Kareen was born blind and slowly became deaf. Doctors told her mother, Carol, that she would never walk, talk or be potty trained and to look for an institution.
Carol did not give up. Kareen attended Baldwin Elementary in Pontiac until about age 12, then entered Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, graduating in June 1981. She was the first in the history of the school to earn a regular diploma.
Kareen is the daughter of Carol and the late Bill Perry. She has lived at Heritage Place Apartments in Lake Orion for 20 years. She has two brothers, Bill of Lapeer and Ken of Lewiston.
We would like to thank the Lioness Club of Lake Orion for all of the help, especially to Cheryl Weber. Bless you ladies.
Also, thanks to the teachers who came from Lansing, and to the Lake Orion Lions members who attended. Thanks also to Dr. Sheryl Wissman.
Happy birthday, Kareen.
— June Smith, Kareen’s aunt
The view from the Orion Art Center’s Holiday Market looks quite festive right now, with hundreds of hand-crafted works by dozens of local artists.
Don’t bother going to the crowded malls. Come to quaint downtown Lake Orion, where great gifts are available at the Holiday Market and all of the downtown businesses.
Check out Little Monsters, Tesori Gifts, Elements, Accent on Art, the yarn shop, the bike shop, the running shop, the soccer shop and all the others.
You can find the perfect gift, shop till you drop, and then fall into one of our great restaurants to refuel.
Helping make our downtown thrive is worthy of celebrating the season.
— Reggie Harrison, Director, Lake Orion Art Center
The Big Chief Barbershop Chorus wishes to acknowledge the 63 years of service given by Gingellville resident Bill Pascher.
Bill lived in Orion Township for 60 years. Bill was one of the founding members of the Pontiac Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), now renamed the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Thank you for being one of the men from General Motors Truck and Coach Engineering that had the enthusiasm to form the Merry Motormen Chorus, later renamed the Big Chief Chorus.
Bill was president of the chapter in 1943-44, 1957 and 1984. He was our musical director for more than 15 years, our newsletter editor, and our representative to the International House of Delegates. Thank you, Bill, for sharing your artistic talents, which included trophy designs, show programs, unique decorations and show sets for all of the Pontiac Chapter events. You entertained us as you sang with four different quartets, and your works of charity with your quartet, ‘The Last Goodbye? topped the nation.
You were honored at the National Convention of SPEBSQSA on stage in 1991. The other members of that memorable quartet, Mel Parrish of Lake Orion, Len Barnes of Waterford and Paul Lehmkuhle of Flint were with you as you accepted the award for raising the most funds for the Society’s charity, at that time, the Institute of Logopedics.
Thank you, Bill, for honoring the Pontiac Chapter by being elected to the Pioneer District’s Hall of Fame in 1974.
We will miss your twinkling eyes and your mischievous wit at our Tuesday rehearsals. Your chair will be vacant but your spirit remains with us. Always Keep America Singing,
— Jack Teuber, Vice President, Pontiac-Waterford Chapter, Barbershop Harmony Society
A big thank you goes out to the Flaming Pistons Car Club, Oldies D.J., and all the cruisers that supported the weekly car cruise nights in the Lake Orion and Oxford areas.
Their very generous donations were appreciated very much.
Thanks also to Cj’s employees, loyal customers, Lake Orion Lions Club, Lake Orion Police Association, Lake Orion Firefighters Association, Caramagno Foods, Coca-Cola, Krogers, Metropolitan Baking Co., Christi’s Bar & Grill, Snug Harbor, Alice P. Young, CPA; and the children from Christ The Redeemer Church who made the beautiful place mats.
The wait staff was remarkable and thanks to the Boy Scouts from Troop 366 and all of our ‘little helpers.?
Left over food was donated to the Pontiac Rescue Mission and money left over will be donated to various charities.
Thanks again,
— Carl and Joan Slomczenski, CJ’s Cafe and Sandbar
The Friends of the Lake Orion High School Soccer group would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their donations in support of our Euchre Tournament fundraiser.
Thanks to: Entree Vous, Mason Jewelers, Schenden’s Spa on the Lake, Bill Reiss and Lake Orion High School Athletic Department, Cathy Kimmel and Orion Television ? ONTV, Hamlin Pub, Baldwin Caf?, Detroit Pistons and the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mark White of Oakhurst Golf Club , Palace Chrysler , Randy Tasco, Captain Mortgage, Shawn Katchuba , Tony Wilhelm at LaserTec and James Burg Trucking Co.With your support we successfully kicked off our fundraising effort to help LOHS’s Soccer program build a new varsity field press box.
— Friends of Lake Orion High School Soccer
Recently, a dear friend and community member, Raymond (Tony) Plouhar has fallen very ill.
His illness began shortly after he and his wife Cindy, suffered the loss of their son Raymond, who was killed in action in the war in Iraq.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, Tony and Cindy have no health insurance, as he is a self-employed cement contractor.
Tony recently spent one month in the hospital, undergoing two major surgeries which included 10 days in intensive care. The expenses have overwhelmed the family.
Tony is at home recovering, but he many not be able to return to work for up to a year.
We are planning a benefit for Tony and Cindy on December 2 at the Gingellville Community Center on Waldon Road in Lake Orion, with all proceeds going to the family.
A large part of this benefit will consist of raffles. We are asking some of the local businesses to help in this effort. Any items would be greatly appreciated. Please call 248-391-5455 and ask for Pam or Barb.
— Pam King, Marilyn Kunz and Kathryn Regits
I want to thank every person who voted against this proposal.
They were not honest about the true costs, and I think it’s time the taxpayer tells these people that unless you’re going to give us all the facts, we’re not biting.
Thanks also to all the people who voted against dove hunting. True hunters should be ASHAMED of thinking of shooting such beautiful birds!
Lake Orion is a truly great village (despite some of the decisions of the management), and we don’t need to prove ourselves better than Rochester in ANYTHING.
Rochester will never be Lake Orion…not by a long shot. And we citizens should be PROUD of that.
–Laura Allen
Before the Gingellville Community Center closes its doors for good next month, I would like to thank all the people in and outside of the community who have given their support.
I think G.C.C. has probably touched the lives of most of the citizens in this community at some time. I thank you for allowing me to play a small role in your life, be it a happy celebration or a sad occasion. It has been a pleasure and my most humbling experience.
I will miss all the children who have volunteered, attended events or been assigned to us. For the most part, I hope we made a small difference in their lives.
Our program with Freedom Work is the closest to my heart. The consumers of the program have taught me the most valuable lesson of life. They don’t ask anything of you, but they give you a smile, a hug and their love so freely.
I would like to thank my membership the most. They have volunteered their time and given their hearts to what they believe in. They are the most caring people I know.
A wonderful lady I’ve had the pleasrue of working with has had the job of keeping things straight for me when it was getting a little overwhelming. Thank you Arlene for taking on the job and staying with it as my assistant.
Someone I have enjoyed working with from District Court, told me recently that when a door closes another opens. Thank you Deanne for reminding me. It’s always an adventure to see what life has in store.
— Pamela Hutchison
GCC Director
On December 5, the Gingellville Community Center will close its doors the people of Orion Township for good — after 67 years of service.
The reason the center is closing is that it was ordered by the Michigan State Tax Tribunal to start paying taxes on the property after 65 years of being a tax-exempt organization.
This information was given to the Tax Tribunal by Orion Township Assessor John Atwell who somehow lost the file.
This action drained the Center’s operation cost for legal fees incurred to fight the matter in Lansing. The outcome is the GCC will shut down.
They cannot afford the $25,000 annual property tax bill which increases every year on the building.
We should give Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk and the Orion Township Trustees a piece of our mind on how we feel about the closing of the GCC.
— James B. Delavan
Thank you Orion voters for your awesome voting record ? more than 64% ? on Election Day!
— Jill Bastian
Orion Township Clerk
Please attend the Holly Jolly Folly Fundraiser on December 1 from 7-11 p.m. at the Palace Chrysler-Jeep Showroom on Lapeer Road .
Attendees can njoy delicious cuisine provided by Palazzo di Bocce, a silent auction, entertainment, prizes and community spirit.
Tickets are $30, so get them early.! Call 248-391-5962 for details. All proceeds will support the 13th Annual Orion Area Holiday Lighted Parade on Sat., Dec. 2 at 6 pm. in downtown Lake Orion.
The Orion Area Parade Group has turned this event into the largest night parade in southeast Michigan and the second largest event in the Orion Area.
Funds raised from the Holly Jolly Folly event and donations from residents make the Parade possible. Please donate to the Orion Area Parade Group to help keep this community event alive.
For information, check out our Web site at www.oapg.org. Contributions can be made through the Web site or mailed to: Orion Area Parade Group (O.A.P.G.) 311 Morgan Hill Drive, Lake Orion MI. 48360. Thank You,
— Joe and Lynn Geraci
The voters have spoken on the senior center issue, and for some it is a time for introspection as to why it lost.
In my estimation the Senior Center Committee never established a compelling argument for the center.
With senior centers in each of the communities, and with libraries, churches, hospitals and athletic clubs already providing activities for seniors, establishing a grandiose facility for seniors was seen as a duplication of existing facilities.
We are a compassionate community that values the well-being of all residents. To elevate one segment of the population over another and suggest that taxes be raised to support special needs for one group over another is not a winning proposition.
Perhaps a better use of time would have been for each community to determine the needs, wants and expectations of their own residents and then put a plan in place to address those needs on an individual community basis.
For now, let’s all take a deep breath, shake hands and agree to search for ways to strengthen our respective communities without raising the unpopular specter of more taxes.
In the meantime, I’ll try to contact everyone who wrote or called about my opposition to the proposal and extend a handshake and a smile and a commitment to work together.
— Bill Kalmar
The giving season is upon us, and the Lake Orion Lions Club will again be running its annual Christmas Basket Program.
The community support in the past has been outstanding and the Club is grqateful for the community’s participation. Without this support, the Lions Club would not be able to assist Orion area families in having a pleasant Christmas.
Especially helpful have been many area businesses, the Lake Orion Community Schools and St. Joseph Catholic School.
These people support our project by sponsoring canned food and toy drives, and by placing collection boxes in their places of business or school buildings.
The Lions? Goodfellows newspaper sale on December 1-2 also helps fund the purchase of items for the Christmas Basket program.
Again this year, the Lions Club will count on the same support from our community. We need collection sites in area businesses for donatins, and workers to assemble the baskets. Corporate donations are always welcome.
The set-up for the basket assembly will be at about 10 a.m. on Fri., Dec. 15 at the CERC Building, 455 Scripps Rd. Baskets will be assembled from 3-6 p.m., and be delivered by the Lions Club and other volunteers on Sat., Dec. 16.
If you know a family in need of assistance this holiday season, call Dave Tucker at 248-766-4620, or contact any Lake Orion Lions Club member. The Lions Club appreciates the support and assistance from community members who are involved in this worthwhile cause.
We wish everyone a blessed holiday.
— Dave Tucker
Lake Orion Lions Club
Efforts persist behind the scenes to continue operation of the Pine Island Marina on Lake Orion in 2007.
Well-placed rumors have Mat Dunaskiss pressuring some Orion Township trustees friendly to him, to call for an Executive Session of the Township Board to consider dropping its lawsuit to block the Marina.
The suit in the Oakland County Circuit Court is to enforce the R1 zoning violation for operating a marina on Pine Island in Lake Orion. We wonder if one of these trustees is the same one who has reportedly been docking his family pontoon boat at the Dunaskiss marina for the past two seasons, and wants to sneak it back in there again next year?
There are petitions from over 400 lakefront residents opposed to this marina and we have a right to have this matter discussed in open session, not in some smoke- filled room behind our backs. Are Orion Township politicians held to a different standard? Is this more Dunaskiss dirty politics?
The Pine Island Marina is in clear violation of the residential (R1) zoning ordinance and the Township has the obligation to enforce the laws established to protect our rights. We want the lawsuit to continue aggressively and to have the Circuit Court make its ruling. The Michigan Supreme Court decision Soupal v Shady View Inc. strongly favors the Township and its residents in this matter.
There are also rumors that Mat Dunaskiss is attempting to utilize a back door loophole to petition the Zoning Board of Appeals for a seldom used ‘land use variance? to sneak his marina back into operation for next summer.
Not so fast ‘Mr. D.,? we have our eye on you.
— Roger Ebejer
A big thank you to all the players, coaches, parents and staff of the Lake Orion Dragons? football team.
It was a great season and a pleasure to watch.
Every Friday night you captured the hearts of your town and inspired the young. It was truly something to be proud of. Go Dragons!
— Amy Tunison
A Dragon fan forever
Thank you for publishing the awesome article and photo of the Lake Orion marching band at the State finals!
You have no idea how much the recognition of your newspaper is appreciated.
Thank you.
— A Lake Orion marching band supporter
I read with interest the Oct. 18 Lake Orion Review.
On page four was an article regarding a resident’s request for a teen activity center. On page seven was yet another editorial about the proposed Senior Center. And on page 10 was an article detailing how the Boys and Girls Club is in the process of purchasing the Gingellville Community Center.
Three separate buildings to serve basically the same functions for three separate age groups seems more than just silly, it is outrageous!
I am sure I am not alone in thinking that one community center with meeting rooms and exercise facilities, open to all residents regardless of age, would be a better use of taxpayer funds.
Indeed, if space within the community center could be allocated to groups such as the Boys and Girls Club, their rental of that space could offset some of the monthly costs associated with operating the center.
I believe it is time for village and township officials to start taking a look at the big picture and take into consideration the needs of all the residents rather than knee-jerk reacting to each separate group that comes before them. Thank you.
— Veronica Johnstone
I believe that you did a disservice to the entire population, and the senior citizens of Orion, Oxford and Addison Townships, by printing the ridiculous editorial by ‘Guest columnist’Bill Kalmar.
He implies that the statements were actually published by the various news agencies rather than a distorted (funny?) figment of his imagination..
He also implies that the proposed location was a deceptive secret, whereas I’ve understood from recent articles in The Review that the site was a recent DONATION by Crossroads for Youth.
While I cannot dispute the OCSD’s call records, in the 20 years that I have owned property in Lake Orion, I have never heard of the residents of Crossroads causing a problem to their neighbors.
He also complains that the proposed site is located in Oxford. According to my map, the site is approximately one mile north of Lake Orion and is probably the most centralized location that is possible among the three townships.
If Mr. Kalmar is eight and 1/2 miles away, his residence must be located in the most southwest corner of Orion Township.
I doubt that the residents of the three townships would prefer a site that is as close to his residence as his personal fitness club.
Furthermore, the proposed tax increase for the average senior residence would be considerably less that the cost of his membership in a private fitness club.
— Bill Roberts
As a health care worker with the elderly, I see firsthand how difficult it can be for seniors to get to healthcare appointments.
I was shocked at the ludicrousness of Orion Township in ticketing Robertson of HealthFirst Medical Center for being in violation of Orion township’s brilliant sign rule.
There’s rules, and then there is plain out stupidity. Come on, Jerry Dywasuk and sign enforcement officer Patrick Damman? lighten up!
To issue a ticket because of a painted bus, informing seniors that they can get a free ride to a doctor’s appointment?
If it truly is in violation of section 5, parts L and M, perhaps a new section and part should be created stating common sense and helping out those in the community takes precedence over the fine print of the sign ordinance.
— Debby Goodall
I think the Orion Township Board should cease its harassment of the Health First Medical Group.
Health First should be allowed to park their bus on the unused part of their parking lot. They used it to give free rides to seniors and the disabled.
It’s a bus, not a billboard, and it provides a community service. The owner has repeatedly ignored the excalating citations and is poised for a lawsuit.
We don’t need a lawsuit on top of the unnecessary $26,250 audit we have to pay (the board rejected to lower proposals). Especially since we won’t be getting any tax revenue from the Gingellville Community Center.
The board brought legal action against Health First because they weren’t paying taxes, but is apparently pleased that the Boys and Girls Club will be buying it. Even though, they are a tax-exempt organization and won’t be paying taxes, either.
The Township Board members are bullies and they use our hard-earned tax dollars as their clubs. They’re supposed to be concerned with the general welfare of the township, not spending our money on legal actions to punish people they don’t like.
— Carol Roughton
Sorry, Jim Delevan. There’s no conflict in the Orion Township Clerk’s office.
You do a fine job observing our township government, but you are wrong when you describe a conflict in the clerk’s office involving a trustee.
You discredit these people and owe them an apology.
As a lifelong Democrat, I am also a careful observer.
Integrity and sincerity are the qualities I see. I am proud to know them all and call them my friends.
Tell them you are sorry, Mr. Delevan, and we can all move on and keep planning for the future.
We are very lucky to live here, and very grateful for the fine people who are doing their best to keep us on a positive course.
— Dan Dewey
Patterson’s passing a loss to community
On October, 16, we lost a great community supporter, and a champion of senior citizen services.
County Commissioner Bill Patterson has been an important leader of our community for many years. Each election cycle I have proudly displayed his campaign signs and attended his victory celebrations.
— Helen Mann
On behalf of me and my family, I would like to thank Orion Township and all who were involved with the dedication of Hopkins Field at Friendship Park.
It was a beautiful, sunny day and it was great to see many of my old players and their families.
It’s amazing how my players keep getting older and I don’t change a bit.
In all honesty, it’s a little humbling to have a field named after you. I know of several names that deserve to be up there before mine.
I would like every coach and volunteer who sees the sign, to imagine their names up there too. These fields belong to everyone who contributes their time and effort, and it is an honor to be a part of that group.
Thanks again, and I hope to see you out on the fields.
— Tom Hopkins
Thank you for the one-year gift certificate to the Lake Orion Review, you donated to our annual dinner and silent auction. We are truly grateful for the support.
Our dinner and silent auction was a success! Through your support, we are able to continue our ministry to help the women and teens of our community facing a crisis pregnancy.
We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and generosity from individuals such as yourselves. Our work would not be possible without you.
Without a doubt, mothers and babies are receiving the care and support they need because of people like you.
Thank you again, and God bless you for your support in assisting us with this very important work.
— Staff and wolunteers at the Problem Pregnancy Center
The Lake Orion Firefighters Auxiliary and the Orion Firefighters Association would once again like to thank Meijer of Oxford.
They generously donated all the apple cider for this year’s annual apparatus display and open houses at all of our fire stations.
Refreshments were provided to the public at these events, as we observed National Fire Prevention Month earlier this month.
It’s generous merchants like you who help make our special events a success.
— Orion Firefighters Association & Ladies Auxiliary
On November 7th, voters will have the opportunity to maintain order in the courtroom by re-electing Lisa Asadoorian as a Judge in the 52-3 District Court.
Judge Asadoorian works tirelessly for the citizens of our community and has demonstrated that she genuinely cares about the safety and well-being of our families.
Her dedication to justice is matched only to her service in our community and her commitment to our schools.
Judge Asadoorian is an active member of our community and has invested significant amounts of time teaching our kids about the legal system and educating them on the consequences of their decisions.
It is for these reasons we trust that you will join us in re-electing Judge Lisa Asadoorian.
— Mike and Karen Gingell
As an attorney practicing primarily in Oakland County, I have had many occasions to represent clients in criminal and civil cases at the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills.
I have had the pleasure of appearing before Judge Lisa Asadoorian on a number of those matters.
Of all her many qualities, I am most impressed by her integrity. Judge Asadoorian has the ability to make difficult decisions that affect the lives of the people appearing in her courtroom, but she does this through compassion, thoughtfulness and respect.
Unfortunately I do not reside in a city comprising the jurisdiction of her court, but I urge citizens in communities under jurisdiction of the 52-3 District Court to vote to re-elect Judge Asadoorian to another term of office.
These citizens have been very well-served by a thoughtful, effective and highly qualified judge.
— Andrew J. Hubbs
On November 7, the citizens of our community will have the opportunity to re-elect Judge Lisa L. Asadoorian as District Court Judge. I urge each and every voter to fully take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Having previously served Judge Asadoorian as her law clerk, I was given the chance to see exactly who Judge Asadoorian is, both in and out of the courtroom.
Inside the courtroom I observed a dedicated and tireless champion of justice. There was never a case too small for Judge Asadoorian to pour her endless care into. Nor was there ever a legal issue too large for Judge Asadoorian to handle.
Outside of the courtroom, I observed a caring and compassionate member of our community. Whether it was speaking to children or volunteering to help those most in need, Judge Asadoorian never hesitated to put the community ahead of her own interests.
I cannot think of a steadier, more thoughtful, caring and competent person to serve our community as district court judge. We would all be well-served to re-elect Judge Asadoorian.
— Nicolas Camargo
I am very disappointed to think a longtime lake resident and a former state senator would force the township to spend our tax dollars on court costs.
Mat (Dunaskiss) knows he is wrong. He just wanted to see if he could slide the marina permit by before anyone was the wiser.
Who have we had in the senate representing us?
— Carolyn Dumah, A concerned longtime resident
It has come to my attention that there is a husband and wife working for Orion Township, John and Julia Steimel.
John is an elected Orion Township trustee and Julia is a full-time employee of the Orion Township Clerk’s office.
Why then, you ask, the complaint?
Well, isn’t there such a thing as conflict of interest?
Who came to work there first? Was it John or Julia?
I believe in the best interest of Orion Township, that one of them should step down.
After all, the township wouldn’t allow JoAnn Van Tassel to be an Orion Township trustee once she became city manager of Lake Orion.
I believe the reason given was, ‘conflict of interest.?
This in my view, also applies to John and Julia Steimel.
— James B. Delavan
I have been supportive of a senior center in Oxford, Addison, Orion Area until the Crossroads for Youths name has been used in connection with the center.
Why would the senior center form a partnership with Crossroads on anything, a gift is a gift?
Quote in the Review: ‘The board felt it’s a good partnership.? Will the Crossroads board have input on what is done at the center? Are there strings attached to this gift?
Safety is truly the issue here. Seniors are the most vulnerable group of people.
Seniors do need a center for activities in a safe area controlled by a board of non self-serving members.
The board members should not consist of any Crossroads board members or employees.
Before spending $9.85 million of taxpayers? dollars, let’s find a site that is better suited for a senior center.
— Barbara Hockenbrocht
The Orion Township Public Library Board and staff would lilke to thank the many individuals and organizations who made our 80th anniversary celebration on Sept. 17 such a rousing success.
The following organizations and individuals are deserving of our sincere thanks.
They include: Friends of the Library, General Federation of Women’s Club, Lake Orion Independence Village of Waterstone and Towers? Treats.
Individuals deserving of our appreciation are Mike Thorndycraft, Jerry Honemann and the many dedicated library volunteers.
Without your dedication and commitment to the library, this day would not have been such a memorable event for the community.
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the citizens of Orion for their use and support of the library over these first 80 years of our exisence.
We will strive to continue earning your support as the next 80 years unfold.
— Linda Sickles, Director, Orion Township Public Library
Thanks to everyone, our September 2006 used book sale was a success.
As a result, the Friends of the Orion Township Library are able to contribute to some of the wonderful programs for our great library.
We are becoming more organized with each sale and are grateful to all who donated, purchased, worked the sales and to the library staff. We are encouraged by all.
Thanks to the Baldwin Road Kroger store for the donation of bags for our $4 per-bag Saturday sales.
Please mark your calendars for our January 2007 sale. If interested in helping, or if you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know.
— Marie English, Friends Book Sale Chair
‘That old biddy just watches everything. She minds everybody’s business but her own.?
Regardless of what people think of such people as described above, they are our living, breathing, functional security cameras.
If these people see your child hurt, your pet wandering, an accident, break-in, vandalism or a fire, what do these people do? They call 911 and summon help. They step up if there is anything they can do — on the spot.
Let us not cast a jaundiced eye at the elderly, as our neighborhood relationships are interdependent. You watch out for me, and I will watch out for you.
Our older citizens are available when working people are away. I would like to hear other opinions about our neighborhoods. Write a letter. Tell us how you see the responsibilities of being a neighbor.
— A watchful neighbor
I have to laugh when I read the letters from one individual who uses your paper as his personal soapbox. Week after week the whining and complaining goes on and on and on. And I’m not the first to point this out.
Hiding behind an ‘it’s my right and duty and a free speech? premise. Please!
What was it last week? Oh yes, ‘It has come to my attention.? You can hear these words all across America from pompous self-appointed under-achievers who can’t do, so all they do is cry and complain. In their minds, ‘The sky is falling, the sky is falling.? Too funny.
A clerk who is married to a trustee is a problem? In little Lake Orion? Hardly. Leave this family alone. They both are just trying to make a living and don’t need anyone messing with them. They have a family to support, got it?
You’d think this was a large scale government conspiracy. There is no conflict of interest here just disinterest in one’s imaginary conflict.
This is Small Town USA. I say either lead, follow, or get out of the way. But get over it. Unlikely though as we will see. Neighbors, tune in for more of these paranoid rantings.
Let me see, one time it was a bash against candidates. And the time before that it was against the township board. And the time before that it was against the senior center. And the time before that??.. And the time before that??..
To the whiners in our area: Get a life and get out of my paper. My name is withheld to avoid being the next target but we all know who I am talking about.
— Name witheld upon request
I read with interest the glowing article about the proposed senior center. It was very informative. First off, let’s look at the numbers: at $45 dollars per $100,000 valuation, we get ONLY phase I (the building) and maintenance for ONLY 10 years.
Ok, we start with $45 dollars a year. That’s $900 over 20 years, folks.
Add to that over 10 years from now, more maintenance (which will cost more with inflation), the paving and straightening of Drahner (gee, who’s paying for that…oh, I know, ORION TOWNSHIP, by itself!).
Add to that money for Phase II (come on, who are they kidding, private donations?), and it just goes on and on. Sure, they’ll raise maybe 50% of the money, and then they’ll have their hands out-in your pocket!
Secondly, I really bristled at the comparison between the Rochester Center and the proposed Senior center.
Since when do we have to compete with Rochester? Since when do we have to offer the services Rochester does?
It said in the article that a lot of seniors in this area commute to Rochester. Well, it’s about 10-15 minutes from Lake Orion. Drahner Rd. is about 5 minutes.
So to save the current members of the OPC 10 minutes of travel time, we should spend millions? I have to commute to my local health club…should you build one for me too, so I don’t have to travel as far? That’s just plain silly.
Thirdly, Drahner Road has been and continues to be a very dangerous area, especially at the corner of M-24 and Drahner.
There are numerous accidents there, from people attempting to turn left, either from Drahner to M-24 south, or from people attempting to turn left into the gas station on the corner of Drahner and M-24. And you’re going to put seniors through the gauntlet of navigating such a dangerous intersection?
I can honestly say the light there is certainly not long enough for turning left, and if it’s hard for me to manage, I can just see some senior trying it. Then you’re going to pave the current gravel road and straighten it to the center. That’s going to cost A LOT.
Has anyone given thought to the fact that if paved, Drahner is going to cost more to maintain? And who’s going to pay that? YOU, the taxpayer!!!
And consider this: if the center dramatically increases in size, they’re going to have to hire more staff. More people to teach classes, more development staff, maintenance staff, and a Director who’s going to get paid much more for overseeing a more complex operation. And that, my friends translates to, you guessed it, MORE MONEY. And who’s going to have to pay it? YOU, the taxpayer!
They promote this as a wonderful thing, a gift…but that gift it seems to me has a WHOLE lot of strings attached to it. NOT JUST A CENTER, but a new road, maintenance, and I can just see a possible expansion of the Drahner/ M-24 intersection. And what does Crossroads get out of it? A FREE paved road!
Just a thought here…they say that building the center will ATTRACT more seniors to the area…well, if that was the case, ask yourself this question: Why isn’t Rochester the Mecca for seniors? Why didn’t Rochester explode with senior citizen residents when they built the center? And exactly WHO paid for the Rochester senior center?
There’s a LOT more here than meets the eye, and they aren’t being honest about it. And until they are, they aren’t getting approval from me. Trust me, in about 5 or 10 years down the road, if you vote this thing through, they’re gonna want MORE.
So it won’t be JUST $45 a year, like they keep trumpeting. Be smart, and keep asking questions…you’ll see this isn’t as well-planned (or cheap) as they claim!
— Laura Allen
Would you like to have additional taxes placed on your property without your vote?
That is exactly what will happen with Senate Bill 1360, introduced by Senator Nancy Cassis and contrived with the help of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s staff.
Senate Bill 1360, is an end-run around the 1976 Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment that was voted in by the people of the State of Michigan to protect them from excessive taxation without their vote.
The bill will allow counties, cities, villages, townships and many other government entities within, such as drain commissions, to raise taxes without your vote.
The only notification required to raise your property taxes will be in a generally circulated newspaper.
The right of referendum (petition drive) against the increase has to be accomplished by the people within 45 days of publication. The petition has to be signed by no less than ten percent, or 10,000 registered voters, whichever is less, within the residing aforementioned municipalities that are affected by the pending increase.
This bill will abolish your right to vote on tax increases; as well us gut the intent of our Michigan Constitution’s Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment.
This bill is not only despicable, it is a slap in the face to the memory of Richard Headlee, now deceased, who worked long and hard to protect all of us from tax abuse.
Mary MacMaster
First, let me say, the Orion Township Library is an invaluable resource to the public, and I appreciate all the services they provide to the community.
In fact, I think I can safely say that we have one of the best libraries in terms of service and outreach. And, while an expansion is clearly needed, I’d have to disagree with now being the right time to pursue it.
Right now, the economy in Michigan is really, really bad. I have many neighbors who have lost jobs and are unable to find new ones. Some of my friends have left the state, leaving behind unsold homes.
Foreclosures in Oakland County are up over 60 percent over last year, according to The Detroit News. With virtually every domestic auto company in the state laying off or buying out THOUSANDS of people, which in turn leads to auto supplier manufacturers laying off people or going out of business, I hardly think this is the appropriate time to speak of raising taxes for ANYTHING other than NECESSARY repairs or upkeep.
Many seniors in the area are going to be facing cuts in their pensions and health care, due to the freefalling death spiral of the Big 3, and they aren’t going to have the extra funds either.
Many corporations in the country are DUMPING pensions by way of bankruptcy courts, and leaving seniors with only a fourth of their previous benefits. And health care costs CONTINUE to soar.
If you don’t believe it’s that bad, take a drive around. Look at all the homes for sale; lots of them have been on the market for over a year now, and no sale.
Go to Kmart in town and look at what people are buying, or for that matter, any store in town. People are buying necessities, not luxuries, for the most part. Who can blame them, when they can’t count on an employer anymore for a steady job?
Gas and energy prices have jumped up and down more than a monkey on a trampoline, and taxes just keep getting higher and higher.
I think the elected officials in this town need a dose of reality and common sense. If people don’t have extra money for spending, what makes you think they’ve got it for more taxes?
If people don’t have jobs, how do you expect them to pay more taxes? If people are losing their homes and equity because of the bad real estate market, how do you expect them to pay more taxes?
It’s Economics 101, folks. Not everybody in Lake Orion is among the rich, you know. Yes, we have our fair share of fat cats around here, but we also have a large percentage of seniors on fixed incomes, and plain old working families, most of whom were here long before the real estate boom, which made the township so plush.
We need an expanded library, but not right now.
Laura Allen
I was delighted to have attended the 80th birthday party for the Orion Township Public Library on Sept. 17, 2006.
It was an enjoyable Sunday afternoon, with book sales and exhibits, plus the documentaries and speeches that were presented.
Library director Linda Sickles gave an excellent opening presentation, on the history, present, and possible future goals of our library.
I would like to dwell a little on the past, and future, failures and goals of the Orion Township Library.
The failures being the millage being voted down in 2004. I, for one, don’t like more taxes, but I feel that when you pay taxes, you should get something for that money.
The library is a necessity, but the elected politicians, like our present State Representative James Marleau, are what I consider a waste of excess baggage!
Why, you ask, am I bringing James Marleau into the picture? Well, let’s go back to around 2003, when Mr. Marleau was Orion Township Treasurer.
He comes up with the proclamation to take the $279,000 that the library had for emergency funds, and put that money back into the township’s General Fund, leaving the library without any money for emergency repairs or unexpected expenses!
The only explanation Mr. Marleau could give was, ‘Our hands are tied!? Well, they sure weren’t tied when that $279,000 was taken from the library, now were they, Mr. Marleau?
I also noticed that you didn’t attend the 80th birthday celebration. Maybe it’s better you didn’t, because that $279,000 that you and the 2003 Orion Township Trustees had voted to take from the library’s surplus emergency fund, would sure come in handy for the much-needed expansion and improvements that this facility needs.
Come November, I will be casting my vote for Bill Pearson, and not you, Mr. Marleau, for State Representative, for the simple reason that we don’t need any more ‘tied hands? in public office!
Also, I wish the library at least another 20 years, when it makes it to 100! I believe they’ll get there, as long as we don’t re-elect people like James Marleau and Jerry Dywasuk back into public office!
James Delevan
As I was driving home on M-24 and came upon the I-75/M-24 intersection, the weather was rainy and dreary. The traffic light was green.
As I was coming through there at 50 MPH, a semi-truck driver decided at the last minute to pull out into oncoming traffic from a stop at the red light.
As I was slamming on my brakes and skidding due to the wet road, thinking I was going to hit the truck, I thought–if something isn’t done at this intersection, there is going to be a deadly accident.
This light should be a NO TURN ON RED for oncoming traffic turning onto M-24. What do you think?
Jeanette Smith
I was disturbed by the 1/4 page ad on page 11 of the Sept. 14, 2006 issue of The Lake Orion Review.
If the author is that consumed and concerned about the effect of religious denominations, then that person should at least have had the courage to sign their name to the advertisement.
Laura Bringman
On behalf of the Lake Orion Special Olympics, we would like to thank the following community organizations and businesses for their generous support during the 2005/2006 school year:
Collier Lanes, Willow Creek Golf, LOHS ASSETS/Leadership, AFSCME #1472, Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, Special Families Network, Lake Orion Education Foundation, Lake Orion High School Athletic Department.
Their donations of money, time and facilities allowed us to continue offering all seven sports to our athletes this year.
Fifty-three athletes, ages eight and up, with developmental disabilities, from Lake Orion, Oxford, Waterford, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, participate in the Lake Orion Special Olympics program.
Funding changes at the county and state levels in 2005 required our program to become self-funded. Only through the generosity of the local community are we able to continue this vital athletic program.
The average cost per year for one athlete is $130 ($200 when new uniforms need to be purchased). Special Olympics of Michigan rules prohibit charging athletes or their families any participation fees.
If you or your organization can help with a donation or want further information regarding our Lake Orion program, please contact Marcine Glowicki at Lake Orion High School, mglowicki@lakeorion.k12.mi.us, or call one of us.
Thank you,
Karen Appledorn, 814-8872
Kathy Absher, 693-0144
Co-fundraising chairpersons
Another question for my neighbors: Since you have discovered the elderly widow living alone in your neighborhood, and perhaps have said hello, do you think you might go a step further in being ‘neighborly??
Winter is coming, and she might need someone to unlock, start and scrape her aging vehicle when she has to go out on a snowy day. She may need someone to scatter salt and carry in her groceries.
Maybe not, but one can offer. Perhaps she needs assistance in figuring out her TV computer. When you buy a huge bag of potatoes, onions, peaches, etc., perhaps one item would last her a long time.
She might enjoy your outgoing magazines or a treasured recipe you would like to share. The Dalai Lama said, ‘My religion is simple. My religion is love.?
Name withheld by request
I have had a really hard time reading the letters to the editor and guest opinions trashing our township trustees. While many may not see eye-to-eye with everything that is said and done here in the township, I feel that the spewing out of viciousness and spitefulness that I have read about are uncalled for.
I know and respect each one of them. They are men of integrity and work hard to do the right thing. Pleasing each and every person in Orion Township is a Herculean task. They take their jobs seriously, and vote with their conscience, for the greater good of the township as a whole.
You may oppose their decisions or views–but the reality is, they are committed to Orion, and you. They take a lot of time and energy away from their families, lives and careers to serve Orion Township.
Not one of them is seeking acknowledgment or adulation–but are continuously being ostracized at the drop of a hat, for not pandering to the few.
Fortunately for us all, it is your inalienable right to disagree, but unnecessary name calling is both reckless and thoughtless.
It is okay to agree to disagree, argue but not disparage, and be vigilant without malice.
Koula Christi
Why would any school district force families to pay admission to a middle school athletic event?
I understand the ‘pay to play? policy Lake Orion adopted, which charges students to participate in any sports program. I even supported it. But ‘pay to cheer??
For our family to attend a middle school volleyball game it would cost $12, and $18 if the grandparents want to join us. When you multiply that figure by the number of games, it adds up quickly.
Our two older daughters often had friends come and root for them from the stands–would those students have been able to show their school spirit at $2 per person?
Shouldn’t we be encouraging gymnasiums full of people cheering for our children??
What’s next, ‘pay for a conference with the teacher,? ‘pay admission to board meetings??
I just can’t come up with a reasonable explanation for this new policy. Can anyone help me??
Susan Paula
On Dec. 31, 2006, the Gingellville Community Center on Waldon Road will close its doors to the public for good, unless some miracle happens that will keep it going.
The only miracles that I could see happening is that John Attwell, Jerry Dywasuk and the State of Michigan Tax Tribunal get on their knees and pray for forgiveness, for the injustice that they have created by starting this whole travesty to being with.
Also, where were State Representative James Marleau and Oakland County Commissioner Eric Wilson when this injustice was taking place? Politics as usual, no doubt!
People, I hope that the doors of the GCC stay open, for if they close, this means no more Jackpot Bingo on Wednesday nights, Boy and Girl Scouts meetings, Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s, Halloween and Thanksgiving parties, senior group activities, and citizens being able to form their own groups and use the center for meeting space.
And how about voting, this is a place to vote, and the only one that I know of in the United States that has to start paying property taxes!
The money from the Bingo goes for the operation and maintenance of the center, less the winnings that are paid out to the Bingo game winners.
It should also be noted, it’s rumored that the GCC property could be the targeted site for the future tri-community senior center, if voted for in the November election.
Or, Jerry Dywasuk’s dream of an Orion Township Community Center is realized. I know that there are some of you Dywasukites in Orion Township who think that Jerry is looking out for the people’s well being as township supervisor. Well surprise–in my opinion, Jerry will clip you faster than a pair of scissors can cut a ribbon!
People, if you don’t get up and speak for what you believe in, or what you want, then no one is going to do it for you!
I hope this won’t be the last Christmas that Santa comes to the GCC.
James Delevan
On Aug. 21, Orion Township citizens were treated to two servings of ‘Dywasukism? at its finest.
One was the presentation of the Union Church restoration study. The people in attendance at the Aug. 21 township board meeting were shown pictures of what the building looks like now, and what it could look like after considerable work, and costs, were done to the Church Street building, in the future.
At what price did this presentation cost the citizens of Orion Township, Mr. Dywasuk? Was it the $15,000 you wanted to waste on a time study, back around 2003, when the Union Church restoration director Burke Cueny told you that the $15,000 would be better spent to buy materials to fix up the building?
If my memory serves, Mr. Cueny resigned as director because you, Jerry, were in favor of spending the $15,000 on a time study, instead of fixing up the building!
Then, Jerry, you put Reenae Tulip and Rock Blanchard in charge of building maintenance operations for the Church Street structure, which, to date, has cost the taxpayers far more than the $15,000 with which Cueny proposed to buy the needed materials to fix up the building.
Two, this forensic audit involving present Orion Township Treasurer Alice Young, and her daughter-in-law investment counselor, Diane Young, on what I am to believe is an investigation into what might be possible commission fraud; is to be done by a private auditing firm!
It seems awfully strange that the board voted down earlier bids from other auditing firms. Good points were made by Trustee Mike Gingell and Clerk Jill Bastian, on why this audit would be a waste of taxpayers? dollars.
Then, Jerry, you kept repeating, over and over, about possibly having the Whall Corp. do the forensic audit, for $26,000, and bingo, the motion to hire a private auditing firm, the WAHL Corp., gets the bid approved for $26,000, 4-3.
The four approving this audit, to be done by WAHL, were Dywasuk, and Dywasukites, Gibb, Garlicki and Steimel! The four horsemen of Orion Township would be a better name for this quartet of spendthrifts of our tax dollars.
I remember Cueny once telling some of these trustees at a past meeting that they are supposed to be Republicans, and save money, not waste it!
Mr. Cueny, I think those Republicans that you remember were back in the Eisenhower years. I don’t see any money-saving conservatives in our government today.
The name of the game is tax and spend, right from Washington, down to Orion Township, Republicans and Democrats alike.
I’ve always said we need a good housecleaning here in Orion Township, but if you’re happy with people like the four horsemen, then don’t cry when the piggy bank is empty!
James Delevan
I find it peculiar that although Indianwood Lake flows INTO Lake Orion, it is a priority to involve its homeowners in the proposed SAD, yet Paint Creek homeowners who would be receiving the chemical as it flows OUT of the lake are an afterthought.
So please send it our way without our input. It will go well with the beer cans, inflatables, lighters and plastic bags that we receive daily.
Oh yes, don’t forget to drop the dam in one day come late October, and raise it so quickly again in the spring. There is nothing like watching the annual drought and deluge destroy a river ecosystem, that was near pristine not all that long ago.
But, I guess boat docks are more important.
I say we have a special assessment district to raise funds to implement a more effective water management program. One in which the creek too has a much more consistent flow, as opposed to the current feast or famine approach.
Sadly, this will never happen, because no one cares about what happens downstream.
Jeff Aisthorpe
This month’s primary election results in Oakland County are in, and unfortunately, but expectedly, issues dealing with an extension of an existing millage or proposals for modest increases were met with defeat.
Brandon Township will be dealing with a possible reduction of services due to the overwhelming rejection of a millage to restore the township’s tax rate to an original 1.4 property tax mills. At risk are services to the senior center and recreational facilities.
Addison Township met with a similar voter backlash, rejecting a 3.5 mill tax levy for police services.
As we now move to the Nov. elections, both communities are hoping to place these issues on the ballot again, with different or simplified language. Perhaps the issues will be reexamined and pass.
What boggles the mind is, despite a climate of millage rejection and personal and corporate cost cutting, the Senior Center Committee continues to herald their proposition to build a community center, which would necessitate Orion, Oxford and Addison townships to once again go to voters and request they open their wallets for, at best, an unnecessary and ill-prepared concept to serve all the communities.
Here’s my suggestion: let’s avoid the embarrassment of a landslide negative vote and remove this issue from the Nov. ballot! Letters to the Editor in The Oakland Press and local community papers have indicated that there’s no appetite for such a center.
The local economy and mood of voters to reject new millages, coupled with an abundance of facilities already available, makes the dismissal of this proposal rudimentary.
When Superman wanted to eliminate an unpleasant event, he merely reversed the rotation of the earth to a point prior to its occurrence. Absent a super power to do just that, why doesn’t the committee just ask that the proposal be removed from the various ballots, and thereby avoid a voter meltdown of non-support?
If not, the plans will have to confront voter apathy, and that would be tantamount to Superman attempting to recover from a dose of Kryptonite–not a winning proposition!
Bill Kalmar
This year’s Big Rig Gig was a wonderful success, with over 2,700 participants coming out to see trucks, tractors and vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
We would like to thank the following companies for their support for the 4th Annual Big Rig Gig: American Medical Response, Bedrock Express, Bedrock Maintenance Services, Buckhorn Towing, Custom Welding & Excavation, Detroit Edison, Dick Hassberger & Associates, Environmental Wood Solutions, Lake Orion Community Schools, Milosch Dodge, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, the Orion Township Fire Department, Roots Tree Service, Shred-It!, Skalnek Ford, Van Horn, Cold Stone Creamery, Ruff & Tuff, Coca-Cola, and Domino’s Pizza.
Without the support of these businesses, the Big Rig Gig would not have been such a great success. If you would like to be involved in next year’s event, contact Jennifer Rowe, recreation program supervisor, at 391-0304, ext. 140, or email jrowe@oriontownship.org.
Orion Township Parks
The Aug. 8 Primary Election is over. While some candidates won and some lost, everyone has moved on. I did find it odd, therefore, that The Orion Review chose to publish the letter from Laura Allen in its Aug. 16 edition.
Why was her letter worthy of publication? We know that Michael Gingell is a gentleman, but those of us who know Eric Wilson, know that he is also a gentleman…surely the editorial staff at The Review know this, and it escapes me as to why they would even bother to print such a vile, mean-spirited, un-Christian expression of one person’s in-your-face, meritless opinion.
I thought your standards were higher.
Mary Painter
Lisa Valentine’s ‘humorous? opinion column on Aug. 16 set a new, low, water-mark for journalism at The Lake Orion Review.
Jeff and Dotty Sutherland
I would ask these questions of my neighbors: Do you have an elderly widow living alone in your neighborhood? What have you done about it?
Have you given her your name, address and telephone number in case of emergency?
Have you called on her and introduced yourself, offering help if needed?
What kind of neighbor are you? What kind of person are you?
Name withheld upon request
It’s Tuesday evening, and I just received a phone call from the venue that was to host the Commander Cody concert, and was told that it will be cancelled.
I worked hard to get that show together, and would like to apologize to anyone this may have inconvenienced. It was my belief that this show would go on no matter what. I took no pay for my efforts, and feel somewhat betrayed and used.
I understand the band was not happy with this decision either, as I would have imagined. This was in no way their fault, and should not be held against them by their fans.
I believed in what we were trying to accomplish there, and the feedback was positive from so many people I came in contact with. I wish the management would have made their decision to cancel the show sooner, so as not to hurt those involved with the production.
The article in the Aug. 16 Orion Review was done well, and should have helped insure a good crowd, along with the advertising that hit the same day. The lack of confidence from those who made the decision, I’m sure, will disappoint many.
Bob Amberg
I would like to congratulate Mike Gingell on his outstanding and upsetting victory over the present two-term incumbent, Eric Wilson, for Oakland County Commissioner, District 3!
This event is our local version of Louis- Schemeling I, Ali-Frazier I, and The Long Count of Jack Dempsey-Gene Tunney, 1927.
Gingell upset and knocked out the hometown favorite, Wilson, by a huge margin, here in Lake Orion and Orion Township, in the voting results.
I remember talking with some local citizens, and I was told ‘Eric’s gonna take it, he’s gonna mop the area votes with Gingell,? I even had one person ask if I’d like to put a $100 bet that Gingell would lose by a big margin! There is an old saying, ‘never count out the underdog!?
Well, as far as Eric Wilson goes, I would suggest you go back and practice law, and stay out of politics. We have too many of you lawyers in our government now.
And if you get a chance, Eric, watch the movie ‘All the King’s Men,? starring Broderick Crawford; it’s all about a man who starts out being a lawyer and ends up governor, only to have it backfire on himself. That movie is available at the Orion Township Library.
A word of warning, Mr. Gingell, don’t take your Democratic opponent lightly in November, watch carefully and keep your guard up at all times. There are a lot of head hunters who would like to bring you down before you begin, just look at Senator Joe Lieberman.
Well, tally ho, and I’m glad to see the nickel go to Gingell.
James Delevan
Well, Mr. Wilson, the people have spoken, and despite your dirty tricks, Mr. Gingell won!
You know, Mr. Wilson, people around Orion who’ve been here for a long time have long memories. And we don’t forget it when you do something wrong.
One of YOUR people, Mr. Wilson, yelled at me when I went to vote. He was obnoxious and rude, so much so that I complained to the election officials. Really told me what kind of candidate you are!
So I, for one, am really happy Mr. Gingell won, firstly, because he comes from one of the oldest founding families, and secondly, because he’s been a GENTLEMAN, whereas YOU, Mr. Wilson, are a snake. So get to pounding the bricks, and find a job!
You’re OUTTA HERE! BOOYAH!
Laura Allen
Apparently the Lake Orion School Board had their eyes shut and hands over their ears during the uproar when Oakland ISD built their Taj Mahal.
Just as the Oakland ISD Board approved the building of a new administration building after the infamous 2001 ‘stealth? election, that was to fund Special and Vocational Ed Programs, the Lake Orion School Board just approved $750,000 for the construction of an addition to the administration building.
Obviously, it’s not to the same scale, but the principle is the same.
Last week, the Lake Orion School Board approved construction of an addition to the administration building, which includes a new parking lot along Church Street, with funds from the 2002 bond issue.
The addition to the administration building, only a 10-year-old building, includes a new conference room, new carpets and some general remodeling.
A little background information: in Nov. of 2001, the Lake Orion School Board sold the Ehman Center, and the parking lot between the Ehman Center and the administration building, for $98,500. The monies from the sale went into the general fund, that helped balance the school budget.
According to the Orion Township Assessor, the fair market value of the Ehman Center and parking lot was over $470,000. The land alone was worth nearly $300,000.
The $23 million 2002 bond issue application filed with Lansing was primarily to fund the expansion of the high school, improvements to the elementary schools, upgrades for the computer network, and purchase of 18 buses.
The bond application didn’t include any addition to the administration building. However, there was $1.75 million allocated for the ‘remodeling of the existing bus maintenance facility into education support offices with related technology and site improvement.?
Since the board sold the Ehman Center far below fair market value and didn’t have enough funds to construct a new parking lot, they decided to use the $1.75 million allocated for the remodeling of the old bus garage for the addition to the administration building.
I don’t believe the board ever had the intention of remodeling the old bus garage, as the site would have required extensive environmental cleanup.
Bottom line, the school board made very bad financial decisions that are costing every taxpayer money. The taxpayers would have been better off if the board had just closed the Ehman Center down, rather than selling it below the cost of replacing the parking lot.
Considering that the board’s only responsibilities are to hire a superintendent, set policy, issue contracts and the payment of bills, maybe it’s time the citizens of the Lake Orion Community School District elect a new school board that has better business sense.
Howard Sherman
Although we are not village residents, we do have loved ones buried in East Lawn Cemetery. We feel that this proposed film shooting is an invasion of our loved ones? privacy, and shouldn’t be allowed to take place.
As mentioned in the article of Aug. 3, if this film became a ‘cult? classic film, there would be a swarm of unwanted and unwelcome visitors to the cemetery. We have already had a loved one’s gravesite vandalized twice, and don’t wish it to happen again.
A cemetery is a place of peace and quiet, and should remain as such. I hope that the village officials realize that they are representing not just village tenants in this issue, but many families who may not approve of this, and don’t have the opportunity to voice their opinions.
We have nothing against freedom of the filmmakers, but they must realize that this is not a back lot on some Hollywood set. This is home to our loved ones that have passed on, and who cannot speak for themselves any longer.
We think that the village should return Hammond’s deposit of $500, and forget this venture.
Name withheld by request
Just how can we say thank you enough to your kindness and generosity during the recent FISH Backpack and School Supplies Drive?
Special thanks go to Lake Orion Applebee’s, The Oxford Leader, St. Joseph Church, and Oxford Curves, who agreed to be community collection sites.
Very generous large donations were also received from King of Kings Church, The Oxford Moms? Club and the members of Oxford Curves.
Thanks to our community, there will be approximately 100 students who will enter school this year with a new backpack and all the supplies asked for by most teachers.
This year they won’t have to be the one child in the room with the faded, tattered backpack, or need to ask the teacher for markers or crayons to color their map.
They’ll be able to pull out their notebook at journal writing time, and not have to ask the teacher if they have an extra one. Being prepared and equipped to start the day is so important for every child.
Thank you for making sure Oxford, Addison and Orion’s neediest can hold their heads high as school beings.
Oxford/Orion FISH
The Lake Orion Village Council had before it, on July 28, the request for a film company to shoot a burial scene at East Lawn Cemetery.
I oppose this occurring, and hope other people who either own plots there, or have loved ones buried there, will let the council know how they feel.
I think East Lawn should continue enjoying the dignity and respect it has had for so many years.
Fay Nebel
Attention Orion Township Board and Orion seniors:
The Orion Senior Center offers healthy opportunities like swimming, exercise and walking, through their partnership with the Great Lakes Athletic Club; swimming and water aerobics through Lake Orion Community Schools; exercise classes at the center; arts and crafts, ceramics, knitting and crochet, porcelain painting and sewing; foreign language clubs in Spanish, Chinese, and soon French; plus workshops and seminars on healthy living.
In addition, dementia and Alzheimer’s support groups meet once a month. Read the Orion Senior Center newsletter, and vote no to the 3-township senior center.
We don’t need it, or the taxes or bonds necessary to support it.
Bev Gall
The Omilian family would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people for their thoughts and prayers for Chelsey after her Manta Ray accident.
A special thanks to the male nurse at the Sandbar.
Scott DeLong
The Police Department
Normally I don’t write to the editor in complaint of things, in fact I very rarely write in at all, however, the film proposed to be shot in the cemetery struck a slight nerve for me.
My family has loved ones who are buried in the cemetery in which filmmakers propose to shoot a scene. I realize that there’s no ‘desecration? going on, or slated to be done in the film, and I commend the makers of said film for asking permission and going through the correct channels, however, I can’t believe the village would allow this to go through.
There’s already a certain amount of vandalism that happens out there on a general principle without attention being called to the final homes of our loved ones. Things are taken off the graves or smashed, or just ‘disappear.?
My fear is that no matter if this film becomes a ‘cult classic,? the fact that this graveyard, as it will, would come under undo attention because it’s a backdrop that truly exists and not a fabrication.
Please, leave our loved ones in peace. They aren’t able to tell you themselves that they don’t want intrusion, so we, the families (whom I might add are NOT all from the village, but township and surrounding areas), have to speak for them.
Give the deposit back, and tell them that we are honored that they thought of our loved ones? resting place, but we are very sorry that this cannot happen, and they will have to build a cemetery backlot somewhere.
Trust me, it doesn’t cost that much to make a cemetery, I had one in my yard for 14 years every Halloween, life-sized stones made of pressboard, not that hard or expensive to make, and it truly looked real.
A lot of the stones and markers out there have pictures of loved ones on them. I, for one, wouldn’t want to see my loved one’s picture on a film as a backdrop, nor would I want to see my family’s or friends? names used as a backdrop either.
I hope the village will see our point of view, for those of us with loved ones buried there (I, for one, have six family members buried there, as well as three friends who have passed). We don’t want intruders into our cemetery and disturbing the tranquility our loved ones now embrace.
Please don’t desecrate our loved ones by making a mockery of their homes by demeaning them and making them a backdrop for someone’s movie.
However, if this does go through, then I can hang my head in shame that the people on the village council care more for the almighty buck and a shot at notoriety than the people (some of whom out there, by the way, were building blocks to this community!), whose remains are interred there for eternity and made a mockery of.
Thank you in advance for doing the right thing, village, and saying no. We care for our residents that will forever reside within our district too much to let this happen!
The Jeffery’s
If you want a dedicated, honest and hard working county commissioner for the third district, vote for Mike Gingell on Aug. 8 in the Republican Primary.
As a former Orion Township trustee, I had the pleasure of working with Mike firsthand, and I saw firsthand how much he truly cares for the community.
Not only does Mike have a ‘hands on approach,? but he also has the knowledge, experience and dedication to do the job. He’s always prepared and brings a ‘common sense approach to government,? which is missing in most cases.
Mike is not out for his own personal gain, and he’ll do what is in the best interests of the community, while working to build a consensus with others.
As a proven leader in both the public and private sector, Mike is truly the best man to lead us in the future. Orion and Oakland townships are very lucky to have a person of this stature willing to represent us.
Protect your future, and vote for Mike Gingell on Aug. 8!
Will Wilsher
The Aug. 8 Primary Election isn’t about politics as usual. It’s about making the right choices for our representatives in Congress. We want you to know that we’re supporting Patricia ‘Pan? Godchaux for the 9th District seat, because she believes our government should work for all of us.
A moderate Republican, Pan has always served with progressive values on privacy, public education, personal responsibility and the government’s role to help those who cannot reasonably help themselves.
A resident of Oakland County for more than 22 years, Pan has been a teacher, served on a local school board and as a state representative, and currently serves our community on the Oakland Schools (ISD) Board.
She comes from a family with a mother and grandmother who both served on school boards; therefore, Pan Godchaux recognizes the importance of public service and has the integrity necessary to be an effective leader.
The moral compass of our government has swayed too far off course. Lobbyists matter more than the rest of us. Funds are ‘earmarked? for pet projects of friends of politicians, while our road system deteriorates and our education funding shrinks.
This campaign will not be easy: the incumbent has been in Congress for seven terms, and in his last race, raised and spent over $2 million. However, the momentum to change a failing system is everywhere we go. We’re sure you hear it, too.
We have a chance on Aug. 8 to help put Congress back on track by electing someone who will work for people like you and me. With her experience as a creative, successful problem-solver and consensus-builder, Pan is more than qualified to take on that challenge.
If you and your family are concerned about integrity in government, quality of life for aging family members, creation and retention of good jobs, education funding and protection of the environment, we’re inviting you to join us in voting for Patricia ‘Pan? Godchaux for US Representative for the 9th District in the Republican Primary on Aug. 8.
If you need more information before you vote, visit www.electgodchaux.com.
Doug and Jill Bastian
As our state representative, Jim Marleau has served our community with dedication and commitment. His focus on road improvements and education will positively impact our district for years to come.
Marleau has fought for our roads by testifying publicly about MDOT’s neglect to M-24 (Lapeer Road). He also recently started the M-24 study group, which combines the communities along M-24, in order to assist in sending a stronger voice to Lansing about our needed improvements.
Marleau has defended education and was able to bring the first substantial increase in funding for our schools in the last three years. He actively communicates with our school representatives and administrators in order to accurately understand their issues and to listen to their needs.
Representative Jim Marleau has worked hard for our community and he’s always available when a need arises. We will be supporting him on Aug. 8 with our votes, and hope that you will do the same.
Mike and Karen Gingell
The time has come to get serious about which Republican candidate should be elected in Orion’s Aug. 8 Primary. The bottom line is, Eric Wilson has done a great job of representing all of Orion’s citizens during his tenure as Oakland County Commissioner for District 3.
‘Why is it important that he be reelected,? you ask? Well, Eric currently is Vice Chair of the Republican Commission Caucus, Chairman of the Oakland County Jail Task Force Committee, and is a member of the Finance and General Government Committees.
He’s a past member of the Personnel Committee and former Majority Vice Chair of the Planning and Building Committee. His attendance at commission meetings is near perfect, and he was present for 95 percent of the votes cast. He’s well respected by his fellow commissioners.
This Vietnam veteran was also active in local government as a township trustee (nine years) and served 10 years on the zoning board of appeals. His organization participation includes membership in the Orion Township Historical Society, Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, LO Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Orion Veterans Memorial (board of directors), Union Church Restoration Board, and the North Oakland Transportation Authority.
As I see it, the race for county commissioner is about who’s best qualified to do the job, and has the strongest, relevant record of achievement. Only one candidate meets this criteria; Eric Wilson is the clear winner and deserves to be reelected.
Ralph Painter
Mike Gingell is a proven leader, who would be a great addition to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
He’s the vice president of strategic markets for R.L. Polk & Co., and was recently awarded the 2006 Young Leadership and Excellence Award from the Automotive Hall of Fame.
His leadership skills were probably best described by Stephen Polk, the chairman, president and CEO of R.L. Polk & Co., stating that ‘Mike possesses the essential qualities and skills of a strong leader…the ability to build a winning team, and a gift for developing innovative ideas and seeing them through to fruition.?
While watching the Orion Township Board meetings, it’s clear to me that Mike researches every issue brought before the board. He’s always informed and always comes prepared to a meeting.
As much as I would hate to see him leave the township board, I know he’ll serve our community well.
Please vote for Mike Gingell for county commissioner.
Shawn Wilsher
On July 21, Candidate’s Night at Orion Township Hall had several surprises from County Commissioner Eric Wilson. One of them, when asked why he supported the Eagle Valley Landfill expansion, he said he ‘has never supported the Eagle Valley landfill expansion.?
Some in the audience, who knew better, were startled to hear his response, and shortly thereafter, one of them took the microphone and retorted that he was there, and recalled Wilson’s lone vote as a township trustee to start negotiations.
Wilson and the rest of the board had been advised by the township attorney that to open negotiations would definitely engage the township in a legal obligation to negotiate.
Voting for this would indicate support for the expansion. Wilson, an attorney, was the lone board member who voted to open negotiations, thus supporting Eagle Valley!
The issue was so serious, it was placed on the ballot in 2000, and was overwhelmingly defeated by the residents.
I was on that township board, and so was the current township clerk. Check with Clerk Jill Bastian, and/or the township records. The re-telecast will be on July 30, and Aug. 6, on Channel 10.
Commissioner Wilson is guilty of a short memory, at the least.
Burke Cueny
How lucky the residents of Orion and Oakland townships are to have a county commissioner who not only walks the walk, but talks the talk, and truly works hard for the people.
Eric Wilson has always worked for seniors, kids programs and the betterment of all the residents in his district, and many others. He has worked long before becoming a trustee in Orion and long before becoming a county commissioner, not just before an election.
Eric Wilson provided free law advice to seniors and helped to raise money for feasibility studies for community resources. He is a strong supporter of transportation for seniors and the mentally and physically disabled, and our veterans.
He has been on the North Oakland Transportation Board for years, helping to expand services to those who need it so badly.
I firsthand am a big supporter of politicians who do as they promise, and follow through with their promises–Eric Wilson goes far and beyond his call of duty for all people, not just a select few.
With great respect, I encourage you all to get out and vote in the primary and retain Eric Wilson as your county commissioner in Lake Orion and Oakland. You will never find anyone that will work as hard for you and your communities.
Pat Fitchena
NOTA director
The people in Orion and Oakland townships have an excellent selection for District 3 County Commissioner in Michael J. Gingell.
He has served as Orion Township trustee for six years, and is now on eight township committees, which he incorporates with ease, along with being a family man and business executive.
He treats township expenditures as if he’s spending his own money, which is contrary to his opponent. I want this RESPONSIBLE man (Mr. Gingell) making monetary decisions for me. As our county transitions to a global economy, his private sector experience in the domestic and international automotive industry will also serve our business community well.
The choice should be easy. Mr. Gingell is the most qualified candidate based on his experience, credibility and track record in local government. He’s not connected to any special interest group, and he doesn’t talk about all the things he’s going to do, but just gets them done.
David Janman
I don’t know about the rest of the citizens of this community, but I, for one, am tired of the good old boy society and the team players. In other words, the typical politicians.
(State representative James) Marleau is a typical politician. If it’s too controversial for his political career, he won’t get involved.
For instance, he was in a position to help the Gingellville Community Center, and chose not to. GCC is too politically controversial.
When he was Orion Township treasurer, he was questioned by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, about the theft of GCC’s file from the township assessing department. He came to our center, thinking we would believe this. Our chairperson and myself assured him we didn’t believe it, and would not be part of any slander. He knew this had political motives.
When an elected official decides it’s more important to be part of the good old boy society and form an alliance with people who have questionable ethics, then it’s clear they’re only in politics for one reason: what’s in it for them.
When a person sees an injustice and turns their back, that person becomes part of the problem. Is it too much to ask for, to have elected officials that truly care about you and me? That they do the work of the people?
I believe Dan Myslakowski has the passion. I think he’ll work for the people. I think he’ll give me something to believe in again.
Pam Hutchison
GCC director
My grandson, Michael Gingell, is running for Oakland County Commissioner in the Republican Primary on Aug. 8, and I’m asking for your support.
Michael has a good heart for people, and he also has many of the same characteristics of his grandfather (Francis). He values his family, his community and his Christian beliefs.
He knows that strong communities require people who are willing to help each other and work together for a common goal. He is willing to lead and is able to serve.
For those of you who know our family, and/or appreciate the small town values that Gingellville has stood for over the years, regardless of your political party affiliation, I am asking that you mark your calendar for Aug. 8, and remember to vote. With your help, we can elect my grandson, Michael, and have a county commissioner that I know will make us all proud.
Thank you for your help!
Laura Gingell
Are you kidding me? You want to build a new senior center, now? You want to get into all of the taxpayers? pockets, so the seniors can have a Taj Mahal?
Give me a break! Obviously, you haven’t driven around Orion lately. Have you seen all the ‘for sale? signs on properties around here? And the ‘reduced price? signs? Who exactly is going to be here to pay for this center, when it’s so apparent that people are getting out of here in droves?
All of the property values are going to fall, and then what? There are few jobs, and many of them that are gone are gone for good. Who’s going to pay all those taxes to fund this boondoggle?
Are the seniors using it going to pay more? How can they, when a lot of the pensions are going south, as companies dump them from bankruptcies, and seniors are going to be charged more and more for health care?
And are you worried they won’t have a place to be entertained? And then you want to institute valet parking? To all of you elected officials, take a good look around. Orion is NOT the place it was just five years ago! And the money around here is leaving, and leaving for good!
Get with the program. When all the yuppies who moved here over the past 15 years lose their jobs, they won’t be hanging around hoping it’s going to get better. They’ll leave.
And at the rate it’s going, Orion will be a ghost town again, and you’ll be out of a job too! If I were you, I’d worry about what you’re going to do with all that bank-owned property sitting around vacant, and how you’re going to pay for all the plush parks and schools, and everything you’ve built for the yuppies when they’re gone.
Laura Allen
A public hearing was held on June 6 at Orion Township Hall, regarding an application for a permit made by Mat Dunaskiss to the DEQ, seeking after-the-fact approval to operate a private marina on Lake Orion.
Prior to the hearing, the Lake Orion Lake Association obtained 423 signatures on a petition from lake residents, stating they had no desire to allow another marina on Lake Orion. The petitions were turned in to the DEQ, as well as Orion Township.
LOLA board members have had several meetings with Orion Township officials, trying to impress upon them the fact that this is important to lake homeowners. The property in question is zoned residential, and therefore should not have a business operating there.
The DEQ gave the impression at the hearing that there’s a good chance this permit will be granted.
Anyone interested in this marina should call Orion Township officials and express your opinion. We need them to enforce the zoning on this piece of property. Without citizen involvement, this permit will be granted, and Lake Orion will have more boats on the water.
Marge Smith
LOLA secretary
A letter was read at the July 17 Orion Township Board meeting, by William McMaster, state chairman of the Taxpayers United Michigan Foundation.
I believe this letter says it all, and in my opinion Orion Township officials, like Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk and Assessor John Attwell, are not leveling with the citizens of Orion Township on why they all of a sudden, after 65 years, made the decision that the Gingellville Community Center should start paying property taxes.
Oh sure, you can pass the buck and blame the state of Michigan, Jerry and Johnny, but who fired the first shot? It didn’t come from the citizens, it came from you two!
And you know this could end up being a Pandora’s Box, if this problem ever gets totally resolved.
Citizens of Orion Township, now is the time to wake up and face the fact that some of our elected officials aren’t working for our best interests, they are only working for what they can get for themselves!
Jerry Dywasuk, John Attwell, Eric Wilson and James Marleau, to name a few, should do the citizens of Orion Township a favor, and bow out while they still have some dignity left to bow out with!
James Delevan
Michigan businesses and households have had to face and make cuts. We have rising gas and heat bills. Citizens are losing their jobs, homes, insurance and pensions. Yet Michigan’s senators and representatives have not taken any cuts. For some unknown reason, they think they are more deserving.
I watched the broadcast of ‘Meet the Candidates? at the Orion Township Hall on July 21. When I heard Marleau talk about making cuts in unemployment and welfare, I thought, ‘isn’t that wonderful, let’s take away from the people who need it most.?
Why should our representatives and our senators get the best health insurance, multiple pensions, and let’s not forget, the raises they vote for themselves? All of this at the taxpayers? expense.
Seems to me this is where the cuts should start.
Lillian Hutchison
There is a relatively unknown candidate in the race for the Republican nomination for our district’s State House of Representatives, in the primary on Aug. 8–unknown, that is, if you’re a politician and usually keenly unaware of the make-up of your constituency, or even take the time to get to know the people who voted you into office.
But, this man is extremely well-known and trusted, if you have lived in or around this community for nearly the last 30 years. His name is Tom Poulin, and he should be without a doubt not only our Republican candidate for the seat on Aug. 8, but also the leading voice for our district in Lansing.
I’ve known Tom for many years, and there is one thing I can say about him that is sorely lacking right now in our district–INTEGRITY.
We need a representative like Tom Poulin who will follow through on the promises, objectives and platform that he stands on for this district–something that our current representative and hopeful career politician in-training (or can I say patsy, and tell it like it is?), Jim Marleau, has failed to accomplish from his promises in 2004.
Tom Poulin, with integrity, selflessness, and dedication to our community, has served with honor, awards and commendations for close to 30 years with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, and as a successful business owner.
Neighbors, Tom Poulin was one of the first from Oakland County on the scene to help with the 9/11 disaster at the World Trade Center, protects our community as a member of both the Dive Rescue and S.W.A.T. teams, and is part of a special task force that protects our nation’s leaders and dignitaries when they visit the area.
Tom’s leadership and courage have already been exercised for years in our county. Now it’s time to put that track record to work in our state!
Our current representative that is seeking reelection this year just doesn’t have the core qualities that a leader needs, or the motivation to affect change in our community.
Tom Poulin does, friends, and I can tell you that a breath of fresh air is needed to really start making things happen that the people of this area want to happen, not what sounds like a good cause to secure an election at the last minute. Everyone has known that M-24 has been a washboard for years, and our current representative, Mr. Marleau, just discovered that three weeks ago, and is making a stink of it. NOW? Where was he two years ago, as the roads were in the same shape as they are today?
Given the fact that he rarely visits his own district or addresses its interests, he probably wouldn’t have known that anyway, until he finally came back around to campaign for two more years of paychecks!
If we want a solid public servant leader that really wants to make an impact for our community, and not just a state paycheck, and has the integrity, posture and willpower to push in Lansing for issues that are timely and important to us, then we’ll want to vote for Tom Poulin on Aug. 8, and really start making things happen around here.
Let’s back Tom Poulin in this election like he’s backed so many of us here in the community for close to 30 years!
Michael Barrett
I am very shocked and disappointed by the fact that someone would trespass on private property to steal a Gingell campaign sign.
I consider this to be a vicious attack on my freedom and my right to support candidates within the confines of my own yard!
In talking to the Gingell campaign, it appears that I am not the only one who has had my sign stolen. The disappearance of signs has been occurring over the last several days (actually nights, as the culprits aren’t brave enough to break the law during daylight hours). Stealing signs is unprofessional and it’s time to stop.
This incident has only reinforced why I will be voting for Mike Gingell for county commissioner. He would not endorse or participate in this type of activity. He is a professional who has class.
Sheila Johnson
In researching the candidates for Oakland County Commissioner, I have found that Mike Gingell is the best qualified candidate for the job.
Mike has represented the citizens of Orion Township over the past six years as a township trustee. He has proven that he’s a leader on the board, and he does the right thing for the citizens.
He voted against the expansion of the Eagle Valley Landfill, and has consistently challenged township expenditures, supported the paving of Flintridge and Pine Tree Roads, and led the movement to keep General Motors (and 2,600 jobs) in our community.
Mike Gingell is willing to make the difficult decisions, fiscally conservative, pro-business, practical and fundamentally sound. And, most importantly, he’s willing to listen to the citizens of Orion and Oakland Townships.
I trust the residents will agree that Mike Gingell is the best candidate for Oakland County Commissioner. I hope they join me in supporting him with their vote in the Republican Primary on Aug. 8.
J. Head
Eric Wilson is my choice for county commissioner. He’s a fair, decent and respected man who goes out of his way to fight tirelessly for the residents of Orion Township.
He has worked hard to obtain funding for projects such as the extension of Dutton Road, which is helping to ease traffic on M-24. He understands our needs as citizens and works extremely well with other agencies to help make Orion Township a safer and nicer place to live.
Eric is a compassionate and caring family man. Advocacy for cancer issues are a major concern for me and the American Cancer Society’s Lake Orion Relay for Life. Eric continues to support our endeavors to raise awareness of cancer and help in our fight to eliminate it.
We need to reelect Eric as county commissioner, so he can keep his good works in motion!
Teri Donaldson
LO Relay for Life Chairperson
On Aug. 8, I will be checking my primary ballot in support of Michael Gingell as our next county commissioner.
As an elected Orion Township trustee, Michael has always served us well. He has demonstrated his concern for fiscal responsibility, and has spoken out against unnecessary expenditures.
I have found in attending and watching our local cable broadcasts of the township board meetings that Michael Gingell is forthright and honest.
He’s not one to fast talk his way into or out of a situation or circumstance. He has always given me an up front, candid response to any of my queries.
In voting for a candidate, I don’t decide along party lines, gender or religious affiliation. I fully believe in supporting someone who will up hold his or her oath of office.
Michael Gingell is one who I firmly believe will respect and honor our Michigan State Constitution–including the 1978 Headlee Amendment that has been ignored and dishonored by far too many elected officials since its passage by a vote of the people.
I’m frustrated with politicians who place their own well-being before their constituents?.
Too many politicians are more interested in lining their pockets or those of their peers with our tax dollars, despite the fact that Michigan is in an economic free-fall, with many of their constituents suffering from cutbacks and job losses.
Michael Gingell’s background is not one of greed, but of service to his community.
That’s why on Aug. 8, I will be voting for him to be my Oakland County Commissioner.
Mary MacMaster
This year’s election buzz is all about the single business tax (SBT), and how it’s a job killer in Michigan.
Aspiring politicians and others on this bandwagon are telling you that eliminating it will turn around the horrific, dismal Michigan economy, and a plethora of new jobs will be created.
Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s a bunch of bahooey! First off, there isn’t even a full plan in place to deal with the $1.8 billion in lost revenue. Secondly, most Michiganders have never even heard of the SBT, as it has nothing to do with them, or their families, but a good paying job to support them does.
The Ford Wixom Plant was offered all the tax incentives in the world, but they still closed it, and Ford is still going to Mexico because of ‘cheap foreign labor,? period, exclamation point!
When you stop the $70 billion monthly US trade deficit, then you’ll stop the bleeding of jobs in Michigan, and the US. That’s the real ‘job killer,? folks!
The Aug. 8 primary election will determine many of the elected positions in Oakland County, your representation! Therefore, as a hypnotist would say, ‘when I count to three, and snap my fingers, you will wake up,? one, two, three, snap…
Daniel Myslakowski
*Editor’s note: Myslakowski is a Republican candidate for the office of State Representative for the 46th District.
Well, it’s the Fourth of July carnival time. This year the Lions Club waited until June to get approval from the village, which means they must have already known in advance that the village would give its approval to have the carnival downtown again, since the carnival is booked months before.
One of our biggest problems is that most downtown parking is dedicated to the people running the carnival, not to any of the businesses, and not to those attending. What happened to parking at Blanche Sims? Is that a little too inconvenient?
Then please, find another place that’s more accommodating to the carnival and the downtown businesses. Moving to another place with more spacious accommodations, allowing more rides and therefore more profit for the club makes sense.
Has anyone from the Lions Club even looked into moving the carnival to another location? I doubt it. Last year I wrote a letter asking them about relocating, and I expected an answer, but of course never got one. I’m sure I won’t this year either.
Believe me, I’m not the only business owner in town who doesn’t appreciate the carnival here, although I appreciate what the Lions Club is doing. There are very few businesses that actually ‘benefit? from the carnival. Most of us cannot receive deliveries, and customers don’t want the hassle of trying to find a parking space, so they just stay away until the carnival is gone.
Why does the village continually give the okay? The village has the power to make the Lions Club find another location, why don’t they? I am looking forward to anyone’s answer.
Janice Cole
There are times in our lives when we are called upon to make an uncomfortable choice. Many of us that know both Eric Wilson and Mike Gingell are faced with a decision on Aug. 8.
I think both men have earned our respect as office holders. Mike is now in his sixth year on the Orion Township Board. His experience has been very helpful to the four of us freshman members, and we would miss his leadership on the board at this time.
Eric has already served nine years on the Orion Township Board, and is now asking for our vote for a third term as our county commissioner. His repeated informal reports to the board have created an important bridge between the township and county.
I have attended many functions with him, where he has gone out of his way to make introductions to key individuals in county government and business circles.
Eric has demonstrated, in his short time as county commissioner, that he has invested himself in getting Orion and Oakland the representation they deserve in the busy arena of Oakland County government, including earning the endorsements of the county leadership.
Eric has gone one step further in creating new bridges between our township and Congressmen Knollenberg and Rogers. Those relationships have been critical in getting the support that we need for NOTA, the Baldwin Road expansion, and the Veterans Memorial.
Eric has earned my endorsement as county commissioner, and I ask that you consider the investment that Oakland and Orion have already made in establishing him as our county commissioner.
Please vote to reelect Eric Wilson as county commissioner.
John Garlicki
The people of Oakland and Orion Townships have two good candidates to choose from in the upcoming primary for Oakland County Commissioner for District 3.
After careful consideration, I am encouraging everyone to support Eric Wilson, because I know he is a good county commissioner.
Eric fully understands that being a good commissioner is much more than attending 12 meetings a year. Aside from serving on several committees and organizational boards, he always finds time to listen and discuss issues with people who contact him.
Eric goes out of his way to make sure the proper county officials follow up or attend meetings to address citizen concerns.
Our current county commissioner has worked tirelessly behind the scenes since his election in 2003. As an Orion Township trustee, I have always appreciated the fact that Eric regularly contacts local representatives to keep us informed about what is happening at the county, and is always helping us to network with county and state officials.
Somehow, he manages to keep a positive attitude and is quick to recognize the accomplishments of local citizens.
Good candidates are sometimes hard to find and proven leaders are even harder to identify. Please join me in supporting a proven leader by casting your vote for Republican Eric Wilson in the Aug. 8 primary election.
John Steimel
I attended the July 6 Orion Township Board meeting, where the financing and building of a senior center to serve Lake Orion, Oxford and Addison was discussed.
How many senior citizens are there in the three communities? As I look at our neighborhood, families with school-age children seem to be in the majority. Looks like a young community to me. Hopefully we aren’t proposing a facility for a limited number of users!
Who conducted the survey for the center, and what were the questions? How many people were surveyed, and who tabulated the results? In a discussion with several people who conducted the survey, they readily admitted that some of those surveyed weren’t seniors, but were people hoping to build a facility for their parents.
The phrase ‘dropping off seniors to attend activities? should probably be changed to ‘dumping off seniors.? Sounds like a babysitting service.
Now, I know everyone should be surveyed regarding this proposal, but perhaps someone needs to examine the demographics of the study. Was it top-loaded with seniors, and what was the mix of non-seniors?
What facilities are already in place for seniors? Trustee Matthew Gibb raised the point about joining a club such as Great Lakes Athletic Club, and how about Powerhouse Gym in Oxford? Did anyone consider the complexity of operating a gym or pool, or the myriad of activities that take place in such a center?
Does the proposal take into consideration liability insurance, trained instructors, a billing department, marketing and management team, and a budget for equipment such as treadmills?
This question was raised: what happens if only two of the three communities vote for the proposal? Treasurer Alice Young made her intentions clear, when she responded ‘well, we’ll just wait until the other community sees the light.?
It’s obvious that she’s steering this proposal to her predetermined destination! And the ‘light? she refers to perhaps is the train coming down the tracks, destined for derailment on this ill-conceived project.
It was mentioned that if we wait for all three communities to approve, it could be years, and the budget would be adversely affected.
What makes anyone think the three communities are going to cooperate on this project, when they can’t even cooperate on something like the Polly Ann Trail?
Do seniors know that even after the facility is built, they’ll be responsible for monthly dues? Hopefully the education information that Clerk Jill Bastian proposed to accompany the ballot will address this issue. This isn’t a free ride for seniors on a fixed income.
Before the communities place this on the ballot, shouldn’t voters know the location? Since Lake Orion will bear most of the expense, shouldn’t it be in Orion? Once a location is revealed, there will no doubt be a concern on the part of some that it’s not centrally located. Seniors don’t like traveling long distances.
As a senior myself, I’ve found ways to socialize, exercise and become involved in projects with current facilities in our area. Others should do the same.
When residents discover that a $300,000 homeowner will pay approximately $135 in taxes for a facility earmarked for seniors, it’ll be a tough sell.
One presenter indicated seniors have supported the schools over the years, and now it’s time for the community to support the seniors. I would offer that it’s that very sound and excellent school system that attracts people, mostly young, to our communities. To expect this same group to support a senior center when so many alternatives exist is incomprehensible.
Bill Kalmar
This is in regards to the proposal on the tri-community senior center, ‘no way, Jose!?
Each community pays its own taxes. When you start merging and consolidating any operation, it always ends up costing the citizens more!
What is so bad about having the seniors as part of any municipal community center? It seems to work well in Berkley and Troy. Yet people like Ed Peters, Kathy Wieland, Jim Milford, Alice Young and Eric Wilson want the citizens to believe that building a country club for seniors at the taxpayers? expense is a noble thing to do!
At least the citizens will be able to make the decision this November.
Don’t listen to the crap about reaping the fruits of our labor. Your own reward is what you can do for yourself and try to survive on your own merits, and do your best to overcome any obstacles that may come your way.
In other words, if you want this senior center, then do not ask the taxpayers to fund your privately-restricted center.
Then you’ll have, for example, a pre-teen center strictly for children 7-12, funded by the taxpayers, in three communities, do you see my point on how expensive this could get?
Each building has its maintenance upkeep, utilities and insurance. It’s sort of like one person owning four houses and five automobiles!
Vote no and save the Gingellville Community Center. Recall Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, and fire Orion Township Assessor John Attwell.
James Delevan
I have to respond to the June 28 article. If Orion Township Assessor John Attwell thinks what happened on March 9, 2004 with the Board of Review was considered a hearing, he’s 100 percent wrong.
Those three people on the Board of Review that we saw, said ‘We don’t know anything about 501(c)3s, or charitable organizations, you need to talk to John Attwell.?
That doesn’t consist of hearing. Attwell admits the Board of Review made a mistake. Who gave them the wrong information?
According to township attorney bills, Kristin Kolb was asked to research a 501(c)7. Who asked her to research that status? I filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the minutes of the Board of Review. What I got was the tax roll. Somebody had a meeting with them, and gave them false information.
Then Attwell says all this is irrelevant. So, why do we have a Board of Review, if their hearings are irrelevant, if their mistakes are irrelevant?
Who do these people answer too? And then we have an assessor who tells our township board that they are out of line, if they want to ask questions about Board of Review procedures. And the township board backs down.
He is a department head, the township board is in charge. I have given the township board, over and over, the questions to ask. But for some reason they are afraid to.
Well, no more questions. I know the answers, I know that Attwell met with the Board of Review, and what he told them. See, one of his Board of Review members was talking a lot before the so-called ‘theft? of GCC’s file. Does everyone remember that?
Maybe the State Treasury’s Assessing Board will find all this interesting? Attwell says he did what he felt was right. The right thing would have been to sit down and have a dialogue, possibly work out a solution. We were promised a meeting, but that did not happen.
What he regrets, and I think was surprised by, was that we didn’t lie down and take it. We stood and fought. The community center has been a great asset to this community for years. It never cost the taxpayers a dime. But citizens of Orion, just wait, you’ll see a proposal for a new community center, and it will cost you more than a dime.
Attwell states this is no vendetta. Well, I for one don’t believe him. I will admit, it’s personal for me. The difference is what I’m seeking, it’s called ‘justice.?
Pam Hutchison
GCC Director
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Staff Sgt. Raymond Plouhar, who was recently killed in combat in Iraq.
It was my privilege to have coached Ray in football, during the 1993 and 1994 football seasons at Lake Orion High School.
During my many years involved in coaching, I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to have worked with many fine young men.
Ray would be at the top of my list.
As a football player, Ray was a hard working, dedicated and tenacious athlete. During his senior year, he overcame and played over injuries that would have discouraged a lesser athlete.
Ray not only played, he was a major force in leading the Dragons to a league championship, and qualifying for the state playoffs.
More important than Ray as a football player, was Ray as a person. He was a very determined, goal-oriented young man. I always felt that in whatever he set out to accomplish, he would be successful.
I am certain that for all of us who were fortunate to have known Ray, the fact that he crossed our paths has made a difference, and he will be missed.
Tom McCormick
Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond Plouhar was killed in Iraq on June 26. Sergeant Plouhar was one of the soldiers Operation Guardian Angel and the Lake Orion Post Office sent care packages to.
We had received a letter from him last month, expressing his gratitude for our thoughtfulness, even though we did not know him personally. I believe his mother brought in his name and address to us.
His letter told us exactly what kind of person he was. By his thankfulness, by his humble way, he requested a coffee pot and DVDs for his fellow soldiers, and, by the way, found it hard to accept our donations.
We did not know him personally, but his letter was a reflection of a humble man who gave his life for the freedom of others.
In gratitude for his ultimate sacrifice, donations would be greatly appreciated to purchase a brick with his name and information on it, in our new Orion Veterans Memorial Park.
There is no greater love than a man who would lay down his life for another.
Please bring in or send your donations to: Charlotte Cito, Operation Guardian Angel, Lake Orion Post Office, 611 N. Axford, Lake Orion, MI 48361.
Please make checks out to Operation Guardian Angel/Charlotte Cito, and note that it is for Ray Plouhar donations.
I am also sending packages to about 20 other local soldiers stationed in the war zone, and would appreciate any donations for that also. Thank you in advance.
Charlotte Cito
Operation Guardian Angel
Lake Orion Post Office
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the Natalie Nance Scholarship Gala.
The night was a huge success with 289 in attendance. The silent auction of 209 items rose over $7,800, bringing the gala total to about $17,000.
The money will be set aside for scholarships for Lake Orion High School graduates. The criteria will be drawn up this fall, and opened for graduates in the class of 2007.
We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations. Thank you once again for your support.
Natalie Nance
Scholarship Committee
Apparently, the six-member Older Persons Task Force reads black as white. The so-called random survey as to the creation of a tri-township senior center raises more questions than it does answers.
How many surveys (total) were distributed, and where? What percentage of survey respondents were 50 years and older?
Why was there no inclusion of any member of the Addison Senior Board within the task force or its advisors? Why are only politicians included on the board of six members?
Why is it that the voices of the citizens of Addison Township taxpayers are again being stifled and subverted by the powers that be? And are only the wills of the so-called leaders being exercised?
What is on the real agenda, and why? What four questions were actually asked? Why was there no press coverage of the survey distribution in advance? I am sure that a greater and more diverse response could have been procured had there been.
Were the four questions clear or ambiguous in nature, did they address at all the proposed location of the proposed new tri-center?
Why is there no direct contact number for the Older Persons Task Force, so that it can receive input on the concept from any area residents? Perhaps the members only want to hear from people with certain specific viewpoints.
I had a limited conversation with Oakland County Commissioner (Bill) Patterson, in which he listed the actual members of the task force as himself, District 3 County Commissioner Eric Wilson, Oxford Township Treasurer Joseph Ferrari, Orion Township Treasurer Alice Young, Addison Township Treasurer Daniel Alberty, and Addison Township Trustee Claudia Von Drak.
He said any and all others were consultants and advisors.
With the economic conditions of today, what with high fuel prices, traffic conditions, and a large baby boom coming to the age of retirement, can one single center actually serve three townships adequately? We also have to consider the cutbacks which are forthcoming in federal funding, and the tax burden on the taxpayers of the area.
We also must consider the impact on environmental issues, with seniors being transported longer distances to arrive at the proposed center.
I am firmly of the belief that a single ‘centrally located? center is decidedly not the answer to the alleged problem. I further feel that more study, and a review of the ramifications, should be pursued, without the nullification of the opinions of the majority of the people affected by the current agenda in progress.
It seems that the seniors are going to be taken on a ride, and so are the citizen taxpayers!
Sereal Gravlin
Addison Township resident
On Aug. 8, we have a choice of who we want to represent us in District 3 as County Commissioner.
Mike Gingell is a proven public servant. During the last six years, he has already shown that he would serve us well as our county commissioner, through his hard work, dedication and effective leadership as a trustee on the Orion Township Board.
A fiscal conservative, he brings a no-nonsense, process-based approach to problem solving. In other words, he doesn’t just talk about an issue. Mike works to find reasonable solutions to the concerns raised by our citizens.
Mike has demonstrated leadership on the Township Election Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Safety Path Advisory Committee, Union Church Governing Board, and Orion Veterans Memorial Board of Directors.
He has always strived to use taxpayer dollars wisely to provide necessary services to residents, while diligently working to keep a balanced budget.
Mike uses his MBA and background in business to be accountable, build consensus and get results. Continuing the legacy of dedicated public service by the Gingell family in Orion Township, Mike was instrumental in retaining jobs and keeping the GM Orion Plant open, a major contributor to Orion’s tax base.
Mike Gingell is trusted by Orion voters: both times he has run for trustee, he has earned the greatest number of votes among the trustee candidates.
The choice is clear: when you cast your ballot in the Republican Primary on Aug. 8, please join us in voting for Michael J. Gingell for County Commissioner. He would serve us well!
Doug and Jill Bastian
Eric Wilson has done an excellent job as County Commissioner for District 3, and should be returned for a second term.
District 3 is fortunate to have a commissioner who truly loves what he does as evidenced by the fact that Eric makes himself available to every constituent that contacts him.
If he doesn’t have an answer to an inquiry, he knows the people to contact who can give him the answers. If there is a complaint, he makes sure that it’s investigated, and seeks resolution. Eric actively brings positive attention to District 3 with his recognition of various citizens and students in our area.
While serving many years as an Orion Township Trustee, and working out of the Oakland County Circuit Courthouse, he had developed the contacts needed to follow through on the concerns our citizens have.
It’s important to have representation on key committees, and Eric currently serves on several important committees such as Finance, General Government, Audit, Brownfield Development, and Criminal Justice. He also sits on the Sanitary Appeals Board, and the Food Service Appeals Board.
His children are grown, and he has the TIME needed to represent District 3. He maintains a 94 percent attendance record for ALL county meetings.
Eric Wilson makes things happen. He has represented us well in the past. I hope he’s able to continue to do so. Please cast your vote for Eric Wilson, Republican, in the Aug. 8 Primary.
Mary Painter
It’s time! Time for a change, time to wake up and open your eyeballs, and begin to realize, it’s finally Myslakowski time!
That’s right, Dan Myslakowski, for your state representative. I believe Myslakowski will be a voice for the people in his district, and not just another person seeking political notoriety, as present State Rep. James Marleau is, who in my opinion, has done nothing for the citizens, other than pass some kind of worthless SPAM bill, which has to do with computer hackers and predators.
What about the big increase in natural gas rates, and the upcoming electrical rates in July? I bet Marleau no doubt voted to increase those rates. All I can say is, ‘No to Marleau, it’s Myslakowski time!?
Remember two things when you vote in August and November, put your nickel on Mike Gingell for Oakland County Commissioner, and Dan Myslakowski for state representative.
James Delevan
The Orion Firefighters Association and the Orion Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank Mike Zako, owner of Mike’s Marathon in Lake Orion. Once again, this year he provided the location we needed to produce a very successful fundraiser.
On June 24, we sponsored a car wash, and donations will support the Deb Waldo Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the Orion Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary General Fund.
We also want to thank business owners who posted flyers for the event, Meijer of Oxford for the towels, and to our community for their generous support.
Orion Firefighters Association
Orion Firefighters
Ladies Auxiliary
I am writing in support of Pine Tree teacher Janis Peacock, who has been accused of hurting one of her students.
I worked with Jan for several years, and my son had her for a class several years ago. She is, and has been, a dedicated teacher for many years. She has prepared hundreds of students for middle school, and for life.
I know she would NEVER hurt a child. I hope that the real truth of this incident will come out, and Jan can continue the great career that she’s enjoyed.
I hope parents, students, the administration, staff and teachers? union will stand by Jan with the support she deserves.
Kyle Dykman
I would like to have one of the physicians in our community recognized for his dedication, commitment and support.
Dr. Theodore Vlachos, M.D., is an Ob/Gyn at the Beaumont Medical Building on M-24. I have been a patient of his for a few years. He has a personal touch with each patient, personally calling you back with test results.
He makes himself available 24 hours a day, and will make arrangements to see you at your convenience, not his. Two days prior to me delivering my third child, Dr. Vlachos was involved in a serious accident that prohibited him from practicing medicine for a few weeks, while he recovered. He called me everyday, ensuring I was being taken care of, and apologized several times for not being able to deliver my child.
Unfortunately, my child was born with a condition that required surgery, and he was taken to another hospital. While Dr. Vlachos was recovering from his own injuries, he called us several times a day to see how we were doing, and how our son was.
He also called the hospital and spoke with the physician that was caring for our child. Dr. Vlachos is a kind, caring and supportive physician, who goes above and beyond his duties.
When Dr. Vlachos makes a medical decision, he always prefaces it with ‘If you were my wife…,? which always makes me feel that my well being is important in his life.
With the rising health care costs and the restrictions that physicians encounter, Dr. Vlachos puts that aside and develops a personal and caring relationship with his patients, something that is rarely seen in the medical field today.
Again, I would like to thank Dr. Vlachos, and our community for welcoming such an amazing physician.
Michele Novak
What do old editors do when they retire? Why, volunteer their services, of course.
I’ve joined forces with a few dedicated people to find ways to raise over $30,000, for this year’s fireworks during the July 4th holiday.
So far, I’ve walked around neighborhoods, passing out flyers for two benefit breakfasts. I’ve stopped by numerous businesses, and talked them into displaying envelopes that people who want to donate can pick up and mail back to us. At our first benefit breakfast several weeks ago, I helped keep plenty of supplies (butter, silverware, plates) on the serving tables.
With as much hard work as all of us volunteers have done, we’re not making a whole lot of money for this annual event. A week ago, we only had $12,000. Last year’s show cost about $30,000.
I’m asking you to dig deep into your pockets and find an extra dollar or two, to support the one event in town that everyone loves. Our kids who have grown up and left Lake Orion still remember and talk about the good times we had sharing the fireworks with family and friends.
For those of you who I have now talked into making a donation, there are donation boxes and donation envelopes around numerous businesses on M-24, and in the downtown area.
Or stop by The Review building, and leave your checks. Jody or Sally will make sure the donation gets to me. And I promise I won’t use the money for a big vacation trip.
Elaine Stieb
I support Mike Gingell for Oakland County Commissioner, and I believe you should do the same with your vote in the Republican Primary on Aug. 8.
Gingell is a good family man, a hard worker, and he cares about the people he represents. He has also brought a common sense approach to local government at the Orion Township Board, and I am confident he’ll do the same at the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
He has demonstrated his ability to identify issues, assess resolutions, and implement solutions over the past five and a half years on the township board.
When costs and financial expenditures arise, and pay increases are constantly suggested, I want Mike Gingell to represent me. His actions as our township trustee have made me a believer in his monetary responsibility.
Mike Gingell will serve us well as our county commissioner.
Will Wilsher
I have been stuck here at my keyboard trying to think of a flashy, showy and extravagant way to impress upon you the importance of voting for Eric Wilson for Oakland County Commissioner.
But I do not have to be flashy or showy about Eric Wilson. The way Eric lives his life says it all. He is one of the hardest working, community-minded and family-oriented people you’ll ever meet.
And meet him you will! He believes in walking every neighborhood in his district, and talking with the people he represents. Already many of you have visited with him as he gathers your ideas of what would make things better. He is always ready to hear your issues, positive or negative, and offer his assistance.
Personal attention and legitimate concern make Eric Wilson not just another politician. This is why it’s important to re-elect him on Aug. 8, to his second term as our Oakland County Commissioner for District 3 (Lake Orion, Village of Lake Orion and Oakland Township).
Some of Eric’s accomplishments in his term are: Brought a resolution to the Orion Township Board to approve extension of Dutton Road to be paid by developer, and obtain a $500,000 grant from MDOT.
Worked with Oakland County Parks to improve Orion Oaks Bark Park, by increasing parking and improving access on Joslyn Road with the installation of a passing lane and acceleration and deceleration lane.
Arranged and worked with Oakland Township officials and met with Drain Commissioner John McCulloch on the problems with development and placement of waste water treatment plants for each development in Oakland Township.
Chaired the Oakland County Jail Overcrowding Task Force, and as a NOTA (North Oakland Transportation Authority) director, worked with Community Mental Health to help fund NOTA, obtaining $200,000 in yearly funding.
Maintains a 94 percent record of attending all required county meetings.
Now, that was just some of his accomplishments in his first term. Eric Wilson needs our support this year in the upcoming elections. Voting for him for County Commissioner is such an easy way to show your appreciation to someone who works for the people, and is not just another politician.
Vote Aug. 8, 2006.
Joseph Geraci
Thank you so much for the wonderful write-up and pictures of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Lake Orion, on May 20-21.
I would also like to thank all of the people who came out to support our efforts, the businesses who generously donated auction items and prizes, and helped sponsor our event, the cancer survivors who we were able to honor with a beautiful ceremony, Waldon Middle School Principal Heidi Kast, who allowed us to use her school grounds, and to all the teams who tirelessly raised funds and awareness of cancer.
Many Lake Orion students participated in the event.
We apologize to the citizens we offended with our music in the overnight hours. The music was to help keep us going in the pouring rain, gusty winds and near freezing temperatures.
Despite being told by officers to turn the music off, we continued with our event, and raised over $125,000 for the American Cancer Society. Every dollar raised helps get us closer to finding a cure for cancer.
We sincerely appreciate all of the support we have received, and look forward to another successful event in 2007.
Teri Donaldson
LO Relay for Life Chairperson
The Osborn Family of Oxford wishes to thank the manager of the Kroger Fresh Fare store in Oakland Township for letting us do our bottle/can drive at the store the last few weeks.
The customers and employees were very generous, and with all of their donations for our Relay for Life Cancer Fundraiser, we raised over $900 for cancer research.
We also want to thank all of our friends and relatives who came out to walk with us during our 24-hour relay. Together we will find a cure!
The Osborns
I have sent a Michigan Freedom of Information Act request to Orion Township, to learn under which Michigan laws or public acts our assessor John Attwell was able to reach the conclusion that the Gingellville Community Center was no longer tax exempt.
I emailed a request to the Michigan Law Library, asking for the criteria required for property tax exemption, and they responded quickly with their information. In examining what they sent, I tried to find on what criteria our assessor/Board of Review could remove GCC’s property tax exemption.
Upon attending the May 15 township board meeting, I heard the GCC director state that their members never got to present their arguments to the Board of Review. They were instead sent up to see Attwell, because they knew nothing about the 501(c)3 exemption.
Meeting with the assessor doesn’t rescind or replace the right to have a Board of Review meeting.
Later on, the GCC received a stamped signature correspondence from the Board of Review, denying their exemption, which erroneously stated they didn’t have a 501(c)3, and therefore weren’t exempt. This misinformation was recanted, because they do hold a 501(c)3 from our federal government.
First, I would like to know how the GCC ended up two years later at the Tax Tribunal, since the first step of meeting with the Board of Review never took place, as required by Michigan Law?
Also, did the GCC receive a copy of the changed/altered argument that the assessor’s office used against the GCC’s exemption before going to the Tax Tribunal? This also is required by law, and since the assessor’s office could no longer use the 501(c)3 disinformation—how could Attwell’s office then alter what the Board of Review falsely claim?
Attwell is to provide information to our township board on June 19, regarding property tax exempt entities in Michigan. I would like to know what procedures have to take place against an assessor/Board of Review, who don’t adhere to, and breach, the requirements of Michigan law?
As a sidebar, so far under a previous FOIA request I made, the township has spent a total of $5,586.50 to investigate the township treasurer’s investments. If they decide to go ahead with a forensic audit, it could cost the taxpayers up to $30,000-$40,000 more in unnecessary tax dollars.
I hope come election time you’ll remember those board members who vote to waste our tax dollars on this audit.
In my opinion there’s a hidden agenda in all this, and it’s starting to smell pretty ripe.
Mary MacMaster
I believe that if Michael Gingell is elected Oakland County Commissioner in November, the citizens of District 3 will have someone who will listen to the people, and not blow a lot of hot air as his opponent, and present county commissioner, Eric Wilson does.
Mr. Gingell isn’t grandstanding and getting his picture taken at every event, and shaking hands with prominent officials and celebrities, as Eric Wilson seems to enjoy doing.
I believe Michael Gingell is interested in representing the common everyday person. He isn’t an attorney, and I’ve always believed that attorneys have no business holding public office. It makes about as much sense as telling a dog to guard a butcher shop.
By the way, Eric Wilson is an attorney. Oh, don’t get me wrong, the law is a noble profession, but an attorney must interpret the law, not make the law, as was originally put down by our founding fathers when the Constitution was written.
In fact, it banned attorneys from holding public office, as a matter of conflict of interest. In other words, it’s like mixing oil and water.
Enough history, I know that big money is backing Eric Wilson. Let’s show the big money people that there are enough of us not-so-rich citizens, who want a county commissioner who will listen to them, and not just come around every two to four years when elections are held.
Put your nickel on Mike Gingell!
James Delevan
I’d like to compliment the Lake Orion High School bands on the most amazing performances they gave on Tuesday evening, May 16.
The high caliber of interpretation of the music was outstanding. All of you involved should be so proud. I’m glad I ordered a CD, as this music is worth many repeats.
Thank you, students and conductors, for a thoroughly enjoyable show.
Aileen Stasiuk,
Lisa Malear’s ‘Gramma?
We at Oxford/Orion FISH would like to thank the people of Oxford, Orion and Addison for contributing so generously to the Postal Carriers Annual Food Drive for the Hungry.
As you know, the food collected was donated to FISH, and will help to feed the needy people of our community for many months to come. A special thanks to the hardworking angels who volunteered to help us on Saturday and Sunday.
Nearly seven-and-a-half tons of food was sorted and stored. It was a great community effort all-around. Thanks again.
Oxford/Orion FISH
It has come to my attention that the citizens of Orion Township may be in for an unneeded expense: The Polly Ann Trail bridge on M-24 in Oxford, adjoining the Oxford Farm Corp. and Orion-Oxford Plumbing.
The reason Orion Township may end up picking up the tab for this folly is because Oxford and Addison Townships are pulling out of the deal.
The overpass is the main reason it seems to have run into some financial and engineering difficulties, and now the state highway department is in on the action, driving up the cost.
I don’t feel Orion Township and its citizens should be left picking up the tab. If my memory serves me right, I don’t recall ever voting for this Polly Ann Trail bridge to be constructed, in fact, this was the brainstorm of former Oakland County Commissioner, and present animal control warden, Lawrence Obrecht.
Let Mr. Obrecht pick up the tab and then name the bridge overpass, O.O.O., the ‘Obrecht Overpass Obstacle.?
James Delevan
*Editor’s note: Oxford is not pulling out of the Polly Ann Trail. Addison Township did, but it doesn’t affect the bridge.
I would like to thank all of our precinct locations, election inspectors and precinct chairpersons, and most of all, the voters who turned out to cast a ballot in the May 2 election, for another successful voting experience in Orion Township—more than 16 percent!
To all the citizens of Orion Township, please get registered, get informed, and remember to vote in the Aug. 8 Primary Election, and the Nov. 7 General Election. It’s your right!
We are currently accepting applications for election inspectors to work during the upcoming elections. Please contact the Orion Township Clerk’s office for more information.
Jill Bastian
Orion Township Clerk
On behalf of the Oxford/Orion CROP Walk, thank you for showing up at the walk, taking a sincere interest in what the walk does, and especially for writing a wonderful, comprehensive article.
After the 24 years that the CROP Walk has taken place in this area, I’m distressed to run into so many people who have never heard of it. With articles like yours, we can fix that!
Ann McKinley
CROP Walk Co-coordinator
In reply to John Attwell’s statement in the May 10 issue of The Orion Review: He wants to throw figures out there, let me take the opportunity to give the accurate figures for 2004 for the Gingellville Community Center.
Bingo and charity game tickets: Revenue, $365,353; prizes paid, $315,083; profit, $50,270. Rentals and three fundraisers: Rentals, $20,000; fundraisers, $7,821; total, $27,821. Total of actual realized money made: $78,090.
And this amount is what’s used to pay all the monthly bills, and make all of the donations. As far as these figures, they are from the general ledger, which is provided to our accountant, who in turn does all the tax returns. All our records are public information.
From day one, we have asked to sit down and talk this out. It never happened, all doors were closed. We gave a settlement offer in Oct. of 2004 to the township board. we didn’t get the courtesy of an answer. I want to know, Mr. Attwell, what level did you stoop to by giving that figure to the newspaper?
You’re always making the comparison to the Knights of Columbus (Fraternal Beneficiary Society 501(c)8), and the Lions (who don’t have a building). Is Attwell going to give all the area organizations? financial information, or only feels the need to put GCC out there?
Brenda Ray
GCC President
I came home from work recently, to neighbors gardening, dogs playing, just a beautiful day.
Took a stroll back to the creek, and my jaw dropped. Paint Creek dropped a foot from the time I left for work in the morning, to the time I got home, leaving many spots no longer submerged. Now, I know we have not had much rain lately, but where art thou agua? In the lake, that’s where.
I understand they raise and lower the dam every spring and fall, but must it always be so sudden? The sudden ‘flush? of water in the fall causes erosion on a large scale, and my yard shrinks every year as the river bank melts away in the flood.
The sudden ‘shutdown? in the spring leaves little to no habitat for fish. No fish, no pretty herons or kingfishers. No water, no fish, no pretty birds, no fun. If we can raise and lower the dam in a day, can’t we do it just a little each day over several weeks so the impact isn’t so drastic? Is this too much to ask?
Jeff Aisthorpe
YOU did it. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who donated books for the Friends of the Orion Township Public Library May Used Book Sale.
Thanks to the enthusiastic customers, volunteers and library personnel! Thanks to Kroger for bags for the Saturday Bag Day Sale. Some of the proceeds will help fund the Young Adult Summer Reading Program, as well as other programs.
See you in September! Happy summer reading!
Marie English
Book Sale Chair
I’m responding to the comments made on May 10 in The Review from Jerry Dywasuk and John Attwell. They sit in their cozy offices, in their plush chairs, and don’t have a clue what’s going on, nor do they care.
About our substantial lower price for renting the GCC building, we work hard for that privilege, and it’s a $200 reduced rate. Only six-member rentals last year. This is a list of who they’ve hurt.
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, boys baseball, girls softball, teen dances, ballroom dances, voting precinct, Habitat for Humanity, Freedom Works, use of the building for funeral dinners, the families we adopt for Christmas, the free Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween party for the children of the community.
We have rentals and Bingo, and that is how we support ourselves. We ask for nothing. We can’t do all we do and pay taxes too.
Talk about reaching a level. What did they think we would do, just lie down and roll over? I have been connected with the GCC since 1948, when caring people were in charge of Orion Township.
The people of Orion Township better think twice the next time they vote. The ones in there now are hurting more than they’re helping.
Arlene Martin
I really enjoyed the editorials on the tax assessment situation with the GCC in the April 26 edition. It’s a crying shame that our township officials can only do one thing: Raise our taxes.
Mr. Dywasuk, Mr. Attwell and the rest of the township board don’t care about right versus wrong; all they care about is if there is a loophole in the law that will allow them to get away with it.
Whatever happened to this country’s forefathers? intentions of a government for the people and by the people, which means the people’s opinions count? Unfortunately, our opinions do not count. We have all seen examples where developers came in and the people argued against it.
When the developer threatens a lawsuit, the local government caves and allows the development. There’s something wrong with our laws when the people’s opinions aren’t taken seriously in these matters.
The only way to get the attention of these officials is to vote them out of office. I fully intend to do my best to have every single Orion Township board member voted out of office when they come up for reelection. I hope the residents of Orion Township will do the same.
Dale Ziegler
Son, I’m writing this letter to tell you how very proud I am of you for all that you’ve accomplished in a short 18 years. I’ve watched you grow, learn and mature during these years, and you’ve excelled in school, sports and community.
Your growth and contributions have been recognized by others, as well as with numerous awards in academic achievement from school, trophies for skill and team play in sports, and 12 years (66 percent of your life) of advancement, growth, character development and respect for others in the Scouting program.
It has not always been easy; to your credit, when you fell or had a hard time doing something, you got back up and tried even harder to succeed, drawing on resources deep within yourself, and family. You have chosen to take the high ground and not the easy path in life, and you have worked hard to excel, to be above average, to have balance and purpose in life.
Life can best be explained in that it has, as you have had/will have, its ups and downs, highs and lows. In life, you’ll experience both, however I’m confident and reassured to know you have learned much in 18 years. I know you’ll take all the positive, and negative, ‘lessons learned? from school, sports, scouting, family and just being you, and successfully apply them as you continue your journey of life.
As a son, you’ve brought me great joy. As your father, and mentor, I want to assure you I’ll continue to support and grow with you. I love you!
Your loving father,
Daniel Myslakowski
Gayle Drum Garcia, 52, a resident of Lapeer (fomerly of Lake Orion), is the mother of five adopted children. She and her husband Randy, married for 30 years, were foster parents to 38 young children, while raising their own family.
With three of their children raising their own families, and the two youngest daughters attending the University of Michigan, it could be the time in their lives to settle back and enjoy a more leisurely life. However, Randy and Gayle each run their own successful businesses, and share responsibilities in the care of their elderly mothers.
Gayle enjoys her four grandchildren, and is a part-time daycare giver for their youngest grandson. Her busy life doesn’t end there. Gayle is an active participant in the fight for humane treatment of Michigan prisoners.
The prisoner nearest to her heart is her elder brother Larry Drum, 69, who was sentenced unmercifully to life, plus two 10-20-year sentences to be served consecutively, meaning Larry could spend the rest of his life in prison for his minor role in a drug offense that dates back to 1986.
If Gayle has her way, he will be released, rather than spend the rest of his days in prison paying for one mistake he made 20 years ago. Gayle is an adamant supporter of FAMM, Families for Mandatory Minimums, by volunteering her time to help them in their efforts to bring attention to changing the state’s severe drug-sentencing laws.
She often travels to Lansing, leaving Lapeer before most of us are awake, to meet with legislators, urging them to pass bills that will enable fair release treatment to the prisoners caught under antiquated mandatory life sentences. Larry remains in prison while others with more severe sentences, serving less time in prison, have been released.
Recently, on one of her trips to the Capitol, she spoke with senators and representatives, urging them to pass a bill presented to legislation by Representative William McConico. If this bill is passed, it will affect the fate of her brother positively.
Gayle headed up a campaign that began in summer of 2005. She isn’t shy about asking the state to support Larry’s release, and contacted newspapers, politicians and TV newscasters. In every case, she received their undivided attention and support.
What happened because of her efforts? Although it hasn’t brought Larry home yet, it is unprecedented. She managed to get 200 people to send letters to Governor Granholm, asking her to release Larry, based on his perfect prison record, horrific sentencing by Judge Barry Howard, his age, and the man he has become today.
Gayle was also successful in getting 35 stories about Larry’s plight published in newspapers throughout Michigan. With each contact, Gayle becomes personal friends with any and everyone she encounters.
She receives communications from sitting senators and representatives. New stories are scheduled to be printed in May, updating the people of progress in the release of Larry.
Gayle is known by her first name only at the Governor’s office, where she’s in constant contact with Governor Granholm regarding Larry’s release.
Because of her efforts in bringing his plight to the Governor’s attention, she received a call from Granholm’s assistant, recommending she assist Larry in forwarding a ‘Request of Commutation? to the Parole Board.
This request is a procedure available to prisoners every two and a half years, a chance to ask for early parole. Gayle and attorney Fred Miller of Oxford competed and forwarded the documentation within three days, but unfortunately the Parole Board didn’t recommend release.
It was the choice of the Governor if she wanted to override their recommendation and commute his sentence, but she chose to follow suit with the board, declining Larry’s request.
Gayle is in communication with the Governor to ask why this process circles, without chance of release. She’s waiting to hear from the Governor, and received comments from a man who works for the Parole Board, saying maybe it was time for her to give up and get used to Larry likely dying in prison.
As hard as all of this rejection has been, Gayle is unstoppable. She has the energy and faith of 20 people, and some call her ‘Unsinkable Gayle Garcia.? Rejection doesn’t get in her way.
A soft-spoken woman with dignity, grace and little pretence, Gayle communicates clearly and pointedly about injustices Larry has received.
People who meet this woman know she’s on a mission to make right the injustices her brother continues to receive. Her mission includes asking people to remember Larry Drum. The Department of Corrections told her they are in her corner.
She says she won’t stop her quest until her brother comes home. Has she contacted President Bush yet? She says she hasn’t, but the day is never over for Gayle Drum Garcia.
Susan Mascia
I would like to set the record straight in regards to Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk’s comments that read, ‘I did talk to them, the problem was they didn’t like the answer,? in the April 19, 2006 The Orion Review article, ‘GCC loses tax dispute with township.?
I faxed a letter to the supervisor on April 1, 2004, and received a call within a half hour from him. He said he would look into the matter, and set up a meeting with all parties involved to settle the matter, and to allow him a week to accomplish this.
I received an email on April 4, 2004 from the supervisor, stating he had met with John Attwell, and had provided him with our letter of determination from the IRS. He also stated, ‘I’m assuming that this will clear up the matter, I’ll contact you as soon as I get this finalized.?
On April 8, the supervisor called and said ‘it was out of his hands,? and that the township attorney’s opinion was that she felt that our federal paper of determination wasn’t what we thought it was. I asked him if the Board of Review had seen our papers, and the supervisor asked me to hold.
When he came back on the phone, he put it on speaker, and introduced Jill Verros as the Deputy Supervisor, and Penny Shults as the Deputy Assessor (neither of these positions warrants the ‘Deputy? title). I asked the same question again about the Board of Review, and Penny said we would find out when we went to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. That was it, all doors were closed and all communication cut off.
When the supervisor called on the 8th, I thought it was to set up the meeting he had promised. Instead, I felt I was ‘set up.? So, in response to the supervisor’s statement to The Review, ‘them? was I only. And as far as not liking the answer, I don’t feel that ‘out of my hands? is an answer.
And as far as the attorney’s opinion, let’s just ask ‘how much did you pay for that opinion?? The taxpayers should get their money back.
Pamela Hutchison
GCC Director
Please renew my subscription for another year. I am enclosing a check for $32, for out-of-state subscription. We recently moved back home to the Cleveland area, but having spent eight years in Lake Orion, I still feel a fondness and an interest in the business of the town.
I especially like the historical stories and columns in The Review.
Congratulations to Lisa Valentine on being named editor. I read her column every week, and find most of them interesting. Knowing she is a stickler for punctuation and grammar, I must point out that the phrase is ‘intents AND purposes,? not ‘intents IN purposes,? as appeared in her column of April 12 (I receive the paper a week late).
She may like to read the book ‘Eats, Shoots and Leaves,? a very educational and entertaining book about punctuation.
I look forward to the continuation of my Review service. I will plan a visit back to Lake Orion when I read that Sagebrush has re-opened!
Mary Russell
This letter is in response to Jim Sherman’s column from April 26, ‘Decaying morals leads to rotten language.?
From my perspective, decaying rotten language could lead to truthful expression. Too many lies, too much held-in anguish, too much outside force, can bring rotten feelings out, via what is termed as rotten language.
With a little awareness, this habit can be kicked. Rotten emotions can grow new crops of truth. We are not necessarily who we say we are. It’s more of what we do with what we say.
We learned as children, ‘sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me,? but could this be the lie that stuck? Release yourself from others? lies, build a more credible self. Each of us can be a heart listener by refraining judgment of the worthless rot of another, fertilize that soil, neutralize the acid; gardens only yield what one puts into it.
Give the children a new message: ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, till they mend; lies will hurt me, if I let them.?
Thank you, Jim Sherman, for exposing this important cliche that could segregate/perpetuate segregation. Opinions are values, hidden. I am grateful to be a citizen of the United States of America, a country where expression is encouraged, necessary and valued.
Maria Rotondo Mark
We don’t need a DPW supervisor in the Village of Lake Orion.
The village has not changed, it is still one-square mile. The population is about the same. Bruce is doing a great job, and in this day and age of technology, we have all kinds of equipment so he can get a hold of someone if he’s in a jam. Travis could be trained to eventually take over.
The DPW supervisor’s nearly $50,000 in wages could be used for a new cop car, as well as new DPW equipment, both of which we definitely need.
The village DPW and police are operating in good order, and we don’t need to tip the ship.
Doug Lowe
*Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel responds: There is a great deal for which the DPW superintendent is responsible.
The Village has just received from the EPA a new requirement to adhere to the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
This means the Village will have to take samples every quarter for the next two years, and have those samples tested for trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, and then report the results to the EPA.
If the results are above a certain level, then corrective measures will have to be taken. The Village has to do this even though it does not add anything to the water it receives from the City of Detroit through Orion Township.
The Phase II regulations related to the provisions of the Clean Water Act also impose duties upon the Village. In addition to the items regarding the Illicit Discharge Elimination Plan (IDEP), there are proactive steps the Village is required to take to help ensure the surface waters and storm water run-off don’t pollute or contaminate Lake Orion and Paint Creek.
The Village needs to make an evaluation of its entire storm drain system to ensure that the Federal rules are being followed.
The DPW is also responsible for having commercial establishment within the Village checked on a regular basis, to ensure there’s no cross-connection between the fluids they use in their business and the public water supply. Checking for cross-connections must be done by a licensed plumber, under the guidance of the DPW superintendent.
There’s also a need to have the bridges in the Village inspected by a qualified engineer every two years, and report the results to the State of Michigan. The DPW superintendent is responsible for contracting for this inspection service.
All of the things listed above are in addition to the day-to-day things the Village DPW handles, including roads, water mains, parks and public grounds (including two cemeteries, and putting up and taking down seasonal display items).
Then there’s maintenance and repair of Village equipment, the ordering of new equipment, and helping to develop and oversee the annual DPW budget.
For all these reasons and more, the Village needs a qualified DPW superintendent.
A copy of the full job description for the DPW superintendent is available for viewing at Lake Orion Village Hall.
‘The buck stops here? was the slogan of former President Harry S. Truman. This famous saying doesn’t seem to apply to our present Orion Township Supervisor, Jerry Dywasuk. His slogan should read, ‘The buck passes on.?
It seems to me, Mr. Supervisor, you are not interested in what the citizens of Orion Township think or want, or in taking responsibility for your own actions.
Your answer is always ‘I’ll look into it,? or ‘It wasn’t my decision, it was the board’s decision.?
So, if this is the case, then why do we need you as supervisor? Maybe it’s because you’re currently collecting around $70,000, plus benefits, per year, and that you voted for yourself at least a four percent raise, every year, without the citizens? approval. Meanwhile, DPW union employees are going on their third year without a contract or raise.
And the buck passes on!
Now you have the Gingellville Community Center paying property taxes. Oops, sorry, that was a State of Michigan decision. But let’s be frank here, I don’t think any of this would have ever developed if it weren’t for you and township assessor John Attwell feeding the bait to the state. Or was that somebody else’s decision, too?
People, it’s time to wake up and flush the toilet. That cost will be increasing as well, won’t it, Jerry? But what do you care, you don’t have to pay the bill when you have a well and septic field. I bet you and some of the trustees would think differently, if you had city water and sewers on your property, and had to pay at least $210 a year to flush the toilet.
I believe, Jerry, we should have a special night where we put you and the trustees on the stand, and have all of you explain your actions and answer questions. Let the citizens decide whether you stay or go.
Much like the Donald Trump show, ‘You’re fired,? or ‘See ya!?
Oh yes, we could have the show on Monday night, at the Orion Township Hall. Think about it, folks. The longer George, Jenny and Jerry stay, the less money you’ll have anyway!
James Delevan
Through the efforts of the Orion Township Board, Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, Assessor John Attwell, and the Board of Review members; Niles Olsen, Ron Spitler and Gail Jenzen; along with much of the taxpayers? money, Orion Township has won the right to tax the Gingellville Community Center, and therefore force them to possibly close their doors.
The final decision was made by Michigan Tax Tribunal Judge Jack Van Coevering.
Let’s hope the Township can provide what we have, such as a meeting place for Boy and Girl Scouts, and to serve as a place for the children and adult ball leagues to meet and hold their registrations and drafts.
Will the Township be able to allow the Lionesses access to a facility to hold their annual fashion shows, Trash and Treasure Days, Breakfast with Santa, and much more? Will the Boys and Girls Club still have access to have karate?
Will they hold benefits for area residents, who need to raise funds to pay medical bills? Will they allow families in need to have funeral dinners in their meeting rooms? What about Habitat for Humanity? Can they provide a place so funds can be raised by holding dinners or pancake breakfasts?
Will they increase their donations to the Lake Orion High School senior parties, or other activities that are not allowed in the schools, like teen dance parties?
We’re looking forward to seeing just how many free Christmas, Easter and Halloween parties they will provide for the area kids. Oh gosh, I forgot to mention the soccer leagues, Orion Area Youth Assistance, and the Red Cross using our facility to hold CPR classes or blood drives.
Even the Oakland County Health Department has held classes necessary for businesses to be licensed to serve food at the Gingellville Community Center. We also support donations to the cancer foundation, CROP Walk supporters and much more.
Good luck to all those who will no longer have the benefit of the GCC. Please got to the Township for assistance…We hate to give it up, but all our efforts to put on a Bingo and Vegas Night to raise money would be going to the Township for taxes, and not to serve the community. That is not what our volunteers want to do, they already pay enough taxes.
We have been a non-profit since being incorporated in 1939, and most of the original members have passed away. But there are many still around, and who have fond memories of the GCC, and the fish fries and bingos held at the southeast corner of Baldwin. In fact, if the Township could have rezoned the property to commercial back in the late 1980s, we’d still be on that corner.
I know there are lots of folks out there who remember Mr. and Mrs. Poole, rollerskating on Wed., Moms Club, and women’s volleyball. Also the West Orion Baseball League, funded by parents, and field mostly taken care of by Mr. Van Camp. There was no parks and recreation to sponsor teams.
Thanks to Frank and Ginney Gingell, we got our equipment and shirts at cost. They never made money off the league. Fred and Jane Beckwith provided, at cost or free, many, many trophies for the Trophy Days, held at the ball fields. We still do a great deal to benefit children and adults in Orion Township.
Yes, there’s still time to appeal to the Court of Appeals, but after spending in excess of $25,000 for attorney fees, and having the tax bill for 2004, 2005 and 2006 be approximately $20,000 to $25,000 for each year, we already have bills in excess of $75,000. We cannot take on any more. What will we do?
We don’t know, but we do know we will honor any obligations we have committed to through 2006. But after that, who knows?
I hope this answers some of the many questions I have been asked the last few months. If not, you may call me at 391-0697.
Beverly Gall
GCC Vice President
Aren’t we one lucky community to have our Orion Township Assessor, John Attwell?
Mr. Attwell is really into community fellowship, similar to Simon Legree. The example is the property tax grenade he has deftly tossed at the long-established Gingellville Community Center.
The Internal Revenue Service’s 501(c)3 tax exemption means nothing to this assessor. Now that Mr. Attwell and his comrade-in-arms, Tax Tribunal Judge Jack VanCoevering, have set a precedent in attaching property taxes to a tax-exempt community center, will we see this happen in other communities and other 501(c)3 entities?
How about loading property taxes on the tax-exempt Knights of Columbus, FISH, Senior Citizens centers, the Masons and Kiwanis—to name a few?
Please let me remind everyone that neither Mr. Attwell, the attorneys or judges are Grand Poobas of reasoning and judgment. Nor, do they walk on water.
I should be careful what I write. I might see my property receive an accelerated increase.
I truly hope that somehow the means will be found to overturn John Attwell’s decision. How about starting with our Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk? After all, our supervisor is Mr. Attwell’s boss. Or, is there still a dream to have a new expansive, expensive Taj Mahal community center built with someone’s name emblazoned on it?
Maybe Mr. Attwell can be convinced to move on to another community, so that he can enjoy launching his property tax grenades anew. Then we could employ another assessor, who has more understanding of a community’s history and fellowship.
How many would like to get together and give Mr. Attwell a grand send-off?
Mary MacMaster
I am not surprised by Orion Township Assessor John Attwell’s comments in The Oakland Press, in regards to the Gingellville Community Center. We assumed all along you were the one who made the decision, not the Board of Review. Why do we have a Board of Review anyway?
Their own words were we don’t know anything about 501(c)3’s. That was the beginning and end of our meeting with the Board of Review. But someone made the decisions, and now Attwell owns up to it.
There was a meeting that Attwell had with the Board of Review, the one we weren’t invited to. We knew all along that Attwell lead them and made the decision. That’s why we kept asking for the minutes from this meeting. And those minutes are what really disappeared from that so-called break-in on April 20, 2004.
Actually, this wasn’t the first time something disappeared from the Assessor’s office. Back in 1997, when we got a tax bill for the property on Baldwin and Maybee, our director, Pam Hutchison, Vice President Bev Gall, and Township Clerk Jill Bastian went to the Assessor’s office to ask why we would get a tax bill? Penny Schults pulled up on the computer a land contract from one of the developers LLC.
But the only signatures on the land contract were the developer’s and his witness. No signatures from us, all were blank. We were shocked. We didn’t think to get a copy then. A week later, our director went back to the Assessor’s office to get it. And guess what, it was gone.
Does anyone see a pattern here, or am I the only one?
Does anybody else in Orion Township have a problem with things disappearing from the Assessor’s office?
Lillian Hutchison
GCC Chairperson
Because we have made the front page recently, we thought you might want to know just who and what the Gingellville Community Center has been over the last 69 years, and why our tax exempt status is necessary to continue.
We have only 21 days to respond to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. This is probably impossible, since we would have to find a new attorney.
The first meeting of the GCC took place in 1937, at the Proper School in Gingellville. In 1938, they decided to buy property for a club house. They bought 3.7 acres on Baldwin, interest-free, for $400.
After paying that off, they bought an additional 4.5 acres from Mr. Buchanan. In 1975, they decided to buy approximately two acres from Harold and Francis Gingell, for $65,000, at a rate of eight percent interest, for additional parking for their bingo.
By 1980, times were getting tough for the GCC, and the building was slowly falling apart. Membership decreased, and we could no longer get insurance on the building. Needless to say, we could not have bingo or rentals in an unsafe building.
As a result, we decided in 1985 to put the back five acres (the ball fields) up for sale, with the hopes of raising enough funds to make the necessary improvements. A sale didn’t happen, but after 18 months, we decided to take a loan out to make the improvements. This property is currently where Lake Forest Subdivision is today.
Next, we went to Orion Township to apply for a split, so we could put the building and corner property on the market, and build on the back five acres. We did have several offers to purchase the front and corner property, but all were subject to the property being rezoned commercial.
This, of course, was not approved by the Township, and no sale was possible (it is now Orion Village Crossing).
With membership falling, rentals down and expenses going up, we decided to consider an offer from Larry Mullins to provide us with a new building on 6.7 acres on Waldon, in exchange for the 10-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Baldwin and Maybee. We hated to move from the corner in Gingellville, but had to do something. This was an opportunity to at least keep the GCC an active center, and definite asset to Orion Township.
Over the years, the GCC has served as voting precinct 10, supported the Boy and Girl Scouts, girls and boys ball leagues and soccer, Orion Area Youth Assistance, Habitat for Humanity, Freedom Works, as well as providing free use of the hall for karate, and many fundraisers for the Lions and Lioness Clubs.
All GCC activities, including children’s holiday parties, are free, and the hall is also used for funeral dinners when needed by area residents, at no cost. Bingo and rentals support the upkeep of the building and property.
Even our bingos are considered a necessary form of social activity for many in our area. They are more than happy to pay to play, because they know that the money earned by the club is a direct benefit to Orion Township youth. Our club motto is ‘Youth is Our Aim.?
It’s a sad day in our community to lose such a long-standing group of volunteers. With all the talk about Gingellville in the news lately, it seems we would have had more support in our fight with Orion Township officials responsible for the denial of our tax-exempt status.
The GCC doesn’t have a political agenda, but seems to have been railroaded right out of Gingellville and Orion Township. Anyone who would like to voice their opinion is urged to contact Orion Township, or attend the next board meeting on May 1 at 7p.m. at 7575 Joslyn.
For your information, the GCC has spent over $25,000 in attorney fees to date, to try to reverse this decision. I wonder how much Orion Township taxpayers have spent?
GCC Board of Directors
Orion/Oxford FISH would like to thank Oxford Meijer for choosing FISH to receive purchased holiday bags in their Easter Food Drive. Your continued support is so appreciated. A special thanks to Gary Lowe, grocery director, for coordinating the effort.
To the 124 shoppers who purchased these food bags, we are so grateful. The FISH pantry gives 120-130 needy families in Orion, Oxford and Oakland food each month.
Without the support of this wonderful community, we would never be able to accomplish our goal of ‘neighbor helping neighbor.?
Generous people like you make the FISH pantry possible.
Orion/Oxford FISH
My youngest daughter has been in the LOOK program at Lake Orion Schools? CERC building, to help her with her speech delays.
I can’t say enough about the staff. They are well-organized and talented. Even the part-time assistants there are really good, and they truly care about the kids and the parents they deal with.
The teacher my daughter has, Miss Pam, is excellent, and reveals a true understanding of how to deal with difficult children. Miss Brandy, the assistant, is also energetic, always smiling, and seems happy with her job.
I have to say I am truly impressed with the way the program is run, and the materials they provide for the children are first-rate.
My daughter is doing very well in the program, and it’s all due to the special care and attention these talented people provide on a daily basis.
Miss Pam deserves recognition for her fine service to the community as an exceptional teacher.
Laura Allen
I am responding to the letter from Mary Chayka-Crawford published in the March 29 Orion Review, stating that Larry Obrecht should be reimbursed for the chrome shovels.
Larry Obrecht and Roy Rewold are former Oakland County Commissioners, and therefore should have full knowledge about following protocol, rules and procedures.
I attended the regular meeting of the Polly Ann Trail Management Council on March 15, and the chrome shovels were listed under ‘Unbudgeted item: Shovels, $1,439.20.? That tells you that there was not a previous vote of approval by the council to purchase the shovels.
I spoke to members of the council and was told there was a discussion about getting shovels, but nothing came up about purchasing them or that they would need to be chrome. Nor was the council informed that Mr. Obrecht would be cutting a deal with Roy Rewold, and we would get ‘used? ones from Mr. Rewold in exchange for him getting the new shovels.
Taxpayers? money would have been tangled up in this, without approval.
Granted, Mr. Obrecht has been very instrumental in the Polly Ann Trail—just as many of us have been involved in their pet projects, and volunteer endeavors.
When there is a committee, board or council involved, they have to get pre-approval before expending any funds. That was what was lacking in Mr. Obrecht’s circumstance. Therefore—many people in various communities involved were upset about him not getting a pre-approved vote from the council.
When I, and other taxpayers, broached the subject to Mr. Obrecht at the council meeting, we were asked how much we have given, and I was told that I had lied about him in my statement to the council.
I did not lie, nor is it anyone’s business who we do volunteer work for, or to whom or how much we donate.
Nor, do I spend other people’s money without getting permission.
Mary MacMaster
Orion Township Board of Trustee members might try using competitive bidding while making contract deals for goods and services.
This novel idea just might end the need to keep on spending funds for audits and investigations. This course of action is what the voters and property taxpayers would like to see employed in the future. None I know of wish to see their taxes being irrationally spent.
If auditors find ‘nothing wrong,? was your vote of April 3 truly just more smoke and mirrors? Funds are limitless, it would seem.
Evading the real problem of lack of competitive bidding of contracts, this is the root of all the trouble.
Change your business ethics, and stop waste before you spend anymore funds on nonsense.
Clay Rathburg
On May 2, voters in 26 school districts in Oakland County, and most ‘out-county? districts, will be heading to the polls to cast their ballots. While I support our system of democracy, I question the school districts? selection of a May election date.
Under Michigan’s consolidated election law of 2004, which I co-sponsored, schools were automatically assigned Nov. election dates, unless they formally voted to change the date.
By holding their elections in Nov., school districts would have reduced or even eliminated their costs because they would have been held in conjunction with city, township and village elections, rather than their own, stand-alone date.
To legislators? surprise, the vast majority of districts in the state opted out of the preferred Nov. election date. Every school board in Oakland County, except South Lyon Community Schools, voted to change their elections to the most expensive date, the annual May option.
Who is picking up the tab? Taxpayers.
We estimate ‘piggybacked? Nov. elections would save more than $600,000 in tax dollars per year in Oakland County alone for financially-strapped schools. Statewide, savings would be estimated at $5 million or more annually.
Think about what that could purchase for our schoolchildren—10,000 computers, over 150,000 textbooks for our kids, or our schools could hire over 100 teachers.
It is easy to understand the frustration of local clerks and citizens, especially those in communities with uncontested May school elections. Fifteen out of Oakland County’s 26 districts having elections on May 2 have uncontested races for board seats.
The goal of consolidating elections was to provide uniformity for voters, streamline the election system, and help our schools save money. Instead of multiple polling places, voters now have the same polling place for every election. There’s also a consistent system for distributing absentee ballot applications.
Consolidated elections also help prevent districts from holding ‘stealth? elections. Previous obscure election dates have resulted in elections where less than four percent of eligible voters cast their ballots.
Schools have argued Nov. elections would upset their budget process, but other officials, from US Congress to county commissioners and state legislators, cope very well despite the Nov. timing.
It could be an advantage to give school board members several months to understand their district’s policies and financial issues before voting on the budget.
In South Lyon, to accommodate the Nov. election, board members? terms were lengthened to six years. School district like South Lyon have been able to put those savings into classrooms, and made it easier for voters to have their voices heard. It’s clear that schools? early concerns about timing simply haven’t been realized.
Today, schools can still opt to change their election schedules to save money and time. If you’re concerned about the expense of school elections, you can contact your school board and urge them to ‘piggyback? on Nov. elections.
Ruth Johnson
Oakland County Clerk
I’m writing in regards to the article in The Oakland Press on March 22, about Orion Township. I live in Orion Township, and I watch the Township Board meetings.
On March 20, Supervisor Dywasuk said he recommends an investigation of the treasurer because he has spent too much time on this issue. He wants closure. And it should not have gone in The Review.
I find all of this interesting, because the Supervisor is the one who won’t stop making an issue out of it. And by his statements in the newspaper, I have to believe he is the one who went to the newspaper.
Alice Young, our treasurer, has been very up front about everything. We could always go back to the way it was before with the previous treasurer. You know, when we never knew how much money was in the water and sewer fund, or where it was.
The Township Board made all the votes, and voted for the Clerk and the Supervisor to sign the contract with The Athena Group. When the Supervisor said he signed an illegal contract, and he didn’t know what he was signing, I want to know, who is running this place?
I hope and pray it isn’t his part-time assistant, Jill Verros. It sure looks like it is on TV.
If there is going to be any investigations, it should start with the Supervisor’s office. Something smells rotten.
Kay Hughes
This letter is in response to the article concerning Larry Obrecht and the continuing shovel purchase issue.
I had thought this situation was handled, since Mr. Obrecht has repeatedly explained the reason for the purchase of the shovels, as well as how and why, they were used.
For many, many years Mr. Obrecht was almost single-handedly responsible for the improvement and development of the Polly Ann Trail. He was constantly working or organizing workers for trail improvements and clean up.
In more recent years, he has been the main motivator, fundraiser and representative for the trail. This trail is a benefit to our community, and without Mr. Obrecht’s efforts, might still be an abandoned railway bed.
I know that Mr. Obrecht is often modest about the time, energy, and yes, finances, he personally spends on the Polly Ann Trail project. But now is the time for us to thank him, and to trust that he used his best good judgement in purchasing the shovels.
I would request that reimbursement be reconsidered, or at least we would all make certain Mr. Obrecht knows how much we appreciate his valuable contribution to our community.
Mary Chayka-Crawford
This election year is when we the citizens once again get to vote on whom we want to work for us in our local, state and national governments. You’ll notice I’ve omitted the word ‘represent,? for obvious reasons.
I feel our present Oakland County Commissioner Eric Wilson and State Representative James Marleau, as well as US Congressmen Mike Rogers and Joe Knollenberg, have done nothing for the people they represent, unless they are wealthy and can do something for them.
That is not the reason to seek public office, but it seems to be the norm with the politicians, because it seems the people in a certain majority don’t seem to care or question the motives of these people once they take office.
Rogers and Knollenberg voting for KAFTA is already starting to show its effects, with the closing of the Ford Wixom plant, and the proposed buyouts of GM’s and Daimler Chrysler’s hourly employees.
Wilson hasn’t cut any costs for his district, in fact he voted for, along with other county commissioners, a pay raise for himself.
And how about Marleau, who no doubt voted for that big rate hike for Consumer’s Power, as all of us got sticker shock from our natural gas bills this winter? Be prepared for the same on your Edison bill this summer.
You should know if there is ever an increase for the people to pay, Marleau will usually approve it. That’s the same way Marleau was as Orion Township Treasurer, voting for water and sewer rate increases every year.
It’s time for a change, and if you open your eyes and take the wax out of your ears, you’ll notice things are not getting better. But if some of you are satisfied with the status quo, then I guess you must love playing Russian Roulette or driving a vehicle with a blindfold on.
James Delevan
This year’s Community Business Expo was a huge success, and on behalf of myself and the entire Orion Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for The Lake Orion Review’s support and contributions to the overall success of this year’s event.
The special advertisement section in The Orion Review really helped to build awareness for the Community Business Expo throughout the community, and enhanced our overall attendance this year.
Further, it was very generous of you to obtain the tables and chairs at no cost through an innovative rental approach by enhancing advertising space to Valley Tent Rental. These types of cost-saving efforts are critical in keeping costs under control, and were greatly appreciated by the Chamber Board of Directors.
Your partnership and efforts with this year’s Community Business Expo went a long way in building pride among our business leaders and the community. We commend you for everything you personally did to bring a positive outcome to the overall program.
Rosemary McBride
Chamber President
Becky Goodman, former DDA Director for Downtown Lake Orion, and I agreed, in Aug. of 2004, to proceed with plans for improvement of the Ye Olde Stuff & Antiques building.
In Dec. of 2004, she requested that I submit a statement of completion and the allowable annual grants would be forthcoming.
Subsequent efforts to elicit a response have gone unanswered and ignored. When Becky left for Petoskey, she wrote me, explaining that the color scheme was complicated and they needed time to study the placement of colors.
More than 15 months have passed…is this enough time?
Ron Sweet
Ye Old Stuff & Antiques
The members of the Boys and Girls Club would like to thank the local businesses and residents for helping make our 8th Annual Taste of the Town a huge success.
Items donated by local businesses were auctioned off that evening, and restaurants provided portions of a menu item from their establishment for the patrons to sample.
Special thanks to Hamlin Pub, Big Buck Brewery and Steakhouse, Boulder Pointe Golf Club and Banquet Center, Buffalo Wild Wings, Canterbury Castle, Cold Stone Creamery, Costco Wholesale, Little Caesars, Lombardo’s Bar and Grill, Olive Garden, Starbucks Coffee, and Metamora Golf and Country Club, for their participation.
Local restaurants are invited to participate in our 9th Annual Taste of the Town, to be held in early 2007.
Tim Dougan
Club Directo
The family of Natalie Nance would like to offer our sheer appreciation for all of your support, sympathy, love and prayers during our experience of tremendous loss.
We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Dale and Janet Salswedel, Jim and Renee Rowe, Mike and Angela Shafer, and George and Rachael Nance
We would like to thank everyone for all their thoughtfulness during Dale’s hospital stay and recovery.
Dale and Janet Salswedel
I am writing in response to the letter written by James Delevan in the March 1 issue, addressing the annual tax assessment increases that Orion Township places on its residents.
Prior to Proposal A, the government assessors could raise our assessment as much as they wanted, based on current market value of the property. Even though this was the case, they had to justify the increase.
For example, if the market showed an average of 10 percent increase in value, they could add 10 percent to the assessment. Now, after Proposal A, they are limited by the inflationary rate, but they do not have to justify it. This is why it is guaranteed that our assessments will go up every year.
Although we all agree that this is not fair, there is something even worse that should make the residents of Orion Township very concerned. It’s possible for the township assessor to add value to your assessment, above the inflationary rate.
They do this based on assumptions from an external-only inspection. For example, if you have a two-story house, but there is nothing on the second floor except windows, they will assume the second is completed and add value for bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.
Now, I am not making allegations, rather I am stating what was done to me. Yes, I am being assessed for rooms that do not exist. You may recall that the Aug. 3, 2005 edition of The Review had a summary of my appearance before the township board, addressing this issue.
As they are typical government officials, they preferred to protect themselves instead of doing the right thing. Also, Township Assessor John Attwell promised to complete an interior inspection in order to correct the assessment.
You see, the assessor can make things up in order to raise the value, but they have to physically see the items do not exist in order to remove the value.
By the way, I am still waiting for someone to show up and complete the inspection.
I don’t know about you, but it scares me to think that our government officials believe they have this much power to do something like this to people that pay their salaries.
I would suggest that each and every township resident examine not only their assessment, but also the property evaluation worksheet, that can be obtained at the township assessor’s office.
Dale Ziegler
Come March 1, 2006, we the citizens of Orion Township will be getting notices of increases in our property tax assessments!
I believe that all of us should protest these uncalled for, yearly increases on our homestead properties!
Every since I have lived here, since 1993, the taxes have increased every year to the max that the state of Michigan will allow. And who sits on the board of review, realtors and land developers!
That makes about so much sense as a cat watching a fish market!
I have lived in communities in the past, like Troy and Fork Township, where the property taxes didn’t increase every year.
It’s time to wake up and say enough already, and stop letting these elected politicians, and appointees, feed us a bunch of bull!
James Delevan
I disagree with the decision of WASTING THE TAXPAYERS? MONEY, to treat the arsenic water problem, and putting children’s lives in danger.
It would be better to use the money towards bottled water.
Bill Miller
My name is Anne-Sophie Sauer and I am an exchange student from Germany at Lake Orion High School. I live with my host family, Brian and Sue Rice, and their children, Scott, Mark, Kevin, Chris and Katy.
I am very thankful that I have this opportunity to spend a year abroad with such a nice host family, who really care and try to make this a great experience for me, and accept me as a real family member.
This year is already the greatest experience I’ve ever had, and I am glad that my host family makes it very special, and gives me the chance to be here, learning about a new culture and learning the language, meeting new people.
I really want to thank my friends and teachers, but especially my host family, for this great year, and I hope a lot of others will get involved as a host family, or send their children to be an exchange student.
This year helps you not only to learn about different things like culture, language and lifestyle, but the important things that you learn about yourself. You have the chance to find yourself.
So, if you want to give someone this experience or experience this yourself, contact Youth for Understanding (1-866-493-8872), or on the web, www.yfu-usa.org.
I am very glad and proud that I decided to spend a year abroad. It will help me a lot in my future, and will stay in contact with friends and family forever.
It is an experience for a lifetime!
Anne-Sophie Sauer
Our Coke sign was returned today. Thanks for giving us the exposure in your newspaper.
That was the main reason it was noticed.
Lloyd Coe,
Ed’s Broadway Gifts, downtown
The Orion Firefighters and the Orion Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary wish to thank McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza for their generous food contributions during the warehouse fire on M-24 on Jan. 6, 2006.
Firefighters worked around the clock to completely extinguish the blaze, and really appreciated your donations.
Orion Firefighters &
Ladies Auxiliary
The Orion community came out in great support for the January ‘Friends? used book sale.
The sale was very successful. Thanks to all who donated books, all who shopped our sale, and especially all of the ‘Friends of the Orion Township Library? who gave of their time and muscle to set up and run the sale.
We are a very blessed community. Thanks to Kroger on Baldwin for their donation of bags for our bag sale.
Our next sale is the week of May 8, and we will begin accepting our donations on March 1.
Hope to see you in May.
Marie English
Friends Book Sale Chair
State Representative Jim Marleau just introduced legislation that will cut $160 million from the ‘school-aid fund,? and through the magic of the empty shell game, he proposes to replace it with dollars from an already over-spent, empty General Fund (where the education lottery dollars already are).
Every ‘think-tank? study in Michigan recommends that we invest more in education to prepare our kids for a 21st Century future, yet Marleau wants to cut this investment, in what amounts to nothing more than pure, self-serving election-year politics!
With the well-known disconnect from Washington, and Lansing to Main Street, it would appear it didn’t take Marleau long to get assimilated into the ‘Lansing Culture.?
To use our kids, and play games with their education funds and their future, for what amounts to a political stunt is simply mind-boggling, shameful, and disgusting!
Daniel Myslakowski
At Gettysburg, our revered President Abraham Lincoln expressed the hope that ?…government of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE, and for the PEOPLE shall not perish from the earth.?
Mr. President, I regret to inform you that it has indeed perished in the United States of America, and been replaced by ?…government of the ethically questionable politicians, government by the ethically questionable lobbyists, and government for Big Oil, Big Pharma, and Big Everything Else with Money to Spend to Get What They Want Crowd.?
Please don’t hurt yourself as you spin in your tomb.
Frank McIssac
We’re hoping the Lake Orion viewers are enjoying the Lunch at CJ’s venue for meeting their friends and neighbors.
For those of you who have invited us into your homes on Mondays and Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., or been a guest inventor, writer, artisan or politician, we thank you.
We would also like to thank Colin Baumgartner for the terrific Review article, our hosts Carl and Joan Slomczenski for loaning us a corner, and guests who shared special samples with our restaurant audience, like Steve Christi’s Twist ‘N Dough donuts, and Barb Farley’s ice cream and cakes from Cold Stone Creamery.
We hope you will continue to support those new neighbors and business people you’ve met on Lunch at CJ’s.
If you would like to find out how you can become a producer of your own TV program, or to get the play schedule for Lunch at CJ’s, contact us at ONTV, (693-3377), or orionneighborhoodtelevision.org.
Thanks again, and we’ll see you next time on…Lunch at CJ’s.
Ed Peters and Kathy Wieland
Volunteer producers of Lunch at CJ’s
Our representative, Congressman Mike Rogers, visited Lake Orion today (Jan. 25). He held a one hour session at the township hall.
It is my understanding that these times are intended as an opportunity to hear about the work he is doing, as well as for him to hear from his constituents.
I am writing to encourage all residents to attend any sessions he holds here in the future.
My impression of him was very favorable. I had the distinct impression that he is not your typical politician.
I did think it unfortunate that at least 40 of the 60 minutes had to be spent defending the monitoring of terrorists, i.e. the NSA issues.
Congressman Rogers? background includes work as an FBI agent, and as a result he is very well aware of the current laws regarding wire-tapping and monitoring of communications.
Given that the topic dominated the visit, I wish that more Lake Orion residents would have been available to hear what he had to say on the this subject.
I was relieved to hear him say he was not in favor of legislation calling for suspending the NSA’s terrorist monitoring program, while a congressional investigation occurred (of course, if we can get the terrorists to agree to a temporary suspension of their activities, I am all for it!).
Given the economic concerns that Michigan has, it would be refreshing to have him back to discuss jobs, manufacturing and Canadian waste.
I would encourage all of you to learn more about Congressman Rogers and the work he is doing.
I would hope that the next time he visits, more residents will attend. I also hope that topics of concern to all Michigan residents can be addressed.
Noreen Gibbens
The purchase of six expensive shovels by Obrecht, which was not authorized by the Polly Ann Trail Management Council, should not be reimbursed.
A new bridge across the Detroit River might be appropriate for an expenditure of $1,439 for the groundbreaking ceremony, but not for a pedestrian bridge over Lapeer Road.
One shovel would have been more than sufficient, with each trustee taking a turn at removing a little dirt. As it turned out, according to the article in the paper, the shovels were not even used for the ceremony.
They weren’t delivered until after the event, and borrowed shovels were used.
The justification, or excuse, that they could now be presented to donors is ridiculous. DaimlerChrysler doesn’t need or want another shovel. A bad decision should not be rewarded or reimbursed.
Sue Bellairs is correct…Money that goes to the trail should be used on the trail.
E. Baker
Last week the Michigan House of Representatives passed yet another tax cut, this time for 35,000 small businesses.
This tax cut will cost MI taxpayers around $50 million over two years. The vote went pretty much along party lines, Democrats voting against, and Republicans voting for it.
My concern is, can our state afford this $50 million gift given the financial woes of our state’s economy, and secondly, who is going to pay for this?
In the mid-1990s, then Governor Engler engineered over a billion dollars of business tax cuts, yet they did nothing to stop businesses from out-sourcing or moving out of Michigan.
The evidence, the proof of this, is the state of our MI economy today, and the millions of lost jobs! Was this the promised ‘Road to Recovery?? I think NOT!!
I have lived in Lake Orion for the past 17 years, and my taxes have gone up every year!
Where is the ‘Robin Hood? for Joe and Mary Middle-Class? Where is our relief from unfair taxes?
Daniel Myslakowski
The Lake Orion School District has scheduled a vote to override the Headlee Amendment to charge 18 mills on non-homestead properties in the May 2 election.
In the Jan. 18 edition of The Lake Orion Review, Lake Orion Executive Director of Business Services Jillynn Keppler is quoted as saying, ‘As a homeowner, it does not affect you at all. It’s for businesses and commercial properties only.?
Yes, the actual increase levied on properties does not affect owner-occupied homes. But everyone who shops in the Village of Lake Orion or Orion Township will be affected, as well as anyone who rents a home, condominium or apartment.
When the voters of the school district override the Headlee Amendment, they are increasing the business? cost. When the cost of doing business increases, the costs are passed on to the consumer by increasing prices.
If you buy groceries in Lake Orion, the grocery stores are going to charge more for your groceries. If you are renting a home, condominum or apartment, the landlord will increase your rent to cover the increase in taxes.
So it does affect all of us who live and shop in Lake Orion, not only businesses.
To allow the voters to make an informed decision, I think that the Lake Orion School District should educate the public on all the effects of the tax increases, and stop pretending there is no impact on our community.
Ruth Sand
Once again Thanksgiving dinner at CJ’s Cafe was a success.
A big thank you goes out to the Flaming Pistons, Oldies DJ and all the cruisers who supported the weekly car cruise nights in the Lake Orion/Oxford area.
Thanks also to CJ’s employees, loyal customers, Caramagno Foods, Del Bene Produce, Coca-Cola, Metropolitan Baking Company, Jerry Neubeck, Tom Stefanek & Son Distributing and Alice P. Young CPA .
The children from Christ the Redeemer made beautiful placemats.
Leftover food was donated to the Pontiac Rescue Mission and leftover monies will be donated to various charities.
Carl & Joan Slomczenski,
CJ Village Cafe & Sandbar
The giving season is upon us and the Lake Orion Lions Club is again running its annual Christmas Basket Program.
Community support in the past has been outstanding and the club is grateful for this community participation. Without it, the club would not be able to assist Orion area families in having a pleasant Christmas.
Especially helpful have been area businesses — too numerous to mention — and Lake Orion Community Schools and St. Joseph’s Catholic School.
These people support our project by sponsoring canned food and toy drives, placing collection boxes in their places of business or school building.
The Goodfellow newspaper sale in early December also helps purchase items for the basket program.
Again this year, the Lions Club will count on this same support from our community.
We need collection sites in area businesses for the donations and workers to assemble the baskets. Corporate donations are always welcome.
Setup for the basket assembly begins at approximately 10 a.m. on Dec. 16 at the CERC building, 455 East Scripps Road.
Baskets will be assembled from approximately 3-5:30 p.m. Baskets will be delivered by the Lions Club on Dec. 17.
If you know of a family in need of assistance, call Dave Kalish at 586-980-1902 or contact any club member. The Lions wish everyone a blessed holiday season.
David Kalish,
Christmas Basket Chairman
Kudos and congratulations to the Orion Area Parade Group for a weekend full of events well done!
The Holly Jolly Folly fundraiser at Palace Chrysler Plymouth was tasteful and full of fun.(thank you, Don Milosch and Palazzo de Bocci and many volunteers!
Saturday was full of events sponsored by the OAPG and Downtown Lake Orion, topped off with a fantastic lighted parade (great announcing Sue Turpen and Wes Fuelling!).
The Historic Union Church was open to the public for the first time in many, many years (thank you Orion Historical Society and Senior Center volunteers!) ……a truly memorable weekend in Lake Orion.
Sara Van Portfliet
The Downtown Lake Orion DDA and Main Street organizations are proud to support the Orion Area Parade Group with our contribution to the parade of the stage sound system rental and donation for parade clean-up.
Of course, the illumination of the Village trees would not have been possible without the work of Lawnworks, the lighting contractor, and his amazing team of workers coordinating the lighting event with our own Nancy King, Downtown Lake Orion Maintenance Coordinator, and the Village of Lake Orion DPW decorating village-wide in advance.
Junior, our Doggie Mayor, was able to answer all holiday questions and light the entire village, declaring the holidays in Lake Orion underway, opening for the parade at 5p.m.
Here at the Village of Lake Orion DDA we are particularly happy with this year’s parade and the tremendous effort each group put forth to have a successful event.
The police did a fantastic job with street closure, traffic direction and acting as parade guides. Likewise, for the first time, the Lake Orion DPW participated in the parade with a festively decorated truck leading the honorary Downtown Lake Orion Doggie Mayor vehicle.
Also, for the first time this year, the DDA and Main Street organization set up an area with children’s activities such as cookie decorating and birdseed ornaments which was highly successful as well as food vendors such as Jet’s Pizza, Kettle Corn, and Hot Cocoa with whipped cream!
A big highlight for people shopping and supporting the downtown businesses prior to the parade was the opportunity for a spot in the VIP viewing area right next to the stage during the parade. Fun was definitely had by all!
Downtown businesses entertained the local children with goodies to fill their stockings, face painting at Ed’s Broadway Gifts and Costumes, and musical entertainment from the Orion Area Parade Group.
And, we can’t forget that Santa left a special mailbox outside the DDA office at 22 W. Flint for our children to drop off their letters to Santa.
If they are dropped off by Dec. 19, the child will receive a response from Santa’s senior elves. And participating businesses are partnering with the DDA to offer entries to win the Ultimate Gift Basket Give-Away.
With a $10 or more purchase you can enter to win this basket valued at over $800 and filled with treats from our Downtown merchants! The drawing will be held Dec. 12 at the village council meeting.
Finally, don’t forget to purchase your limited edition Downtown Lake Orion commemorative parade ornament! We have Santa in his sleigh available at Jacobsen’s, the Orion Senior Center, and the Downtown Lake Orion DDA offices
The ornaments are signed by the artist, Margaret Cobane, and bear the inscription ‘Downtown Lake Orion? on the side of the sleigh. Ornaments are $15 each but they are going fast!
Kathryn Zimmer,
DDA Director
Dear Ms. Stieb:
This letter is in reference to your column of Nov. 9.
I feel sad you were so disappointed in the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.
You drove all the way out to the boonies only to see a farmer’s field with an unimpressive entrance and burials being carried out in a fashion that reminded you of an assembly line.
I’m glad you thought the service itself was fine. The trip wasn’t a total waste of time then.
I think you were a little naive to expect the cemetery to look like Arlington just a few months after construction began. Arlington took many years to become the beautiful place it is.
Given the location and terrain, the GLNC will someday rival any other national cemetery for beauty.
If you were to go to the GLNC today, you would find over 30 flagpoles lining the entrance road, not quite half of what will eventually be there.
The flagpoles were bought with money donated by veterans? groups and private citizens. The flags flying from those poles were donated off of the coffins of veterans by their survivors.
The temporary signs at the entrance were installed by veterans who volunteered their time, effort and money.
Bedford Road is going to be paved from North Holly Road to the cemetery entrance partially with donated funds.
All of the honors given to veterans are by volunteers. Many people are working hard to make this a cemetery for our area to be proud of.
Please do try to visit the cemetery again in a few years or so.
Gary Clouse
I keep seeing more soccer fields being built at Friendship Park, but no Little League Baseball fields.
All we have are four men’s softball fields with 300 foot fences. There isn’t one pitchers mound in Lake Orion for Little Leaguers, yet we expect them to be able to adapt when they go on to High School.
When is Lake Orion going to dedicate more land and funds to our Little League baseball players and start building fields that are made specifically for their needs, not the Friday night softball leagues?
Tom Hopkins
It’s come to my attention that on Nov. 4, Betty McDowell, who is trying to get a citizens? awareness coalition organized, attended an OSCART meeting at the Orion Senior Center.
The purpose of her attendance was to get OSCART (Orion Township Amateur Radio Team) involved with the movement of citizen awareness of homeland security.
My understanding is she was told by some members of OSCART that they felt they shouldn’t be involved.
Then what is your purpose as an amateur radio team? You know as far as amateur radio goes, there are more than two meters. There is also the 11 meter citizen band, marine band, 800 megahertz, municipal, etc.
Why is it OSCART you feel McDowell’s idea shouldn’t involve you? Is it because she won’t make a contribution of money or orange vests like state rep. James Marleau or county commissioner Eric Wilson recently gave you?
It sounds to me OSCART that all you seem to care about is political publicity and notoriety.
I’ll tell you what Mrs. McDowell, there are plenty of radio operators out there who would gladly help in a disaster or emergency and a lot of them are on 11 meter citizen band, upper and lower sidebands.
And for a long time, Channel 9 on the 11 meter citizen band was used by Civil Defense.
James Delavan
To A Disgusted Parent regarding the Lake Orion Girls Softball League,
Please don’t be disgusted. I can offer you a more satisfying option. Come to a meeting the second Tuesday of every month.
Check the website (eteamz.com/logsl) for times and places. You and all others in the community are welcome. We’re recruiting volunteers for league positions right now.
We need your help along with your constructive criticism. This is not a joke or sarcasm. It’s a sincere invitation to help provide our youth with fun learning opportunities.
There are big jobs available (board elections will be in January) as well as lots of small jobs. Join the rules committee and fix what you think is broke or even become the vice president and run the drafts!
Some jobs are even out-of-season and you can have them done in time to sit and watch your daughter play. You won’t be able to please everyone.
You may even need to suffer through the occasional unpopular moment. But your feelings of disgust will be gone and you’ll be richly compensated with the camaraderie of our league’s volunteers and with seeing the value that you’ve brought to our youth. Come join!
Steve Lawless,
LOGSL Advocate
Dear Elaine and Lake Orion Review readers,
As you can see in this issue’s Legal Notices, the township board, at its Nov. 21 meeting, plans to consider adopting a new Sign Ordinance to replace the current ordinance, Ordinance No. 77 ? Sign Regulation.
A committee has been working for the past six months to prepare the updated ordinance.
The new ordinance will regulate both permanent signs, such as those in front of businesses, and temporary and non-commercial signs, such as those announcing a special sale, a craft show, or in support of a candidate in an election, whether on commercial or residential property.
Recent court decisions have held that municipalities can regulate the size and amount of signage, but that they cannot regulate content (freedom of speech).
Copies of the proposed new ordinance are available at the township clerk’s office, M-F, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. for any member of the public who may wish to review what is being proposed regarding signs in the township, prior to the meeting.
Jill Bastian,
Orion Township Clerk
Orion Area Youth Assistance would like to thank all the wonderful supporters of our 2005 Adopt-A-Camper program.
With the help of generous donations, we were able to send 50 students to one-week camp sessions this summer.
Thanks to Orion Township, Christ the Redeemer Church, FISH Oxford/Orion, Gingellville Community Center, Knights of Columbus/Carey Colleen Women’s Auxiliary, Orion Fellowship Chapter #340 Order of the Eastern Star, Orion Oaks School Council, Pine Tree PTO, Scripps Middle School PTO, Stadium PTA, the Verros family.
Participating camps were Lake Orion Community Schools, Oakland County Parks, Orion Township Parks and Recreation, Crossroads for Youth and others.
OAYA
I wasn’t going to write about the existing peanut ban in the Lake Orion Schools, until I saw the last letter demanding to know WHO these people are who are against the ban.
Let me state I am one of those people, now let me tell you why.
My daughter was 3 years old when she was diagnosed as being diabetic. Other than allowing my daughter to eat at different times during the school day, the school made no accommodation for her condition.
If she ate sweets she wasn’t supposed to have, she ended up in the hospital. I didn’t blame anyone, nor did I impose on the school officials how dangerous it was to have my daughter exposed to sweets. In short,
I TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY DAUGHTER’S ILLNESS. I didn’t ask for accommodations because I knew that she would have to get along in the real world, where sweets, and might I add, peanut butter, are everywhere.
Why do you feel you have the right to impose on everyone else a ban, just because your child has a problem? What about saying to your child, as I did mine, ‘If you eat this, you are going to get very sick, or you may die?. That’s reality.
All this nonsense about it takes a village, well, no village raised my daughter! I RAISED HER. I TAUGHT HER. I TOOK RESPONSIBILITY. And I didn’t ask everyone to go out of their way for my child’s ‘special needs?.
You people who feel everyone should go out of their way for your little one makes me sick.
You’re not teaching them reality, or how the world actually works. You are doing a great disservice to your child. Grow up!
Laura Allen
Just a note to thank the wonderful people in our community who have supported our Special Olympic program this year.
Unfortunately, Special Olympic funding by the county and state has been greatly reduced this past year. Our teams have had to become self-funding to continue our wonderful programs for our children.
Lake Orion currently has junior and senior teams in snow shoeing, golf and basketball. Because of the generosity of our community, we have been able to continue our wonderful program for this year.
I would like to thank Collier Lanes for all of the kindness and caring they show our bowlers. I would like to thank Custom Threads and Sports for all of its expertise and guidance in outfitting our athletes.
Parisian in Rochester Hills has been amazing in helping us with our fundraising efforts through its Charity Day sale in November.
There are also countless individuals who give their time to coach our children (our Special Olympic coaches are all volunteers), raise funds and chaperone events.
I would also like to thank our wonderful high school and middle school volunteers and unified players.
The Lake Orion Special Olympic Program is a wonderful experience for our children.
If anyone would like to come and see one of our events, contact Kari Atkinson LOHS, katkinson@lakeorion.k12.mi.us. Kari will have a schedule of our events.]
If anyone would like to donate to our program, contact Marcine Glowicki at LOHS, mglowicki@lakeorion.k12.mi-us.
Again, on behalf of my daughter and fellow teammates, I thank all of you for your kindness and thoughtfulness.
Karen Appledorn
I was taken back when I received a phone call from The Orion Review asking me for an interview regarding my next door neighbor, Ada Stone.
The subsequent article disturbed me by implying the neighbors attempted or are trying to close down her day care.
We have never asked her not to have a day care; we have never asked her to close it — ever.
Her neighbors have only asked that she limit it to six children. This is what she is legally supposed to have and to which she agreed to at last October’s board meeting. However, she doesn’t have six kids, she has 12 and is now in violation with the township regarding four issues.
In the article, it also states the LLW Subdivision Association is trying not to allow any home based business. This is totally false.
It is trying to restrict home based businesses which generate commercial traffic. No one cares if you have a home office — but when your business starts affecting neighbors and traffic, that’s when there’s a concern.
For example, there are two adult group homes within a block of me. Across the street there’s a licensed six child day care. Next to me I have her 12 child day care.
As a residential homeowner, when is enough, enough? Where do you draw the line?
On a side note, to be a business owner, you need to be complaint with federal, state, county and township guidelines when you run a business.
Business owners don’t have the luxury of being exempt from the rules and laws, so why doesn’t she have to follow these same parameters?
Koula Christi
We just wanted to let everyone know how great the Polly Ann Trail is. It is a true park.
We have always enjoyed riding our bikes down the trail, but since it has been improved the ride is a true pleasure. We are so fortunate to be able to go right out our door and drive to the trail.
We know it took an enormous amount of time and effort by Larry Obrecht to see this major project to fruition. It was worth it!! Thank you for all your effort.
Ray and Diana Morawski
As a long time resident of The Long Lake Woods subdivision, I feel the need to address the dilemma of home day care in our neighborhood.
Many of us feel that, what started as a concern over additional traffic has become a personal vendetta against Ada Stone.
One only has to read between the lines of the original article, to see this. Ada Stone was being humble when she said, that at times this feels ‘personal.?
The truth of the matter is, she has been harassed from day one. Mrs. Stone installed a safe and attractive play structure in her backyard, as far away from her next door neighbors as possible, only to be given an immediate violation.
Regular phone calls were made to our board members complaining about how many children she may or may not have on a given day.
Daily stats were taken on the number of cars coming and going. What else are we to believe?
It was quoted this has become a sore spot in the neighborhood, implying that we did not want this day care.
Many of us have no problem with the day care. Some never even knew there was a day care.
The area of concern is not the day care itself, but the way this whole thing has been handled. There are two day care homes on the cul de sac generating additional traffic, yet we only hear about Ada’s? What is really going on here?
Most of us, have at one time or another been in violation of a subdivision rule, but with the grace of good neighbors, it has not been an issue. Why can we not extend the same grace now?
Contrary to what has been quoted, the cul de sac does not look like a parking lot or have a commercial feeling. We as a community hope this can be resolved through a little compassion and a little compromise from both sides. Given the choice between a wonderful neighbor who brings in extra traffic and a miserable neighbor who doesn’t, I will choose the traffic every time.
A Long Lake Woods resident
It seems it’s a compelling story on the front page of a local paper — ‘Is subdivision wrong place for day care??
Neighbor to neighbor disputes are happening all over our finest cities. Yet in this growing town of Lake Orion, flourishing with young families with children, we seem to have our own ‘Wisteria Lane.? Only ours is called Wildbrook Lane.
A case of envy, boredom or lack of work transpires into a potential conspiracy of a few souls? A newcomer to the neighborhood, seeming unaware receives calls from state licensing only after a few weeks into the application process.
Neighbors calling to report potential unlicensed care being provided.
Licensing tells the newcomer everything is OK, they’ll just speed up the process. She was licensed in six weeks.
Shortly after receiving license, newcomer receives phone call from Orion Zoning Enforcement regarding complaints of too many children in her care. A man comes to count five children.
One year later, the newcomer’s business is flourishing, a playscape is added in the park-like setting in the backyard.
Ordinance 78 seems to be choice reading material for those who have nothing better to do. Unkept yards, vehicles on lawns and watercraft littered about….seemingly an eyesore, but all eyes were on a childcare provider whose dream is to care for her friend’s children.
Now she has zoning violations and the ‘desperate housewives? donned in the housecoats (robes) are busy counting cars and naming strangers.
The stranger is this story is the newcomer. She didn’t receive so much as a welcome from these folks.
They were too busy trying to ruin the dreams of the new person in the neighborhood. They didn’t take the time to get to know the newcomer let alone find out what compromises could be met.
To this day, the newcomer feels pain in her heart as she fights for her rights as a wife, mother, business owner and caregiver to the most wonderful children.
Name Withheld
I would like to address some concerns about the house baseball and softball leagues in Orion Township.
I am a parent with children playing in the Lake Orion Youth Baseball League and Lake Orion Girls Softball League and I’m thoroughly disgusted with the make up of the teams.
The teams are to be ‘blind draft,? but after watching the winning teams belonging to board members it has made many people wonder.
Does ‘blind? mean all teams that are not managed or coached by a board member are blind to the stacking situation?
The children of these winning teams are usually the best of the best in the pool of available children. I challenge the board of directors for 2006 to run a blind draft that is administered and commissioned by a neutral parent.
If these coaches and managers are so good at teaching the sport, then why don’t they take a bunch of underachieving kids and turn them into winners!
These are house leagues and it would be nice to spread the talent evenly among the teams. In the end it would raise the level of league play. If these individuals are that competitive then they should consider federation or travel teams.
A Disgusted Parent
I agree that something is definitely wrong with the system used in NHS selection.
Our family received a huge shock last year when our daughter was rejected by the NHS selection committee. She was a People to People Student Ambassador to England, Ireland and Wales in the difficult summer after September 11, 2001.
It was the summer before she entered Lake Orion High School and she proudly represented our country for three weeks overseas. She earned some college and high school credit from completing assignments related to her trip.
She entered LOHS with over 90 service learning hours. I checked last week and she has 130 service learning hours and many additional ones that she didn’t claim since she already had so many.
In 9th and 10th grade, she was a leader while in the Matrix program. She was often put in groups with difficult students because she could get them to participate. In 11th and now 12th grade, she is on the yearbook staff, this year as photo editor.
She was in Video Projects last year, winning a third place certificate for her entry in the video competition at the end of the year.
This year she is on the TPW staff and also in AP Art. All of these classes require leadership and can only be entered into through an application process.
Last year she filled out all of the forms and gave out the teacher recommendation forms to the teachers she worked with most closely.
Imagine our surprise when she did not receive acceptance into NHS because she lacked leadership. We were told that four out of seven of her teacher recommendations came back stating that she had not yet reached leadership level.
Since I know the teachers to whom she gave the forms, it made no sense, since I know that all of them regarded her highly.
I could only figure that pressure was placed on the non-tenured teachers to rate her that way because of my previous dismissal as a substitute teacher for no legitimate reason by Todd Dunckley. She has always been an active student, participating in many after school activities, etc.
I believe, in my heart, that my daughter would have been welcomed with open arms into NHS in any other Oakland County high school.
This year my daughter decided that it was a waste of her time to fill out the many forms again and face the same fate as the previous year, since she has no faith in the obviously flawed system of selection.
As for contacting Chris Lehman (someone I once considered to be a personal friend) or the school board to fix the problem, I know from personal experience that would probably be a waste of time. They will just circle the wagons and never admit to any problem at LOHS.
NHS used to mean something. It once was an honor to be chosen. The golden symbol of NHS is a bit tarnished at LOHS.
Sandy Dennis
Recently there was a cartoon in a paper that seemed to say what a lot of people think about illegal entry into the USA.
The cartoon had a big sign: POSTED: Trespassers will be given free social services, jobs, in-state school tuition, subsidized housing, no taxes, free health care and lots of other cool stuff.
Unfortunately, there is no humor in that sign since illegals seem to have more rights here than those who obey the law.
Ask the ranchers and Americans who live along our southern borders and have their properties destroyed and filled with trash and human waste.
Why does our President and Congress look the other way?
Who else is coming into the country — terrorists, criminals, child molesters? Do you care?
Elaine Pantak
An ‘economic atomic bomb? and a ‘category 5 hurricane? just hit Michigan at the same time. The death toll is yet unknown. That’s what the Delphi bankruptcy is to Michigan.
An estimated 95 percent of these jobs will go overseas while the few remaining here will take 67 percent pay cuts.
Retirees will lose their pensions and health care. Middle class workers will get the shaft while management will get a ‘golden parachute.?
More importantly, the repercussions from this event will set a precedent for similar events to take place at Visteon, GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc. People, families and communities will be devastated.
Can you afford your monthly mortgage, car, gasoline and utility bills while trying to put your kids through college and put money in a 401K plan for retirement with a 67 percent pay cut?
Who ran these companies into the ground? Why were these pension plans (part of the total compensation package) not protected by law?
Why are our elected officials in Washington not enforcing the ‘Free Trade Agreements?? Why do we have a $60 billion a month trade imbalance?
Why aren’t we enforcing our US Immigration Laws? Why do we have 20 million illegal aliens in the US?
For two years our elected representatives in Lansing have been talking about an economic stimulus package for Michigan. Nothing has been passed to date yet they are ready to put forth a ballot proposal to extend their term limits to 14 years!
Another legislative gem recently introduced was to jail Internet spammers for 15 years while the judges are releasing felons because of overcrowded jails.
These same representatives want our teaches to take a pay cut, yet they receive full pay. Their pay was just increased a while back even though they only worked one day a week in July and August.
They also receive full health care benefits and a full pension after six years served, all courtesy of the Michigan taxpayer.
At the Oakland county level, our elected officials just voted themselves a pay raise while just about everyone in the private sector is getting the same pay or getting pay cuts.
Don’t let our ineffective elected officials run us into oblivion and destroy the American Dream.
Daniel Myslakowski
Members of the school board heard both sides of the peanut argument and their decision stands.
At the school board meeting, there were numerous parents of children with and without food allergies who spoke in favor of the board’s decision.
Only one person spoke up in opposition. Who are these parents of the ‘Lake Orion Parents for a Sensible Peanut Solution??
I see letters in the paper all the time with ‘name withheld? or ‘anonymous? at the bottom of the letter. Stand up and be accountable for your opinions.
If this peanut issue is so important to all of you that you form a group, let’s see who’s involved. Everyone knows who the children with the peanut allergies and their parents are, who are these anonymous people?
Thank you to the school board for continuing to protect all the children. Thank you to ALL the parents who read labels, check ingredients and go out of their way for these children. Remember, it takes a village.
Pam Otero
About a year ago I was faced with one of the hardest decisions a new mother has to make — who will I trust with my new baby when I go back to work.
After many visits to day care centers and in-home day cares, I was blessed to find Ada Stone, the director of Stepin? Stones day care.
While returning to work was still one of the hardest things I had to do, knowing that my son was receiving the best possible care made the transition a hundred times easier. Stepin? Stones is not just a day care, but an extended family.
Stepin? Stones provides the perfect mix of an intimate in-home day care and the educational, fun atmosphere of a preschool. I’m constantly amazed at the energy of Ada.
There are ongoing activities planned for the children, healthy homemade meals (complete with a weekly menu) and most importantly — lots of love.
Janet Austin works with Ada. She loves dancing and playing with them. My son’s face lights up whenever he sees Miss Janet.
Both women have been caring for him since he was four months old. I can’t imagine what I would do without them.
About a month ago, I was informed the future of the Stepin? Stones was in question. I was very surprised with this, knowing how hard Ada had worked to build her business and how much it meant to her and her family.
I knew from day-to-day dealings with her that it couldn’t be something she had done wrong. Ada is one of the most by-the-book people I’ve ever met.
I now know Stepin? Stones is in danger due to complaints from residents living in the neighborhood. I was very sad to hear that neighbors, some of whom are parents themselves, would want to put an end to a service that means so much to so many.
I would hope that another parent could understand how important it is to find somebody that you trust with the well being of your child. It’s irreplaceable.
Hopefully there will be a fair resolution to the situation. For now, I will enjoy the smile on my son’s face every morning when I drop him off at 865 Wildbrook Lane.
Bonnie Blais
In regards to last week’s front page article about Ada Stone’s day care, I would just like to say the homeowners? objection is that she didn’t follow proper procedures.
She opened her day care then tried to change the rules. She was given the proper procedure by the township.
She was also given a copy of the subdivision bylaws before she purchased her home, so she should have known all the rules and regulations before she began her business.
The state issues a license for group daycare and it must be in compliance with the local ordinances. This group day care doesn’t comply.
We bought our home in the cul de sac of this subdivision to have less traffic. However, we have 10-12 cars for her business driving around the cul de sac twice a day.
She stated in the article that she staggers her clients. Funny, the day after the article was published there were five cars in the cul de sac at 7:40 a.m.
We don’t object to her having a home day care, but we do think that a group day care doesn’t belong on a cul de sac in a residential subdivision
Fed Up in Long Lake Woods
I am writing in agreement with ‘The Lifeguard.? I also have a daughter who applied to NHS (National Honor Society) twice in one year and was turned down twice for the very same reason of ‘lacking leadership.?
The first time, she too was told to ‘start a group.? However, please explain to me how a girl can dance 25 hours a week outside of school (student teaching and teaching for some of those hours), hold a part-time job, manage to rack up almost double the required service hours, and still maintain a career 3.83 GPA not exhibit leadership qualities!
When some of the dance team captains needed help with choreography, cleaning up a number for competition or asking for help with their dance show numbers or competition numbers whom did they ask? Yep-the girl with ‘no leadership qualities.?
Her last letter of rejection actually said she should be proud as ALL of the letters of recommendation HIGHLY PRAISED her both personally and academically. Now add that two of the required teacher recommendations were from the NHS supervising staff.
Why bother with the recommendations if they aren’t going to mean anything? Just to have some in-school activities to list on her application, she actually did try to join a few groups with what little spare time she had, but after joining, they both changed their meeting time to a time she already had committed. She has given up on the idea of joining NHS. It’s their loss.
When she questioned many of her non-LOHS friends about their NHS application process, she received varying responses like: just being asked to join; signing a paper agreeing to maintain a certain GPA; having your application in by a certain date; or being one of the first 35 people to respond.
A few had applications, but no where near the ridiculously lengthy apps that LOHS has. And none had to get numerous teacher recommendations.
So what does all this really mean? That some kid from some other school who has less than a 3.8 GPA who only had to show the ‘leadership quality? of being first in line to turn in his name at the office gets to write NHS under school activities on his college applications while my daughter does not. Doesn’t seem quite fair, does it?
This process needs to be changed or many LOHS students may lose a spot in college to others who may be less-deserving-but-NHS-students from other schools.
Proud Parent
I’ve been involved with the National Honor Society for many years. I’ve served on the faculty council that decides which applicants are accepted into NHS. I’ve been a co-advisor and I’ve been a member.
In all the years I’ve been involved with NHS, two things have remained constant. There are always very good students who aren’t able to join and there are always parents who think their children have been treated unjustly.
The fact is, this will continue to be the case as long as Lake Orion High School adheres to the strict national guidelines established by the NHS.
In the past 20 years, Lake Orion’s NHS has had six different advisors and all have steadfastly upheld these guidelines, despite being harangued over the policy.
The faculty council is made up of new teachers and administrators every year. It continues to hold the highest standards for NHS, always knowing the penalty is to bear the wrath of parents.
It seems like the easiest thing to do, adopting lower standards and accepting all who apply.
There are two reasons why, for 20 years and through constantly changing personalities, Lake Orion’s NHS has not done so: The standards are not ours to change and a belief that NHS members should be allowed the pride of knowing they are in an echelon of their own.
Parents and students need to know the decision to accept or deny a student’s membership is not taken lightly.
No decision is. Ask any coach about the pain of making cuts. Ask any person who hires people as part of his job. Sometimes a tough decision has to be made and the people who make that decision deserve better than a public tongue-lashing from an angry parent.
Mike Bendle, LOHS teacher
This letter is in response to the gentleman who spoke during public comments at a recent Orion Township Board meeting.
While speaking of the cablecasting and recording of the board meetings, he said that ‘whoever does these tapes? cuts his voice off when the board doesn’t want people to hear what he has to say.
Orion Neighborhood Television is responsible for cablecasting and videotaping Orion Township Board and Planning Commission meetings and Lake Orion Village Council meetings.
The meetings are cablecast live, gavel to gavel, on channel 20. Videotapes of the township board and village council meetings are replayed at 5 p.m. on the Thursday following the meeting.
The videotapes are NEVER edited or altered in any way by ONTV until the tapes are recycled one month after the meeting.
The videotapes are in our possession from the time the meeting is recorded until they are made available for checkout at the Orion Township Public Library the Monday following the meeting.
If anyone feels that a meeting tape has been tampered with, they should bring the tape to the ONTV Studio (698 S. Lapeer Road, 248 693-3377) or bring it to the attention of the library staff when it is returned.
Diane Griffiths
ONTV Executive Director
I read the letters from Robin, and Jennifer H. in their response to Jackie’s concerns about the sex offender.
I found the comments by both of these women blatantly obnoxious, insulting and crude. I also found that Leeann Bartley’s comment to Jackie; ‘It’s none of her business? inexcusable. But, what can you expect from a school board member who thinks the word ‘asinine? is an obscene _expression.
All of these women would probably go around paraphrasing the statement, ‘It takes a village to raise a child?, and in the next moment tell you your concern for anyone else’s child is none of your business.
Their attitude shows a lack of cognizant thinking, or the ability to put one foot in front of the other in their thought processes.
The rational thing to have done was to thank Jackie for her concern and then go on to explain what actions had been taken to protect the children. Not ? attack her with their verbal brickbats and tell her to ‘It’s none of her business.?
It reminds me of the time my daughter attended a middle school dance. One of the boys had asked my daughter to dance with him and a facilitator’s daughter went running to the restroom crying because the boy had picked my daughter.
So, what did the wise adult chaperones do? They verbally attacked and humiliated my daughter for accepting the boy’s invitation to dance.
I hope that Robin’s, Jennifer’s and Leeann Bartley’s attitude and verbal abuse do not deter Jackie from having a big heart. Don’t stop in your caring for others in spite of those who have offensive, vicious mouths. Just picture the gossipy hens in the movie ‘Music Man? when you run into other women with the pettiness of those named above.
If it wasn’t for those who showed concern ? former Chief of Police Gary Ford would still be active in Oxford, and James Redmond would still be the superintendent of the Intermediate School District.
Mary MacMaster
Did either of the women who wrote those letters a couple of weeks ago happen to watch Oprah recently?
I feel just the opposite. This parent should be thanked not insulted.
If anyone is ignorant, it’s a parent who would place their own children in danger if they were given the opportunity to change it.
Why not car pool if so many parents are available to stand around a bus stop?
I don’t know exactly what this sex offender did, but I do know most re-offend. How convenient for him to be able to choose his prey from the comfort of his own home.
The state of Michigan just passed a law that a sex offender can’t live within 1,000 feet of a school for this very reason.
Bob Smith
Do we really need a stop sign on Heights Road? I have lived along Heights for my entire life and know just how dangerous the road can be.
By design, the road is inherently dangerous. However, a stop sign at Sherry Dr., because there is a bus stop in the area is simply ridiculous.
In case you hadn’t noticed, the school district has moved all of the bus stops to the main roads. Maybe we should put a stop sign at every intersection where there is a bus stop…after all traffic in Orion Township during peak times moves at such a break-neck speed!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the speed limit on Heights Road is only 25 miles per hour isn’t it? Isn’t Sherry Dr. on a corner that requires you to slow to 25 miles per hour or less to safely negotiate the corner?
How many car/pedestrian incidents have we had in the area to warrant traffic alteration? If you have any concerns, why not along Clarkston, Joslyn, Baldwin or the numerous other roads that have posted speed limits of 45 or more miles per hour.
The right answer is twofold. First, supervise your children. It is your responsibility to make sure they get to and from the bus stop in a safe manner and are well-behaved while at the bus stop.
Second, if you have traffic concerns near the bus stop you have the right to DEMAND more frequent interaction from the local police agencies to assist in enforcing traffic ordinances especially around the bus stops.
I know for certain that our local police agencies are sensitive to the fact that children are walking and playing around the main streets in the mornings and afternoons and are more than willing to assist in keeping our children safe.
It is my sincere hope our township and county officials will consider the overall traffic effect on the area and not succumb to every request that comes their way. We have numerous traffic issues in this township, but the intersection of Heights and Sherry is not one of them.
Terry Lang
Nuts, nuts, nuts
I am appalled at the behavior of the parents who think the entire community needs to have our kids enjoy a peanut butter sandwich because that is what you did.
Look at the emotional hardship you are creating on the families who have to endure your shameful attitudes toward peanut-free schools.
Get over it, it is a fact of life and what in the world are you teaching your children. God forbid anything happen to your kids and the school district has to change for you.
First of all, children are not coming home from school and telling you they took my rights away, there goes my individuality because I can’t eat PB & J today.
Maybe the parents should concentrate on more what children are eating because our children are becoming fatter.
My son goes to Paint Creek and I see the snacks you parents send in for the kids to eat as well as the juice boxes, make better choices. Your kids are coming home from school hungry because they are growing not because they are lacking peanut butter in their life, they could care less. It’s the parents who are making an issue.
To Christopher Messina: YOU’RE NUTS. Your letter is horrible. I hope that your kids can’t read yet because I am embarrassed for you to think you can’t be open-minded to someone else’s needs.
You probably park in the handicap spot because it’s the closest you could find. Stop thinking about yourself and think about the families who have a child in this situation who have to deal with the allergy then have to deal with immature parents like you. Grow up.
Go to the hospital and look at the kids who have or had an allergic reaction to their allergies and learn about it before you give your opinion again. There are more important issues in life.
My child has no allergies what so ever nor is he overweight, In the many years of being in school he has never been peanut butter deprived. Yes he is hungry when he comes home from school so I feed him a snack, that’s what you do as a parent.
Angela
I listened to one of Orion Township’s pioneers, Geraldine Rathburg, speak out on Oct. 3 on the dangers of the township building a safety path over Clear Creek on M-24.
What Mrs. Rathburg said made a lot of sense. I hope this made the people aware that our elected officials are not listening or paying attention to the dangers of letting this construction of the safety path go through over Clear Creek.
Early back in 2001, Mrs. Rathburg and her son Clay stopped the construction of the path.
At a township board meeting in February 2004, supervisor Dywasuk, in a dictatorial move, wanted Clay removed from the meeting for protesting against the reopening of the safety path construction on M-24.
I was at that meeting and was told by Dywasuk if I was interested in being removed for agreeing with Clay on the subject and his right to speak.
There was also an open meeting last fall on this matter at the township hall on a Thursday night.
The meeting took place to get citizen input on whether a path could be constructed in this area.
Mrs. Rathburg brought up the dangers again of this construction and at that time this matter again was put on hold.
Now I see the construction of this path is going through regardless of the protest.
The dangers of building a safety path over the creek are the erosion of land, overflow of Clear Creek and a good chance M-24 could cave in and possibly cause many injuries and fatalities.
I think it would be wise to listen to what the Rathburgs are saying; they have been here over 50 years.
I would believe them before I would believe someone like Dywasuk or Don Wortman or Eric Wilson.
Another fact is Orion Township would like to see the Rathburgs bought out, like their neighbors were, so all that area becomes commercial development.
This home was built by Geraldine and her husband Bill in 1947 and was the start of Bald Mountain.
I would rather see this home stay then the property become a used car lot or service center or what ever Golling-Levy has in mind.
I have nothing against progress. I do have something against greed and people being put in harm’s way because of it.
James Delavan
While we’re busy banning the dastardly peanut in our elementary schools, I suggest we eliminate the National Honor Society at LOHS.
NHS looks legitimate at first, but gives many prospective inductees a serious dose of rejection they don’t deserve.
NHS courts high achieving students with letters to their homes inviting them to spend hours on their application and teacher recommendations, only to reject them when they don’t meet the secret, elusive standards.
LO administration should send the NHS selection committee to other school districts in Oakland County to find out how they select their NHS members.
LO seems to be the only district around that rejects most of the students who apply for this ‘national? organization.
Shouldn’t we grant more deserving students this honor in their quest to get into college? How and why did our NHS become so different?
A high standard is good, but an unrealistic high one is not. Our NHS is operated more like a clubby fraternity than an honor society.
Most NHS rejectees I know of were told they lacked ‘leadership.? What demonstrates leadership to the NHS committee?
One administrator told my child to show more leadership by starting a club. If every NHS applicant had to start a club at the high school, there would be hundreds of opportunities to be a leader of a one-man show!
Seems to me he’s avoiding the real issue. Does a true leader always have to organize something new?
If your child isn’t an officer in a club, captain of a team or involved in many multifaceted groups, he will not meet this standard. Being heavily involved in one or two areas seems to reduce your chances.
Sounds like NHS has a ‘shifting sand? definition of leadership…where is the ‘simple criteria? that our kids need to meet? It’s a little like ‘finding Waldo? in the busy picture.
NHS could be a great means to mentor very ambitious and gifted kids in leadership. Surely not every member will have the chance to lead in NHS.
Did you know an involved student is also demonstrating leadership?
Surprisingly, tutoring for free, assisting teachers and having hundreds of community service hours didn’t demonstrate enough ‘leadership? for my child and many others.
If the LOHS administration still feels the current selection process is good, I have a suggestion to streamline it.
Get rid of that tedious application form. Don’t waste time on all those character forms that teachers thoughtfully fill out, but don’t seem to matter.
Just have all interested students meet the NHS selection committee in the high school natatorium. Selection committee members can take turns pushing the students in. If the students can walk on water, they’re ready for NHS!
LO parents, if you feel the way I do, call or write the school board or Chris Lehman to express your outrage. Many voices should motivate a change.
The Lifeguard
In response to last week’s bus stop, submitted by Jackie, I have to support Leeann Bartley and tell Jackie it’s none of her business.
If her kids don’t come to the bus stop, it doesn’t pertain to her.
Why she feels compelled to make this her business amazes me. Obviously, she has too much time on her hands.
Why doesn’t she put some of her time and effort into something productive? Maybe she could find a way to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Jackie feels it’s important for the bus stop to be moved, but what she doesn’t know is we always have parents at the bus stop with our children.
Our neighborhood is always watching out for all children. This doesn’t just happen at the bus stop, it happens all day, each and every day.
Robin
In response to the letter from Jackie on OUR bus stop still not being changed…
Wow! What can I say…If ignorance is bliss you must be a very happy person indeed. I am the parent who spoke at the board meeting and there are a few things you need to know and understand about this whole bus stop issue.
First of all the superintendent, Dave Beiter, did in fact contact MANY parents when he was made aware of this situation. He was very much concerned with this issue even though it is NOT the school district’s responsibility.
It is ultimately the parents responsibility to get our children to and from the bus stop and until the bus actually arrives, they have NO RESPONSIBILITY.
He asked that we tell anyone who he had not managed to get in contact with to please call him and let him know how they felt about this issue.
Second, most of us here in the neighborhood have been aware of the fact there is a person on the sex offender’s list living in our neighborhood right at the corner where our bus stop is, and has been for over a year. We, the parents, make certain there is STRONG parental presence at the stop everyday! If you move the stop down the road, then the parental presence is also moved…down the road.
Where does that leave the few children that do walk to the stop? I’ll tell you where…walking right past a house with a sex offender living in it and no adults around to watch over them.
Welcome to the real world. There are people out there that aren’t very nice and some of them downright evil.
Bottom line, if you spent as much time watching your own children as you do getting into other people’s business, I am sure we would all be better off.
Unlike Leeann Bartley, who was not in any way rude to you at the meeting, I have had it up to here with people butting in where they don’t belong!
You are not now, and have never been, assigned to our bus stop. In fact, I noticed that as of this past week they have given you a stop only a few houses down from your own.
You got your ‘door to door? pick up you were looking for, now leave ours alone
Jennifer H.
I’m responding to a letter that was published in your paper on Sept. 28. It was from Susan Mascia about a Lake Orion man, Larry Drum, 68, currently serving over 14 of a life prison sentence for a drug offense dating back to 1986.
Thank you for publishing her letter. We are now drawing attention to this forgotten man.
Why am I thanking you? Because Larry is my brother.
I would like to add my comments. According to the pre-sentencing investigators report, Larry was the minor role player in this offense.
His co-defendant, John Martin, who was also given a life sentence, is ironically, now a free man. He was paroled Jan. 13, 2005.
As was stated in Susan’s letter, Larry missed being able to see our father before his death.
Our mother just turned 92 this month. If you were to ask her why she’s still hanging in there, she would answer you, ‘I want to see Larry walk through the front door a free man.?
To me, not allowing that to happen is a crime. When is enough considered enough? Has he not paid his debt to society by now?
I’m not justifying my brother’s behavior of 20 years ago. I’m simply asking the State of Michigan consider his release.
Gayle Drum Garcia
I enjoy reading some of the opinion articles in the Review. I was aghast to read Elaine Stieb’s article (What’s to Rebuild???) where she discussed her thoughts on why New Orleans should not be rebuilt.
She mentions how (according to ‘Slate?) that 93 percent of New Orleans school’s are populated with black students. She also writes how some of those schools are academically failing, or close to it.
As a student, I am lucky enough go to a school that is not academically failing. But we are close enough to Detroit, of which schools have a mostly black population. What I got out of that column was that if our beloved Detroit was to burn down, or something horrific were to happen, we should just not rebuild?
Perhaps because the people are mainly black, or perhaps the school system isn’t up to par, or even perhaps because there isn’t a ‘husband? in each household. Families CAN survive without husbands, it happens all the time in America, not just New Orleans.
Believe it or not, it happens right in our own town. Elaine also pointed out how the homicide rate was very high in New Orleans. I hope I’m not the only one to notice all the killings and shooting in Detroit that are reported on the news. Proud as we are of our ‘Motor City?, it does have murder and crime constantly.
As much as I love to read about ignorant person’s opinions, I have to say, Elaine sinks to a new level as she suggests not rebuilding a city because of the people in poverty, or the schools, or (as I took it) because there are mostly black familes. Great job for killing the shread of hope the New Orleans families HAD.
Kaylee Sullivan
The accident that happened at M-24/Atwater Road is not the first or the last and I understand that it is not the village’s fault that we do not have a left turn arrow onto Atwater.
Maybe if there was a way for everyone to file a complaint to MDOT or if they do a traffic study and the people knew about it, people could make sure that they turned left there to show how much it would benefit traffic.
I’ve lived on Cass Street, which is near Atwater, all of my life and I have always felt there needed to be a left turn arrow there. If we could get everyone to work together on the demanding of a light something might just get done.
MDOT ought to take into consideration that there are new condos back off of Atwater now and that you cannot turn left into the CVS/Applebee’s parking lot from M-24.
Like someone else wrote, it will probably take a fatal accident before MDOT will step up to their responsibility. Granted nobody wants more lights to congest traffic, but if it makes driving safer than I am all for it.
Erica Wagner
Where’s the justice?
Larry Drum, 68, has spent the past 14 1/2 years in a Michigan prison for a one-time non-violent drug offense.
He was an upstanding citizen, father of two, successful businessman and a caring son who made one mistake. He has served time in prison for that action.
The man convicted of Larry’s sister’s murder spent a mere six and one half years in a Michigan prison, less than half the time Larry has served for his drug offense that occurred in 1986.
I grew up in Michigan with a sense of protection because I believed criminals were sent to prison because of the crime they committed, to protect the citizens and to rehabilitate the person so he/she could return to society.
I’m not arguing the right of the judicial system to punish those who perform unlawful acts. I’m questioning, in the case of Larry Drum, does the punishment fit the crime?
Larry missed the last years of his father’s life and was unable to attend his funeral. His mother is now 92 and ill.
It’s time for him to come home. He deserves a second chance. He has a job, family, friends and a home waiting for him.
He’s a model prisoner. He has maintained a job and is extremely remorseful for his behavior. Larry has paid for his mistake with dignity and grace.
Yet the Michigan judicial system is determined to keep him in prison for the rest of his life. All attempts made by attorneys to parole him have been rejected.
Who’s benefiting from Larry’s imprisonment?
Susan Garcia/Mascia
My neighborhood has a bus stop in the front lawn of a sex offender’s house. I informed the school 10 school days ago.
I started with the principal and worked my way up to the superintendent. The stop has not changed. I went to the school board meeting and was told very rudely by the board president Leeann Bartley it was none of my business because my kids no longer used that bus stop.
I fear with this type of attitude those children may be forced to use this bus stop all year.
One of the few parents who were notified finally on Wednesday came to the same board meeting to protest the bus change.
Can anyone believe a parent would want their child to stand in the front yard of a sex offender?
Mr. Beiter went to check out if the stop was indeed in the front yard ( only after Fox 2 news called them to get their response) of the sex offender.
According to Fox 2 news they were running into legal issues (which you can see on the website) and could not do a story at this time but have been helpful in at least calling the school to get them to take action
Jackie
The accident that happened at M-24/Atwater Road is not the first or the last and I understand that it is not the village’s fault that we do not have a left turn arrow onto Atwater.
Maybe if there was a way for everyone to file a complaint to MDOT or if they do a traffic study and the people knew about it, people could make sure that they turned left there to show how much it would benefit traffic.
I’ve lived on Cass Street, which is near Atwater, all of my life and I have always felt there needed to be a left turn arrow there. If we could get everyone to work together on the demanding of a light something might just get done.
MDOT ought to take into consideration that there are new condos back off of Atwater now and that you cannot turn left into the CVS/Applebee’s parking lot from M-24.
Like someone else wrote, it will probably take a fatal accident before MDOT will step up to their responsibility. Granted nobody wants more lights to congest traffic, but if it makes driving safer than I am all for it.
Erica Wagner
Why won’t the
school board listen?
I guess yet another Lake Orion school has gone ‘peanut-free.? Blanche Sims, Paint Creek, Carpenter and now Orion Oaks have policies that create undue burdens on literally hundreds of parents and students throughout the School District.
The Lake Orion School Board was made well aware of this issue beginning in February 2004, at a board meeting at which a group of parents of Blanche Sims students requested the district form a joint schools/parent committee to develop a more reasonable policy to accommodate children with severe food allergies.
The board was provided at the time with other local school districts? written ‘reasonable accommodation? policies.
It was also given a complete food allergy policy document that took the Massachusetts Department of Education one year to create. The board could have adopted it in an instant with a simple vote.
None of these policies supported or even recommended a complete ban on products containing peanuts or peanut-derived products.
The list of products is staggeringly extensive and which includes foods as common in the lunchroom as crackers, breads and even cheeses and spreads made with small quantities of peanut oil as an ingredient.
The board was also supplied at the time with medical studies and documentation from nationally and internationally recognized organizations that do not support outright peanut- or peanut-derived product bans in schools.
Perhaps most interesting of all, the board was advised by the Blanche Sims parent group of recent state and federal appellate court decisions in which it was held that creating environments that are supposedly entirely free from allergens imposes an undue burden on others.
Yet at the same time, the district’s own attorney had advised the district in a letter that he had not researched whether creating a ‘peanut free? school would create such an undue burden.
He did point out in that letter, however, the very real practical problems associated with attempting to enforce an outright ban, as opposed to preventative steps that, according to him, might be considered ‘reasonable and sufficient?.
Why wouldn’t the board want to listen to such advice and to further consider the comprehensive information that had been provided it regarding reasonable alternatives?
Why won’t the board or the district’s administrators listen to the facts and create a policy that is more reasonable, that is ultimately safer for the children that do have severe food allergies, and that will not require parents to send their children to school with potentially no bread, no crackers, or lots of other foods, and only celery and cream cheese (assuming there’s no peanut oil in the cream cheese) for snacks?
Not one of the board members or this district’s administrators has been willing to provide answers to these questions.
Name Withheld
This is in response to the letter regarding the peanut ban at some Lake Orion Schools.
We have a four year old son with a life threatening airborne allergy to peanuts.
Diagnosed at the age of 15 months after just touching peanut butter to his lips, we ended up in an emergency room. His eyes swelled shut, drooling from his mouth and hives on his body.
This has been a life changing event for us and we deal with it every day.
Yes, I can appreciate all the inconvenience this peanut ban causes to all the nonallergic children and their parents. But my experience has shown me it’s the parents who are inconvenienced by this more than the children.
Children adapt. If they can’t eat PB&J, somehow they manage to eat turkey or ham or a jelly sandwich.
If parents are concerned their child is missing protein, there are many alternatives. There is also soy butter, sun butter and almond butter alternatives to peanut butter.
I feel, though, it’s not the exclusion of protein which bothers some parents as much as it’s the exclusion of their ‘right? to carry a PB&J sandwich to school.
This is an opportunity to teach your children that not everyone is like them. Challenges will arise throughout their life and how you as the parent approaches it will be seen and learned through the eyes of the children.
Lake Orion Schools should be commended for its peanut ban. Yes, it’s difficult; yes, it’s challenging, but it’s doing what it has to to provide a safe learning environment for the children — all the children.
Speaking from eight years of trauma nursing experience, once you have seen an anaphalytic reaction, it’s something you don’t want to see again.
If it’s due from a food allergy or a bee sting, the outcome can both be deadly. I’m trained in trauma and emergency nursing and know how serious this is.
The school district understands the severity and seriousness of airborne allergies. Thank you for protecting our kids!
Also, thank you to all the parents who are trying to work with the peanut ban and figuring out what is safe and what isn’t.
Pam Otero
For those of you new to the peanut free schools in Lake Orion, you need to know how this district’s policy works.
The non-allergic children are intimidated and harassed. Our kids have to eat lunch by an open window, in the office, or in the past their lunches have been thrown away if they have brought peanut butter and jelly to school and no hot lunch has been provided.
Children are allowed to humiliate other children who have peanut products.
The children with peanut products are then disciplined by staff, in most cases sent to the office and given notices to be sent home to parents or a phone call is made home.
The schools use fear and intimidation along with harassment to educate our children instead of using the resources from nationally as well as internationally recognized organizations.
If you consult the websites of the Food Allergy and Anaphaylatic Network, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and even the National School Board of Association, you will find none of these organizations support or recommend peanut bans.
Rather they provide valuable resources to help educate and create awareness to managing children with severe food allergies.
Why wouldn’t Lake Orion School use these resources?
Let it be known that peanut free schools are not really peanut free. Just look at the Market Day products that are still allowed in the schools. Since they generate money for the school, it’s okay.
Ask the students and parents of Paint Creek, Blanche Sims and Carpenter how peanut-free affects their schools.
They will tell you the real truths. Many of us parents have children who come home hungry because products from lunches have been thrown away or the child will just not eat a warm tuna fish or lunchmeat sandwich.
Many children share lunches with those less fortunate to have other common staples available because of financial constraints.
When we have parties, some families donate products, but it’s very difficult to find peanut free products or even products that haven’t been manufactured in a plant where peanuts are present.
More often than not, the products we buy are thrown out before they ever leave school or when they get home because the children just don’t like it.
Our children aren’t happy because their choices as an individual are taken away. They will also tell you creating a peanut free school is not within the core democratic values they are taught.
In a previous letter to the editor, Goodall quoted her principal as saying, ‘As a public school, whenever you have a child with ‘special needs?…. you must do everything within your power to try to provide an accommodation.?
Allergies alone don’t constitute a disability. Creating environments free from allergens is not a reasonable accommodation. This lawful fact has been determined in the US District and Circuit Courts.
Section 504 of the Disability Act, a federal law, actually states that anyone with a disability can’t be discriminated against and must be provided reasonable accommodations.
The law also states reasonable accommodations can’t cause undue hardships to others.
Yet many families? budgets have been affected by the peanut free schools. Their children’s well being and daily dietary needs have become affected as well.
Children with soy allergies aren’t able to eat soy butter as a substitute to peanut butter. And what about those children who are vegetarian and peanut butter is a major source of protein in their daily diets?
When is someone in the school district going to do what is right for the majority?
We need to clean house and eliminate the existing school board and the administrators.
Peanut free schools create undue burdens and that is against the law.
A Group of
Disgusted Parents
This is nuts
Kudos to Debby Goodall for her informative, sensible and diplomatic dismantling of the intellectually vacant peanut hysteria that’s taken root in Lake Orion schools [School district going overboard on peanut ban ? 8.31.05].
Wait’did I say Kudos? Whoops, better check that label again ? Kudos may contain peanuts or peanut residue and are manufactured on the same equipment used to process peanuts. Sorry, no Kudos allowed.
As Goodall points out, taking reasonable steps to accommodate a child’s health needs in public schools is certainly a prudent and acceptable practice that we as a community should encourage.
But to place an outright and total ban on not just peanuts, but any other food item that might have some distant connection to peanuts is an obtuse, Draconian knee-jerk borne more out of irrational panic than medical fact and good old common sense.
Imagine my surprise when my five-year-old kindergartener informed me the peanut police in the school cafeteria waylaid her candy bar recently for fear of peanut contamination.
Imagine my bewilderment when she went on to admonish that I should be more careful with her lunch selection [honestly, I had no idea that a nachos Lunchable? contained peanuts].
Now imagine my anger after learning that my daughter was actually emotionally distraught and crying over what her teacher called ‘a peanut incident.? Really folks, this is so nutty that it borders on lunacy.
A point that Goodall’s excellent piece didn’t raise is one of liability.
By declaring a public school ‘peanut free? and attempting to enforce the embargo by having professional educators spend untold hours scanning the fine print on labels for the illegal legume, the Lake Orion School District is tacitly accepting the blame in advance should a student have an allergic reaction while at school, regardless of the offending source.
Of course, a lawsuit would follow forthwith, eventually settled and paid for by’you guessed it’us, the taxpayers of this district. And it’s a safe bet it wouldn’t be for peanuts, either.
I submit that no administrator, principal or teacher can guarantee a ‘completely peanut-free environment? and as such may be unwittingly inviting legal problems.
What if somebody driving on Clarkston Road is eating a Snickers or some Cracker Jack and the airborne peanut residue drifts over the playground?
Or how about the squirrel that happens by a classroom with a mouthful of peanuts raided from a backyard feeder?
And just how close does a peanut have to be to the school to be dangerous, anyhow? Do I need to make sure there are no Reese’s or Nutter Butters in my car when I drop my little peanut off? Yes, I’m being absurd’that’s one way to illustrate absurdity.
And since when do the needs of one outweigh the needs of many? It may sound insensitive, but one person’s medical ‘requirements? shouldn’t unfairly burden the other 600 people with whom he or she attends public school.
Parents are ultimately responsible for their child’s specific health needs, and they ought not unload further liability on teachers and school staff, who are already charged with nearly every other aspect of our children’s safety.
Yes, teachers and administrators should be able to recognize symptoms of allergic reactions and know what to do to get medical help, but they are not doctors, nurses, nutritionists or allergists; nor should we expect them to be. The unsalted truth is that every moment a teacher spends worrying about who brought peanut products into class is one moment they aren’t educating our kids, which is what we pay them to do.
Lake Orion teachers are among the finest in the nation’let’s not spread this valuable resource thin by trying to cater to the ‘special needs? of every child that walks through the doors.
The Lake Orion Schools peanut prohibition is unfair, it’s premise is unsound and it’s implementation is unwise. It’s sticking to the roof of our mouths like a jumbo PB&J without a glass of milk and should be rescinded.
Christopher Messina
This letter is about a year too late!
Last fall I noticed the ‘Sunny Day Preschool? banner hanging on the playground fence in front of the Lake Orion Methodist Church.
What fond memories I have of this preschool and its fabulous director, Cindy Winther!
Both my daughters attended Miss Cindy’s school, held at the time in her basement in Oxford. I can say easily that no one knows better how to bring out the spirit of exploration and learning like Ms. Winther.
I have fond memories of all the exciting field trips and wonderful classroom activities my girls enjoyed.
I watched my oldest get on the bus for her first day of high school on Aug. 29. I then made my way up Flint Street to my my own job. As I passed the ‘Sunny Day? banner hanging on the playground fence, I couldn’t help but think that Miss Cindy had played an integral part in my daughter’s emotional and academic growth.
Thank you, Cindy! You were the first experience my girls had with formalized education and you were the best!
Peggy Boggs
I want to share with you my agreement to the letter published Aug. 31 about the peanut ban in Lake Orion schools.
I’m a divorced mother of three children holding two jobs and long hours of work at home.
When I go shopping for snacks for school, I don’t have the time to go through labels or have the money to buy the items in the list provided by the school banning peanuts. I have to get whatever is on sale for the week.
I was very surprised when I read the letter with the information on peanut allergies provided by Mrs. Goodall.
I believe the decision the school made is extreme. My children told me about the time their teachers spend going through every student’s snacks.
I think the board of education needs to revise this policy using more accurate information.
Name Withheld
Is the good ole American PBJ (peanut butter and jelly) about to become extinct in our public school system?
The PBJ, which has been a staple for millions of school kid’s lunches, is being forced out of some Lake Orion schools due to peanut allergies.
Now I know food allergies exist and ingesting a food one’s allergic to could cause a serious reaction, but the concept of ‘airborne food allergies? is debatable.
I can appreciate taking extra measures to ensure children’s safety, however, I strongly believe that banning all peanut products from a school is going way too overboard. It appears to be reacting out of fear and not common sense.
I conveyed this to the principal of my son’s school and received a reply stating the child’s medical doctor feels this allergy can be triggered through an airborne matter and, ‘In his medical opinion, for the safety of this child he feels anything short of a completely peanut free environment would place this child’s health and/or life at risk.?
As a registered nurse, I deal with physicians on a regular basis and know how medical opinions can vary.
I have asked numerous doctors (allergists, pulmonologists, internal medicine doctors) about peanut allergies and everyone I spoke with felt a peanut free school was unnecessary.
Robert Wood, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Director, Pediatric Allergy Clinics, at John Hopkins University Hospital, stated regarding airborne allergies that the greatest risk occurs while foods are being cooked, i.e. peanuts being roasted. The closer the exposure, the greater the risk.
A second significant airborne reaction may occur when food is being manipulated, such as when peanut shells are crushed on the floor of a restaurant or sporting arena.
Regarding types of exposure that may occur in a cafeteria where foods are eaten, but not cooked, Dr. Wood states, ‘In the absence of direct contact, there is essentially no risk that a reaction will occur just because someone is eating a peanut butter sandwich or drinking milk across the table from a person with a food allergy.?
So why ban the PBJ from the public schools? Why isn’t providing a peanut free area in the lunchroom enough? The principal of my son’s school stated, ‘As a public school whenever you have a child with ‘special needs? whether it be academic, behavioral, medical you must do everything within your power to try to provide an accommodation.?
What about those with financial ‘special needs? that don’t qualify for free or reduced lunches and use peanut butter sandwiches as an economical, nutritious alternative? How about the ‘special needs? of picky eaters who will only eat PBJ’s for lunch?
Shall we ban all milk products from the public schools since some kids have milk allergies?
Shall we ban all outdoor recesses and not allow kids to wear bright colors to school because some kids are allergic to bees?
No, I don’t have stock in the peanut industry and if any of my kids had peanut allergies, I would feel the same way. I would want precautions taken for the safety of my child, but I would not expect for an entire school to be absolutely peanut free, because the evidence just isn’t there that a peanut butter sandwich that’s eaten in a lunchroom will cause an airborne reaction.
Too many parents use this as a staple for kid’s lunches and it is unnecessary.
Smart, common sense precautions that I can appreciate and respect are choosing not to have any peanut products in school bought lunches, not allowing peanut products in the classrooms, having a peanut free area in the lunchroom, or if really necessary, a separate ‘peanut free? room for these children.
Epinephrine pens should be available at all schools and personnel instructed on the proper use. Educating kids about common food and environmental allergies would also be prudent. But to deny a child the right to bring a PBJ in his school lunch’why it’s just un-American!
I hope our school officials and whoever it is that’s responsible for making this ‘Peanut free School? decision will use common sense and not react out of fear and ignorance.
Too many people use peanut butter as a food source for their kids and they should not be denied the ability to pack it in their child’s lunch because of another person’s allergy. For more information on food allergies, see www.foodallergy.org
Debby Goodall
To the parents of the young people with skateboards,
We have an extraordinary War Memorial being constructed right here in Lake Orion. We must teach our young people to respect the Veterans who gave their lives so that these children can even have a skateboard let alone make marks on a Memorial with them.
Please let us all take care and watch over this hallowed corner in our wonderful town.
God Bless Our Veterans.
Toni Watros
In a land far, far away, there was once two countries that were bitter, blood enemies. They fought bitter wars since the beginning of time and many people lost their lives along with much pain and suffering.
Recently, two adolescent boys were growing up, one in each of these countries. They were ardent patriots for their country and were considered valiant freedom fighters by their country’s people.
The boys fought for their countries for many, many years. They grew up to be men and achieved ‘hero? status. Eventually they became the leaders, presidents of their country.
The fighting, killing, dying continued under their leadership.
But then one day a bereaved mother met with the leader of one of these countries. She had lost a son in this never ending blood feud, war and couldn’t understand what was to be gained, what was the reason for all this killing, hate and death.
She had a very heavy heart and conveyed this to her president. This meeting troubled the president and he began examining his conscious and the reasons for this war.
After a period of time, he came to the conclusion war is not the answer, that the price of hate was not worth the cost of a scared life.
He sought out his lifelong enemy to work out a solution to their problems. To this end, they worked out their differences and made a lasting peace that has held up to this day.
The world was astounded at this truly remarkable unimaginable event and awarded these two leaders the Nobel Peace Prize.
This is a true story. The two leaders I speak of are Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Musha Begin of Israel — two countries that are 180 degrees apart. One would never imagine they could ever sit down and talk, let alone come to a peace agreement.
The moral of this story is no matter how remote, how slim one’s chances seem, never lose hope or say never.
Don’t dismiss the power of love of a bereaved mother with a heavy heart, to be able to effect a change of mind and heart even against all odds.
To quote St. Francis ‘Make me a channel of your peace? and may the peace of Christ be with you all………
Daniel Myslakowski
AP courses ‘priceless?
There have been articles in our metro Detroit paper lately about Advanced Placement (AP) courses. When I think of LOHS and the opportunity the AP option provided our student, I thought a note of recognition is in order.
When our student was a sophomore, we participated in a conversation with a group of parents about which path, an easier course load, going for a higher GPA or picking up some of the more challenging courses in light of unweighted GPA /class rankings would be more beneficial when the time came to apply to colleges.
The results are now in, and this is ones student’s experience.
At the last minute our student decided to try out a couple of AP courses. The potential for success in these types of classes was in question because this student didn’t fit the high achiever profile, with a class ranking in the dreaded lower half.
This gamble ended with an acceptance to MSU. They don’t look at the GPA provided by the school; they recalculate one based on their own criteria.
Another factor they look at is the strength of the curriculum which is demonstrated by the types of courses taken.
Now that the AP tests scores are in we have found out our student is entering college as a sophomore, having completely tested out of freshman year.
Doing the math we figure the AP option at LOHS has just saved us up to $14,000 What a return on investment!
What was even more ‘priceless? in our experience, is a student that is much more prepared for college. Our student, learned most of all how to be a high achiever.
The teachers who taught the AP classes that we experienced, were all phenomenal, providing skills that went far beyond test preparations.
They each deserve recognition. Mr. Bendle taught the value of ‘academic synergy? through the use of study groups and the payoff for extra effort.
Mr. Cole, challenged his class to learn how to analyze requirements, and the scientific art of being direct and concise.
Mr. Romito, the X-factor (we are still trying to figure out what exactly it is, but based on results, it was an acquired skill just the same).
Mr. Elenbaas, for taking on new ventures and enriching LOHS’s AP offerings.
Ms. Abraham, for keeping LOHS’s reputation of producing AP success stories.
Mr. Swett, who didn’t teach an AP class last year, but instead donated his time to after school activities that supported an introspective look at history, and government that contributed to our student receiving credit via two tests for which there were no formal AP classes — US History and Comparative Government.
A sincere thanks to all involved
Richer For The Experience
We want to say how much we enjoyed the US Coast Guard Band on Aug. 8 at the LOHS auditorium.
It was a very enjoyable evening. We liked the remarks by the director, Lt. Kenneth Megan, about how beautiful our auditorium is.
Sarah Vaillencourt
The time has come to do three things:
1. Impeach Bush-Cheney.
2. Remove Gov. Grandholm and Congressman Joe Knollenberg.
3. Recall Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk and the Orion Township Board of Trustees.
Some of you may wonder or ask why. Well look around and start examining why we are paying nearly $3 a gallon for gas.
Why were there no weapons of mass destruction found in Iraq when Bush-Cheney said there were?
Why do we have these big increases in driver’s license and license plate fees as well as a sneaky state property tax increase by collecting it a year in advance?
Let’s not forget our Congressman Knollenburg who charges $20 for his voters to have breakfast with him and then voted for KAFTA!
KAFTA means more jobs go to Central America and leaves the United States. Good move Joey!
And Jerry what can I say. When do you ever listen or pay attention to anything Orion Township residents are saying as well as some of your trustees like Garlicki and Stiemel.
Maybe a recall will get your attention.
James Delavan
The seniors at Tim Horton’s would like to thank Deputy Dan Herold, Badge 875, for getting them a reserved sign to put on their table.
Mary Sims
I am generally very quick to criticize public officials and quite slow with the praise, but the people responsible for the bringing the US Coast Guard band to Lake Orion, Aug. 8, deserve some recognition.
Thank-you to Orion Parks and Rec and all of the other sponsors for gifting us with this free concert.
We were there with friends and three generations of family and I can honestly say that we all had a great time, heard some great music and left with smiles on our faces. This event is one of the highlights of our summer 2005.
Bruce King
What a nicely-written feature by Lisa Valentine, in the Aug. 10,, issue of The Lake Orion Review, entitled, ‘Quite a Ride,? about the 1953 fire truck.
The truck is owned and frequently displayed by Dick and Carol Holmes Hassberger, our business neighbors in downtown Lake Orion!
As usual, Valentine has thoughtfully incorporated the personal touch, bringing the personas of Dick and Carol into three dimensions, while keeping an essential focus on the fire engine itself.
When she brought Humansville, Missouir, into the picture, I leaped out of my chair! I had seen this fire engine several times, never stopping to realize that it was from my own ‘Show Me state!?
I was born and raised in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, and have driven down US 13 and into that rolling foothills area north of the Ozarks on several occasions.
I had never paid attention to the whereabouts of Humansville, except to muse at the quaintness of such a name, back in the mid and late 1960s.
My mind’s eye recalls seeing the Humansville road signs on US 13, US 54 or state roads. So, I know that Humansville is a real place on the way south from west-central Missouri toward some of the best bass fishing lakes in the world, Bull Shoals, Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks.
This feature also enlightened me to the fact that Humansville was big enough to have at least two fire stations in town. That, in itself, is somewhat remarkable!.
Thank you, Dick and Carol for your loving t.l.c. in caring for this beautiful relic and for sharing it with the rest of us in this historic community;
Thank you, Lisa Valentine, for being alert to the potential in this story;
Thank you, Lake Orion Review and Sherman Publications, for always recognizing the value and appeal in grass roots stories about our own Americana which are all too soon approaching oblivion in our recollections and memories.
Richard Webster
Has this happened to you?
First off, I would like to say I’m a new resident to Lake Orion. I did live here 25 years ago and I’m glad to be back home.
This is something I really don’t get. I met my sister and brother-in-law for a few cocktails on a Friday night in downtown Lake Orion.
Well, as we all know, a few cocktails could lead to a few extra cocktails as it did that night. What a great time we had.
Well, come 1:30 a.m. it was time to call it a night.
I had given my keys to my sister about midnight because I knew I wasn’t driving home. She gave me a ride home.
What I don’t understand is the ticket I received on my truck that night because it was parked on the street between the hours of 3-6 a.m.
It’s only a $20 ticket and is a lot cheaper than a drunk driving arrest. It’s not as if they need to do snow removal or whatever on Friday at 4 a.m.
Where I was parked it wasn’t posted no parking between 3 and 6. It is posted in different spots downtown, but like in other towns the signs say no parking on any street between the hours of 3-6 a.m.
Most of the time these signs are posted during the winter months because of snow removal.
One thing that really gets me is if the officer knows you, it’s OK; it’s more than likely you won’t get a ticket.
I guess at that time of the morning the village police have nothing better to do than write a ticket to a person who chose to get a ride home instead of getting in my truck and driving it home drunk.
One other thing, people get first time warnings for speeding and what ever, why not a warning for something like this?
I’m fighting this ticket and will let you know what happens
Rick B.
I was surprised to see 16 newly installed traffic lights at the corner of Joslyn/Clarkston Roads.
This corner has a county park with no entrances nearby, a soccer field, a day care center and a vacant lot.
Something BIG must be coming. But usually we don’t make such improvements until after an area is developed. Seems like overkill.
Margie Pollick
I don’t feel the need for you (Cori) to sympathize with my sentiment, just a possible ‘right on?.
As for your idea being ‘vetoed,? sorry about that, wrong channel. Next time try county or state politician with a little more ‘PORK? in his barrel.
As far as I know at this time, the SIZE of the LOPD jurisdiction hasn’t changed one lick from 1956. As of that year, the police department, with the radio equipment in use, had NO problem being in full contact at all times even as far as downtown Pontiac (location of county jail at that time) or to Oxford.
I think at that time they had the same amount of personnel on duty and no mini-preps and no cell phones. I didn’t think the extent of the police department coverage just might include El Paso, Texas.
I and 20 plus other volunteers drove and attended a Lake Orion based ambulance service for Orion/Oxford Townships. Never lost a patient on my run.
I hear you just fine from here and that includes Oxford, Addison, Oakland and Independence (fire) and yes I do have a firefighter in the family.
I can think of at least four other towers already erected, two within spitting distance with lots of rental space, the difficulty, not your problem.
There should be a small question in your mind about ‘it didn’t cost the village anymore than anyone else.? Where do you think they (whoever they are) got the monies, from their own ‘money tree.?
Their money tree is your back pocket/purse and it isn’t free, never has been, never will be.
The tower has lots of room for rental equipment , but how about the area for renters? equipment?
Let’s try obsolete radio system. The computer you use every day was obsolete one to six months after it was installed. That was how many years ago?
How many times have they been replaced? Not too many.
You’re saying you will be getting a bigger and better radio system (more channels for fire/police. Just what do you think the above townships want to do if they keep getting stepped on. That’s right, TALLER TOTEMS with MORE RADIO RANGE. It never stops.
As for not being able to monitor your new system, I bet you think we as humans are the only intelligent race in the universe. ‘There isn’t a scanner made (add yet) that can monitor this system.? I wouldn’t bet my day job on the statement.
The way these towers are popping up if the state ever has another power black out, you will be able to climb to the top of that big tower and holler back and forth between big ol? towers for communications.
Common sense should be used at some point in job knowledge for protection of the public at large, that’s you and me Cori.
Sky blue would look great on that big ol? totem if Lake Orion were on it to find that politician with that extra ‘pork? and get-er-done.
Ray Blankenburg
I just can’t see paying another increase in the sewer and water usage fee here in Orion Township.
Back in early 1994, then supervisor Doug Brown declared a rate reduction of $10 per quarter from $42 to $32 and then gave everyone in the township a free quarter where no charge was issued.
When Dywasuk number one was elected in 1996, the water and sewer rates were jumped back up from $32 to $42 and have increased every year since.
Now it’s up to $54/quarter starting in October 2005.
The reason why we had a rate reduction in 1994 was because there was a surplus in the fund that was refunded back to the people of the township that paid to use the water and sewer system.
Now I understand there is something like $25 million in excess surplus in the water and sewer fund. And yet the rate continues to forever increase every year.
And instead of the citizens deciding whether or not we should pay an increase in water and sewer, the Dywasuk empire seems to be making our decisions for us.
Another item is township treasurer Alice Young and the so called investing she is doing for the township.
Just who is reaping and getting the benefits of these so called profit making capital investments, Alice? It sure doesn’t’s seem to be the people of the township.
We keep paying more in taxes and fees every year so you can make your investments and show how the township is making a profit.
Just in case some of you elected officials in the township seem to sometimes forget, let me remind you.
Government, be it state, county , municipal or federal, is not to be a profit making venture. Any surplus is to be returned to the people.
It’s funny how some of us soon forget what our founding fathers set down, except for former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and former supervisor Brown.
James Delavan
I agree with the comments in ‘Why have the carnival in the village.?
This event only helps a few businesses downtown and creates problems for everyone else.
My daughter works part-time at CJ Village Cafe and was hoping to make a bundle in tips during this event. Unfortunately, she came home with no tips and said there was very little business Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
None of the regular patrons could get near the place because of the Jubilee.
She was extremely disappointed and worked the entire holiday weekend for minimum wage.
It too escapes me. Why not locate it somewhere else, like Children’s Park or maybe Orion Township would like to host it.
Our community has changed. Small businesses in the village need all the help they can get. We should support them, not make it harder for them to make a living. Otherwise — vote with your FEET!
Lisa Simpkins
This is in response to a June 30 letter to the editor.
Although I do sympathize with Mr. Blankenburg’s sentiment of our ‘tall lightening rod? or ‘home security flag pole? or ‘totem pole? or whatever you choose to call it, my idea of a sky blue paint was vetoed due to cost.
I thought sky blue would blend better with the immediate scenery — the sky. White fiberfill could even be attached to imply clouds, although I’m sure there has to be some kind of law against using synthetic materials outside as they interfere with nature.
And yes, the first thunderstorm we had after it was installed made me real nervous.
I do respect your opinion, as it is yours, but to make a proper decision on a matter you should do so with the facts first in hand.
How much research did you do on something you seemso strongly oppose to? Have you ever needed emergency police, fire or medical services for yourself or someone in your family?
Is any of your family, a friend or acquaintance involved in public safety, a police officer, firefighter or medic?
For obvious reasons I find it hard to believe you considered anything other than your initial visual response to come to your conclusion.
Did you know that of all the towers erected in this project, this was the most difficult and expensive to do? Even with all the challenges faced with the erection of the tower, the village didn’t pay anything more than anyone else.
There is maintenance, yes, but even the old tower needed maintenance. With the age of that tower the chances are the old tower would cost more than this one which is brand new, made stronger and hasn’t been exposed to the elements for years.
Also, with the height and size of this tower, the possibility exists for other businesses to rent space for placement of antennas or repeaters. This would generate income to help defray costs of maintenance.
The current radio system in use by most departments is basically obsolete. Many different agencies use the same channels for radio traffic and not always are privacy modes available.
Overload is one of the biggest problems with 20 agencies trying to transmit at the same time. Those with the littlest toys get run over.
Our current radio system is very limited in range and although Tim Allen’s idea of more power is great, federal law limits us to tower size and amount of output based on area covered.
Did you know you can go to Radio Shack and buy a scanner to listen to what almost every police and fire agency is doing at any time? Privacy is something everyone values and if you are having trouble at your home, do you want everyone in the area to know about it?
Many homes that have illegal activities going on in them have scanners to monitor and can shut down before the police arrive. If you are trying to report a drug crime at a home, do you want to be able to flush away the evidence before the police arrive? Do you want personal medical information made public?
We have had some problems reaching officers and firefighters when they are on call. Whether from distance problems, a rise or dip in the land, thick buildings or emergency overload, every time we lose contact with an officer or firefighter, their lives may be in danger. We may not know it and therefore are unable to send them help.
Important information may come into the dispatch center regarding the call they are on and we may not be able to communicate it to them.
If a situation moves from one jurisdiction to another or if an officer or firefighter goes into another area to render mutual aid, communications between officers is difficult if not impossible.
One of the biggest benefits of the new radio system is privacy. There isn’t a scanner made that can monitor this system. This system is bigger, having the power and distance needed to reach farther.
Communication between agencies is easily obtained, increasing the accuracy and speed of department to department communications.
Yes, I agree, the tower may not be the prettiest thing in the village, but it’s nice to know our village and township are doing the most they can to keep everyone safe.
Cori Salmons
Many thanks to the Lake Orion Fireworks Association for such a spectacular fireworks display this year. These fireworks are funded completely by donations from area residents and local businesses. No tax dollars are spent on this display.
If you enjoy the Lake Orion fireworks as much as myself and 100,000 other spectators, please remember to offer a donation to next year’s event. The more donation dollars received, the more spectacular the show becomes.
Carl Johnson
carnival in village?
Dear Lions Club and village,
I am part owner of a business in the village and would like to ask the Lions Club what is the purpose of having the carnival in the village?
It really escapes me. My business suffers for two and one half to three and sometimes four business days. I have to close and even if I were open there are no places for my customers to park.
The answers, ‘it’s always been down this way,? or ‘well they (referring to customers and carnival goers alike) have always found places to park,? aren’t answers, they’re copouts.
Are you truly being community minded? My deliveries suffer because big rigs can’t get down the streets to deliver. Under normal conditions parking is a big problem and I understand that, but why complicate the issue by blocking local business?
Wouldn’t it be safer and much more convenient to relocated the carnival? Honestly, this carnival ‘helps out? only a few of the local businesses and for only a few days, however the rest of the businesses do suffer.
Ask them! The businesses in the village have had to change over the years, the village has had to change over the years, and the Lions Club should change the location of the carnival for the betterment of the community.
Janice Cole
The Paint Creek Trailways Commission would like to acknowledge all the wonderful volunteers and groups for the success of the fifth annual National Trails Day event called ‘Meet Us in the Middle? held on June 4. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank you Oakland Township for event location at the Paint Creek Cider Mill, Senator Michael D. Bishop and staff for providing a free community lunch, Marge Gatliff and Oakland County Parks & Recreation for providing an inflatable bouncer and a 12×12 tent with sound system, Jo Ann Van Tassel and the Village of Lake Orion for continued support, Aspen Group and Damico Development for our new trail segment, Oakland Twp Parks and Recreation.
Thank you Rob and Jo Golda of HikingMichigan.com as event partner, Costco Wholesale for snacks, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve Volunteers: Richard K. Solomon, Don Hetrick and Jim and Carol Ralston for activity programming, Rock Blanchard and David Osstyn of Orion Twp Parks and Recreation, Lois Golden for work behind the scenes and website maintenance, all the dedicated members of the Paint Creek Trailways Commission,
And a special thank you to all of our 300 participants and trail users!
Kristen Myers
Trailways Coordinator
Last night we went to the fireworks and took one of the ‘good spots? on the lawn at the National City Bank (thank you National City for hosting so many people).
I read in The Review that they were going to experiment with lighting fireworks from a barge so they could open up Green’s Park. I thought that was a great idea until last night. We missed most of the beautiful finale which was launched from a barge.
I bet it was great on the lake but the thousands of people around us could see very little. By opening Green’s park they would be adding a few prime viewing spots but taking away a lot of public viewing.
Lake Orion is really alive on fireworks night and access to the lake is very limited. I hope the sponsors of the fireworks will take this into account when deciding whether to change the routine. Everything we saw was beautiful and I hope to enjoy many firework displays in Lake Orion with my family in years to come.
I also want to thank the large amount of volunteers in the village Sunday morning cleaning up after such a large crowd.
Joan Cross
Lake Orion High School received a bomb threat on June 1. The threat was evaluated by our department and school officials and a course of action was planned.
Our first and most important concern is the safety of students, school faculty and our officers. All bomb threats are taken seriously.
A threat assessment was made and even though the majority of all bomb threats are false, a decision to evacuate the building was made by school officials.
Orion’s school district has developed an outstanding security plan. In fact, it will probably be used as a model for other districts.
The evacuation of the school and use of school staff has been done in the past during practice drills and on at least one occasion on a bomb threat. Even though the overall threat assessment for this event was extremely low, the timing coincided with the need for a practice evacuation which again is entirely up to the school.
Our deputies didn’t order any of the school’s staff to assist in the building search. The staff was advised by school administrators they could assist on a voluntary basis.
School staff is extremely helpful because unlike any deputy, they are the most familiar with the building and its contents and can tell in an instant if something is out of place.
They were asked to look for anything unusual or out of place. If they were to notice anything, they were to notify our officer who would take control of the situation. Nothing was found.
As the evaluation of the threat was very low, the school and the deputy reacted appropriately, even taking the additional step to scan the facility.
Like any other exercise or incident, this event will be evaluated. If a more efficient approach to handling similar events is found, we will certainly implement it as part of the overall plan.
I would encourage citizens to call my office directly in the future about any situation of concern. The first we heard of any concern was as letters to media were published.
Without having all of the background, I understand their concern. We are always available to talk with the community to explain actions and find the best way to work through any situation.
Thank you for your interest in protecting our schools and our community.
Lieutenant Bruce Naile,
OCSD Orion Township Substation
Well so much for the downtown beautification projects, just close the lid and flush.
You can take down the flag and pole in front of 37 East Flint cause you’ve got a new pole in back. It’s tall enough to put the village name on it (vertical). Remember the water tower?
It’s kind of like looking for the Palace of Auburn Hills. If you can’t find it right away, just drive south of the highest landfill in Oakland County, maybe even the state.
Can’t find Lake Orion? Just look for the tall tower. North of the landfill, that would be Lake Orion and just up the road will be Oxford (3 miles). It doesn’t have its tower yet.
As for paying for this home security flag pole, the monies come from the county, true, but they get the monies from you and me.
Ownership? Who gets to pay the insurance/maintenance on this totem/flag pole/antenna? Not the county. They lease it for a buck a year. Come on, you can’t lease a wad of used bubble gum (for you who want to) for a buck nowadays.
Better police/fire communication? In the late 60s I could talk with people in Romeo on my homemade antenna and Citiphones 5 CB radio, 2 1/2 watts on a good day.
I have walki-talkies standing flat footed on the ground can talk to Oxford.
But then again, I don’t live in the ‘village,? but it’s still some of the my monies that built that tall lighting rod.
Roy Blankenburg
The Orion Firefighters Association and the Lake Orion Firefighters Auxiliary would like to express our gratitude to Mike Zako, owner of Mike’s Marathon in Lake Orion. He provided the location we needed to produce a very successful fundraiser.
We sponsored a car wash on June 25 for the Deb Waldo Memorial Fund. Donations will help support the Deb Waldo Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Deb Waldo Memorial site.
We also want to thank everyone in our community who participated by posting flyers and especially to those who donated so generously.
Orion Firefighters Association,
LO Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary
There are two things on the agenda from Congress that need immediate attention from concerned Americans.
The first, on June 22, Congress was expected to decide whether to continue funding Public Television or cut the budget 45 percent for this most beneficial TV programming.
Those who watch channel 56 and 28 and consider the programs some of the most worthwhile family programs offered, should call their Congress representative today.
The other emergency deals with the State Department’s proposed give-a-way of eight economically vital Alaskan islands to Russia.
Our US Congress is our only hope to stop the transfer of ownership of billions of barrels of oil, millions of tons of fish and other seafood, plus millions of tons of minerals and ores.
The Russians can then sell the oil back to us at $50/barrel.
What a scandal and what a mockery to concerned Americans who value our sovereign territory and believe our natural resources belong to us.
Elaine Pantak
Hearing on the radio this week that the rural Mayan in Guatemala have to travel as far as 30 miles to register to vote, I’m reminded once again we should never take for granted our right to vote.
My thanks to everyone who took the time to exercise that right on May 3.
In Orion Township, we had a 15 percent voter turnout, up from less than 1 percent in 2004.
As we prepare to celebrate our freedom as Americans on July 4, let us remember, too, the citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as they participate in elections on June 30 after years of strife and hardship in their country,
Jill Bastian, Clerk
Orion Township
To the person who stole the plant from my mother’s grave at East Lawn Cemetery, I hope you truly enjoy the beautiful hanging basket you stole.
My family hung the basket on mother’s grave in rememberance of her kindness and love.
Mother is no longer here to enjoy the flowers. However, my 85 year old father visits her grave every day to water and tend her flowers.
I hope you remember my mother, Alice Gawne, every day you water and tend the beautiful hanging basket you stole from her grave.
Sue Beamer
The singing group ‘Chicago? in one of their hits had the phrase ‘Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is? Does Anyone Really Care??. This should be the mantra for Senator Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods for her obsession with clocks.
First of all, she wants to rescind the law that does not allow alcohol sales on Sunday until noon. Now she wants to have only the exact starting time for movies advertised in the newspapers so that attendees don’t have to endure ads and previews.
Just what we need, more time to purchase liquor to accommodate boaters who don’t want to return to shore to make their mandatory 12 pack purchase!
And in so far as the movie starting time, have we reached a point in our busy lives where we can’t even endure five or 10 minutes of movie previews?
As the Senator continues to focus on these very important issues (at least in her mind) here are some other projects she can work on: do airline departure schedules really reflect the time a plane departs? Is an advertised 10 Minute Oil Change really taking 10 minutes? Do the hospitals that advertise that emergency room patients will be taken in 29 minutes adhere to that time frame?
Maybe the Senator could be the new spokesperson for Timex watches ? ‘She takes a lickin? but unfortunately keeps on tickin?.?
Bill Kalmar
I have to respond to the security issue that was discussed at the May 16 Orion Township meeting. This is all in regards to the assessor claiming a break-in on April 20, 2004 and the theft of the Gingelleville Community Center file.
All that the township board wants to do is well and good. I would like to bring up a point of fact.
According the OCSD report, the assessor states he discussed changing his office door locks with the director of the building and grounds on April 21, 2004. If he had told her that his office was broken into, she could have called the alarm company to see who had access.
It is a fact what the assessor claimed missing on April 20 he didn’t have. He came to the GCC on March 15, 2004 and wrote notes from our 2001 tax return.
I asked it he would like a copy. And what he has said on a few occasions, his notes are good enough. GCC’s 2001 tax return is what he claims was stolen.
Trustees need to ask the hard questions. The answers are there. Isn’t it a felony to file a false police report?
Pamela Hutchison, Director
Gingelleville Community Center
My sister has worked at LOHS in the counseling department for many years and happily volunteered to help out with all kinds of jobs outside of the ‘job description.?
But imagine our surprise when she told our family that she and seven other female counselors and office secretaries were instructed by the school’s administration and the school’s deputy sheriff to open hundreds and hundreds of lockers and search for a bomb.
A high school secretary received a phoned in bomb threat around noon on June 1. Students were evacuated. Then instead of evacuating the office staff, school administration, under the direct supervision of the Oakland County Sheriff Department School Liaison Officer, instructed the secretarial and counseling office to start searching the building for the explosive device.
These people have absolutely no training in bomb detection, specialized protective clothing or any knowledge about dismantling such a device.
What were they supposed to do if they found a bomb and it didn’t go off in their face?
This improper search was done while the school’s assigned OCSD deputy Randy Leppeck stood by supervising the emergency situation.
He informed everyone that he ‘thought: the phone call threat was a ‘false alarm.? So with this justification, employees went ahead and yanked open over 1,000 lockers, room doors, closets, etc., hoping they would not be critically injured by ‘finding? a bomb.
This deputy must be a mind reader. He must have a lot of experience with bomb making, placement, detonation techniques to be able to put our loved ones well being ‘on the line? due to one of his ‘hunches.?
He was the law enforcement officer on the scene. He had been in the building for years and in an emergency he should know what to do. He didn’t. This is the best he can do in a bomb threat situation. Why wasn’t a sheriff supervisor called to the school?
What would this deputy do if there was actually an explosion while one of our wives or sisters was opening a locker door as he stood by watching? There were no other deputies there and no ambulance on standby.
The student body was called back into the school after the employees did their ‘search.? As far as this deputy was concerned, it was now a safe building for children?
There was no search by trained deputies, no bomb sniffing dogs, no police supervisor on the scene, nothing.
We are asking the deputy be investigated by the school board and the OCSD for putting office workers, school staff and most importantly our children in such danger. What in the world was he thinking as he watched our family members search by hand for explosive devices for over an hour?
Or is this the OCSD’s best plan for a phoned in bomb threat? Are their deputies trained to ‘guess? if the threat is legitimate, then use civilian secretaries and counselors to open all those lockers, classroom doors to see if something will go off.
We now know from talking to the Michigan State Police Post that civilians should never ever be put in harms way during a confirmed bomb threat.
The threat did come into the high school. That isn’t in dispute.
Officers, who have this type of experience with this type of incident, should have been dispatched to the school along with bomb detection dogs for a proper search. The state trooper I spoke with could not believe our family members were actually put in danger this way, as if they were expendable.
This could have been a tremendous tragedy with a locker blowing up in a high school counselor’s or secretary’s face, and it can never happen again.
Adam Streuer
Editor’s Note. According to LOHS school administration, at no time was any school personnel forced to participate in the search. Everyone who searched was a volunteer and everything that was done was by OCSD guidelines. All threats are taken seriously for the safety of students and staff.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson supports Gov. Granholm’s Small Business Tax (SBT) proposal. Patterson and supporters of the proposal are turning a deaf ear to the insurance companies who will see an increase in their SBT tax under Granholm’s plan.
Stop and think a minute. If this proposal passes and the insurance companies receive a tax increase who do you think will ultimately pay for the increase?
It will be the rate payers who will see their fire, home-owners, and mandatory car insurance premiums increase as a cost of buying insurance and doing business in Michigan. Did not we (the rate payers) experience huge increases on our insurance premiums after 911?
Why not lower the SBT across the board equitably for all businesses instead of playing ‘Robin Hood? at the consumers and insurance companies expense?
Last one out of high tax Michigan shut off the lights!
Mary MacMaster
On behalf of the Friends of the Orion Senior Center, we would like to say a great big THANK YOU to our community for purchasing our flowers and those lovely articles provided by our enthusiastic senior artisans from the Orion Senior Center.
Special thanks must go to orgnaizers Bill Kokenos and the busy Sokol Supporters without whom this event wouldn’t have been possible. (That was Leonard’s ceramic Dalmatian that made fast friends with every dog that walked by for a sniff!).
Thanks again to everyone who helped make our first ever Flower Fair event on May 21-22 such a success.
Edward Peters
I want to compliment Lisa Valentine on her article about stream mentoring and the salmon release.
Lisa got all of her facts and quotes correct and even did some investigating beyond the information that was given to her to find some other interesting facts about the story.
Lisa has done a great job on all of the stories she has covered for our school and I appreciate her efforts. Thank you.
Jon Gray, 8th Grade Science Teacher
Waldon Middle School
Integrity, a noun, has a definition of uprightness of character, honesty, the condition, quality or state of being complete or undivided.
Let’s compare the word integrity with the May 18, 2005 article on camera security system coming to township hall which in all truth and honesty is Big Brother will be watching you at the Orion Township Hall!
You see if you have faith and trust in your fellow individuals then why should you need a camera to spy on one another?
Also wasn’t there something written in the oath of office taken by you, Dywasuk, Bastian, Young, Garlicki, Gibb and Steimel last November 2004 about holding your office to the highest integrity?
So apparently by you trustees, clerk, supervisor and treasurer approving the installation of security cameras and monitors, you’re telling us the people, who elected you to your office positions, that honesty the condition, quality or state of being complete or undivided, is not all that the definition of the word is cracked up to be?
That’s the impression I get!
The truth of this whole mess started with a missing file, which started an investigation which has never been completed or maybe never will be! In other words the guilty and the liars go free, and get away with a crime at us taxpayers expense.
I hope this isn’t the final answer, but in my opinion it appears to be.
What we are experiencing here is like putting fresh paint over decayed wood!
James B. Delevan
We at Oxford/Orion FISH would like to thank all the people of Lake Orion and Oxford who contributed to the US postal carriers ‘Help Stamp Out Hunger? food drive on May 14.
Thanks to your generosity we received 24,000 pounds of food for the needy of our area.
In particular, our heartfelt thanks go out to the many carriers who not only delivered the mail, but also collected the nonperishable items and hauled them back to the post office.
Lake Orion postal carriers alone collected almost eight tons of food. It’s difficult to imagine that much food until you see our bulging pantry at Immanuel Congregational Church in Oxford.
We would also like to extend our special thanks to Pam Wilson who coordinated the drive for the Lake Orion Post Office. Through her energy and driving force, she publicized the event and provided the inspiration to carriers to collect so much food.
We sometimes forget we are a largely rural community and collecting food for the poor becomes an extra task. We appreciate you.
Thanks also to the many volunteers who helped us sort and store the food in our pantry. After up to eight hours on Saturday and five on Sunday of backbreaking sorting and hauling, we are sure you all slept well knowing you had given so generously of your time to help your neighbors in need.
On behalf of the poor and needy of the Orion area, we again thank all of you who contributed to the food drive and to the postal carriers for choosing us to be the recipients of your bounty.
Last year we served over 1,000 families with food. This year, thanks to you, we expect to help even more.
Val Cass, Pantry Coordinator
Oxford/Orion FISH
I’m responded to last week’s letter about Taxation Without Representation. I’m offering $500 to help establish legal funds for a constitutional opinion.
David Kramer has made the case and the issue needs to be addressed.
Ron Sweet, Downtown Property Owner
Lake Orion is fortunate to have a DDA that is dedicated to bringing quality events to the community. This weekend’s Flower Fair and Home & Garden Marketplace is a great example.
The Friday night ‘Mystery Tour? and wine tasting is a grand night out with original art and fine wine. Tickets are still available by calling 248-693-9742.
The fair has dozens of flower vendors, experts on hand offering landscape and gardening advice, activities for kids and an art show featuring many local artists. This is a perfect opportunity to support downtown and start your spring buying tradition.
Top it off with the Sagebrush Cantina serving lunch on Saturday and Sunday and you have the makings for a great downtown event that you won’t want to miss.
Reggie Harrison, DDA Promotions
Committee Member
I am glad to see that L. O. High School is moving to artificial turf for the football and the soccer fields. As a parent of two young LO athletes, anything that can be done to reduce injuries and increase field availability is a positive move in the right direction. Providing the right tools both in the classroom and on the field is what will continue to distinguish LO School District from other Michigan school districts.
C. Pillivant
I feel concern about a community school board that thinks spending $1,578,000 (that is one-million, five-hundred seventy-eight thousands dollars) on artificial turf for a high school football field is acceptable.
According to ‘Artificial Turf Costs $1.5 million,? Lake Orion Review, April 20, ‘the turf comes with an eight year warranty and will probably last 10 years.?
Do the math: $1,578,000 divided by nine years (average eight-10) = $175,333.33 per year. Six or seven home high school football games per season = $26,974.36 per game.
The article further says a reason for installing the turf is …’because the turf surface is less maintenance than grass.?
If it would be in the realm to think 26 weeks (six months) of maintenance per year is realistic, that works out to approximately $6,750 per week.
I think I know several people who would like that contract for field care and maintenance.
Dr. Younkman, when I met with him at his office today, indicated I was the only person who had approached him with these concerns.
Are there any others out there who think the priorities on spending school district monies have gotten out of whack? Dr. Younkman can be reached at 248-693-5400.
Cheryl Bzdok
As an assessor, employed by and serving the people of Independence Township, I seldom write letters to the editor, choosing instead to let politicians and citizens address serious issues discussed in the newspaper.
However, I am motivated by the article written by Don Rush in his weekly column wherein he explains that voting the increase in taxes for non-homestead millage for school operating purposes is passed through to the consumer. I agree.
The Headlee Amendment requires taxing authorities, think school districts in this case, to roll-down the millage to provide the same income to that taxing authority that they had in the previous year, plus the rate of inflation, plus the taxing benefit of any new value created, i.e. new construction.
There is another point that needs to be addressed regarding this annual event by school districts wherein they ask the voters to override the design of the Headlee Amendment.
Voters must live, and if they choose to, vote in the school district wherein their homestead is located. But it is the non-homesteaded properties that pay the 18 mills of school operating non-homestead tax.
What are non-homestead properties you may ask? They are commercial and industrial properties, personal property owned by businesses, and second homes or residential properties such as cottages up north, any property that is owned but not occupied as a homestead (principal residence).
So the people that own non-homestead properties do not have a vote in the school elections to override the Headlee rollback unless they coincidentally happen to live within the same school district where their non-homestead property is located.
What this boils down to is ‘taxation without representation.?
Our country was, in part, founded on the principal that those who pay taxes have a voice in the process that allows taxes to be levied and collected, i.e. colonists wanted a voice in Parliament.
But in the current twist, non-homestead property owners pay a tax voted by those who do not pay the tax. Consequently we have a system that philosophically violates one of the most profound tenets of our representative form of government. We have, in fact, taxation without representation.
David Kramer, ASA, CMAE3 Assessor
This letter is to support the decision to replace the football playing surface at the high school with a new prescription surface. This is something that is necessary and economically the smart thing for the community.
My understanding is prior board issues have raised the money for this renovation, placing no further tax burden on the community.
Putting in the prescription surface will almost eliminate maintenance on the field (there will be no watering, cutting, fertilizing or lining the field). It will free up the ground crews to work on other projects.
There is little wear and tear, thus allowing other organizations to use the field without harming it for future use.
Those of us who saw the field in November can attest to the embarrassing field conditions.
In the Metro Detroit area, Lake Orion Schools are viewed by many to be a beacon district, however our athletic fields have been inadequate. Over the long run, this will save money for the school district and benefit the community.
Our organization has had numerous dealings with the athletic department and it has always supported us. We will continue to support the high school athletic department in the future to the best of our abilities.
I’m looking forward to being proud of our facilities and seeing the field finished in the near future.
Ken Grant, President
LO Dragons Youth Football
It’s great to see that Lake Orion is going forward with the installation of artificial turf on its football and soccer fields. Not only do the sports teams benefit so do other members of our schools.
To avoid damaging the football field the marching band has, for years, practiced on alternative fields that do not simulate actual playing conditions.
As a band that competes at state levels this has been a disadvantage. The new turf will also give Lake Orion an advantage if we choose to host band competitions. These competitions have the potential to generate sorely needed funds used to support the 600+ students in the Lake Orion band program.
With this new turf there will be a lot of opportunity to allow additional use of the field both within our school district and outside the realm of the school where we could generate revenue to help pay for the rising cost of school-related activities. With the following benefits, the only question is why did it take so long?
? Less maintenance
? Safer playing conditions
? Additional usage
? Potential income generator
? Part of the 2000 bond issue so no additional taxes
Our thanks to the athletic department for pursuing this venture.
Lake Orion Band Boosters
It’s great to see that Lake Orion is going forward with the installation of artificial turf on its football and soccer fields. Not only do the sports teams benefit so do other members of our schools.
To avoid damaging the football field the marching band has, for years, practiced on alternative fields that do not simulate actual playing conditions.
As a band that competes at state levels this has been a disadvantage. The new turf will also give Lake Orion an advantage if we choose to host band competitions. These competitions have the potential to generate sorely needed funds used to support the 600+ students in the Lake Orion band program.
With this new turf there will be a lot of opportunity to allow additional use of the field both within our school district and outside the realm of the school where we could generate revenue to help pay for the rising cost of school-related activities. With the following benefits, the only question is why did it take so long?
? Less maintenance
? Safer playing conditions
? Additional usage
? Potential income generator
? Part of the 2000 bond issue so no additional taxes
Our thanks to the athletic department for pursuing this venture.
Lake Orion Band Boosters
$1,578,000 – That’s a heck of a lot of money to spend on sports that only a minority of people will use in this district.
This district has many other things to spend this kind of money on like … paving Lake George Road to the Oakview Middle School; funding Fine Arts, not cutting the programs; adding special in-class room learning programs for children with ADD and ADDHD instead of forcing their parents and doctors to drug them.
Members of the board of education should put their efforts into stopping out-of-district students, parents and grandparents fraudulently using Lake Orion addresses to attend our schools; crack down on renters, mobile homes and landlords not paying their share of the school taxes; quit picking on boys who wear girls pants at the high school and focus on the real issues facing this district instead of touting an ‘Astro Turf ? football field.
Lisa K Simpkins
I am glad to see that L. O. High School is moving to artificial turf for the football and the soccer fields. As a parent of two young LO athletes, anything that can be done to reduce injuries and increase field availability is a positive move in the right direction. Providing the right tools both in the classroom and on the field is what will continue to distinguish LO School District from other Michigan school districts.
C. Pillivant
Would someone at the township office please contact somebody about the prechloriding/grading of Mariday Street? The road commission has played with this street for the last 40 plus years and still can’t get it right.
The apron at Orion Road is junk from trash trucks and school buses turning onto Mariday or off Mariday onto Orion Road.
Road gravel has been added until the road is approximately one foot higher than when the sewer was placed. The crown on this road is a joke. Near Orion Road it looks like a motorcycle berm on a round dirt track.
Getting a RCOC super out here is like getting Santa Clause to stop and visit the kids on Christmas night. Not even with milk and cookies will they stray down Mariday Street. I like it just the way it is, gravel.
Roy Blankenburg
My sister was driving home from work down Kern Road on April 26 and she noticed a dog wondering aimlessly on the side of the road with no tags or collar.
She stopped and called him to her car — he slowly approached being very wet, cold and extremely dirty. She lifted him up and put him on the front seat of the car — he was whimpering but fell asleep soon after.
She took him straight to Brinker Veterinary Hospital in Lake Orion. Dr. Cory saw the dog immediately, gave him a check-up and sent my sister home with some medication and said to call with any concerns.
She took him home that night and he was very lethargic, slow, shaky, not eating or drinking and howling in pain while trying to use the bathroom outside. We all became very concerned and the next morning returned to the vet due to his painful, unpleasant night.
The X-rays showed that the dog’s large and small intestines were impacted with bone fragments, rocks, sticks, solid fecal and wood chips that he could not pass.
The vet believes he had been on the streets trying to eat what he could find for at least two weeks to a month due to the condition of his colon. He stayed in the hospital for four days with numerous procedures performed on his intestinal track.
Now, thanks to Dr. Cory and the awesome Brinker Vet staff, he is home with my sister but still on several medications until his stomach is back to normal.
Dr. Cory said ‘Lucky? would have died within 48 hours if he was not found and treated immediately. My sister saved this dog from the misery he was in and I am asking for any donations to help offset her costs be directly sent to Brinker Veterinary Hospital (c/o Lucky), 975 S. Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion MI 48362.
My sister named him Lucky because he is very lucky to have found her!
Wendy Levering
In a recent issue of the Orion Review, there was an article about the Lake Orion School District preparing to install new artificial turf fields at the high school. I am writing to you in support of those new at Lake Orion High School.
In the year 2000, there was a school bond election. A portion of the money raised from that bond was to be used for athletic field renovations at schools throughout the district.
The school district did an outstanding job managing the entire bond project. New schools were built, there were major renovations and additions completed on just about every school. New football fields and tracks were built at the middle schools.
After all of these projects were completed, they were able to stay at and in some cases, under budget. Because of the diligence of school officials, they have the money to install new fields for football and for soccer.
As chairman of the LOBOS Soccer Club, I am obviously a big supporter of soccer, and see the need for a new soccer field. I am also a fan and supporter of football and would like to see the football field replaced also. LOHS belongs in the Oakland Activities Association, arguably the toughest high school sports league in the state of Michigan.
The boys football and boys and girls soccer programs both compete in OAA Division 1, the top division in the OAA. I feel that if we are amongst the best, playing the best, we should also have the best facilities. There are several other reasons why I think the fields should be installed.
1) Our teams are at a disadvantage when it comes to playing the teams that train and play games on those surfaces on a regular basis. Most teams that we compete in all have the type of surface that is being proposed.
2) Money has already been collected and is available; there is no additional cost to taxpayers.
3) Since there is less maintenance with these surfaces, it will cost less to maintain.
4) Our teams will be able to practice earlier in the year and also on days when wet fields caused practices to be cancelled.
5) Lake Orion based sports teams would be able use the fields, reducing the congestion on township fields.
6) Should the athletic department decide to, it could rent the fields out and generate revenue.
Steve Alliston
It is finally spring and all of the wildlife on Lake Orion has come to life. The nesting season for the swans has also started anew.
They have come back to their usual nesting spots, some with new mates. The swans will aggressively protect their nesting areas.
Unfortunately, some of the returning swans have been harassed in the past, and they do not forget, so they will be the ones we will need to use extra caution and understanding. So as you go out on the lake, I urge you to use some common sense.
In general, if you leave them alone they will tend to their business and not initiate contact. The swans are federally protected so if you see someone that is harassing the swans please report their actions and the MC number of their watercraft to the Oakland County Marine Patrol Division at 248 391 0256.
As you go out on the water, you will notice that some new signs are being posted, warning boaters and skiers about the nesting areas. I hope these signs will give a clear warning to keep a safe distance from the swans and their nests.
If you would be interested in obtaining one of these signs, you can contact City Sign Company at 248-333-7938. The cost is $35 plus a pole if needed.
If we use common sense and all work together, we can make the lake safe and enjoyable for everybody.
Name Withheld
Citizens of Orion Township carefully read page 39 of your latest Outreach for Spring/Summer 2005.
It states under ‘pavilion rental:? Rent one of our facilities at Civic Center or Friendship Parks.
Now hold the phone. Aren’t these facilities an entity of public domain, owned and operated from or by the funding of township tax dollars?
Aren’t a majority of those tax dollars coming through our property tax as well as permit fees, dog licenses, etc? Aren’t these usually paid for or funded by the majority of homeowners, business and industry? I would think so!
Therefore, who or what is or meant by ‘our?? It seems there may be a misspelling and should be a Y added to the word making it ‘your.?
What stands to reason is if you are a citizen who pays taxes in Orion Township, then this Friendship Park, for example, is a benefit of your tax dollars.
Therefore, if you’re a resident of Orion Township, the park should be free to residents. I believe that’s only fair.
Former Dearborn Mayor Orville Hubbard had a free parks and rec activities center for Dearborn residents. And I believe Attica Township still lets residents have free use of its community center for weddings, parties, graduations, etc.
The only thing the residents are responsible for is cleaning up and supplying their own food.
If you are a nonresident, then it’s only fair you should pay rent.
James Delavan
I hope the entire Orion community will join me in recognizing the excellent work done by the Television Production Workshop students under the direction of Lake Orion High School teacher, Roger Smith.
As they learn to use this most powerful communications medium, not only do these talented and dedicated students produce ‘LO-AM,? a live television program, every school day for their LOHS audience, but they also must complete class assignments and other video projects for the school and district.
The TPW’s April Fools ‘Dragon Digest? was an outstanding example of how well the students have learned to use video to tell stories creatively and to work successfully as a coordinated production team under the pressures of creating a live-to-tape studio program.
This very well-produced program was cablecast on ONTV channel 10.
I would not be surprised if some viewers who did not tune in for the entire program might have believed some of the stories, at least initially. I see this as a terrific lesson in media analysis for the students and for their audience, too.
Could there be a better way for the students in our schools to understand the impact of television on us individually and as a society than by encouraging them to produce programs for a real audience?
I hope the school, the district and the community are as impressed as I am and let Smith and his student producers know their programs are highly rated.
I must also add: for those of us interested in viewing student programming, each Tuesday’s ‘LO-AM? program tape is cablecast on ONTV channel 10 on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. Well done TPW!
Brett Saunders,
Education Director ONTV
Just a reminder to all the good people of Lake Orion to please, please go out and vote on May 3. This is for a renewal only for non-homestead millage for Lake Orion Public Schools. This is NOT an increase just a RENEWAL.
If you are an Orion Township resident, you should have already received in the mail an application for absentee ballot. If you are not going to be in town, please get your absentee ballot turned in.
Also, don’t forget that the voting rules have changed and you will be voting where you voted for the presidential elections.
Also, for those of us who live in the Oxford Township area whom have Lake Orion Schools, don’t forget that Oxford is having a milleage vote of its own and ours is different. You will need to make sure that you get the Lake Orion School District milleage RENEWAL ballot.
Again, this is a renewal of an existing mileage there is no increase in regards to the Lake Orion School District for homestead property.
Kim Jeffery
Spring has arrived! We would like to invite you or your group to join other township residents, civic groups, and local businesses in the 2005 Township Clean-Up Program. Please choose an area in your neighborhood, in one of our parks, or along a section of one of the safety paths and clean up the area sometime during the months of April, May, or June.
We ask that you call 391-0304, ext. 104 to tell us your name, the name of your family, or the name of your group, your contact information, where you plan to clean up, and when. In late June, we will recognize everyone who participated in the 2005 Township Clean-Up Program with a Certificate of Appreciation at a township board meeting.
Thanks, in advance, for your help in this effort!
The following are other activities in which you, your family, or your group might like to participate:
1. April 22 ? Earth Day: drop off newspapers, office paper, magazines, catalogs, and/or junk mail at the yellow & green bin in Civic Center Park behind township hall.
2. May 14 ? Household Hazardous Waste Day (8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Eagle Valley, 600 W. Silverbell Rd.), a joint cooperative event of four northern Oakland communities (Orion, Oakland, Oxford, and Addison Townships).
3. June 4- Eagle Valley Recycling & Disposal Facility’s FREE Disposal Day for Orion Township residents (7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ? must show ID).
4. June 11, 2005 ? River Day: contact Clinton River Watershed Council at (248) 601-0606 for how you can help.
Please join us in celebrating living in Orion Township!
Jill D. Bastian,
Orion Township Clerk
On behalf of the Special Families Network, LO Special Olympians and special education students, we would like to thank all the people, organizations and businesses who supported our dinner dance fundraiser.
There are no words to truly express the gratitude for all the support and generosity. The entire event was overwhelming. The support we received was beyond our wildest belief.
With all the support, we can give the special needs individuals and families of the Lake Orion community opportunities that may not be otherwise available.
These opportunities will help in building their self-esteem and respect so that they’ll be able to go out into the world and strive in their day-to-day lives.
Also, a very huge thank you goes to the Bohm family and the Trisha Bohm Memorial Educational Fund for their generous donation. The donation was in honor of their daughter/sister, Trisha Bohm, a former special education teacher at Webber Elementary.
Karen Appledorn & Tracy Gora
Special Families Network
The Osborn family would like to thank the Oakland Township Krogers Fresh Fare store at Silverbell/Adams for its generosity for allowing us to do our Relay For Life Can/Bottle Drive in the lobby this past weekend.
It was an overwhelming success.
We would also like to thank all the customers who graciously donated their bottles/cans and donations to us.
If anyone who missed us would like to donate their receipts, there is a can for your donations in the pharmacy at the store.
The Family of Chris Osborn
Spring has sprung; the dogs are back. O’Conner’s public access is unsafe and unaccessible for yet another season.
When will our village reclaim our O’Conner public lake access?
Public means for all village residents. Just who lives there and why are they allowed to possess this access?
Could it be a village council member or someone’s friend.
Sandra D.
It was with dismay that I read ‘Don’t Rush Me? on March 16. I was appalled to find God’s name cursed and swear words used in a column whose title, ‘Irish Jokes,? would encourage children to read this column.
While I note that you have a disclaimer indicating columns aren’t backed or supported by the newspaper, I would hope the columns would, at the very least, be edited by a responsible party.
I had hoped for better conduct from my hometown newspaper. . I implore other parents in the community to join in urging the editor to be aware that children read your paper.
Editors should aid local parents in the ongoing battle to raise children with moral values and standards by refraining from this type of language.
Tomi Hunt
The Lake Orion High School Key Club is deeply grateful for the generosity of area businesses during our 30-Hour Famine event on Feb. 26-27.
The Key Club is an international, student-led community service organization at the high school, sponsored by the adult Kiwanis Club of Lake Orion and Oxford.
Recently we participated in a 30-Hour Famine event, similar to those that were held by local church groups. Participants accepted pledges from neighbors and family members, and fasted for 30-hours in order to experience just a little bit of what real starving children could be feeling.
These pledges will be received by World Vision, which is a non-profit organization that uses the money to feed starving children in third world countries and the United States.
Early in the evening of our event, we spent three hours with a calm community service project, writing St. Patrick’s Day cards to sick children in hospitals. Afterwards, the club held an all-night lock-in at Basketball America to provide our participants a place to have fun in our final eight hours of fasting.
At the end of this lock in, we provided our members with a small breakfast buffet of sorts, which is where the generosity of these businesses had become apparent.
A big thanks is owed to Big Apple Bagels of Lake Orion, and Kroger of Lake Orion at M-24 and Indianwood Road. Big Apple Bagels made the extremely generous donation of 60 bagels to the cause, many of which were still warm from the oven! Kroger also donated a $20 gift card to the club, with which we were able to buy five gallons of juice.
Without their generosity, such a wonderful (and tasty!) finale for the Famine would not have been possible. Thank you!
LOHS Key Club
I want to thank the four OCSD deputies at the Orion substation who recently took custody of a teenager who was visiting us and had to be removed from his home, through no fault of his own, pending an investigation.
My family and I have mentored this young man for almost four years and he has lived with us off and on when the circumstances have warranted it.
He was understandably frightened and his first instinct was to run because of his past experience with undesirable home and foster care replacements.
The four deputies calmed him and assured him that everything would be done to bring him safely back to our home.
I want to especially thank Deputy Tom Vida, the school liaison officer, who was instrumental in expediting the forensic interview of this young man so he could accompany us on our family vacation the very next day.
Your commitment to go above and beyond the call of duty gave him a new found trust in a system that he had been taught for so long not to trust. You made a remarkable difference in his life and we sincerely appreciate your efforts on his behalf.
Jill Verros
The truth is folks, Howard Sherman and Burke Cueny had their day on the ‘boards.? They have some points and they voice them to the paper with their ‘concerns.? Money is their worry and not much more.
Can you two think back to the time in your life when you were learning to read and write. It seems you both only learned your numbers. Subtraction, you both must have gotten 100 percent on every paper.
Parents wish to have local control not a mega school district that you call for Cueny. The Lake Orion School District is run by people who are trying their best to educate the future hope of this area.
Howard and Burke, why not write your friends in Washington DC who spent $230 billion on a WAR in IRAQ that is going nowhere.
Maybe they might be able to fund the State of Michigan and its schools with a little of that money.
Clay Rathburg
The controversies that have fallen upon the baseball world have inspired me to raise the banner of the bygone giant of the sport.
I think of Babe Ruth as the patron saint of the baseball who gave to the game the wonderful gift of excitement. This gift allowed the sport to escape the depths of boredom and propelled it into the entertainment status that it still enjoys today.
Ruth is now descending upon the achievement ladder as the tainted accomplishments of others surpass his great homerun record.
The 60 mark is no longer a magic number, but the year the Babe’s achievement was accomplished the rest of the players in baseball collectively did not hit 60 homeruns.
Tony Sartele
Orion Firefighters Association would like to thank many local businesses who donated door prizes for our annual fundraiser dinner/dance.
Our thanks also to those who attended this year’s event.
Our success depends on your continued support. Hope to see you all next year.
Charlie Harkins
Orion Firefighters Association
Once again tickets sales are very low for the Pub Crawl this Thursday. The biggest complaint is that it is on Thursday night. The reason for this is limos and shuttles are donated. Thursday night is a much more feasible night compared to the weekends when they would be loosing much business.
We need the support of Lake Orion! Please come out and join us for a fun evening of food, drinks and entertainment! There will be free food and drink specials at every establishment and entertainment at most!
Shuttle service starts at 6:45 PM at the Orion House parking lot. From there you can go to: Orion Sports Bar, Hamlin Pub, Wooden Eagle, Wagon Wheel, Bonzai Bob/Muy Loco and CJ’s Sandbar. The last shuttle of the evening will start at 11:45 PM.
Please remember to tip the limo and shuttle drivers, their time is valuable!
LO Fireworks Association
We have been reminded all weekend just what a good and Christ-like man he was. He was such a remarkable priest for all the people and reaffirmed the highest standard of human values for all of us.
He was certainly the appointed and worthy head and leader of the Catholic church, but was also a leader for all the rest of us, too, in reminding us what life is really all about.
We, too, will miss Pope John Paul II, and join others in celebrating his life.
Richard & Beth Webster
Your article failed to mention that this was the second tragedy that Dorothy and Joe Kovitch had endured.
Their other son David was hit by a train and killed while jogging in Waterford in the early 1980s.
Darryl Wood
A huge thank you needs to be given to all the firemen and paramedics who helped care for our husband and father, James Costanzo, the night of March 18 when he suffered a stroke while eating dinner.
The prompt, swift aid was greatly appreciated. The caring sympathetic words to the family helped get us through a difficult night.
We’d also like to thank the nurse and paramedic who were eating dinner at the restaurant and came and offered their help.
A thank you also to the staff and owners of the Nugget Restaurant in Oxford.
Costanzo Family
I am the mother of three children with memberships to the Orion Oxford Boys and Girls? Club. We had the opportunity to visit the Shelby Township Club on March 19 for a ‘Games Room Tournament.?
We only brought four kids from our club to compete but we ended up bringing the grand trophy home. That trophy will stay in the club until next year’s tournament.
I would like you to consider doing a story about this. I believe we need to create awareness about the club and its benefits for the children. From a mother’s point of view I want to say that if it wasn’t for the Boys and Girls Club half of my salary will go to daycare and my children would not be as happy as they are at the club.
I have been living in Lake Orion since 1997, when we only had a Kmart and a Farmer Jack to shop. Now that this town has turned into a wonderful suburb I can only feel frustration and sadness with this community.
Visiting the Shelby club made me realize that Lake Orion doesn’t have any idea of the great asset that is a Boys/Girls Club, otherwise we would have money pouring in donations to build a club like the one in Shelby.
The club should not benefit just the economically disadvantaged kids in our town, but children from all households. The invaluable lessons learned at the club will build the foundation for our future community.
Damaris Moore
Late last summer I sat on the bank of Paint Creek to relax. It was after a brief afternoon rain and it was very peaceful, for a moment. Soon, a nostril-burning stench made me gag.
From years of working grounds at a local golf course I knew immediately what the smell was’fertilizer.
I spoke with my neighbor about it and he said it didn’t surprise him because the portion of the creek that runs through his yard used to be ‘pristine.?
He is certain that the fertilizer used by people in the area have contributed to the overgrowth of weeds on the creek bed.
If the best part of Lake Orion is the lake, which I think it is, why are homeowners using such chemicals that harm it?
Do you HAVE to have an unnaturally lush, green lawn? Are you afraid of what your neighbors will think if you don’t?
If you have to fertilize, please consider a more environmentally-friendly product such as Glean Green Soy Fertilizer, Corn gluten meal, Fertrell Lawn Fertilizer, Greenview-Low Phosphorus and Zero Phosphorus, Pursell’s Sta-Green, Ringer Lawn Restore, TruGreen Scenic Green and Vigoro Lawn Fertilizer.
They are slow-releasing fertilizers recommended by Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority.
I am a school teacher; I am neither a tree-hugger or activist. I just think limiting our use of products that have adverse effects on our lake, creek and watershed would be a wise move. Don’t leave it up to someone else.
Jeff Aisthorpe
Hats off to Howard Sherman’s recent letter asking what’s wrong with the Lake Orion School Board. It is supposed to be using money for our kids.
But holding elections in May, with estimated costs of $25,000 is an expensive way to help the kids. November is the proper time when the major governments pick up the tab, not Orion.
School board members can opt out of the May arrangement, but will they, in time? Why weren’t they informed of this opportunity? They are supposed to represent the taxpayers too.
And the educational group is opposed to clerks sending out absentee ballot applications to all registered voters, the same as in a federal or state election. Why?
Soon we’ll see parents of students being asked to form up and march on Lansing for more money…for the kids of course. Is more money the answer. I don’t think so.
Privatizing of school buses, drivers, janitors is. And consolidating school ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF is the answer.
It’s much smarter to have ONE superintendent at $150,000 plus his staff of $400,000 running three districts than currently having three districts with three superintendents and staffs. Of course, all sports programs would continue independently by district.
But then again, there are some educators and panelists who would say I’m all wet. Just like one current school board member who wrote the papers awhile ago telling me I was all wrong about ‘good ole? Jim Redmond, then superintendent of the Oakland Intermediate School District.
If Michigan wants to survive, wants to cut costs, it better figure out why it is 46th in the country getting the money to the kids…and 12th in the country raising the money.
The governor wants more graduates, smarter students. Can teachers work 12 months a year to get these youngsters globally competitive? We’ll pay the teachers for 12 months.
Burke Cueny
What a season the wrestling team had! The varsity won a school record 32 meets, placed fourth in the Oakland County Tournament, brought home four tournament trophies and finished the year as OAA Division 1 champions for the first time since the creation of the OAA.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the local businesses, too many to mention in this forum, for their loyal support of the wrestling team this winter.
Their names were proudly posted not only on a banner at home meets, but also in our program. Their financial contributions and donations were instrumental in helping us to provide and build an atmosphere of success in the wrestling room with inspirational paintings, slogans and murals.
Our meet programs, filled with information and statistics of each wrestler, added class to the overall program events and these were possible only through the generous support of the community.
The coaching staff, made up of varsity assistant Cory Kuzinski; JV coaches Mike Agro and Dave Allingham; along with volunteer coaches Tony Agro, Chuck Donley and Rick Kllis; did an outstanding job of preparing the team each week as we drove toward the league championship and record breaking season totals.
Coach Kuzinski’s efforts and friendship has meant so much to me personally. Guys, you were fantastic!
Finally, I would personally acknowledge and thank John Varilek, Tom Tobin, Bill Avery, Larry Hadden, Al Pratt and Ron Peshl.
These gentlemen, along with their wives made up the executive board and led the parents organization that was responsible for fundraising, for our school banner that so proudly displayed our team to the school in the commons and for organizing the hospitality rooms that are so popular with our guests during our competitions.
They also arranged the weekend travel to our tournaments, established weekly pasta dinners for team building and they provided me with the support to lead this group of young wrestlers.
Whatever accolades this team, this coaching staff and myself enjoyed this year, couldn’t have been received without this group’s leadership and drive.
Thanks to all! We truly are a family and I’m so grateful to be a small part of the success we enjoyed this winter. The future is bright and it’s great to be a Dragon Wrestler!
Coach Doug Kline
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all in the Lake Orion community and in Lake Orion Community Schools who helped make the MAMSE (Michigan Association of Middle School Educators) conference, held in Lake Orion on March 10-11, an overwhelming success.
The conference was organized and planned by the hard working staffs of Oakview, Scripps and Waldon Middle Schools and attended by over 700 conference participants from across Michigan who were interested in issues related to middle school education.
Over 30 of Lake Orion’s own staff presented sessions on some of the programs that make our middle schools exemplary. They were joined by well known speakers in the field of education and related areas.
In addition, our board of education, central office, the LO Education Association and many other Lake Orion colleagues and departments assisted in countless ways.
A contingent of volunteer parents and students also significantly contributed to the success of the conference. Not to be forgotten are the individuals and businesses who made generous contributions to the conference. It was truly a Lake Orion team effort!
We were honored to host the conference in our district and know that the knowledge, inspiration and programs shared will enhance what we all do for middle school students.
Kenneth Gutman, Principal of SMS
Heidi Kast, Principal of WMS
Alice Seppanen, Principal of OMS
In the somewhere distant past I remember seeing an ONTV weekly schedule in the Lake Orion Review, however it seems to have been dropped somewhere along the line.
I phoned ONTV to see what the problem was and they said that they send the schedule in every week, but the LO Review will only publish it on a ‘space available? basis. I do see occasionally a small banner referring readers to the ONTV website for the schedule.
I have trouble understanding why the LO Review doesn’t make a point to publish a little four inch local TV schedule as a service to its readers.
WR Stephen
It made me feel good when Orion Township Treasurer Alice Young put the clamp on hiring Lisa Sokol as senior center director when Orion Township Supervisor Gerald Dywasuk wanted to slip it through with the help of his appointed assistant Jill Veros.
That took place at the March 7 trustees? meeting.
You see Jerry, there are certain procedures and guidelines that you no doubt must be aware of and one of these guidelines is following township rules and regulations.
‘I’m glad to finally see an elected official, such as Young, speak up and try to do what’s right for the people of Orion Township.
If you take notice, Young gives the citizens an update at every township trustees? meeting on how our tax money is spent, invested and saved.
This is something I suggested to former treasurer James Marleau many times, but as usual with Marleau, it seemed to fall on deaf ears.
People, this is our money we are supposed to be trusting these elected officials to properly use for our community.
If we as citizens don’t keep an eye on what’s going on, then don’t holler if we land up in deep dodo!
Don’t forget, we elected these people to work for us, not; we don’t work for them.
James Delavan
Last year the legislature passed a series of bills known as ‘The Election Consolidation Laws? partly in response to the Oakland School’s stealth election of September 2001.
Provisions under the new law include limiting the number of elections to four per year and transferring control of school elections from the school district to the township clerk.
Under this law, school districts will also have to reimburse the townships for the cost of the election, eliminate school voting precincts and set school elections to the odd year November general election date.
The new election law also gave school boards three OPTIONAL dates, if prior to Jan. 1, 2005, a public hearing was conducted and resolution setting one of those dates as their election date was adopted.
The OPTIONAL dates are 1) November both odd and even years; 2) an odd year May election or (3 May both odd and even year elections.
Out of Oakland County’s 28 school districts, all but one, South Lyon, opted out of the odd year November general election date and choose the May election date in both odd and even years.
Over the past several weeks, the public has heard the ‘whining? of the Lake Orion School Board concerning the cost of the May school elections.
Did the school board ever consider the cost or even made aware of the cost? Apparently not!
Jill Bastian, Orion Township Clerk, estimates the cost of the election could be between $20,000 to $25,000. The May odd and even year election option is the most expensive!
Fortunately, there is a simple solution for this problem. The school district can eliminate the cost of the election every other year by simply rescinding the resolution adopted last year.
If our school board members truly want ‘what is best for our kids,? rather than their ‘political self interest,? they could simply rescind the resolution that they passed. By doing so, school elections would occur on the odd year November date.
Howard Sherman
As the Orion Art Center blazes through its 25th year, we would like to thank the supporters who have given their time, funds and energy to keep the center headed in the right direction.
Our February annual gala, the Snowflake Ball, brought in over $21,000, which goes directly to operating costs and development.
Many thanks to the individuals and businesses who donated to our auction, placed an ad in our community guide, or attended the ball. Our 2005 Community Guides, published by Classic Printers, are free to the public and available at the art center and local businesses.
Our gratitude goes out to our Silver Sponsors, Steven Auger & Associates, Cadillac Brick Co., Giampa Painting and Decorating, Lymtal International, Inc., MicroTech Systems, Pine Tree Place, Snider Mechanical Systems. Gold Sponsors: Classic Printers and Oxford Bank, and our Diamond Sponsor, Saleen Special Vehicles.
A group of dedicated volunteers worked for months to plan the event. We are grateful to Angela Snyder, Leslie Shields, Lisa Bjork, Kelly Comeau, Sherry Curtis, Bridgette Giampa, Dawn Loeser, Julie Martin, Nanette Montgomery, Kathy Price, Karen Purdon, Laura Purdon, Cheryl Rossman, Bobbie Tarbunas, Sue Welch and Sue Willick.
Reggie Harrison
The North Oakland Concert Band would like to thank the Lake Orion Review for including articles regarding our band concerts in your newspaper.
You have been most generous with providing space allowing us to promote our concerts that are free and open to the public.
You have become an important factor in allowing us to increase the attendance at our concerts and bring good music to our community.
George Sinnott
The Lake Orion School District is to be commended for its financial acuity resulting in over $10 million in less interest. Its high rating indicates efficient money management.
I’m wonder if school district officials could take a small amount of that windfall and complete the job started on Lake George Road when Oakview Middle School was built.
I recall that $500,000 was spent to bring the road up to county standards, but it was never blacktopped. With all the traffic the road gets, it’s in deplorable condition most of the time.
The expensive new buses ‘shake, rattle and roll? on that road and in time will deteriorate faster.
It wouldn’t take much to pave that road from Stony Creek to Predmore and would protect the $500,000 already spent from washing away.
Mary J. Toth
I recently read that freshman State Representative Jim Marleau has introduced legislation to make it a felony to spam. He must have a serious problem with space time and a misguided agenda of priorities for precious, scarce state resources.
Legislation 101: ‘Don’t introduce/pass laws you can’t enforce? otherwise you only waste everyone’s time and money.
Has anyone calculated the cost to implement and enforce this legislation? Is the legislation good enough to get a high conviction rate?
Marleau said last fall that ‘Michigan prison costs were too high,? now he wants to jail a spammer for up to 15 years. What will that do to his ‘too high prison costs? or will this put more serious offenders on the street?
With the state facing a budget shortfall of one billion dollars over the next two fiscal years, is this his number one concern and a worthy first piece of legislation?
I would be and am more concerned about the state’s 7.3 percent (highest in the nation) unemployment rate.
I went door to door last year too and everyone, I mean everyone, talked about Michigan’s dismal economy, outsourcing and jobs.
They talked about health care, their kids? education and the skyrocketing cost of college, the war and the $5 billion a month cost to the taxpayers.
They were worried about our soldiers being in harms way and the brave men and women who lost their lives to keep us all free. The seniors and baby boomers, who have paid in for 35 years or more, were concerned about Social Security and are counting on it to supplement their retirement.
In this last year, we have witnessed great human suffering, many catastrophes such as tsunamis, hurricanes, record floods and landslides.
We have broken borders with 20 million illegal aliens in the US with inadequate resources to properly address this issue.
We have major homeland security problems that should be a priority for scarce, precious resources well before spam which can be dealt with by purchasing a good antivirus, ad-aware software for under $100.
Daniel Myslakowski, Chair
Orion Area Democrats
I would like to say ‘Thank You? to all of the Lake Orion community members who joined us for our third annual ‘Empty Bowls? event on Feb. 2
A wonderful, relaxing time was had by all’and in the process, we raised $960 to give to the Food Bank of Oakland County to help feed the hungry!
Participants enjoyed a bowl of soup with bread, great entertainment and were asked to help make a bowl for next year’s event.
Everyone was then allowed to take a previously made bowl with them to remind them of all the ’empty bowls? in the world, and that with their donation, they were helping to feed some of those who go hungry right here in our area.
I would also like to thank the entertainers for the evening: the Lake Orion High School Hottsteppers and Dance Team, Tom Romito and Eric Swanson’two LOHS teachers, and Brent Grenda, a 2004 LOHS graduate.
They did an awesome job both entertaining and participating in the other aspects of the evening! Also, Christina Sirakos (LOHS Art teacher) along with a few of her students did an exceptional job of helping participants to make some really ‘interesting? bowls for next year. We really do have some outstanding individuals in our schools that are making a difference!
Mary Beth VanBuskirk
Members of the Lion Orion Lioness Club would like to extend their appreciation to the businesses and people for their donations and support of our ‘Breakfast with Santa.
They are CJ’s Cafe, Pee Wee Patch, LO Lions member Tim Miles, Milosch Dodge, Community Plus Savings Bank, Lakes Community Credit Union and all the volunteers.
Theresa Doyon
On behalf of the North Oakland Circle of Faith, I want to thank you for publishing an article about our ‘Raising The Roof? concert fundraiser.
The success of events such as ours depends on the local newspapers such as The Orion Review. It’s one of the reasons townspeople continue to rely on you for local coverage.
Thank you again for helping us to promote our fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.
Deborah Wilson
On page 6 of your Feb. 9 edition of the Lake Orion Review you had a photo honoring Stan Ford’s Lake Orion High School cross country team. You called them Academic All-American Student Athletes collectively posting a 3.92 grade point average.
They are, you printed, the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Academic Team State Champions. Wow!!! That is FANTASTIC!
Teachers spend so much time trying to get their students to THINK and with these young men, it seems to have sunk in! Great job you Dragon Harriers!! I wish I could say the same for The Review. In the caption, The Review managed to get the name of each politician and official BUT NOT ONE TEAM MEMBERS NAME! They are referred to as ‘the cross country team.? THINK!
They are the ones receiving the honor, not the smiling officials! This is no small feat and these young men deserve more. It is not too late to reprint the photo and recognize each young man individually.
A phone call to the school or maybe the Oakland County Commissioners would probably do the job. And when you do get the names…..Please double check the spelling! They deserve this from you and the community. These are the type of kids we need to recognize.
You can leave off the names of the commissioners next time. They get plenty of ink on their own. Or better yet. Take a new photo of just the award winners. No need to clutter the photo with the commissioners.
Jim Meredith
Editor’s Note: The photo and the cut line was given to us by the Oakland County Commissioner’s publicity office. Here are the names of the students on the varsity team.– Drew Collette, Kevin Comstock, Andrew Cross, Matthew Dufresne, Mackenzie Hock, Jayson Lawton. Kyle Lawton, Matthew Martin, Michael Mason, Jonathan Mick , Colin Motley, Christopher Neary, Alexander Pace, William Peterson, Robert Shinouskis.
There is no security problem at Orion Township. But there is a problem with ethics and honesty. It’s obvious to any regular reader of The Orion Review that a great wrong has been committed against the Gingellville Community Center.
Stop wasting taxpayer money on further investigations, researching costly security systems, attorney fees and consultants.
One has only to deduce that the meeting minutes were purposefully removed to hide who at Orion Township proposed to change the nonprofit tax-exempt status of GCC.
This issue has gone on for months, you know who you are…Step up to the plate and take ownership and responsibility for removing the records. And direct the township attorney to hand over the minutes to GCC.
Laura Bringman
There are rumors at the high school and Mr. Dunckley fails to reprimand the ones who are spreading rumors. Now the students have questions on why Dr. Younkman would do a character study on one of the most liked parent in our community.
A couple of years ago I was face to face with a difference in my beliefs and made a choice not to speak up. I feel guilty with my choice, but I still have a job at Lake Orion Schools.
A friend, whom I admire for her honesty and integrity, made a choice, based on her values to speak up for the SAFETY OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE INTERN PROGRAM. The consequence was she was laid off.
So it’s best to keep your mouth shut regardless if there is a safety reason. She will back the district with its decision and say the district funding was cut and the right decision was made.
Does the difference of choice matter? I believe it does. Does the difference of who you know make a difference? I believe it does.
The administration somehow finds money to hire friends and relatives and keep them employed. Do we hire the best qualified or who you know? There’s too many friends, relatives and distant relatives to list.
‘I’ve been silent for a very long time about the nepotism going on in Lake Orion Schools.
The school board president convinced the other members of the board that Chris Lehman was the best for the position. Very interesting. How much more can we take!
Now the person who made those hiring decisions (Lehman) is now going to be our superintendent. Is she really qualified? Do a couple of courses in administration qualify her?
The school board thinks so. The board is no longer working for us. IT’S TIME TO RECALL OUR BOARD.
I recently heard about LOPRO (Lake Orion Public Resource Organization). If you are a concerned parent or community member and would like to speak your mind log to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LOPRO.
Join this group, it’s free. You can remain anonymous or sign your name.
Our students deserve the best education and we need to hire the best qualified. Members of the school board should resign; they aren’t acting in our best interest, only theirs. We have the proof now.
Pat
I would like to thank all of our Lake Orion Post Office customers for being so generous in donating to Operation Guardian Angel to help our soldiers overseas.
Most of the packages were received and the soldiers were overwhelmed that the LO Post Office ‘family and friends? sent them packages. They were very much appreciated.
I would still like your help in order to send more packages to them. I plan on sending packages for Valentine’s Day and Easter.
If anyone has a family member serving overseas, especially in the war zones, and would like us to send them a package please give us their addresses.
If you have a photo of them and would like us to display it on our ‘HERO? board we are planning on putting up, it would be a pleasure and an honor to display it.
If you have any questions about this, call me at the post office.
Also, if any schools or children would like to write letters or make cards for the soldiers, they may be brought to the post office and we will mail them in our packages.
Charlotte Cito,
LO Post Office Clerk
The Lake Orion Lions Club wishes to extend its sincere appreciation for all those who supported our Christmas Basket program. Without the help of the community, this program would not be possible.
Thanks to the participation of individuals and businesses, the club was able to help 127 families.
Special thanks go to:
LO Community Schools (building & grounds, food service, custodial staff, Stadium Elementary School, Paint Creek Elementary School), Sandy Harmel, Michigan Box Company, Royal Roofing Company, Learning Link Center, CJ’s Cafe, Eagle Valley Disposal, LO Kroger, LO Lioness Club, LO Rental, Orion Township employees.
Toy collection centers included LO Review, LO Post Office, Keatington subdivision, Lake Orion offices, Orion Township offices.
We look forward to your help next year. Please feel welcome to join the Lions Club in its year-round service projects by becoming a Lion or Lioness.
David Kalish, Chairman
Christmas Basket Program
I’m reading the Jan. 12 story on the probe into the missing GCC file.
I believe clerk Jill Bastian, assessor John Attwell and supervisor Gerald Dywasuk should be called on the carpet to find out who the real culprit is who took or misplaced that file.
It seems obvious one of these three or maybe all of these three knows more than they would like to tell us. In my estimation a recall is in order for Bastian and Dywasuk.
As far as Attwell is concerned, he should be investigated. If it’s found that he abused his position as township assessor, he should face immediate dismissal and possible prison time. That’s if the finger points to him and all reasonable doubt has been exhibited.
In the case of Bastian, what have or are you trying to hide? That’s the oldest excuse in the book — ‘I won’t take one (lie detector) because I don’t trust them.?
Although we do have the right under our Fifth Amendment where you don’t have to incriminate yourself.
Just remember, it’s not a lie if you believe it!
And Mr. Dywasuk, you were elected to lead this township, crack the whip as they say. Why did you allow all these people to have extra keys in the first place?
It doesn’t make much sense, for example, for Bastian to have a key to the assessor’s office. Does Attwell have a key to the clerk’s office?
By Bastian’s own statement, she was in Attwell’s office after hours to leave a note for the assessing department clerk. Why couldn’t she just give it to the clerk when the office was open? She made a special trip back at night to leave a note? Hmmm.
It’s time to take a broom and clean house.
James Delavan
I was watching the Jan. 18 Orion Township meeting on TV and what I saw towards the end of the meeting was an outrage.
Our supervisor Jerry Dywasuk’s behavior was childish, unprofessional and downright embarrassing. I had heard rumors he was prone to temper tantrums, but to see it live on TV was all very sad.
I can only imagine what kind of work environment our township employees have to put up with. What I have been reading and seeing over the months has raised some questions in my mind.
But after Tuesday’s meeting, I’m sure of it now.
There is something seriously wrong. Dywasuk and his department head are hiding something. A person doesn’t behave like that (in public anyway) unless the heat is getting too close for comfort.
I only pray our new board has the courage to really look into what is going on at our township hall. This all looks bad for our community.
If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. Smile, you’re on TV.
Kay Hughes
I have enjoyed your publication since moving to Orion almost 25 years ago. I have, and will continue, to rely on it to keep me up-to-date on local news and events.
I was disappointed, however, when there was no coverage of the Lake Orion New Years Resolution Run & Walk. This fun race held on New Years Day attracted hundreds of participants and spectators to downtown Lake Orion.
Putting together an event like this requires a great deal of time and effort by the organizers. This effort received no recognition by The Lake Orion Review
Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Becky Goodman, Stan Ford, the many volunteers and the Village Police for a job well done. It was a great way to start off the New Year and to promote the Village of Lake Orion.
Myself and, I am sure, the other participants and spectators are looking forward to the same next year.
Wayne Zimmerman
I wanted to write and let you know how much I appreciate your ‘Ask the Attorney? column. Steve Drakos gives simple, clear and informative advice to questions that most people want answers to, but would not want to necessarily go to see an attorney to get.
I also like the fact that Mr. Drakos is a local figure, which to me, makes his advice all the more relevant and reliable.
Thank you for providing the Lake Orion area with such a wonderful column.
Lesa Brown
The Meals on Wheels program at the Orion Senior Center would like to thank CJ’s Cafe for providing Thanksgiving meals for homebound seniors.
We would also like to thank the Lake Orion Nursing Center for providing meals on Christmas and Kruse and Muers for the New Year’s Day meals.
Our seniors deserve the best and these businesses surely came through. Thanks again.
Joanne Benedict,
LO Senior Center Site Hostess
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone — family and friends — who helped out, from everyone’s kind words to their smiles and prayers.
I can’t explain how much it helped me. God bless and thank you again for all your love and caring.
Sharon Pugh
On behalf of the Orion Area Parade Group, I would like to express our gratitude to the many individuals, families and groups in the community who supported the parade this year.
Based on written and verbal response we have received so far, the parade was an unqualified success and one of our best over the past 10-year period.
To be sure, there was an excellent, dedicated parade committee at work . To be sure, there were a lot of hard-working parade group members, but we could not have pulled it off without the help of a lot of volunteers — too many to mention.
We do have to give special recognition to our major financial sponsors: Daimler-Chrysler Fund, Wally Edgar Chevrolet-Buick, Environmental Wood Solutions, Chief Jerry Narsh and the village police, Hillside Florist, LO Public Schools, Orion Township Parks and Recreation, The Village of Lake Orion, T&C Federal Credit Union, without whom the parade wouldn’t be possible.
But we also want to give special thanks to Orion Neighborhood Television in general and Ed Peters in particular for video-taping the parade, and especially to Sherman Publications and The Lake Orion Review, and especially Elaine Stieb, for the great coverage.
We need to single out Eric Wilson for making the Oakland County bandshell available to us, to Wally Edgar Chevrolet-Buick for its generosity in staging the Holly Jolly Folly, which generated important funds for the parade; Becky Goodman for the cooperation of the Downtown Main Street program; Ron Kalso for providing the electrical power for our loudspeaker program and the pre-parade bandshell power, and to Bill Kirschner for allowing us to use his parking lot for the bandshell.
The pre-parade proved to be a great addition to the general atmosphere of parade day and it will certainly be expanded for 2005.
Next year, the committee will try hard to top this year’s parade, but we could use some new committee members to bring fresh energy and new ideas to the parade-week events
Committee meetings will reconvene in February 2005 as we begin the process of making the next parade on Dec. 3, 2005 even more spectacular.
Anyone who wants to become a member of the parade committee can get information by calling Janine Saputo at 248-693-0990.
Wes Fuelling
If there is a half million or more available for fake grass, maybe the LO Schools could use a few thousand to restore the gone but not forgotten SNAP.
The Special Needs Adult Program provided three short days each week of academic work and socializing time to about 20 developmentally disabled adults for 20 years until its demise last year.
Our son Matt was one of those who looked forward for Mondays so he could rejoin his friends, practice the 3R’s and learn how to use a computer. It was a gift from the LO Schools that these often forgotten people and their caregivers appreciated so much and now mourn.
Frank McIsaac
A clarion call was sounded and a vigorous debate ensued at the village council meeting Nov. 22 on the ‘tower? issue.
Our deliberative body demonstrated civic government at its very best.
The people are willing to sacrifice their values in what they perceive to be the common good.
And this is the duck feeder in response to Name Withheld, ‘Quack, quack!?
Ron Sweet
I’m writing this letter as a plea not only for my son, but for so many others I’m sure.
I have a son that has served for three of his five year enlistment in the US Marine Corp. Last year he spent the holidays as well as his 21 birthday in the Middle East. He’s a 2001 graduate of LOHS.
Here’s the problem. He and so many other service men and women are not told if they have holiday leave until the last minute. And then their dates are prime fly time such as they can leave Dec. 18 but must be back Dec. 26.
This is the most expensive time to fly, not to mention sometimes we don’t have a seven day notice to give.
My son will be sent to Israel shortly after the New Year. If there are some veterans who have unused frequent flyer miles or would be interested in donating, I would like to set up a fund to offset the cost of these flights.
Or better yet, if anyone knows of a travel agent, air line, etc, please contact me. If you have a service man or woman who needs help please contact me also. Call 391-0341.
Leslie Ashley
Our second graders at Blanche Sims visited the downtown Lake Orion businesses recently to learn about the goods and services provided in our community.
We were even able to purchase our own ‘goods? during the field trip.
Thank you so much to all the businesses who participated. They went above and beyond to accommodate more than 80 second graders.
The employees were extremely patient and very willing to answer questions that the children had about their community.
We would like to encourage everyone to patronize the downtown businesses. We are truly lucky to have so many wonderful places to shop right here in Lake Orion
Mrs. Wayne, Mrs. Roux,
Mrs. St. Louis, Mrs. Marshall,
Miss Swamba
This is in response to the letter from the OMS 8th grade students.
It is not so much people feeding the ducks at the Children’s Park when they are visiting but the fact that one of the businesses that borders the park has a feeder in the back yard and the ducks wander there to feed.
The ducks make their way several times a day and in fact, prohibit cars from accessing the parking lot from Broadway. Perhaps someone needs to discuss this with the owner. This is the reason beaches around the county have to close in the summer.
Name withheld
After all the negative letters regarding the LO Senior Center, I would like to publicly thank our supervisor, Gerald Dywasuk, and the township board.
They’ve worked so hard and succeeded beyond all our hopes in making our senior center a beautifully decorated, happy, fun place to be.
We’re seeing more new members and the ambiance and happiness there is a pure delight.
The three young women who were chosen to operate the center are extremely efficient and a pleasure to be with. I, for one, am delighted to have ‘my center back.?
Name Withheld
It’s our concern that the citizens of Lake Orion have been feeding the ducks despite the sign in Children’s Park.
We the students of Oakview Middle School recently performed water quality testing in Children’s Park and Meek’s Park. We found an increased level of fecal coliform of living organisms including all water fowl.
It’s our recommendation that the visitors and residents of the lakes and rivers in our area stop feeding all aquatic dwelling animals.
This will help reduce the amount of fecal coliform in our watershed. It will also allow water fowl to find food on their own which in turn will be better for their health.
A solution to this problem is to put signs that state the facts about why not to feed the ducks.
The sign should say feeding the ducks is bad for their health and increases the fecal coliform in the water. We also feel this should be enforced and people should be fined.
We believe if residents know why they shouldn’t feed the ducks, they will listen. If we stop feeding the ducks and other water fowl, it will benefit everyone in the future.
OMS 8th Grade Science Students
This is in regard to the LOHS Marching Band. Five years ago when my granddaughter was a member of the marching band, I called The Review asking them why no one ever covers anything about the marching band.
Band members were winning many awards for their efforts, which they worked very hard to achieve. As like now, no one covered it then and they still continue to ignore the hard working students in the band.
My granddaughter is now studying to be a music teacher. I surely hope the paper in the town where she teaches will give her students the coverage they deserve, unlike The Lake Orion Review.
It was after asking five years ago and being told they would take care of it, that I didn’t renew my subscription to The Review.
So good luck Jackie and all other interested people. I hope now they will wake up and realize their shortcoming. Keep up the good work and know there are people who care.
Grandma Elaine
The Lake Orion Village Council will listen to the voice of the people on Nov. 22. Join councilman Ken Van Portfliet in his fight to preserve the historic beauty of downtown Lake Orion.
Oakland County is asking to put a communications tower behind the police department that’s 199 feet high (to the tip of the antenna).
Other acceptable locations for this ugly monster are not even being considered.
Ron Sweet
We want to thank Jill Bastian and her staff of wonderful helping, caring people for the planning and help they gave their election workers on Nov. 2.
Without the hours and hours of preliminary work, they put in before the election, we would have been incapable of pulling this off in the time we did.
In our precinct, we were voting 20 people at one time. As fast as one voter was finished voting, the next one was escorted in.
We were told to call the township office for any problems which we did many times, never did we have to wait on the line for an answer to our question. We had to call for ballots twice and they were delivered promptly.
Our election workers who were working in Pct. 1 at St. Joseph’s Marian Hall were the best!!
Everyone did what was assigned and did it so well that we checked out at 9:30 p.m. after a record vote of 1,160 citizens.
Thanks to a great team. We are so proud of you.
Doris Kalso & Jeff Piatrowski,
Co-chairpersons
The giving season is upon us and the Lake Orion Lions Club will again be running its annual Christmas Basket Program.
The community support in the past has been outstanding and the club is grateful for this community participation. Without it, the club would not be able to assist Orion area families in having a pleasant Christmas.
Especially helpful have been area businesses — too numerous to mention — and LO Community Schools and St. Joseph’s Catholic School. These people support our project by sponsoring canned food and toy drives, placing collection boxes in their places of business or school building.
The Goodfellows? newspaper sale on Dec. 3-4 will also help to purchase items for the basket program.
Again this year, the Lions Club is counting on this same support from our community. We need collection sites in area businesses for the donations and workers to assemble the baskets. Corporate donations are always welcome.
Setup for the basket assembly begins at approximately 10 a.m. on Dec. 17 at the CERC building, 455 Scripps Road. Baskets will then be assembled from approximately 3-5:30 p.m..
Baskets will be delivered by the Lions Club on Dec. 18.
If you know of a family in need of assistance, please call Dave Kalish at 248-693-0864 or contact any LO Lions member. The Lions wish everyone a blessed holiday season.
David Kalish,
Christmas Basket Chairman
What is a hero? I had to contemplate this question for a very long time. There are many whom I could consider my hero. However, there is one accumulation of people that I have chosen to be my hero.
Over the last two centuries, they have sacrificed their lives, family and their home for liberation and peace throughout the world. They have fought against oppression, tyranny, persecution, and have been locked in stockades for what they have believed in.
Some became prisoners of war, others have been ridiculed for even serving their country! Why? Performing their duty for America’s freedom should be considered admirable and brave.
Therefore, my heroes are every American veteran! Throughout our history, this group of people have fought, lived and died for the independence of our country.
When called upon, they have sacrificed themselves in the attempt to liberate others, so that they may taste freedom, as we have it today.
Religions, people and nations could have possibly been erased off of the face of the earth, if it were not for the American veterans! Despite the fact that there have been hundreds of thousands of Americans that have lost their lives and have been disabled by war, they will continue to fight. They will continue to assist every nation in their pursuit of life, liberty, happiness and most of all, their freedom.
In the American Legion, there have been many veterans who have fought in the most terrible wars, in the effort to liberate other nations. They have witnessed the most horrific acts, yet they still have the faith in the red, white and blue.
Why? Despite what most of the American population would demise, our veterans will remain true, constant and loyal to our nation — especially to all those brave young American soldiers that are still fighting across the world.
Many have lost their friends and family fighting side by side, but they never gave up and will not give up. Our soldiers and veterans courage and determination to reach their objective, directly leads us to our safety as a free and independent country.
How could you not believe they are heroes!
As a member of the Sons of the American Legion, I have personally met and spoke to a number of war veterans. I have seen them happy, distraught, in wheel chairs, and as anyone that you would visualize as normal.
They are some of the most fantastic men and women that I know. I honor my country and the veterans by marching with them in the Memorial Day Parade in Oxford every year.
Most of my adult male family members have served in the wars, but neglect to talk about their experiences. It angers me to reflect upon how we have had to defend the entire world for a very long time, yet on 9/11 we were attacked! We could not defend ourselves.
Where are all of those nations that we fought and died for. During our time of crisis, the world refused to help our soldiers and ultimately the American people.
Our veterans should be honored, thanked and adored throughout our nation and abroad. It would be easy to forget something that we as Americans take for granted: Freedom.
Let us not forget all of the young men and women who have extended that privilege to every American citizen. You would seldom hear any veteran disgrace our country or our military. They are very proud to have had the opportunity to protect our homeland. Their ultimate goal would be freedom for the entire planet, therefore peace on earth!
Personally, I have faith in our veterans and soldiers in the Middle East crisis. I hope that one day the terrorists in the world will be defeated.
I urge you to contemplate this idea–every veteran or soldier that you, as an American citizen, may encounter on the street, in the mall or the grocery store, simply say ‘Thank you for my freedom!?
In addition, we as American citizens should thank our ‘lucky stars? that we live in this great nation of ours.
I feel very strongly about my hero choice. I urge you to consider making them your hero too, the American veteran. If it was not for that accumulation of people, we would not be free!
By Chase Tucker, Oxford student and grandson of Helen Smith of Lake Orion
I was surprised that not one word was printed about the Lake Orion School Marching Band. Other than the letter from a parent of one these fabulous performers, I can’t believe it wasn’t covered by The Orion Review.
At the Silverdome on Oct. 30, many local school bands put on a show that was inspiring and beautifully done.
LOHS was represented and did an outstanding job. The young people showed their talent for musical ability, dedication to perfection and discipline.
This is hard work. Many hours are spent in preparation. IT SHOWED!
I’m glad I was able to see this performance and am extremely proud of all the students.
The Lake Orion community should know about these activities and be happy about positive news like this. I’m a proud grandma of Lisa.
Aileen Stasiuk
Who’s checking over there? How could you forget to put Matt Gibb in your election coverage?
I could be wrong, but I do believe this is the second time his name has been omitted by The Review.
While I’m sure you will print a very nice apology for forgetting him, it will be ‘too little, too late? showing up AFTER the election.
Koula Christi
Editor’s Note: Matt Gibb was the only candidate to decline to fill out a candidate’s questionnaire mailed to each person running for office. He also didn’t respond to our questions before the primary.
I’m proud of Jackie from the Lake Orion Marching Band for writing a letter expressing how she’d like the band to be recognized as well. Even though Marching Band is not a ‘sport,? they are truly a TEAM.
I truly believe they practice many more hours at their sport than any sports team does. They have band class during school hours where they prepare, as well as hours and hours of after school and summer camp practice.
It takes as much dedication, devotion, passion, and practice to pull together and produce their performance as any sports team, as well as the excellence to reach State Finals on Oct. 30 at the Pontiac Silverdome. We’re very proud of our LOHS Marching Band and all the music directors and coordinators. GO TEAM!!
Linda Fox
First, I would like to commend the Scripps Middle School Orchestra for a great performance at the recent Lamp of Learning Academic Awards on Oct. 19. Next, I would like to explain how budget cuts have altered students? ability to be a part of the orchestra.
Currently, orchestra ‘class? is offered only after regular school hours (in addition to the students? normal seven-class schedule) and it’s graded. In previous years, orchestra was a normal elective class.
The after-school hours forces parents to provide transportation home from school. As if this isn’t bad enough, the children are forced to decide between orchestra and participation in other extracurricular activities such as football, cheerleading…etc.
As a parent of a former member of the orchestra who had to choose between cheerleading and orchestra, I had conversations with a school board member, principal and school administrator.
Their explanation was ‘last in first out? (meaning this program which had been in the system for about three years was the last one added) and that the least amount of students would be affected by this cut.
Many of these students had been in the strings program for many years and had to decide between sports and orchestra, while band members don’t have to make this choice.
To add insult to injury, at the Lamp of Learning ceremony, LO School Superintendent Craig Younkman made the comment that Mr. Crimmins (the orchestra teacher) would be playing the cello, instead of conducting, because the orchestra didn’t have a cello player.
After the ceremony, I did inform him that in previous years we did have cello players.
Dennis Sinks
Social Security was originally intended to be voluntary participation. Those participating would only have to pay 1 percent of their first $1,400 annual income.
Their amounts paid into the program would be tax deductible each year. And it would go into an independent ‘trust fund? used to fund ONLY the Social Security program, excluding all other government programs. The annuity payments would never be taxed as income.
Subsequently, the Democratic Party under Lyndon Johnson’s Democrat controlled House and Senate moved the funds into the general fund for spending purposes.
The Democratic Party then put a tax on Social Security and again increased the tax with Al Gore casting the deciding vote. John Kerry has voted to increase the tax on Social Security again.
The Democratic Party gave Social Security to immigrants reaching 65 who have never paid 10 cents into the system, costing millions of dollars.
Now Orion Democratic chairman, Dan Myslowkowski and his party are telling everyone that ‘Republicans want to take Social Security away from the citizens.?
They say anything hoping folks will believe it and are upset that President Bush’s intent to let younger workers put a portion of their earnings into their own SS fund.
They claim it will endanger the fund. The ‘fund? is IOUs from the US Treasury. Younger workers would indeed have a great more income, under this plan, than the current recipients.
Burke Cueny
It’s really a disgrace to hear of rumors about a so called file theft at Orion Township’s offices which was to have occurred this past April. Activities such as this do any form of government credibility more harm than good.
Let’s get to the bottom of this and find out who is lying and who is telling the truth.
If a recall is needed to find out, then so be it. After all, we as citizens have a right to decide whether our elected officials are doing their jobs.
Remember Watergate back in 1973-74? That’s when President Nixon had various cabinet members, such as the attorney general John Mitchell and vice president Spiro Agnew, resigned to cover up the fact that our president was the real culprit behind the Watergate break-in.
I hope we don’t have a Watergate come of this in Orion Township. As they say, the truth will set you free and lies will eat you alive.
James Delavan
I’m urging citizens in Orion Township to vote yes for Proposal P in favor of the park millage on Nov. 2. The passing of this millage request will result in a stable and predictable budget for Orion parks each year of its existance.
Park officials will be better equipped to plan for new programs and phase-in improvements and expansions as they receive funds from the millage.
We will not only see an expansion of present programs and opportunities, but can expect new facilities like a skate park, and amphitheatre and possibly a new park site.
All township residents, including those in the Village of Lake Orion, will benefit from the passage of this millage.
Virtually all expanding communities that people favor to live in have fine park facilities and recreation programs. Orion Township citizens deserve as much.
William Stark
Dear Elaine:
The Friends of Bald Mountain Recreation Area sincerely congratulate you and The Lake Orion Review on the two awards from the Michigan Press Association Better Newspaper Contest this year.
The News Picture category award for the ‘What a sinker? front-page photograph was great recognition of your photography skill. We remember the photo from last fall.
Your award for the Local Columnist is noteworthy too. We are pleased to see our local newspaper continue to be honored with awards like these.
Thank you for taking part in our Orion Art Center/Friends of Bald Mountain Recreation photography contest and exhibit. We are looking forward to seeing the entries.
Thank you for also printing the photo of the new MDNR Director Rebecca Humphries and the area MDNR staff when they visited in August. Her visit was a highlight in Bald Mountain Recreation Area this year.
Bill Peters, Jr.
I have very serious concerns that the Lake Orion/Orion Township voters are being ‘duped? by our township trustees. This situation involves Proposal P in the upcoming election.
Proposal P is requesting a .75 mill increase for the funding of numerous parks and rec projects. Most of these projects have already been paid for by the Dutton developer.
Orion Township on Oct. 18 held a public hearing for rezoning of a parcel of property. This parcel of property was rezoned from larger sized estate lots to very dense housing units.
My neighbors and I went to the hearing and voiced our concerns. We were not heeded in what appeared to have been a backroom decision.
This earlier decision between the township and the land developer included the following ‘gifts? being given away by the developer to the township: $12,000 donation to the development of the Polly Ann Trail; $10,000 donation to the Orion War Memorial; $400,000 cash donation to the township’s general fund; $79,000 donation for road improvements, $200,000 donation for a township skate park and the construction of an 11 acre township park. The park will be attached to the new dense housing project that the developer wanted.
Trustees sang the praises of this benevolent developer and how this money will benefit the entire township.
Statements were made during the hearing to the effect that this is a win-win situation for the township, a ‘no cost? benefit in recreational terms for us all.
Beside the obvious ‘sell out? by the township board, the real problem surfaced two days later when a sample election ballot was mailed out to all township residents.
In this sample ballot, there exists Proposal P which is asking for a .75 mill increase for the construction of a better parks and rec program including: The construction of a skate park, the construction of a east side park and improvements to the Polly Ann Trail.
It seems to me this is a thinly veiled and poorly timed attempt to double dip Orion taxpayers. These improvements are being underwritten by the land developer as part of his buy off ‘gift? for a zoning change.
This is a classic example of Boss Tweed-style politics where the politicians are looking out only for their own special interests and completely ignoring their constituents.
Michael Bjork
Tribal and Las Vegas casino interests have bankrolled a proposed amendment to Michigan’s constitution that would mandate statewide voter approval and then local approval of any new gambling in the state.
However, if you read the bottom line of the proposal, in a slick carnival-type move, the tribal and Detroit casinos exempt themselves from the proposal.
Voters who buy into their ‘Let the Voters Decide? baloney will be granting a monopoly to Indian and Las Vegas interests whose expansion will not be limited by a vote of the people.
At present most tribal casinos pay nothing to the state in taxes. Worse yet, this proposal could adversely affect the lottery’s ability to introduce new games and maintain their contribution to state revenues.
An even greater adverse impact could be felt in the horse racing industry which is in need of life support.
Members of the legislature have been considering the installation of video lottery terminals, run by the lottery bureau at the race tracks.
VLTs in other states have been enormously successful at boosting racing and the agriculture industry. It was the fear of VLTs at the race tracks that prompted this crass attempt to stifle competition and rewrite the Michigan constitution.
Indian and Las Vegas interests have spent millions collecting signatures and advertising their proposal.
I urge voters to reject Proposal 1. Casino gambling profits should not be used to go over the heads of Michigan’s elected legislature. This in itself would be enough to cause me to vote No.
However, when you consider the potential negative effects on lottery revenues and our 70 year old horse racing industry, a NO vote becomes a no-brainer.
Ray Stimac
I can’t agree more completely with the Kingsburys who were wise enough to see Proposal ‘P? as a back door tax increase.
While I am sympathetic to the village residents who are in a particularly bad position…even the township residents are getting smacked with a tax increase that will only serve as a launching point for funding issues far into the future.
By approving Proposal ‘P,? as I understand it, we are carving the parks and recreation funding out of the general fund and now letting it stand on its own. In other words…we are committing to supporting these parks, as their own entity, forever!
I’m certain when this millage expires (if passed) it won’t be as easy to carve out another portion of the general fund to support them at a now increased level.
Simply stated… if the community is growing so rapidly, shouldn’t the tax base be growing too? And if so, shouldn’t that result in a proportionate increase in the parks and recreation budget to handle this growth and ‘wear and tear??
One final thought…when did we become the showplace for Oakland County? We don’t need to keep up with the neighboring communities and their excessive ways. Is an amphitheater really necessary?
Stop taxing everyone for the ostentatious needs of a few. If you want to use an amphitheater, use the 30icents per day you are saving and drive to a community that has one or use the county park system. We simply can’t support this tax increase now and into the future.
Terry Lang
When you go to the polls on Nov. 2, consider supporting Proposal P. A common thread that binds us together is the love we share for our wonderful natural resources.
Park and recreation programs enrich our lives and bring members of the community together. They also provide a fantastic place for our children to play and just be kids.
If you have a taxable value of $100,000, Proposal P will cost you $75 per year, not a bad investment for our children and the community!
Penny Shults
It’s hard to believe Orion Township officials are trying again for a parks and recreation millage without explaining what they’ll do with the money they currently spend on parks and rec. Last time this approach was tried, it failed. It seems nothing was learned in the attempt.
I’m not against a dedicated millage. I’m against a tax increase without so much as a by-your-leave.
The township, in August, asked for and received increases in police and fire spending in the guise of a Headlee override. There was no explanation of why the override was needed, as if it’s some kind of a ‘right? for the township to exercise. The Headlee Amendment was enacted for a reason, after all.
As a village resident, I’m doubly taxed by the township and by the village for parks, recreation and police. Yet township services aren’t extended to the village.
It’s hard to understand in this day and age how this situation can continue, yet it does.
As a growing community, our need for services is growing. That is undisputable. But township officials shouldn’t underestimate voters. We know a back-door tax increase when we see one.
Annette & Dennis Kingsbury
It’s with full confidence in Rock Blanchard and staff that I support the parks and recreation millage. With this opportunity, our citizens will be able to enjoy expanded recreational facilities and services that many of our neighboring communities currently have.
It’s only with a united position from the township board of trustees that our citizens will support this millage with confidence and enthusiasm.
They must be assured the goals and objectives set forth in the parks and recreation master plan will be pursued in a timely manner.
I look forward to continuing my role as an avid supporter of our community’s past, present and future parks and recreation services.
Mark Vagi
I feel sorry for the people of Indian Lake Rd. having to put up with a few trucks. Try living on N. Conklin. You haven’t seen anything until you’ve lived here.
We have had tandem gravel trains cruising our road going 35-40 mph. ON THE GRAVEL. Posted speed limit is 25 mph. Any vehicle too big for the viaduct on Indian Lake comes through here.
I have lived on the gravel portion of N. Conklin for 18 years and have seen the traffic gradually increase every year. We get most of the subdivision traffic from north of Indian Lake (to Drahner) and west of Conklin. It is a perfect short cut to pavement. When the road is freshly graded (or fairly smooth), traffic speed is as fast as you can go.
Rarely is it we see a responsible driver (truck or car – male or female) drive the posted 25 mph limit. When we have holes big enough to lose a small car MOST traffic slows down, however we still see those that think if they drive fast enough they can fly over the holes.
As has been previously mentioned in other letters, Conklin was not intended to be the major thoroughfare it has become. The truck traffic is definitely a major problem that needs to be addressed, however, the increased subdivision traffic also contributes to the deterioration of N. Conklin. Possibly the installation of a stop sign at N. Conklin and Golfview might help to eliminate or reduce the speed of the traffic.
Hopefully the Township along with the RCOC and OCSD can help to resolve some of these traffic issues.
Delores Recknagel
On behalf of the Village of Lake Orion Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, we recommend a NO vote on the township millage Proposal P.
The proposal would impose a new 3/4 mill tax increase on both village and township property owners. As the township describes in its taxpayer-paid advertisement inside the most recent brochure, the township would benefit from many ‘proposed? improvements and additions to only township parks.
None of this would benefit any park facilities within village boundaries or any park facilities closer than four miles outside of the village boundaries.
Let me repeat, NO MONEY is designated to be used on any parks accessible to children, adults or seniors within the village.
The township has again chosen to leave the village outside of planning for our parks — no consultation, no inclusion in any manner.
While we (the village) have asked for on going discussion and shared participation, the township continues to ignore our scheduled meetings (this has been the case since our inception almost five years ago).
Leaving the village out of the ‘benefits? of the taxes we pay is consistent with previous millage proposals like the ‘safety path? millage.
Village residents have been paying this tax since 1988, but as of this writing not ‘ONE CENT? has been spent or a single square foot of pathways have been built in the village. Why should we pay taxes but be left out of the benefit to OUR village parks.
The township feels it can double dip us again. We pay taxes to two government entities, but only receive benefits from the village.
It’s up to us, the citizens of the Village of Lake Orion, to tell the township, ‘NO,? not again. Include us. Put it in writing as part of a fair proposal or we all will vote NO.
Village of Lake Orion Parks &
Recreation Advisory Committee
To Lake Orion High School, football players and parents, and Coach Bell and Family:
I wish to apologize for my previous letter. It has caused unintended harm to the community, school, Coach Bell, his family and my own family.
I regret sending the letter; it was wrong. My opinions were unfounded and misguided.
I have hurt a lot of people with this letter, including Coach Bell and his family, my son and his friends.
I realize now these are my own issues and pointing blame at others was unfair and unjustified. Please accept my apology and put this behind all of us.
Disgruntled Parent
This is about the five teens involved in the crash.
OK, I’m the driver of the red car and I would like to let you know my friend and I weren’t drag racing.
It’s now being tested to see if his left front tire blew out. If that’s the case, that means he had lost approximately 38 percent of this braking power.
The way we slid really didn’t exactly slow us down, so I feel we were going maybe a little over the speed limit, but not much.
My friend is expected to wake up in the next couple of days. I would like to thank you guys for not lying like all the news stations have. It kind of irritated me.
Steven Felax
I would like to write a response to a letter in the Sept. 22 issue regarding the actions of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.
I personally take exception to the comments about watching the ‘OCSD traffic circus in amazement? as I fully support any actions taken by our OCSD deputies that make an attempt to control traffic along M-24, especially around the Clarkston Road intersection.
I’m surprised to see that more people aren’t injured traveling down M-24 than there are. It seems as if the writer had an ax to grind. Maybe he was ticketed for something during the day.
I have noticed drivers go way too fast and cut in and out of traffic just to make up about a minute or two in travel time along this road. I’m 90 percent sure the tickets written involved more than seat belts and cracked windshields.
If people were driving at posted speeds or were not attempting to illegally turn left at Clarkston, they probably wouldn’t have stood out to the officers.
Also, the comments about their driving practices were not warranted. In the past, I took a class and had a few rides along with a police department.
You need to go through a fair amount of training to drive like they do and it’s stressful. It’s even more stressful with the lights and sirens on as you don’t know what to expect from the other drivers on the road as people don’t always yield to the right.
Complaining they were doing their job and they were all smiles also stood out. If I was pulled over for something, I would prefer to have a smiling deputy than one that wasn’t happy.
It must be hard to keep a positive outlook when most of the time people lie to you countless times during your day on the job just to stay out of trouble when they do something wrong.
If the deputies can remain pleasant and courteous, I say they should be rewarded.
Just wanted to relay my support to the OCSD and any attempts they make to make M-24 a safer drive. If everyone drove like they do when they see a police cruiser on the road, then all of commutes would probably be better.
Charles Warrick
I would like to respond to Dale Smith’s letter printed in your paper on Sept. 22.
Michigan was in danger of losing millions of dollars in federal funding because our motorists weren’t complying with state law and buckling up. This law and the enforcement were federally mandated and funded.
The Drive Michigan Safety Task was formed and has a goal to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in traffic crashes due to unbuckled motorists.
Nineteen counties in Michigan were selected to demonstrate high visibility enforcement in large population areas to reach a maximum audience, which increases the perception of the risk of receiving a safety belt citation.
All summer, citizens have experienced construction delays on M-24, Clarkston Road, Indianwood Road and Baldwin Road. Motorists have been detoured, rerouted, stopped and delayed.
On the day of this enforcement action , new concrete was poured in the right hand lane of northbound M-24 and the lane was blocked.
That was the main cause of the traffic congestion on M-24, not the traffic enforcement.
Officers worked that area from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during non-rush traffic and issued 38 seat belt violations. The sergeant and four deputies assigned were from the traffic enforcement unit and didn’t short the Orion or Oxford contract patrols.
The officer’s driving habits are being reviewed by a division captain and will be addressed. The Orion and Oxford substation commanders and I are all concerned with public perception and strive to make the Oakland County Sheriff deputies the best trained and most professional in the country.
Michael McCabe, Undersheriff
OC Sheriff’s Office
I previously wrote Orion Township Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk about the amount of truck traffic supported by Conklin Road because of the inability of large trucks and fire trucks (and probably school buses) to travel under the bridge at the west end of Indian Lake Road.
I have believed for years that this bridge should be removed. It may be a benefit to Indian Lake Road residents because it minimizes their truck traffic. But it does so at the expense of the Conklin Road residents.
The roads that comprise the road discussed in the recent Review article on gravel trucks and a route they take to the gravel pit in Oxford (plus Flint/Miller and Orion Road, the roads the trucks must travel to get to Conklin) are largely residential and weren’t built to withstand this type of traffic.
M-24 takes a beating from the amount of traffic it supports, but it was built (as much as any road) to tolerate gravel truck traffic, etc.
Children live, play and ride bikes along this route. These roads need to be graded more frequently than the Road Commission for Oakland County can keep up with due to the heavy truck traffic.
Residents have to live with deep ruts in the road and dust covering their yards and blowing in their windows because of the way these trucks tear up the roads. The residents of these streets pay to have them chlorided, but the effect of the chloride is shortened because of gravel truck traffic.
I agree with Ms. Cummings that this situation has to end. Placing signs along these roads stating ‘No Trucks Allowed Except for Local Deliveries? is a start only if backed up with monetary penalty.
Truck drivers getting tickets for hefty fines (we can use the money to repair our roads) will persuade them it’s worth their while to take another route.
I appreciate the support of township officials in addressing this issue with the RCOC or by taking any other action which may be necessary to resolve this situation.
Sandra Rzepecki
I grew up in Lake Orion and moved away about 15 years ago. I enjoy reading The Lake Orion Review and keeping up with the community events.
I have read with interest the letters that have been submitted on the football program over the past few weeks and felt compelled to write a letter.
? I know of no high school in this state that uses the ‘pay to play? concept that guarantees any level of playing time. I played varsity sports at Lake Orion and would have been offended if playing time was distributed in that manner. While coaches should strive to be fair and objective, there should be no guarantees.
? As an outsider now, I can assure you the LO program is well thought of across southeast Michigan. If Novi High School (the community where I now0 live) ever had an opening for a varsity football coach, I would want someone exactly like Chris Bell. You should be proud of the program.
? If the newspaper is going to publish letters such as the ones with criticisms of a coach and school teacher, they should not be published anonymously. The person should stand up and sign their name and publicly advocate their position. I know that from the education I got in Lake Orion Schools.
Bob Henry
I was blessed with the ability to play the great game of football. From an early age, I played with some great players and for some great coaches. I was given the very rare chance to play Division 1 football at Central Michigan University.
Although I give God the credit for my ability, there have been some pretty influential people who He has placed in my life that have helped me develop my skills and become a better man.
As a quarterback growing up through the Lake Orion program, I remember numerous times that Chris was there to help coach me or to give me encouragement,.
In my junior year we opened with Rochester Adams at home. The game was close, 0-0 going into the fourth quarter. The coach called a bootleg and I made a beautiful fake and threw the ball to our tight end for a touchdown. We won the game 7-0.
After the game, Chris came into the locker room to congratulate me and said something that has helped me every since.
He told me I had great poise on the play and how important it is to have poise as a quarterback and see to the play. Because he did that, it has helped me to have poise and to remember the importance of seeing the situation develop and then making a decision.
At CMU I didn’t get a chance to start a game until my junior year. I was on the practice team for two years so I know a little bit about what it’s like not to play in a game for three years.
Although it was difficult, I understood the beauty of playing a great TEAM sport like football. The truth is as a practice player I was just as valuable to the team as the starter. Because without me giving 110 percent during practice, the starters wouldn’t get a good look at the other team and wouldn’t get better.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of your son’s position on the team. If he feels useless then he needs to know he’s not. If he’s giving his all in practice, he is making his team better and making himself better. That is something to be proud of.
Before my junior year, we were told Lake Orion had never gone to the playoffs. We accomplished that two years in a row and Coach Bell was a big part of that.
How many times has he led teams to playoffs? I don’t know of a year that he hasn’t.
And as a hopeful parent to a disgruntled one, please show some character the next time you have a problem and be a good example to your child. Instead of bashing someone’s character, have the confidence to say your peace to that person directly instead of hiding behind a newspaper letter.
I think you owe Coach Bell and the other people you mentioned in the article an apology for that.
Unfortunately, you have to pay for your son to play. Whose fault is that? I don’t think it’s Coach Bell’s.
I remember when we had to pay to play. If I remember correctly, it’s up to the community to assist in that. Maybe you should write a letter to them.
If it’s the money that bothers you, please send me the bill. If your son wants to play football and is going to give his all for the team, I would be happy to pay it.
The simple fact I have been able to know Chris and experience his love for the game has helped me tremendously in life.
You should try to get to know him personally. Ask him to get a bite to eat sometime and you can talk football. I don’t think Chris has ever turned that request down.
Erik Timpf
Being a former LO Dragon varsity and college player myself, I can testify that there are many parents like Disgruntled Parent who have a misinformed understanding of the motives of the coaching staff and an unrealistic assessment of their child’s athletic ability.
Coach Bell’s on-field motive (not unlike any other coach) is to win ball games and not have a player get injured. That is it.
There is no head games about what parent is selling 50/50 raffle tickets in the stands or what dad volunteered at the dance.
I’m sure that time is appreciated, but quite honestly the coaches don’t care what is going on in the stands during a game.
Winning is everything in sports. It’s not a social experiment that demands that no feelings are hurt or self esteem is damaged. It’s up to the coaches to decide what player will give the team the best chance to win.
tice, study the films, observe the players? attitudes
What I have also found quite disturbing in my experience as a player is the delusion that some parents have about their own child’s ability.
Like all teams at all levels, we had many good players on our team and we also have many poor players. This isn’t a criticism of these players; its a fact that some kids are good athletes and some are not.
At every game there would be a number of parents who would yell and scream as to why their kids weren’t in the game. Verbal abuse of coaches, phone call, letters and very often embarrassing incidents were the norm.
These are the parents who probably never played sports and do not understand what it’s like to be on a sports team or is denial that their kid just might not be good enough.
Lighten up Disgruntled Parent…it’s only a game. It’s parents like you who don’t make it fun
Michael Mundy
I read in the Sept. 15 issue a half-page personal assault on a respected and successful LO football coach, Chris Bell, which included his email address and phone number.
The entire heart of the letter — that any parent who paid for his son to play is entitled to see their son play in EVERY game — is so ill-informed and ridiculous that’s it laughable.
The writer went on to accuse Coach Bell of (among other things) secretly keeping money from golf outings and actually yelling at a player in practice. Oh my, yelling at a player!
He belittled Coach Bell for getting a promotion to vice principal and criticized him for not beating Adams the week before — implying he didn’t deserve the promotion based on this.
I’d love to point out to the writer that Rochester Adams is the defending Class A State Champion.
I’m shocked and appalled you would print this vicious attack by a biased, ignorant parent AT ALL — but to do so without insisting on the writer’s accountability is absolutely irresponsible.
While I do attend some LO games (and did graduate from LOHS) I’m hardly a ‘Bell Sympathizer,? but this went WAY beyond reasonable criticism of his coaching.
I’m really not sure what I find more reprehensible — the openly hostile letter by the jealous parent or your decision to print it anonymously.
Charlie Baker
After reading Mary MacMaster’s great letter, I had to write my own. Now I understand the Gingellville Community Center’s files were stolen — weren’t even lost.
Even though a Freedom of Information request was filed by GCC members, they were never given them. They were given a tax role. Now, low and behold, they were found. At least that’s what is now being said.
Doesn’t it strike anyone a little funny that the community center has to go the Michigan Tax Tribunal and our citizens? tax dollars are being used to pay the attorney fees to represent ‘us? against the center?
Also, isn’t it funny, that it was right after the members of the GCC went to the township meeting that the files couldn’t be found?
Unfortunately, it seems the board members at the township have been kept in the dark.
Please keep demanding answers from your supervisor and assessor. The buck stops at the top. The supervisor is responsible for what goes on.
When election time is here, I’m switching parties.
EH
This is a demand for your immediate personal apology to Chris Bell, his family, the school administration, the football coaches and players and all of us who personally know Chris.
You have committed a most egregious error in exercise of editorial judgement and publishing responsibility to publish such an unsigned personal malicious unfounded attack by a whining parent.
It’s particularly interesting to note that your editorial comment at the end of the letter discredits the basis for the disgruntled parent’s complaint.
In essence you knew the complaint was baseless and chose to publish it anyway.
What a travesty you have committed to permit this unfounded personal attack on one of the fine young people who returned to his community to contribute his personal skills and abilities to help mold and develop our young people as they mature. Bell also serves as an outstanding role model for them to emulate as they become future leaders and parents of their own families.
The tremendous success of our educational system in Orion is testimony to the fine job our school board and administration have done over the years.
If they decided to they needed vice principals in a high school with over 2,000 students, so be it. And if they decided to move Bell into that position, who but the administration would be in the best position to make that decision. We also know Bell will do a great job in that position.
John & Carol Kobasa
It seems everyone is unhappy with the school transportation issues this year. Every place I go I hear parents complaining. I have to ask you though, are you complaining to the right people?
We need to keep in mind our schools and transportation department are doing the best they can with the money they have been allocated from the state.
We need to pull together and complain directly to these people who decided it was OK to cut the budget. Remember, the louder our voices are, the more likely changes will come our way.
This is the state government’s responsibility to fix this problem. This is the promise they made to us when we elected them and it’s the promise they need to be held accountable for.
I’m asking all the parents in this community to pick up a pen or turn on their computers and write, again and again, the following people and demand these problems be corrected:
Gov. Jennifer Granholm
Romney Building
111 South Capitol Avenue
PO Box 30013
Lansing, MI 48909
SE Office: 313-456-0010
Lansing phone: 517-373-3400
State Rep. Ruth Johnson
PO Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909
Lansing phone: 517-373-1798
Toll free: 800-510-7884
Email: rujohnson@house.mi.gov
Senator Mike Bishop
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909
Local phone: 248-681-1200
Lansing phone: 517-373-2417
Toll free: 877-924-7467
email: SenMBishop@senate.michigan.gov
Remember in your letters, emails and phone calls that a proper, well rounded education is as much an issue as in transportation.
Even if our officials say they aren’t proposing a cut for next year, aren’t we due for an increase? The cost of living has gone up; our salaries have increased and we are paying more taxes, so why aren’t our schools being funded accordingly?
Mary Beth Anker
We read with interest the letter in The Orion Review about the football coach at LOHS. What is of the highest concern to us was the sentence, ‘they go ahead and promote this football coach to vice principal.?
This really gets sticky when we learned from a LOHS teacher friend, that one of Coach Bell’s very best friends is the high school’s head basketball coach. His wife is S. Manzo, who just happens to be another one of the vice principals.
And there were higher qualified candidates who applied for this new unneeded third vice principal position, including a veteran science female teacher from within the high school. They never had a chance.
Talk about the Good Old Boy network! Who did the interviews?
And when I brought my granddaughter’s books to her (she attends the high school for one more year), I was told by the lady sitting at the front door that there were no campus aids anymore anywhere in the school to help locate my granddaughter.
There’s not enough money for that, but enough for yet another new vice principal out of the blue.
We found out it took plenty of taxpayer’s money to hire a brand new teacher at the high school to fill Bell’s previous daily regular teaching role that he had to give up. This makes the total cost 1) the newly created vice principal’s position salary + 2) a newly hired teacher’s salary = $110,000 + the administrator’s benefit package = $130,000.
So we have $130,000 + in cash and benefits in a strapped district?
This really smells to voters who were told by the superintendent that the school district was millions in the hole just last winter. But now we suddenly have enough extra cash for another high priced administrator at the high school?
Please! school board members, look into this obvious slap in the taxpayers? face. You come to us when you want to be elected to your job. It’s time to do your jobs.
Thomas Locke
This is a prime example of a parent who is exercising their right to lash out about the ‘pay to play.? This person obviously didn’t read the player contract to know ‘paying doesn’t mean playing.?
The worst part is this person did so without maintaining composure and most importantly RESPECT.
Respect is something earned, not something given to a person as a gift. This along with playing time in any sport is also earned and not just given because what we as parents spend in ‘dollars or help.?
Because of what the writer thinks he knows, he thinks he can belittle and attempt to humiliate Coach Bell from what the writer has said was done to a past football player under Bell’s control justifies his comments. I think not.
This person is questioning Coach Bell’s ability to be a principal at LOHS, his desire to win games, his love basically for the sport and our kids and the program and ultimately his passion to see every player gets a fair opportunity to excel under his leadership as the varsity coach at LOHS.
Coach Bell can’t be successful or competitive in any sport especially football without talented players of which all parents think their children are.
Coaches can only do so much from an instructional standpoint then the rest lays upon the player. To place blame on Coach Bell for players who don’t see a lot of playing time or past championships not won is a simple way out.
Is the writer so naive to believe for a moment that Bell has achieved success in his life from lack of hard work? His promotion to vice principal has nothing to do with football and was earned, in my opinion, through hard work again, along with other traits such as education, experience, background and ‘RESPECT? from his fellow co-workers.
Nine out of 22 starters as you mentioned are playing college ball that played under Bell. I would think it’s better to have nine than have none at all. Figuring the math, that equates to roughly a 41 percent success rate.
I’ve read all your facts, but the real fact is I haven’t heard of any positive statements, suggestions and or ideas to make all this positive.
I offer you the same challenge as you did Bell and any others who agree with your thinking process. Before doing homework on Chris Bell, do some on your kids.
Continue coming1 to LOHS games and supporting the program and while you’re at it, stick around a few practices and see exactly what goes on there as well. Make sure when your kids are practicing, there’s no beating around the bush there as well.
Don’t be ashamed of who you are or any opinions you may have. Be proud of what you have to say; leave your name, I am.
Dave Beltz
With the close of the Paint Creek Summer Concert Series, I want to add to the kudos that have been bestowed on the clever mind and strong shoulders of Becky Goodman.
The series was a huge success, with attendance growing from less than 100 for the first concert in early July, to well over 400 for the last concert on Sept. 1.
Many of the attendees demonstrated perfect attendance for the series. The final concert, featuring ‘Three Men and a Tenor,? was an outstanding entertainment event and worthy of a larger venue and major attendance.
One person (Goodman) was responsible for booking all of the entertainers, soliciting biographies from each group, preparing and handing out the printed program and finding enough volunteers to manage the series on a very high plane.
I was fortunate to have been given the role of emcee for the series so I was in a position to observe her actions from a distance and up close.
Based on her efforts in the concert series and her coordination of the Downtown Main Street Program, if the village had a Person of the Year Program, Becky would be the strongest candidate and probable winner.
Because of her very able management of the Downtown Main Street Program, she should be elevated from her ‘coordinator? title to ‘program manager? and given a hefty raise in salary.
Thank you Becky, for all you do for the benefit of all of us.
Wes Fuelling
Recently several letters have been written about the Orion Senior Center. What hasn’t been mentioned is why a senior center in a community is a necessity, not a luxury.
The first thing I’ve noticed is there are no old people in the Orion Senior Center and my observation is confirmed by several studies on senior centers that I have researched.
In these studies, people from various age groups were compared, from those who attended a center and those who do not attend a center. The findings proved that those seniors who utilized senior centers retain:
1. physical flexibility
2. mental awareness
3. self confidence
4. self worth
5. better relationships with family, mentally, physically, and financially.
So how is all of this accomplished? Simply through community awareness, knowledge, friendship and wellness programs that can be offered in cooperation with your area senior center.
As baby boomers come of age, the importance of these centers must become imperative, not a luxury.
Edward M. Peters
Orion Senior Center Advisory
Counsel Chairman
We are responding to the recent letter regarding pay to play at Lake Orion High School by ‘disgruntled parent.? It seems someone has attempted to put an ‘I? in TEAM.
That person has decided that a single participant on the Lake Orion Football team has not been treated fairly. What is unfortunate is that this person has chosen to make this claim and attack a hardworking, devoted coach, Head Coach Chris Bell.
You will find no finer person, coach, teacher, mentor for young people in our community. Any time that ‘disgruntled parent’s? son spends with Coach Bell and his coaching staff will be worth many times the pay to play amount. Our son was proud to be a part of the Dragon Football team, and as a practice team member never felt for a second that his participation was diminished because he was not a starter.
Coach Bell instills in each team member that the entire team’s effort goes into each game. On Monday morning after a Friday win, EACH team member wears that jersey to school, a tradition that holds a great source of pride.
Even more impressive to us as parents of a teenage son was Coach Bell’s integrity and the fact that he and his coaching staff reinforced the same values and messages we conveyed to our children in our home. We hope it is not too late for ‘disgruntled parent? to take advantage of the opportunity to get involved with such a positive part of their son’s life, and we hope an apology to Coach Bell is forthcoming.
Norman & Kathy Witte
I suspect that the little ol? Orion Review office is buried under a pile of rebuttal letters and emails after the irresponsible unsigned letter in the 9/15 issue.
While I have always found it irritating and unprofessional to see the Review print unsigned letters, this one from ‘Disgruntled Parent? takes the cake. Coach Bell always has been and always will be one thing—a class act who cares about his players and students.
Why print a bunch of lies from a coward who is trying to live his second childhood through his offspring? Why allow someone a public platform to slander a man who has done nothing but help the young people of the community that the Review is supposed to serve? To sell papers?
Please do not send our renewal notice. After 20 years of subscribing we have paid for our last one. Oh, and you may print my name.
Art Schrah
While the basis of Disgruntled Parent’s argument is specious at best and the logic is presented all over the map, I’ll do my best to response to the letter writer’s accusations.
DP accuses Coach Bell of a ‘complete bungle? of the Adams game. The solution for the bungle — it’s the inability of Coach Bell to understand the pay to play concept for which DP has come up with a clarification, which we all can understand.
It’s this…every player is entitled to play eight-10 downs a game by virtue of the check their parents wrote to the athletic department.
So naturally, Lake Orion lost to Adams, the defending state champs, because we didn’t insert our still developing third string players into more crucial situations. We all know Adams must have had their third string in the game. Why couldn’t Coach Bell and his staff see that?
Fact: Coach Bell doesn’t just coach football; he has been a teacher and a very good one at that, for a number of years. Fact: Pay to Play applies to all sports at LOHS; it’s not a policy instituted by Coach Bell.
Fact: Attending fundraising events and booster contributions are all voluntary decisions and do help to offset the cost of the program. So DP, before you imply possible financial improprieties, perhaps you should ask to see the numbers, which I’m sure, are available for public review.
The remarks regarding Coach Bell’s record indicate a lack of understanding of the game and high school sports in general.
The challenge of bringing out the best in young men of varying skill levels while keeping their emotions and focus on the right path is no small task when one is talking about a program of Lake Orion’s size.
I’ve talked to many friends around the state, some of whom have sons who are playing or have played college ball. They all say Lake Orion is one of the most highly respected programs in the state.
The players are well coached and they conduct themselves with pride and dignity. Coach Bell and his staff don’t owe anybody an apology. They have fielded a classy and skillful squad on a yearly basis.
The statement regarding the number of Lake Orion players now playing on college teams is almost too confusing to address. The Dragons have sent many players to Division 1 and 2 teams, not to mention the Big Ten and Ivy League.
That doesn’t happen by osmosis. Yes, college scouts do call, but it takes a concerted effort by Coach Bell to constantly promote game films of his players to prospective colleges. This gives many of them scholarship money or at least a chance to compete on the collegiate level.
I have a tendency to believe DP took Coach Bell’s comment to a player leaving the field during practice session out of context. DP seems to have a huge ax to grind that is clouding his judgement.
Football is a VERY tough game and a coach has an obligation to teach his players how to dig deep for the strength to go on even when they think they can’t.
DP, your attack on a well-respected football program and a very good man damaged more than just your intended target. It was a slap in the face to the many young men who have worn and currently wear the Dragon uniform.
It’s also an unfair indictment on Coach Bell’s extremely dedicated staff.
Sometimes you’re grinning from ear to ear; sometimes it’s disappointment and heartache, just like life. That’s why some of us love high school sports. They emulate life and can be a great teacher when they’re done right. If you only want guaranteed results, stick to watching the Harlem Globetrotters.
John Alessandro
On Sept. 8, at M-24/Clarkston Road, I observed a huge traffic jam that backed up traffic both north and south bound, even more than usual for that busy intersection.
As I pulled to the traffic light, I found the obstruction wasn’t due to construction or even an accident. No…the problem was the Oakland County Sheriff Department deputies and their attempts to write tickets for seat belts, cracked windshields, etc. in the intersection at high noon.
As I waited at the red intersection traffic light going north, I noticed one deputy sitting parked in the left turn lane, facing south, looking to his left into the passing cars who were trying to go north through the maze.
He would then radio to the other six OCSD vehicles behind him, which included police motorcycles. The vehicle would then swoop from side streets, private parking lots and even the center left turn lane…stopping folks all over the roadway.
I personally watched deputies drive their motorcycles down the sidewalks, make U-turns across five lanes of traffic on M-24, speed past traffic, park in the left turn lane on M-24 and fail to signal their own abrupt vehicle movements…all in an attempt to write that extra ticket?
And boy, were these officers having a good time! As I drove past them, they were all smiles as they talked to each other on their radios.
Nothing more fun I guess than causing a huge traffic bottle neck just so you can write tickets to the very citizens who contract your services.
I call the Orion substation when I arrived home and found this was an ‘overtime event? and it didn’t ‘detract from normal community coverage,? which I guess explains their smiling faces.
Who funds this ‘happy overtime? for that many deputies? I thought the state and county have financial problems? And who in the world was supervising this ‘traffic circus??
Just to issue that extra defective equipment or seat belt ticket, these ‘law enforcers? themselves repeatedly broke many more serious traffic laws…all while Orion Township taxpayers watched their shenanigans in utter amazement.
Dale Smith
I thought you, Disgruntled Parent, were childish and accusatory. You sound like a child who didn’t get his/her turn in sandbox at recess.
I have had the privilege of meeting Coach Bell on the soccer field and the baseball fields where our children have played. My kids have been coached by him and have competed against his teams.
I have always been impressed with his patience and integrity. Coach Bell is talented at every level.
I’m not a LOHS alum. I was a pay-to-play athlete in a neighboring school district. I was All-State and All-American and even then I didn’t compete at every competition.
However, when the time came for our coach to make the tough decisions about play time we listened. Sometimes we grumbled and sometimes it was a relief. Sometimes we lost based on those decisions and sometimes we were league champs, regional champs or number three in the state.
I have a couple of boys coming up through Lake Orion Schools. Neither of them plays football yet and who knows if they will. But I hope they have the chance to be led by Coach Bell again, because I’m sure the least they will walk away with is integrity and patience.
Not all great athletes want to pursue that avenue. Your venomous ‘nana nana poo poo? leads me to believe your knowledge of sports and coaching is limited and by attacking a coach in this manner just shows poor form.
JCM
After watching Coach Bell’s complete bungle of Friday night’s big game against Rochester Adams, his complete facade of six years of coaching Dragon football must be told to the citizens of this community.
Here we go again — pay to play — and not everyone played in the game. What is wrong with Coach Bell?
He apparently doesn’t know what pay to play means. If you’re payin,? you playin.? It means every person on that football field now has earned the right to play at least eight to 10 downs a game because they paid to do it and not in the fourth quarter when the outcome is decided.
If school district officials want to institute this action, then they had better police their head football coach. The only way to get Coach Bell to comply is to phone the school and complain about these players working hard in practice and not being able to play in the games.
The school’s number is 248-693-5458 athletics and Coach Bell’s e-mail is cbell@lakeorion.k12.mi-us. Call or e-mail him. Just say you agree with this letter.
It’s not fair and it’s just not right. When the school district has cut back in educating our children with essential educational materials, they go ahead and promote this football coach to vice principal.
How many vice principals to we need at the high school? All he does is coach football which he gets paid handsomely for and a promotion. And what did he do to deserve this?
And Bell should explain why any player should have to pay anything because all the money he collects from his golf outing, dances and boosters should cover all the players.
Surely the school district can’t say he’s a good coach. I very much doubt that. Look in his trophy case and count the number of state championship trophies there are.
Fact: Bell hasn’t won a big game as head coach of Dragon football in six years. Fact: Rockford he lost a playoff game; Grand Blanc lost another playoff game; Adams lost three out of four years to them; Brighton lost playoff game to them; Flint Anisworth lost first round playoff game to them with three Division 1 athletes, four Division 2 and some Division 3 players.
Fact: Orion 21 Harrison 0 at half, final Harrison 28 Orion 21 (Bell blows another one and OAA-1 title) and Fact: Eisenhower shut them out in playoff game, another poorly offensive coached game.
Sure he has some district titles, but surely Coach Bell you’re not going to say these districts were of any quality teams.
Out of 22 starters last year, over nine are now playing college football and you’re going to tell me Bell is a good coach. I think not.
He told one player in practice who was hurt and trying 110 percent at the time to, ‘Get off his football field because he was no good to him or his team if he couldn’t do any better than that.?
He belittled and humiliated the poor player in front of the whole team. I know, I was there and I don’t lie.
Fact: His records look good on paper, but he plays soft teams to build them up and when he plays good teams, he blows the games. Fact: Orion won their first six games last year then started playing good teams, lost three of last four.
Fact: Bell is proud of his open door policy which he states no one has used since he has been a head coach. The reason no one has gone in and talked to him is they know they will never see the field for any playing time.
Fact: Picking his team has nothing to do with the talent of his players. It has to do with did your dad go to LOHS. Did your brothers go there. Do your parents have time to volunteer, if so, you play. It’s not fair to the moms and dads who actually have to work 10-12 hour days and can’t be as involved, but they all make the games and cheer.
So I offer a challenge to Todd Dunckley, the principal, Bill Reiss, the athletic director, all the associate principals, teachers and to any member of the school board who wants to see fairness and justice done. Be at the next game and make sure everyone of the players gets their time in.
I know I will be at the next game to see if any action is taken so Coach Bell can’t beat around the bush on this one.
Disgruntled Parent
It was a sad day for democracy. I have to say I was completely taken by surprise by this. The way in which I was arrested is a testimony to the extent to which the state is willing to compromise basic civil rights in order to accommodate the on goings of a political party which repeatedly has acted against the general consensus of this country and the world…So this is my account.
I went down to the World Trade Center (Ground Zero) to join a march that was seeking to bring attention to the numbers of US soldiers who have died thus far in this pointless war.
Tuesday there were many actions taking place (during the Repulican convention)and I chose this one because it was expected to be mild and peaceful.
I was not seeking to position myself as a radical rabble rouser. I simply wanted to join a group to peacefully assemble and bring light to an often over looked reality.
Upon arriving, the first thing I noticed was there seemed to be more cops than protesters and the cops were prepared for some sort of battle.
The captain got on a loud speaker and announced, ‘This is an unpermitted march and as long as you follow New York laws you won’t be bothered. However, if you step out of line you will be subject to arrest.?
With that, the march proceeded to begin. I ironically moved in with a group of senior citizens from the Sierra Club thinking it would decrease my chances of getting arrested.
The march moved slowly, waiting for the walk sign before crossing the street. At the end of the first block, the police stopped the movement. When the entire block was filled up with protesters, they wrapped the block up in orange netting and announced, ‘You’re all under arrest.?
This I can say seemed suspiciously like a set up. One by one they handcuffed and loaded all some 500 of us, old and young, on a bus to go to their mass arrest processing center on Pier 53 dubbed ‘Guantanamo on the Hudson.?
There we were put in gated barbed wire holding pens where the process of sitting and waiting for your name to be called began.
The pens didn’t have enough seats for the hundred plus packed into each one and the floors were dirty with oil slicks. It was an intimidating place and if it wasn’t for the good company, it would have been miserable.
From there we went to central booking for some more sitting and waiting until we get to meet with a lawyer and appear in front of a judge. I was offered an ACD for two counts of disorderly conduct which means if I don’t get in trouble for six months, the case will be dismissed.
I was lucky to move through the system in 13 hours and was released at 6 a.m. My friend, arrested at the same time, was held for 48 hours.
They never tell you the whole time what you’re being charged with. And they don’t give you an arrest number so you’re unable to be located from the outside…kind of creepy.
Two guys in my cell block, who were arrested with me, choose not to give their names. They were charged with possession of a weapon, menacing the police, graffiti and selling of noxious chemicals, all of which were completely unfounded.
Zander Scott
Editor’s Note: Scott is a 1999 graduate of Lake Orion High School . He lives in Brooklyn, New York and is pursuing a degree in Media Studies at Hunter College in Manhattan.
In regard to the North Shore homeowner being targeted by the village to clean up his property, I have some concerns. The village’s latest landscape project around the fire hydrant on O’Connor’s Public Access has left me puzzled.
I rode my bike up to the access and was observing (I assumed) a village employee landscaping there fire lane. His dogs (I assumed) were chained, blocking the access and I was forced to turn around. Before tax dollars are spent on beautification what about clean up? Can a fire truck get through in case of emergency? What about all the debris-overgrown bushes and dead trees in the lake? Has the village even bothered to view this mess from the lake side?? Park Island looks at this eye sore daily.
This access is in dire need of the village’s attention. This access should be cleaned up and made safe and usable for all village residents. This target on a private North Shore resident isn’t fair. The village needs to spend more time and tax dollars putting their own house in order.
John
Regarding not allowing some students to ride the bus; I am in a similar situation with my seven-year-old twin boys. We live on Laird, just off Clarkston. My children are expected to walk on Clarkston Road all the way from Laird Road to Hidden Creek, where there are no sidewalks and the speed limit is 45 mph (and we all know they really go at least 50 mph).
The response to my concern from transportation was ‘It’s your responsibility to get your children safely to and from the bus stop.?
I personally don’t think walking down that street at anytime is safe for anyone, especially at this time with the detoured traffic and the safety path is under construction on the opposite side of the street.
The funny thing is, the bus garage is saying the change is to save money. The bus drives right by my house and the only thing it would cost is 40 seconds for my children to board the bus.
At this time I cannot use the bus system my tax dollars pay for. I will be driving them to school every day and will be paying for latch key on the days I work so I know they are safe.
Concerned parent Jackie Jidas
Eager to see what high school sports was in the paper, I quickly started glancing as soon as it came in the mail. I noticed as I was looking through the Orion Review that the Lake Orion Varsity Football team had a whole page. The boys? varsity golf was also in the paper.
As part of the Lake Orion Marching band I was wondering where our pictures were. We may not be a football team, but we are a competing Marching Band. And we are at the games cheering on our team. If you are in interested in taking pictures of the Lake Orion Marching band we practice every Monday and Wednesday at the high school on one of the baseball diamonds from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thank you in advance for reading my concern.
Jackie-A Lake Orion Marcher
Regarding Sandy Dennis, substitute teacher for eight years in the Lake Orion School District, it is reprehensible that a parent with a personal agenda need only say the word and the principal would immediately dismiss a teacher without any consideration of her past history. This was unfair action which should be corrected.
Mary J. Toth
Last Friday Greenspan said ‘We need to cut Social Security benefits, and work longer? because we can no longer afford this original contract with America. President Bush was quick to come out and support this proposal.
Why all of a sudden is Bush worried about deficits when he has run up one of the biggest deficits in U.S. history with his tax cuts to the rich (over $200,000 per annum), and record high patronage spending, which includes 5 billion a month on his Iraq War! Is this a ‘FLIP, or a FLOP??
Why does he want to deny/cut this program that greatly benefits Middle America, those of us with an annual income of $35,000 to $200,000, those of us who have paid in for at least 30 to 35 years, those of us who need, and counted on this investment to help supplement our golden years?
We are not looking for a government handout, or his ‘COMPASSIONATE CONSERVATISM,? we just want; expect the return on our investment without moving the finish line, or changing the rules at the end. Bush and Cheney might not need Social Security, but I sure do!
The Baby Boomers are 60 percent of the population,(the majority) it’s time they made some political noise, and it’s time to send a message to ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS who have, or would vote to cut Social Security by VOTING THEM OUT OF OFFICE!!!
Protect your investment, protect your Social Security, make some noise and be heard this November 2nd, get out and Vote!!!
Daniel Myslakowski
Regarding the Stan Sweet Gazebo Memorial Dedication:
On behalf of the Sweet Family, our thanks to JoAnn VanTassel, Legion Commander Joe Mastromatteo, Police Chief Jerry Narsh, DDA Director Becky Goodman and Wes Fueling for their ancedotal reminiscences and spirited and heartfelt presentations at the 3 Men and a Tenor Children’s Park final concert of the season.
My personal special thanks to JoAnn VanTassel for her leadership and organizational skills. The Village of Lake Orion is fortunate to have the benefit of her knowledge and experience.
My father would be smiling today to see how wisely his gifts have blossomed.
Ron Sweet
Some things never change, we always prepare for the last war or calamity and today’s world is no exception.
In the years leading up to World War II, we had a plethora of statesmen and military leaders including Prime Minister Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, General Billie Mitchell and many others that predicted WWII, the sides, the combatants and nearly the time it would occur.
JFK wrote ‘Why England Slept? and with the exception of Toni Blair and a reluctant England, it’s a repeat performance today, only now the rest of Europe sleeps with false hope that shall literally turn them to ashes.
Churchhill chided Neville Chamberlain for his infamous assurance from Hitler of ‘peace in our time,? today, Germany, Belgium, France and Russia seek similar assurance from Al-queda; lots of luck.
General Billie Mitchell looked east to Japan and air power with futile warnings to an antiquated military and world that ‘slept? as Hitler marched into Czechoslovakia and Austria and Japan invaded and raped Manchuria and marched to the oil-mineral rich Indo-China.
Mitchell was court marshalled. We slept and hoped for a peace that never came. They’re not trying to court marshall our president, but a plethora of ‘self appointed experts? and nay sayers, so called ‘authors and charlatans? are trying to politically assassinate George W. Bush in hopes of appeasing the terrorists to make them go away.
We just completed eight years of indecision and appeasement of these terrorists leading up to 9/11. The World Trade Center bombing, the Embassy bombing and the U.S. Cole were Austria, Czechoslovakia and Manchuria all over again making the second bombing of the World Trade Center and 9/11 inevitable.
Citizens of the world, wake up and fight united and together to paraphrase Ben Franklin, if the world nations don’t hang together we will be terrorized and hung separately. This war began before the iron curtain fell. When the shackles of communism were loosened a new more sinister Ism was unleased on a docile, peace loving, trusting world.
This ism is much more sinister than godless communism in that it co-opted a great religion to preach hatred and a jihad with no morals, no ethics, no borders, no rules and no goal but to kill, pillage, preach hatred and deceit and to foment dissention and anarchy like the Great Satan that they really are.
World wake up, unite, all great religions including and especially the Islamic nations and great leaders that gave rise to our alphabet and our civilization in the Garden of Eden in Iraq. The serpent separated us from God in the Garden of Eden and let us awaken and with the sword of Glory and Justice not Damocles join together with Toni Blair and George W. Bush and slay the great serpent once and for all.
People and nations will not follow a person who blows an uncertain trumpet and this will only encourage and unify the terrorists.
Rise up citizens of the world and all great religions and follow the certain trumpet of Toni Blair and George W. Bush or we shall all be divided subdued and end in chaos and defeat. Our brave young men and women in arms know this, why don’t you, enlighten yourselves and give them and our president your undivided support for a glorious victory over evil.
Dr. James O’Neill
Clarkston
Don,
Just a note on soldiers. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to show support for Alec MacDougall. While I do agree it is a wonderful thing to do many of us are not sure of the response we would get if we were to greet a service person on the street.
In the past month a friend of mine whom herself is loosing her fight with cancer, took the time in the gas station line to listen to a service man who had lost his leg in battle in Iraq.
He was explaining to children in line what had happened to his leg and showed them how he was shot in the stomach and his scar. As he stepped up to the counter to pay the woman behind the counter told him his sale was $20.
At that time my friend came up from behind him and said to the woman behind the counter: ‘excuse me, I would like to pay for his gas purchase? and she did.
While the wounded service- man did not want her to pay for him, she explained to him it was not out of pity. But, if he would let her pay it for him she would be honored to serve him as he had served our Country. I will never forget that story or this friends kind heart.
While watching parades I am always touched at how the crowd will cheer the Veterans and will stand up from their chairs or get up off the ground and applaud.
Have a wonderful day.
Linda
There is a May 11 letter from L. Brooks Patterson to Oakland County residents announcing the commencement of an ‘Oakland County $7 Prescription Relief Program.? with an application for those who meet the following criteria:
? Annual gross income less than $16,000 for an individual, less than $25,000 for a couple.
? Can’t have current prescription drug coverage
? Can’t be a participant in Medicaid
There is an initial $25 case management fee and a cost of $7 per prescription per month. This is payable to Prescription Relief, located in Columbus, Ohio. There’s also a yearly $20 fee afterward. After you’re ‘approved,? medications are delivered to your doctor’s office.
There are several flaws that with very little research become apparent.
? Oakland County contributes only by sending out this letter touting a ‘program? they seemingly have developed. Included with the letter is a form to apply to Prescription Relief, a nationwide for-profit clearinghouse which obtains from drug companies paperwork which is available FREE.
? Prescription Relief’s charges are strictly for handling this paperwork, not for any medication costs, including the $7 per prescription charge.
? Paperwork from drug companies to apply for their low income programs is FREE by contacting each company at its 800 number. There are no application fees to apply to their various programs.
? For those who can’t make phone calls or process information and paperwork themselves, this ‘Oakland County $7 Prescription Relief Program? may be one way to handle this dilemma.
But there are other FREE avenues to take such as assistance from your doctor, your pharmacy or county or state agencies already offering help in competing forms.
At the very least, addresses and 800 numbers are listed on original packaging for medication where further information can be obtained.
? Every drug company has different income requirements to aid someone in getting their products free or at a low cost. Delivery varies from a doctor’s office to a residence.
? An example of eligibility requirements differing is Pfizer, which has more latitude on income and several programs at various levels.
If a low income consumer is on Medicare, he may not be required to join one of the many new restrictive Medicare related programs in order to receive financial assistance from these companies — FREE.
Following are FREE numbers for obtaining applications and eligibility information on four drug companies?? assistance programs.
? Pfizer Helpful Answers Program — 1-866-706-2400
? Glaxo-Smith-Kline Bridges to Access Program — 1-866-Patient
? Abbott Laboratories Patient Assistance Program — 1-800-222-6885
? Bristol-Myers-Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation — 1-800-736-0003
Carol Lawton
I have been reading letters to the editor addressing senior center issues for the past couple of weeks. The letters have been generated in response to an initial letter, ‘Concerning Issues,? at the senior center.
People have been feeding off this letter without knowing the facts and so I have decided to write my-first ever letter to the editor.
The director was at a staff meeting at the township offices when she received a phone call from an employee at the senior center that a person at the center was acting irresponsibly and irrationally.
The director needed to go to the center immediately because the situation was critical. She was advised not to enter the building by herself because the violent behavior would be directed to her.
Supervisor Dywasuk was out of town so the director, being the person she is, called the village police department to ask for assistance.
An officer met the director at the senior center and asked her to remain outside while he assessed the situation. He asked the person at fault to exit the building and vacate the premises forever.
He also warned the person that if they attempted to step foot on the property, they would be arrested for trespassing. First and foremost are the health, welfare and safety of the people in attendance at the center.
This person has decided to carry out a personal vendetta against our senior center director in the press. Our director has had harassing notes and cards mailed to her.
Petitions have circulated for the removal of the director. People have signed the petition not realizing what they have signed. They have asked for their signature to be removed after finding out what they signed and have been told ‘no.?
A lot of people have called my house and my business expressing remorse after they realized what they had been party to.
I love the press. I read the letters to the editor, but when these letters are used to carry out a personal vendetta by an unstable person who incited others, it’s not what our Founding Father intended when they granted freedom of speech.
People at home should know that personal vendettas can be carried out in the press by people bent on carrying out this vendetta. I would ask the press to check out the person writing these letters prior to publication to make sure they don’t liable an innocent person.
People at the township, the press and respondents have come down on our senior center director without checking the truth.
The truth is that when an unstable person can have petitions circulated and letters printed in the presses that are unabated, they are a ‘terrorist.?
Darrell Enneking
There is only one appropriate word for Judge Dana Fortinberry’s ill-timed, vicious attack on Kelley Kostin, who is running for the second judgeship in district court 52-2 in Independence Township come November 2: Outrageous.
In her hateful, single-spaced, 5-page letter to Dave Curtis, vice-president of the Oakland County Sheriffs? Association, Fortinberry demonstrated that her emotions outstripped her good sense by drafting a letter whining about every subject she could think of relating to Kostin’s candidacy. She was still miffed about the group’s decision to endorse Kostin in the primary, which Kelley won handily. Fortinberry put her chips on Colleen Murphy, and questioned everything but the color of Kostin’s shoes as she lambasted the winning candidate from every possible perspective. She says she didn’t expect that the letter would be made public. If you believe that, I have a couple of acres of swamp land behind the Whoopee Bowl I’d like to talk to you about.
As a friend of the Kostins, I have watched them work their bunions off to earn the election victory fair and square. Despite a horrendously busy schedule, Kelley has chaired the Clarkston Area Optimist Club Oratorical contest for kids for the past two years and will be the president-elect next year, in line to assume the presidency of our club in 2005-2006. In that role, she will be devoting her time, gratis, to projects enriching the local environment for kids. Somehow, Fortinberry forgot to mention those facts in her castigation of Kostin.
Little wonder. Fortinberry knows almost nothing about Kelley because she’s never bothered to meet Kostin face-to-face! She prefers to stick needles in a Kostin doll from a distance, acting like anything but a respected judge. If she runs for a second term, voters ought to insist that she submits to a test measuring her coherence quotient.
Let’s hope the Judicial Tenure Commission , which has received an official complaint from the Kostins about the matter, takes a harsh approach to Fortinberry’s illogical and ill-conceived letter. This is one situation that will not be resolved by a simple rap on the knuckles.
Anything less than a substantial penalty will be, in a word, outrageous.
Harry Knitter
President
Clarkston Area Optimist Club
Thank you to everyone who supported my re-election campaign. Thank you to everyone who went to the polls and voted.
More than in any other campaign in which I have been involved, kind people provided important support when I needed it most. I will never forget your words of encouragement.
Dale Stuart
Independence Township Supervisor
Immediately after the primary election, the current Independence Township Supervisor, Dale Stuart, was asked about the ‘transition? to the winner of the primary. His response was understandably, ‘I haven’t thought about it.? For some strange reason the editor of this paper took that to mean that Stuart was not going to cooperate in handing over the office after the November general election. Then based on that erroneous assumption he then unnecessarily scolded our current Supervisor.
This editorial shows a lack of understanding of the process, was premature and was a disservice to both supervisor candidate. First, this was just the Primary, not the general election. Although there is no Democrat running, until November no one will be elected the next supervisor. This is not some technical quibble. It demonstrates the law does not provide the time for a ‘transition? of township offices inasmuch as newly elected officials take office Nov. 20, just a matter of days following the general election. This also demonstrates the supposed ‘transition? is not all that difficult if a couple of weeks are plenty of time. All that really needs to happen is for the current supervisor to prepare a memo summarizing for the new supervisor of the then-status of matters that he is handling.
This editorial also seemed to contemplate that it was up to Stuart to now teach his successor how to do the job. That is simply inaccurate. Moreover, the successful primary candidate ran for the office representing to the community that he knew how to do the job. I am certain that Dave Wagner knows he has not yet been elected and doesn’t expect to have the current supervisor give him ‘lessons.? I am just as sure he doesn’t want to waste the taxpayer’s money on what would be a ceremonial and meaningless ‘transition.?
As it happens I have served on two significant transitions at the county level; one when Brooks Patterson first became County Executive and the other when David Gorcyca first became our County Prosecutor. These are much larger offices with much greater responsibilities, personnel and budget and two months for the transition. Although they faced only token opposition, neither of those transitions began until after the November election. The important lesson from those transitions is that it was up to the newly elected successor to conduct the transition. The then-current office holders merely provided information. We should expect no more at the township level.
We don’t really have ‘transitions? in the office of Township Supervisor. In fact, over the last several decades I have had the opportunity to observe the succession of several supervisors in Independence. There has never been any ‘transition? that involved extensive meetings or the like. Actually, in that time there was never even been any cooperation.
Nonetheless, I am quite confident that from the time of the general election until the successor actually takes office, Stuart will have plenty of time to compile the necessary summary of information about the then-currently pending township matters. I am confident that Stuart will provide the appropriate cooperation without having to be publicly scolded, particularly by someone who has not taken the opportunity to understand the process. Again, I think Stuart’s benign response, so soon after a loss that he did not plan, is understandable.
In the short time he has been our new editor of The Clarkston News, I have called Kyle Gargaro several times to compliment him on the editorials he has written. But this time he is wrong. It is important for our community to have an editor who is willing to comment on the local news of the day. However, we will be better served if those comments are based on knowledge of the facts and an understanding of the situation.
Neil Wallace
Independence Township
I’m very concerned over the recent letter to the editor — Don’t treat us like children — that was from Concerned Seniors. I’m concerned too.
If this is truly going on, what can be done about this? Has anyone from your paper ever reported anything about this new director or the mess going on there?
My question is why don’t the seniors have a little committee who can approve/disapprove of the director at anytime. After all, their vote does count for all other elections.
Linda La Croix
I heard the other day that Country Town Preschool closed its doors.
My first instinct was to be sure ‘Ms. Paula,? the caretaker and backbone of the preschool was OK. Then my thoughts went back to all the times our four children spent with Paula, about all the hugs and smiles that were bestowed on my children.
She is a true gem. She gave to children a place where they were accepted no matter what. She gave to the children a place to be messy, to explore, to ask questions.
She had enough hugs for everyone, including parents. I have seen her help families through the death of a child, husband and parents. She absorbs their pain; she is able to feel that hurt.
My thoughts go out to Paula right now. For her to say goodbye to Country Town meant she has been dealt with a bad hand. For those who had to make the decision to close her legacy, I hope it was a thoughtful one.
But I realize that just because the doors may be closing, Country Town will live in the hearts of every one of the families Paula has touched over the years.
Grateful Mom & 4 Kids
I’m appalled by the lack of consideration that was given the substitute teacher that lost her job. You can tell by the desperation in the contents of the letter how she needs for someone to see her side of the situation.
It’s obvious to me that the principal either knew this individual personally or he’s spineless to stick up for a teacher. How sad.
I imagine teaching at this school is a very stressful environment. I’m praying that another door is opened for her and I’m sure she’ll do a good job
Katherine Kessel
In regards to the North Shore homeowner who says he has no money for repairs or painting and wants his neighbor’s to leave him alone. And now the village could go in, clean up and charge him
I do understand the neighbor’s point of having a hard time selling their house, but does this homeowner need assistance and help with the work or is he just being non-compliant?
I would be willing to ‘help? him with the clean up process if that is what he needs and doesn’t have the means to do this. I’m sure there are others willing to help out.
With all the great businesses in Lake Orion, someone may be willing to step forward and supply him with what the homeowner needs.
Then everyone would be happy — the village, the neighbors and the homeowner. I don’t know all the circumstances to this complaint, but from what the LO Review wrote, this is my understanding that maybe some ‘help? is needed.
Wendy
Elaine, I love reading your ‘Notes? column weekly. You tell about your everyday experiences and it’s nice to see the human touch put on paper.
But I was very disappointed when I read your column about you going to the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven this year.
When I started reading it I thought ‘wow? you’re going to recognize this much forgotten branch of military service and tell of how patriotic the parade made you feel.
I thought you were going to mention the US Coast Guard honors all its personnel every year with a special celebration or that how Grand Haven has been named ‘Coast Guard City USA? by act of Congress and signed into law on Nov. 13, 1998 because of its support of the Coast Guard. But no, it was all about the drive, the parking and steel drums.
I can’t believe you weren’t moved by the hundreds of Coast Guard personnel that were involved in the parade, from the Coast Guard Band to the commandant of the Coast Guard from the Washington DC.
The parade goes on for three hours and it’s a salute to ‘Coasties? everywhere. The entire weekend is the most moving and emotional event I’ve ever attended.
The Coast Guard protects our borders and waterways and, yes, even are deployed overseas with all the other military personnel. It deserved more than the credit you failed to give them in your column, so since you didn’t do it, I would like to.
The Coast Guard Festival is in its 80th year. It began as a local picnic to honor the local Coast Guard in 1924 and has grown into a national festival hosting a variety of activities over an eight hour period, held the first full week in August each year.
This year there were four Coast Guard cutters open for tours, four parades, car show and cruise, waterfront entertainment each evening, Coast Guard retiree’s dinner, Coast Guard softball tournament, Coast Guard Reunion Breakfast, Coast Guard memorial service, week long carnival, a craft fair.
The FANTASTIC three hour long parade includes Coast Guard personnel from admirals to the Coast Guard Band. The applause along the way will blow you away.
After the parade, there’s a birthday picnic for Coast Guard members and their families, as well as the public. Spectacular fireworks over the water in front of the musical water fountain ends the festival.
The city makes everyone feel welcome, especially those in the Coast Guard and their families.
So you see Elaine, it’s a celebration to thank the Coast Guard for its service, dedication and sacrifice for the protection of every US citizen.
The first year my husband and I attended the festival was the first year my daughter was in the Coast Guard and I was moved to tears all weekend.
I’ve returned each and every year for the past four years. Each year is new and exciting and emotional for me.
For all of you who have never been to the festival, visit the website at http://www.ghcgfest.org/Welcome.shtml. It lists all the events and information from this year; they will update it for next year’s festival sometime this fall.
Maybe you can go along with me next year and see the REAL Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival with a ‘coastie family.?
Nikki Spencer,
Coast Guard Mom
Independence Township seems to be in good shape. This is based on the Plante & Moran audit reviewed at the Aug. 6 board meeting (as reported in the Aug 11 Clarkston News).
As was stated by the Audit partner Joe Hefferman, ‘There are a lot of cities and townships that do not get clean opinions.? He also stated, ‘The township is in real good shape.?
This kind of a report indicates that we had a supervisor with strong leadership qualities and has left the township in very good shape at the end of his term in office.
Hopefully Mr. Wagner will demonstrate the same level of integrity, honesty, fiscal responsibility and leadership during his term in office that Mr. Stuart did during his term.
Thank you, Dale, for the great job during your years of service to our township.
Vic and Sally Kubani
Independence Township
On behalf of the Clarkston Chapter of the Local Business Network (LBN), I would like to acknowledge several community businesses.
These businesses generously supported the Clarkston LBN team’s effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society during the recent Relay For Life event. Specifically, the ‘new? Kroger (on Sashabaw Road), both of the Clarkston Farmer Jack stores, and the Clarkston Dixie Highway Burger King and McDonald’s. Additionally, the following restaurants allowed our team to solicit donations at their cash registers for several week preceding the event; Cooper’s Family Dining (Waterford), and in Clarkston Mel’s Grill, Pete’s Coney Island and Old Village Caf?.
With the support of these businesses our team, ‘LBN Team Tortoise; Taking Time for the Cure? was able to raise approximately $2,000 to aid in the fight for a cure. The community spirit and commitment show by these local businesses is deeply appreciated.
Liz Jamieson
Team Captain of ‘LBN Team Tortoise; Taking Time for the Cure?
The CHS football ‘Rush for Food? Committee would like to thank the many people who made this event successful. Thanks to the CHS football coaches for their assistance and support, the CHS Athletic Boosters for use of the concession stand and grill, the many parent volunteers who assisted with cooking, serving, sorting and boxing collected food and supervision of the boys. Dave Snelling of Lunghamer Chevrolet generously provided food for the pre-‘Rush? picnic. A big thank you also goes to the community for their donations and the members of the freshman, junior varsity and varsity football teams who collected, sorted and boxed nearly 2,200 pounds of food.
The CHS ‘Rush for Food? Committee
Mary Snelling
Mary Anne Kenerson
Sue Wylie
Sandy Vanchina
Lynn Swayne
Kim Chadwell
Peggy Sorise
Mike Robinson
Michelle Robinson
July 28 was the last day of the Orion Senior Center Big Bass/ Big Trout contest. During the contest no fish were harmed, but were very well fed. A good time was had by all participants.
A special thanks must go to Ron Jedlicki of the Hook, Line and Sinker for his seminar on Fly Tying.
Edward M. Peters
Why is Ricky Williams not in jail? He’s the running back who has retired after five years of playing in the NFL.
He retired, not from injuries, not from health concerns, but because he wanted more time for Wacky Tobaccy, so he could smoke pot.
Last time I checked smoking dope was illegal in the good ol? US of A. Quotes like, ‘I failed a drug test because I was ready to quit football,? should have landed him a one way ticket to Florida State Penitentiary.
He has admitted on record to the Miami Herald that he retired so he could smoke marijuana.
If I, Justin Erik Schaudt, 17, went to school and said I was dropping out to smoke pot and then failed a drug test, I would go straight to jail. But Williams is a pro athlete, thus he’s treated as a joke.
What example does this set for the children of America? It establishes a double standard.
On one hand, we pour millions, neigh, billions into a war on drugs in Columbia, in Afganistan, in the homeland. I can’t go for an hour watching TV without seeing an anti-drug commercial.
All of this is for naught if we allow famous people, the idols of our children, to walk free after admitting to having a continuing drug habit. Why bother spending money on a supposed ‘war? on drugs if we let the standards that we hold society up to admit to behavior like this?
But just to jail him for possession isn’t enough, no, if we are going to do something let us go the full mile. Perhaps Williams could be charged for contributing the delinquency of minors or any other such crime.
Ricky Williams is setting a standard of drug use and our children, the future of America, will see this as OK.
People please, if you are going to have laws, enforce them. This does far more harm to the rule of law, to our social contract ten all of Al Qaeda’s efforts.
Justin Erik Schaudt
The children who live by Swiss Village Children’s Park would like to submit the following comments regarding their disapproval of the woodchips that were placed over the play sand under the green eyed frog slide.
I don’t like the woodchips around the slide. They hurt my bare feet and they’re so high there’s no room for my feet and legs when I slide down. I think they should take the chips away because we used to run around the slide and play in the sand. Whoever put them there should be punished
–Matt, 9
It hurts to walk through barefoot. We used to play in the sand digging holes and wrestling for fun without getting scratched. They should take the woodchips away and add more sand. The person who put them there should have to pick them up by hand as punishment.
–Chris, 11
They hurt my feet and dig into my legs too. It’s hard to walk on because you sink into it and trip. Please take the woodchips away and put the sand back. The person who put them there should be suspended (meaning grounded) for a week or at least three days.
–Jacob, 10
Gone are joyful sounds of the boys and girls who used to play endlessly in the shade beneath the slide in Swiss Village Park since the woodchips were added.
The woodchips were obviously a knee jerk reaction to some do-gooder’s article regarding playground safety; bunk!
What was the purpose of the 12 inches of play sand that was added originally? Not only are the chips uncomfortable to walk on, they’re also quite dirty and always damp.
I wonder what germs lurking beneath might attach themselves to a sliver in a child’s foot? This sounds like the thought process of those who saved us from the dreaded and ever man-eating saber tooth swan.
–Roger, 50
Some Swiss Village Kids & Roger
Ms. Doran,
When you drive east on Indian Lake Road, do you see or feel anything other than a few minor bumps? Do you see the way the trees hang over the road so majestically forming a second bridge above you?
Do you appreciate the natural beauty in the terrain, the way that was so sparingly cut, maybe for horses and buggies so many years ago.
It may not have been intended for natural beauty in the 19th century, but it remains today, doesn’t it.
If you roll your window down and drive slowly, you can even smell the fresh earth and roots of those big, beautiful that help keep the air we all breathe pure and clean.
As you walk or drive up and down those hills, you can actually feel the differences in humidity that transpiring mature trees, not greenhouse arboretum types we all plant in our yards, provide.
Do you know what improving this road really means? As we literally strip mine the bordering hills and trees away, that would just be scratching the surface.
So, if you would let me go back into my limited background in limnology, we can really get to the heart of the matter.
Whenever you see a deep, round, ground swale, with or without water, this is called a glacier pothole. Those formed after the Ice Age from the frozen ‘spike-like roots? the sliding glaciers left behind.
Many of these deep glacier potholes became wetlands. Many such wetlands are within close proximity to the existing road.
‘Improvements? in any form will most inevitably encounter what the ‘improvers? will call field snags. These snags will be handled, most likely, without consultation or permit, but with backhoes and backfilling.
After all, land suitable for culverts, storm drains, water/sewer lines, bike paths, easements, etc. must be stable and accessible by both man and machine.
As we conveniently redistribute the earth, we just dug up (see how handy that is?) and kind of fill some, well swampy areas, we not only correct the field snags, but save a few tax dollars as well.
Consequently, the wetland receptors of rain water (marshes, swamps, ponds, springs) which recharge all of our aquifers, begin to get silt laden.
An abundance of non-native plant species moves in, wetlands dry up, wells depress a little, quality of water decreases. Then city water, very expensive city water becomes available and mandatory to all.
As far as the road’s safety is concerned, any ‘improvements? will undoubtedly mean more traffic, more speeders (you know how they just love those smooth ‘open? roads, bright lights and everything else that follows the continued development of rural areas.)
All said, I think the hardest part would be to see red ribbons tied around all those big, beautiful, old majestic trees.
Steve Christi
Yesterday I received a call from a staff member at the Oprah show! Oprah wants to visit a small town and it just may be Clarkston! They asked me to send them a video showing ‘the best of our small town.? I have a few of my own ideas about the best of Clarkston but I’m interested in knowing what all your readers think is the best of Clarkston. They specifically asked me to include funny things that have happened; why Clarkston is still a small town, historical information, etc. I must have this information to them in video format by Oct. 1.This sounds like a long time from now but I think I have lots of work to do by then!
My intention for contacting Oprah in the first place was to tell her about SCAMP. I believe that Clarkston is a great place to live, visit, and work in but I also believe that one of the best things about Clarkston is SCAMP. We have one of the world’s best-kept secrets right here in our hometown. What other town has a program that provides as much for a community as SCAMP does?
I would really appreciate help with a few things:
I would like some video footage of the activity at one of the concerts in the park;
I need some fun facts about Clarkston that aren’t included in the history books;
I would like to know why other readers think Oprah should visit Clarkston;
I need to borrow a video camera AND someone who knows how to use it! I’m hoping that we might be able to get the assistance of the high school on this one but could use some good expert help if possible.
Thanks for your help!
Donna Clancy
Executive Director
North Oakland SCAMP
On behalf of the Clarkston Athletic Boosters, I would like to thank all of those who volunteered for the Buick Open during the week of July 26-August 1. Many put in exceedingly long hours in making the player/caddy evacuation team successful. Over 115 Clarkston boosters, family members, and friends helped to man the 20 evacuation vehicles that were needed each day should an evacuation be necessary. Special thanks to Ann Johns, Mike Fogg, and Kurt Schulte for doing much of the behind-the-scenes leg work in completing this task.
The Athletic Boosters also manned a concession stand (our true expertise!) during tournament play. Special thanks also goes to Carla Endreszl and Cindy Oltman who did an outstanding job in getting a total of 50 workers for the four days.
In these times of financial crunch, it becomes imperative that we all take part to ensure that our children have those things that Champions need. Please help to continue the ‘winning tradition? that Clarkston is so noted for and join the Athletic Boosters. Starting in September, meetings are the third Monday of the month in the LGI room of the High School at 7:00 pm. Your willingness to volunteer is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for all of those who so enthusiastically volunteered over the past year and most recently with the Buick Open.
Gary Hanna
I want to thank all of the Aug. 3 primary voters who have demonstrated the importance of taking part in the election process.
I thank them for their support and for helping me to go on to the general election in my bid to be elected Judge in the Sixth Circuit Court in Oakland County. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my friends and family for their tireless work and devotion in helping me pursue my goal.
To paraphrase a line from the move ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,? ‘No man is poor if they have friends.? Today, I feel like the richest woman in town.
Cheryl Matthews
Candidate for Oakland County Circuit Court
Thank you to the Independence Township residents that recognize the true leadership, experience and dedication that John Lutz would have provided the community as township clerk.
Thanks also to the many friends and campaign supporters for all of your hard work.
Ron and Connie Del Bello
Clarkston
I would like to publicly and wholeheartedly thank Ron Elias, the coach of my daughter’s Under 12 Independence Township softball team, which placed first in their division this year. Ron put in so much time teaching our girls the basics as well as advanced rules and plays, but most of all, he taught them by example how to be good sports.
For starters, the girls who came regularly to the practices and games were in the starting lineup, regardless of their skill level. Attendance and a good work ethic were rewarded. Ron also made a point to give the game ball to the player who showed the best effort, not necessarily the one who made the big play. He helped the parents and the players keep their tempers in check, though he would openly support his players at all times.
Ron never showed frustration at individual players, but always reminded them that they were a team.
As most parents of Clarkston sports players know, even township sports can be intense and there were many instances that players, coaches, and parents on opposing teams did not always show the best sportsmanship.
Ron, however, helped all of us to realize that playing softball at age 12 is supposed to be fun! We appreciate his efforts and are thankful that sometimes, the ‘good guys? finish first. Thank you for a wonderful season, Ron and enjoy your well-deserved first place trophy!
The Noble Family and
all your players and families
The Clarkston area lost one of its supportive ambassadors last week when Joe Falls succumbed to diabetes at his home above Cranberry Lake.
Joe was the sports writing icon every aspiring ink-stained wretch aspired to emulate, but Joe simply outclassed them when he made words come alive on the printed sheet.
Loyal readers of Falls? stories and columns learned of his incessant appetite for food (make that spaghetti), his sensitivity toward younger athletes, his devotion to Al Kaline, Gordie Howe, Mickey Mantle, Sparky Anderson, and Ted Williams.
But if you read more than one Falls story, you became aware of his fear of air travel and his love for his wife, M.J. (Mary Jane), his daughter, Leslie, his granddaughter, Mia, and his pet cats. And his intense love of writing, which he fulfilled in bare feet down in his basement office piled with manuscripts and souvenirs of his years in sports.
What you didn’t get from the computer keyboard of Joe Falls was any sort of whining about his poor health, which began almost a decade ago to stifle his mobility and limit the number of big sporting events he could cover in his inimitable ‘common man? style. And, you wouldn’t read about his successful leadership of the Special Olympics program. He took minimal credit (and never in writing!) for getting his bulky arms around the loosely organized competition and moved them to the Silverdome, where challenged athletes displayed their talents before thousands of fans rather than hundreds.
One Christmas Day about four years ago, I stopped at his home to visit with him and drop off a bottle of wine I thought he might enjoy.
I found him in a foul mood, a condition I traced to an erratic computer which had gone on the ‘fritz? that morning. I told him that I was anything but a computer expert, but that I would look at his machine and try to determine a cause for his dismay. After aimlessly wiggling a couple of wires, I got his monitor to start up and function normally, so he could send his stories out via internet. He was ecstatic that I had found the root of his electronic dilemma. In truth, I had done very little, but he made me feel that I had just negotiated a resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East.
Joe was a walking human interest story. He was no ordinary Joe and we, and Clarkston, will miss him.
Harry Knitter
Independence Township
How presumptuous can one person be?
Kyle Gargaro, editor of The Clarkston News, in his Aug. 11 column, claims to have become an election expert.
Even though he admits Wagner ‘did play fast and loose with some facts,? you never saw that in The Clarkston News during the election process. Maybe it didn’t match their agenda. Convenient silence.
The News, however, did a slanted report on an audit issue at the behest of Wagner (and others) to try to blame the Supervisor for the failure of the Township Clerk’s office. Funny, I thought people had to pay for political ads.
Kyle excuses Wagner’s misrepresentations as ‘the campaign can’t be all candy and nuts.? That attitude is exactly what is wrong with ‘politics.? We allow politicians to smear and lie without consequence.
Kyle has been in my office very few times since he has been editor. How do you suppose he has come to the conclusion that I’m ‘pouting in your office like a child.? Obviously, Kyle doesn’t know me.
Kyle also needs a civics lesson. Wagner was selected as the Republican candidate for the general election in November by less than 10 percent of the registered voters of Independence, Wagner wasn’t elected Supervisor.
If you read any of Wagner’s bravado, you have to come to the conclusion that he has all of the answers.
I will conduct myself as I have for all of my public life with energy, creativity and concern for the best interests of this beautiful community. Oh yes, Kyle, I will, as I always have, ‘Put the people first.?
Dale A. Stuart
Independence Township Supervisor
(Editor’s note: The Clarkston News stands behind its election coverage. The audit report story had quotes from both Dave Wagner and Dale Stuart explaining their positions. We also published a special section which printed both candidates exact responses to a questionnaire. The paper ran letters to the editor supporting both candidates and did not make an endorsement. The Clarkston News had no other agenda than to inform the residents during the election process. We are not responsible for fact checking information on all campaign literature not published in The Clarkston News.)
We would like to get a message out to the community of Lake Orion, to be aware of a senseless tragedy that occurred here on July 20.
A 34-year-old man died from a heroin overdose.
He was someone. He had a large family and children. They all loved him and are overwhelmed with grief.
We thank the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department for its time and patience. If we knew then what we know now, this may have been prevented.
With their continued efforts in this matter, it may just save a life of a loved one in someone else’s family.
We thank the Orion Township Fire Department for its prompt response to the scene in such a horrible situation — maybe if that call would have come sooner…
We express our heartfelt appreciation to all of those who cared so much in our time of sorrow.
The Family of Dave Williams
To township officials:
We the seniors ‘with seniority? of the Orion Center would like our center back. ‘With seniority? means seniors who were here prior to the township taking over the center.
Here is a list of our concerns:
l Bingo players would like grocery store bingo to come back with no outdated foods, canned or boxed.
l Popcorn, donated by others, only two bags are currently made available which isn’t enough. Previously, approximately eight batches were popped and kept in the machine which would keep it fresh and have it available for other activities.
l Why is it the advisory board consists of all newcomers, some not even seniors, and not any seniors with seniority?
l Membership fee of $5/year — will those who don’t pay be asked to leave?
l Childish parties such as musical chairs, pinatas, hoola hoops and finding the skeletal parts are for children, not senior adults.
The person(s) hired to plan these parties take all their orders from the director of the senior center. Suggestions have been offered but not welcomed.
l The craft room is a disaster. It’s set up for preschoolers, too childish, and can’t accommodate seniors with or without disabilities.
The craft room is too congested with exercise equipment, a rack of paper rolls and weight scales. This should not be used as a storage room.
The wooden racks that currently hold supplies take up too much space and make impossible for one to move around freely, especially in a wheelchair or walker.
We have a list of rules and regulations that are bizarre. It should go back to being an ‘open drop-in center.? It currently has assigned days and hours which doesn’t allow ample time, especially ceramics. We would like our tables back where we all can sit around without a problem.
The kilns were donated for the seniors? use as well as the tub that holds the slop and the wooden tables used for stained glass. These tables? legs have now been cut to an uncomfortable height.
The molds in the basement were also donated to the senior center years ago. These items should be made available to the seniors at all times and not limited. We have, in the past, run the kilns and maintained the equipment without incident. Why has this changed.
We would appreciate more space in the basement for our surplus supplies. We had cabinets, but no longer are allowed to use them.
We would like to keep our showcases so we can earn our own money for our supplies. We would also like to hold craft and bake sales again.
l Communication between the director and the seniors are null. The director spends most of her time in her office with the door closed, which is perceived by all that she doesn’t want anything to do with us. The director of a senior center should be actively involved with the seniors and genuinely show concern and compassion.
We need to feel free and happy here and not treated as children. This is a place for seniors to enjoy with others and a place to just go for a day or two.
Improvements are great as long as they are welcomed and received by all. We have lost many members. There aren’t 800 people coming through these doors on a monthly basis as told.
We need your help in restoring the senior center back to its original intent.
Concerned Seniors
Theresa Coventry sure did a fine job reinforcing the definition of the word pretentious with her letter to the editor on July 28.
Yikes. I had to go back and re-read what insidious barbs Bob Arend slung to deserve such an attack. I couldn’t find any.
Count me among the hoi polloi who say they are from Clarkston when they really live in Independence Township – but my deception doesn’t end there. When speaking with people from southeast Michigan, I say I am from Clarkston because they probably know where it is.
When I tell people from other states or countries where I live, I say Detroit. Gasp! Someone call Kwame! These cities are used as a geographic point of reference, not out of a desire for inclusion – and that might be especially true after reading Coventry’s letter.
If we follow Coventry’s logic, I suppose we need to change the name of the high school to Independence Township High School, and Clarkston Middle School needs a new name, too. All those school buses need new names on the side also, since we should re-name the district. Wow, this is going to be a big job.
I seriously doubt Coventry is speaking for the majority of residents and business owners of our fair town, at least I hope so. None of my friends in the Village are that hoity-toity, and if that kind of attitude was prevalent among downtown business owners, we’d spend our money elsewhere.
Brian Chesley
Independence Township
We have recently completed our Summer Reading Program for children at Independence Township Library.
We had more than 350 children register for the program, and over 2,700 hours of reading recorded. We were entertained by jugglers, comedians, snakes and lizards, puppets, and magicians, and on sidewalk chalk day we discovered that there are dozens of truly talented young artists in Independence Township.
I wanted to publicly thank all of the people who made Summer Reading such a great success. Our official Summer Reading Coordinator, Elizabeth Lemerond, is an Independence Township resident, a middle school teacher in Grand Blanc, and a full-time graduate student who put in a lot of hours, kept everything organized and taught us some great games. Her help was invaluable.
We had a great group of teen volunteers who helped in so many ways and showed up faithfully throughout the summer – Keegan, Ali, Susan, Chris, Megan, Heidi, Renee, Alex, Sharie, Xian, Charlene, Heather, JD, the three Sarahs, Michael, Nikki, Stefan and Alaina.
The library staff were patient and helpful with the program, and I appreciate that they supported our goals, and survived Thursdays with hundreds of kids in the library.
Finally, I want to thank the families in this community who do so much to support the library, and to encourage their children’s love of reading. You and your kids are the best part of my job. I know the summer is busy with sports, camps, vacation Bible school and vacations. I want to say thank you to all of you who found the time to bring your children to the library week after week.
Claire Poynter
Head of Children’s Services
Independence Township Library
Thank you to my supporters for extending your continued confidence by re-electing me as your Independence Township Trustee. My congratulations extend also to newly elected board members Charles Dunn’Trustee, Shelagh VanderVeen’Clerk, and current Trustee, Dave Wagner, as our next Supervisor.
Additionally, I am gratified for the overwhelming support you provided in the renewal of our fire millage and the ALS emergency service.
I look forward to serving the needs of all our citizens for the next four years.
Sincerely,
Larry Rosso
Independence Township Trustee
My wife and I arrived for our annual visit with family and friends in time to see the fireworks display. We agree with others that it was shorter than past years, but still a good job.
We were unable to join in the flare night. We also feel lighting flares should be the same night as the fireworks. We remember it that way years ago and it was very impressive.
We understand the flares last longer. Therefore, it would again be fitting to light them again on fireworks night.
We remember an aerial photo taken years ago that really showed off the flares.
Former Longtime Residents
Few of us ever find that ‘perfect? job, something we love and something we do very well. My perfect job was as a substitute teacher at LOHS.
I loved going to work every day. I loved the staff, the curriculum, but most of all, I loved being with the students and I believe that was mutual.
People sense when someone is being honest with them. The students are able to tell when someone truly cares about them and their future.
After eight years of working exclusively for LO Schools, the last four years strictly at the high school. I was abruptly let go, no longer allowed to teach at the school.
My crime was sharing my life experience with the students while team-teaching in an Economics class just before the Easter break last year. We were discussing unemployment and, knowing that my husband was unemployed at the time, I was asked to speak about living with unemployment.
I talked about what life is like without health insurance. The small shop that my husband worked for didn’t offer COBRA so that we could keep our health insurance while he was laid off. He had only worked for the company for four months and was laid off a year ago in December.
No names were mentioned during my discussion, but my husband’s former employer had two students who attended the high school.
They weren’t in the class and even if I had them in class or saw them in the halls, I always treated them with the greatest respect. They certainly had no part in my husband’s job situation any more than I did.
After Easter break, I was no longer working. I called the principal to find out why and discovered the wife of my husband’s former employer felt that discussing my personal experience was inappropriate and her children were uncomfortable having me in the building.
Instead of facilitating a meeting to solve the situation, I was told that since I was just an ‘at will? employee and since he had to deal with the situation, I was just done. I was told I could always go somewhere else.
I was told I wasn’t being accused of any crime and it had nothing to do with my teaching. He told me later if my husband’s former employer’s wife hadn’t called, I would still be working.
All teachers teach from their personal experiences. If a teacher is teaching about a country they have visited, good teachers will share their experiences in that country with their students.
Recently, I asked the high school principal if I would be allowed back next year since the last of the employer’s children graduated this year, but I was told no. The principal changed his story and accused me of ‘bizarre? behavior and said I didn’t follow lesson plans left by the teachers.
This is not true. I was always conscientious in my work and followed lesson plans to the letter.
I can’t let my eight years of substitute teaching experience and my reputation be ruined by this incident or this principal.
Sandy Dennis
A couple of editions ago a TRUE AMERICAN wrote in regarding the red, white and GREEN fireworks. He was disappointed about it not being America’s colors.
I would like to explain. Blue is a very difficult color to manufacture in fireworks. They have yet to be able to do so. Thus, we have to work with what we have. It is NOT a money issue as this person indicated. They are welcome to read more on the Internet about that subject or call Wolverine Fireworks.
I have been on the LOFA committee for two years now. I volunteer my time from March to July and it does take up quite a bit of time. There are only five members on this committee with various amounts of time they can donate.
We count on additional volunteers to help us at events. This year they were very forthcoming! We truly appreciate it! It makes every thing flow so much smoother and keeps the volunteers from getting burned out from doing so much.
It is a struggle to raise the $25,000 that it requires to put on the show that we have grown accustomed to. Next year we will have to raise even more if we want the show to go back up from 25 minutes to 50 minutes as it was in 2003.
I know there are more than 30,000 homes in Lake Orion. Just think what we could do if each household donated only $2-$3!! That is a very small price to pay for such a great time.
I know there will be arguments from those that go up north or attend parties elsewhere. I also know that there are some that are totally against the fireworks. But this is the ‘American? way of celebrating the 4th of July.
I think that the children of Lake Orion and its surrounding cities truly look forward to the fireworks and all the other things happening around town that week. We won’t take that away.
We’ll see you in March at the Pub Crawl!
Lorie Turnage,
LOFA Committee Member
The July 14 issue of the LO Review contained a half page article complete with pictures entitled, ‘Good Shepherd sister/brother achieve high MEAP,CAT scores?.
I agree that the Luedtke children had commendable scores on their tests, but I feel that the article was lacking balance for several reasons.
Many LOCS students have scores equal to Haylee and Christian Luedtke’s scores of ?85-100 percent in every category? on the CAT test and ‘all ones and twos? on the MEAP which offers scores of 1-4 with one being the highest.
There are plenty of LOCS students, siblings included, who have also achieved at this level. My own children and others are among those who have scored so well.
The article in The Review implied the Luedtkes were a bit of an anomaly, and that their high scores were due at least in part to ‘the personalized atmosphere and individual attention students receive at Good Shepherd School?.
Again, the sister and brother in the article did score very well on the standardized tests they took, but their scores are certainly not as rare as the article in your paper made them appear to be.
In all fairness, the pictures of all students in the community who tested so well, whether attending public or private school, should be featured in the LO Review with a half page article about them and their teachers and dreams and interests.
Dawn M. Olexa
Well now Teresa Coventry, should we be troubled that your letter to Bob Arend in last week’s Clarkston News sailed your good ship, ‘Clarkston,? through condescending waters?
Having been tossed overboard, do we founder on your ‘Dependence? life rafts? Do we long for the days when we would say, ‘We’re from Clarkston,? no matter where we lived in the Township? Because my wife Sally and I are relative newcomers, our seven generations of family have been in Clarkston’s environs about 100 years, we can only ask whether the true Clarkston pioneers at the Township’s Lakeview Cemetery are also restive about your verboten duo citizenship.
Should it be discomfiting that your Clarkston boundaries can only hold 325 residences? Is this limitation to mean that living in Clarkston is like joining an exclusive country club? Because Sally and I are both graduates of ‘Clarkston? High School and our mailing address is ‘Clarkston? are we to be doubly discombobulated?
Should we fear that a Border Patrol Division of The Village of the City of Clarkston Police Department (BPDOTCOTVOCPD) might rise up to deny visits to two of our families now living within your walls?
Ancient philosopher Maw Chew answered all such questions when he said, ‘Walls to keep people out also pen same people in.?
Tom Bullen
Clarkston??
My personal thanks to my friends and neighbors who so graciously donated their returnables for the cause (American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.)
Also a thank you to Dan Gauthier at Clarkston’s Speedy Printing for donating the flyers that got the word out and to my husband for his support and help. May God bless each and every one of you as He helps provide a cure for cancer.
Dolores Smart
Clarkston
(This letter is in response to Bob Arend’s letter to the editor titled ‘City of the Village is a pretentious name? in the July 21 edition of The Clarkston News.)
Bob Arend, you’re right.
As residents of the City of the Village, I think we would all agree. A simple solution might be to rescue our identity from Dependence, um Independence.
There was never more to Clarkston than what is within our borders. If you lived, for example, in Milford Township, or the City of Milford, it would be correct for you to say you live in Milford. I’ve been here for 15 years and I’m still perplexed by the number of people and businesses that claim to hail from our tiny city.
I know that the Clarkston Post Office (in Independence) shares our mailing address with Independence, but when I lived in Waterford Township, with a Pontiac mailing address, I never once thought I lived there.
If you think this is a petty problem, spend a day in the City Manager’s office. It sounds like a broken record in there. ‘I’m sorry, sir, I’d love to give you a sewer payoff, but you live in Independence.? The caller is then given the correct number to call, and I might add, most want to challenge you. They don’t know where they live. The police department spends a lot of its time with the same problem. For a small city, we spend a lot of our limited budget in this wasteful manner.
Don’t get us wrong, we like Independence Township. You have a good name (especially near Independence Day.) You have nice housing. We think you should be proud of where you live.
We like where we live, Clarkston. We love our historic homes, our beautiful park and gazebo. We’re proud of our businesses and quaint shops. We love to welcome you to our city. Bring your parades, picnics, swimsuits and enjoy a stay at our local B&B.
Pretentious name? Probably. But we know where we live. We call it home.
Teresa Coventry
City of the Village of Clarkston
To our supportive community:
On behalf of the Clarkston Farm & Garden Club, I would like to publicly thank the Clarkston community for their overwhelming support and response to our recent Honorarium Planter endeavor. Specifically, I’d like to thank:
? Our valued garden club members, Elena Forbes and Linda Meadors who, along with the civic improvement committee, committed many, many hours, considered many designs, contemplated various artists and continually pressed on for this project.
? John Shell from Davisburg Stone for his skills and talent in building our beautiful, new stone and concrete planters of which look absolutely perfect along our historical main street.
? Rudy’s Market. Their donation, which will be inscribed to thank Clarkston patrons for their support, proves that Rudy’s is one of the strongest roots in the community we live and love.
? I would like to thank The Clarkston State Bank for honoring their former president Dave Harrison and his wife Wanda. We miss them dearly too.
? Barbara Truman who has given her donation to honor her late husband, Al Truman. Barb, you are a loyal and precious member of our club.
? Memorial funds were also donated by the family of Dr. Rocky and Maryetta Bullard. We thank you for honoring your family in this way. Blair, you gave us wings so we could fly with this project.
? Rick and Mary Beth Huttenlocher have made a donation on behalf of Huttenlocher Family members. We are proud to honor the Huttenlocher name through this project. You will be respectfully thought of as we plant, water and watch the planter bloom each year.
? Marty Johnston has given a donation on behalf of her late husband, Richard Johnston. Johnston was a well-respected, long time member of the City of the Village of Clarkston’s City Council.
? Charles and Kay Robertson lovingly made a donation to honor Chuck’s mother and father, Gray and Lucille. Kay, you truly are the sweetest and the sunshine in our club.
? From proceeds from our various fundraisers, The Clarkston Farm & Garden Club has raised enough funds to purchase three planters. Thank you, members, for your hard work, commitment and vision as we move forward to help Clarkston Bloom!
? Thank to our Mayor, Sharron Catallo, for her donation of the planter on behalf of the Catallo family. Their inscription reflects their gratitude for the many years of support from the Clarkston Village. Fittingly placed at 54 South Main, in front of The Union Restaurant operated by her son, Kurt ? we thank you for your support.
? To The Grille on Washington & Main, thank you for your generous and thoughtful donation of cooling ice tea as so many labored in the hot sun.
? Lastly, but certainly not overlooked and appreciated beyond words, I would like to thank our friends of officials and friends in service: the City Council for their support from the beginning in this evolving project, the DPW for their hard and spontaneous work installing the first planters, and the Police Dept. for helping us in this endeavor ? from city maps to watering locations; from moving our barrels in the past to protecting our planters in the future, you all contribute in a huge way to this success.
It is working together with a common and mutual interest in the community we live that brings success to anything we do. We look forward to many more years of helping Clarkston Bloom!.
Julie Piazza
President
Clarkston Farm & Garden Club
On behalf of my father, Stan Sweet, and our family, I would like to thank John Ranville for his service to the community.
In particular, he extended extra considerations to my father in his last years.
We wish him well in his retirement and look forward to his future election to the village council. He’s an honest man of good common sense whose special insights will foster positive change.
Ron Sweet
We would like to formally thank the generous citizens who assisted Church Street Singers, to have two pontoon boats in this year’s boat parade.
In the photo on the back page of the Review from the July 14 issue is the picture of the pontoon boat supplied by Alice P. Young whose sons Curt and Steve Young gave of their time to pilot the boats.
The other pontoon was sponsored by Carl and Joan Slomczenski (who own C.J.’s restaurant in the village). We were able to bring home the award for ‘most patriot,? but the prize belongs to our generous citizens who gave their time, trouble and expense to help us. A wonderful time was had by all.
Thank you to Steve, Curt, Carl and Joan and especially Alice Young and Carl Cyrowski who organized the event.
Kathy Wieland & Church Street Singers
I’m wondering why we haven’t seen any letters regarding the other candidates running for office? The past two issues of The Lake Orion Review have been devoted to the same three candidates.
I find it hard to believe you aren’t getting mail on any other candidates. Please don’t let your desires be the only views your subscribers see.
I’d also like to challenge the public to take a close look at our local government. If we want to see improvements to our community, then we the public must take the time to learn everything we can about all the candidates.
Dave Sutton
Editor’s Note: I know it may be hard to believe, but I’ve printed every candidate endorsement letter I have received. If any one wants to write a letter supporting a particular candidate, they’d better hurry. Next week’s paper is the last edition printed before the primary election.
Orion Township needs a plan to retain employees long term. At the present time, 59 percent have been employed five years or less.
Township board members have authorized three wage studies to be conducted over the past few years. The results were the same with all three studies.
The employees of Orion Township are paid significantly below average wages when compared with other communities in the surrounding area. Township trustees have ignored the findings of all three studies.
So what does this mean for the residents and the community as a whole? We have increased turnover in personnel and that means new hires unfamiliar with our township.
Due to the low wages, employees hire in and obtain the experience they need to move to a higher paying community. The hiring and training cycle begins again.
The township has become a training ground for other municipalities and it’s at great cost to the taxpayers of Orion Township.
Of course, there are the usual costs of advertising and the hiring and training, but there is also a great loss of knowledge within the departments. This knowledge can’t be easily replaced.
The message is simple. In order to protect the future of Orion Township, trustees need to determine a fair and equitable for all, not just the elected officials and department heads. The future of Orion Township depends on retaining experienced long-term employees.
As you research the candidates you will vote for on Aug. 3, think of the future of our township and ask the candidates where they stand on this issue.
Orion Township Clerical Employees
On Aug. 3, I will be voting for Dale Stuart to re-elect him as township supervisor.
This will be a surprise to anyone who pays attention to the local government because over the years I have had significant differences with him over various issues. However, I do not question his competence or integrity. I write to urge everyone to vote for Stuart for these reasons, even if there has been some decision or issue in the last 12 years or more with which you disagreed.
The recent attacks by members of his opponent’s team are often contrary to the very concept for our community that so many of us share.
I disagree that Independence Township has been sued more times in the last 12 years than ever. More importantly, it is inevitable that any growing community gets sued. More often than not it is the result of our elected officials holding the line against outside developers who attempt to impose upon us the manner in which this community should be developed. Those are the very kinds of fights we should applaud our government for taking. And, our reputation for not being a pushover has given our leaders much greater control in holding off the kind of carded commercial development that Auburn Hills has experienced.
Although I have been out of township government for the last four years, I have continued to watch it closely. I know from my experience in government that not everyone can be pleased all the time. But, I have also had the opportunity to watch this one-term trustee who asks us to entrust our government to him. I have not seen this trustee demonstrate the kind of leadership competence and concern so many of us share to have a community that is primarily a quality residential community.
I also know from my experience in government that we are well-served by our consultants, all of whom we first hired prior to the current Supervisor. Curiously, this trustee has not previously complained or openly disagreed with any consultant… and he has not made any effort to fix what he now says is a problem.
Stuart doesn’t know I am writing this letter urging all of you to vote for him. He will probably be surprised. But no one should be surprised that I will speak my mind when I believe it is for the good of this community.
Neil Wallace
Independence Township
I would like to start by saying that I wish the ‘City of the Village of Clarkston? would modify its embarrassingly pretentious name. Having said that, I would like to express my admiration for the great things Clarkston has done since its inception.
As I drive around the area, I notice how every street in the city is either in great shape, or more importantly, has been repaved. That is in stark contrast to most of the roads in Independence Township, Almond Lane comes to mind.
I applaud the improvements made in Depot Park and the great improvements to the sidewalks and intersections downtown, including the addition of beautiful street lamps. Encouraging local merchants to make a more visible appearance to visitors was much needed. Rudy’s Market is a notable example, as are the Union Restaurant’s outdoor tables.
And now, the imagination and foresight of the Clarkston Farm and Garden Club and the leaders of Clarkston. I think the stone planters will add more to the community than those recent fads of creating plastic cows, pigs etc. They certainly will be more enduring. Hopefully, local philanthropists will be standing in line to sponsor additional ones.
Speaking of pretentious names, I guess if we can have ‘Fifth Third Bank? and ‘National City Bank,? maybe we can live with a City of the Village of Clarkston. But do we have to?
Bob Arend
Clarkston
As the wife of Independence Township Supervisor Dale Stuart, I write this:
It is far below the integrity of my husband to stoop to cast stones and fabricate stories against people. He will not do it. There are things being said about him and the township that are blatantly not true. Even the statements that are partially true are being slanted to favor Dale’s opponent. There is a website where you can go to get the truth. It is: www.re-electstuart.com.
My husband is not a politician and therefore isn’t out going the things politicians do. And we all know what those things are. He is quietly behind the scenes doing the work that needs to be done. He has a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back if someone else needed it. Because of the kind of man he is, only his family and closest friends really and truly know the person of Dale Stuart.
We don’t have the finances that his opponent seems to have and because of the media attacks we are forced to max out cards and spend money we don’t have to run this campaign. Campaigning shouldn’t be as brutal as it has been on us, our girls and their families.
So please, if you want our township to continue its present upward trend, be sure to vote again for Dale Stuart, the man qualified in all areas except politics, for the position of township supervisor. Thank you so very much for your vote of confidence in truth and integrity.
Deborah Stuart
Independence Township
As we approach the polls on Aug. 3, Shelagh VanderVeen should be your choice, without question, for Independence Township Clerk.
Her outstanding character, her enthusiasm and her exceptional education and professional background will significantly contribute to the betterment and preservation of Independence Township. On Aug. 3, VanderVeen will definitely capture my vote.
Pam Ford Morgan
Independence Township
We are writing this letter to urge all Orion Township voters to vote for Jill Bastian for township clerk. She is a wonderful person and a great public servant.
Bastian’s’s intelligence, caring and enthusiasm have improved the township in a variety of ways. She has worked tirelessly to help our public library, our community schools and most importantly our township.
Bastian is knowledgeable, energetic and puts her expertise and experience to work every day as our clerk. Please vote for Jill Bastian for township clerk.
Dave & Sue Mick
When Niles Olson contacted me about writing a paragraph about him, he told me ‘not to flower it…just what I know about him.?
That quote at least partially defines Olson.
He’s an honest, sincere and generous person. I can’t relate to his ambition, but he has put his whole being into all he tackles and somehow manages to have balance with family and church.
I have never heard a negative word about him in at least 30 years that I have known him.
James E. Smith
I’m a lifetime resident of Orion Township and am supporting Richard Tomczak for the office of Orion Township supervisor.
He’s a well-qualified individual who has served two terms as township trustee. Service to his community takes a high place in his life. His record shows he places the interests of the residents and our quality of life first on his list of priorities.
Vote for Richard Tomczak in the Aug. 3 primary.
Linda Barc
On July 3rd , those of us who watched the fire works in Lake Orion enjoyed the great display except for the colors were mixed up.
We had some friends from Ontario, Canada with us and we did a whole lot of bragging of the great display. They couldn’t believe that the people were putting blankets out on Thursday night for a Saturday night show.
After, they said to us when did the United States change its colors from red, white and blue to red, white and green? All year long we hear about the money needed for the fireworks and some of us contribute to it and this is what we get.
I don’t have any idea about the purchasing of fireworks but I think we should be able to buy the colors of the great RED, WHITE AND BLUE….
A True American
On a recent visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, we were confronted with a swan nesting area near the main walkway. SMARTLY…signs were posted warning… ‘Swan Nesting Area? ‘Swans may be aggressive? ‘Use caution in area.?
Seems like the Lake Orion area could use such an approach since PEOPLE are trying to take over ages old nesting areas.
Presumably, the people, even jet skiers can read. Even though we do not live on Lake Orion, we would be glad to donate money for such signage if the correct authorities would move forward with such a plan.
Michael & Margie Pollick
I guess I hit a sore spot for reader Nancy Vona after phoning in my response to the Lake Orion swan issue.
Nancy, obviously you didn’t read the entire article regarding my comments on euthanizing the swans on the lake because of their aggressive behavior against jet skiers.
Obviously, you didn’t read my comment that I was NOT in favor of ‘killing? the swans and would, in fact, contribute financially to having them moved out of state.
You see, Nancy, no matter what the reasons are for the swans? behavior, the end result is the swans were attacking jet skiers on the lake, young and old.
At the time of our first attack, I was driving with my daughter in a ‘no wake? zone, leisurely looking at nature, scenery and homes on the lake. Being new to the lake, we didn’t know we were in ‘the swans? territory,? as you suggest.
I observed no young swans (babies) present at the time of the attack. We did manage to ‘run for our life? during that first incident, escaping with only scratches.
Our second attack happened in a totally different area of the lake, obviously another ‘swan territory.? My husband was on land and my two kids were on the jet ski trying to pull the jet ski out of the water.
My kids were not chasing at or throwing things at the swans. They were already terrified of the swans because of the first attack we had! What one of my daughters ended up with was a bleeding, scratched arm.
I love wildlife as well, Nancy. I can’t tell you how much enjoyment I get sitting on my deck watching nature, the birds, swans, sunsets. It seems to me this is what we were yearning for when we purchased our home on Lake Orion.
I love people too, but that doesn’t mean I’m not in favor of the death penalty. I’m in favor of the strictest punishment for people who kill other people.
I’m in favor of locking up people who break the law, people who hurt other people.
I am, fortunately, not the person who had to make the ultimate decision about the fate of the male swan. It’s a sad ending to an unfortunate situation.
Cathy Battaglia
Can you imagine this: 12 years ago Dale Stuart ran on ‘It’s time for a change,? ‘Lets end the conflict between the township and the schools, provide full disclosure to citizens, and when taxpayers say no to new projects, it means no.?
There are so many more things that are too numerous to list. The conflict between the schools and the township board did nothing but escalate and it has been shown by the way they unabashedly talk about the school board at the township meetings. The business community has been virtually shut out by Stuart.
And as the seniors say, ‘he’s been in office for 12 years and has not even been in the senior center 12 times.? Isolation is what he stands for.
Just look at what he’s done. He moved his office out of township hall. Do you think he has any idea about what the employees are doing? Absolutely not.
One of his biggest accomplishments is the fact that he increased our legal expenses by 200 percent, while taking $170,000 out of parks and recreation, which directly affects our kids.
One of the things that we are in dire need for is an additional soccer field, which he also talked about two years ago. Oh, by the way, that was turned down two years ago by voters along with the senior activity center.
Now with election year here, he promises the seniors that they will have a new center this year, but he has no way to pay for it. Although he did mention that he would take it out of the water fund and that parks and recreation would be responsible for paying it back, at the tune of approximately $280,000 a year. And as I’ve said, the list goes on. Is this really the kind of leadership you want to continue in this township?
I would urge you to vote for David Wagner. He has proven that he can work for the schools and the business community. He’s not one that makes promises in an election year just to get re-elected. He will work for you, 100 percent of the time. He is a team player.
Dr. James O’Neill
Independence Township
Well, it’s starting.
After reading last week’s letter to the editor in The Clarkston News from ‘Slick? defaming Dale Stuart, our township supervisor, and recently receiving candidate Dave Wagner’s negative rhetoric aimed in the same direction, I personally feel compelled to offer some commentary of my own as we head into the local primaries.
I happened to talk with Stuart while petitioning trustees to block a rezoning attempt initiated by one of Wagner’s staunch and published supporters. This special interest rezoning request was not only in violation of the township’s master plan but ignored the overwhelming objections of the general neighborhood. Fortunately, for now, the request was turned down by the trustees and eventually Wagner, who remained mute during most of the meeting.
Through this stressful time in our West Waldon Road neighborhood area, Stuart was quite accessible and although objective in his remarks, did help us understand the rational behind the townships 2020 plan and area neighborhood density issues.
It seems clear that Stuart, Joan McCrary, Dan Travis, Larry Rosso and others on the board remain concerned over the potential impact this particular type of special interest rezoning represents. Although these situations should be considered on a case-by-case basis, such high density rezoning in country, rural areas such as the case in point have the potential to turn our unique community into another Sterling Heights, Rochester or Troy, areas many of us moved away from to avoid such obvious over population.
Wagner seems bent on running a negative campaign which appears light on facts and heavy on criticism. As with most issues, including the Senior Center discussions, the facts are more intricate than a few campaign comments on a negative campaign brochure.
While Wagner offers his politically bent criticisms, it’s apparent that the experience, actions and foresight of Stuart and most board members dictates otherwise and seems to have the best interests of the overall township at heart.
Let’s keep Stuart as our ‘steward? for the future of Independence Township.
Ed Osterman
Independence Township
If ‘children count in Clarkston? as the Clarkston School Board states every time they want more money, where were they when the high school girls softball team, for the first time in school history, was playing in the semi-finals for the state championship in Battle Creek?
You would also think the athletic director for the high school would be there. Perhaps, if it were a boy’s basketball or football team playing, he would have found time to be present.
Congratulations to the girls softball team and especially Kelly Robinson for her performance during the season and the playoffs. Without her pitching, they would not have been there.
James K. Conway
Clarkston
With the Fourth of July behind us, I would like to address the excessive use of fireworks in our own backyards.
City of Clarkston offers a free great fireworks display, as do other neighboring parks. They do it one night for one hour.
But fireworks night after night, for hours at a time is simply too much. Please respect and consider your neighbors. We all don’t enjoy endless fireworks.
Sue Wojcik
Clarkston
Why do two employed male sodomites lose benefits because of a ban on gay immorality?
It is not marriage in which they wish to engage. It is double dipping at the trough. If they are working for universities, corporations or municipalities they are well covered individually.
Those who are truly married and raising and educating children should be the taxpayers? primary concern.
Children are the future. That’s where our taxes should go.
Irene Rauth
Clarkston
We the people expect our elected officials to be ethical, credible and fair in responding to the needs of residents and businesses in Independence Township.
Bureaucratic bickering, endless delays and micromanagement serve only to frustrate and inevitably slow the pace of progress. We need a leadership team that will keep these hindrances to an extreme minimum.
We need a strong team who will follow our Township’s 2020 Master Plan, not change it every time we disagree with its use.
We need an insightful team who will understand there’s no value in countless meetings and studies that result in large consulting fees straining budgets and adding to our taxpayer’s burden instead of benefits for our residents and businesses.
We need a proactive team who will empower talented department heads and administrators to make decisions and carry out necessary planning, not micromanage them through non-stop assemblies.
This call for strong, insightful and proactive leadership can be found in the team of Dave Wagner, Sheleigh VanderVeen and Charlie Dunn, collectively providing us the depth, experience and guidance needed to ensure a carefully planned residential and business development that will be in harmony with this great township that we live in.
Eric Eadelman, Clifford Dovitz,
Richard DeRousse, Thomas Wilhelm,
Bill Siegrist, Ed Kovac,
Charlie Dunn, Terry Lederman,
Rick DeLong, Tom McGuire,
Dan Frohm,
Jeff Green, Kevin McGuire
and Glen Gianini
Independence Township
I have known Colleen Murphy for many years through the University of Michigan. She is of the utmost character and intellect. I am sure she would make a great judge for the following reasons….
? She was a former member of the White Lake Township Zoning Board of Appeals ? she resigned this campaign in order to avoid any potential ethical or conflict of interest issues.
? She is a lifelong resident of White Lake Township ? therefore acutely aware of the issues facing her community.
? Supported by Judge Dana Fortinberry. She and Judge Fortinberry have a great working relationship ? so her election will offer continuity to her communities.
? Supported by members of law enforcement, law enforcement groups, labor unions and influential members of her community.
? She is respected, knowledgeable, and has great integrity.
? She is a second generation attorney and magistrate.
? She will bring honor, integrity and a proven work ethic to the bench.
? She will be open to new ideas and programs that will benefit her community.
I think these are plenty of reasons that she should be judge!!
Shareen Ober
Chantilly, VA
With all the discussion about funding the senior center, has anybody suggested a volunteer-build center?
Beverly Hatcher
Clarkston
Having lived in the Lake Orion/Oxford area all my adult life, I was and still am appalled at the decision of the US Fish and Wildlife Agency to choose euthanasia as a means of ‘solving the problem? regarding the male swan that ‘allegedly? attacked a jet skier.
What punishment did the jet skier receive (besides a bloody nose) for his lack of respect towards the swan?
As a teenager growing up on Tan Lake, we were taught early on swans and ducks were ‘OFF LIMITS?…back then it would be considered a federal offense to willingly antagonize, maim or kill any of the various waterfowl that inhabited the area lake systems.
The swans are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing…ensuring the safety of their young. This isn’t much different than a human ensuring the safety of their own children.
I’m deeply saddened by how insensitive we have become regarding our wildlife and eco system in general. It seems to me there could have been other alternatives to this family of swans instead of killing the male.
Why wasn’t the family simply relocated? More importantly, this isn’t the right solution to teach the upcoming generations of kids and teenagers.
It simply is NOT acceptable to kill waterfowl or wildlife because they are doing what they are PROGRAMMED to do…take care of their young.
Elizabeth Gould
We are writing to state our support for Jill Bastian and to ask our community to reelect her as Orion Township Clerk.
There couldn’t be a more hard-working, dedicated and well-informed public servant than Jill. Even while dealing with recent difficult medical problems, she kept close touch with her office and the township board so there would be no gap in services.
Bastian is continually looking for ways to improve communication between the township and the community and to make elections run more smoothly and efficiently.
She stays informed on current issues facing the township and expresses her opinions based on a long history of active, thoughtful and informed community involvement. She has served us well as township clerk and we believe she deserves our vote and yours.
Jon & Ellen Thomerson
In the upcoming Aug. 3 primary election, we support Niles Olson for Orion Township Treasurer. As lifelong residents of the township, we know Olson to be an honest and experienced businessman.
He possesses the family core values that Orion residents are proud to raise their families in this great area of which we live.
With the current and future growth of Orion Township, we trust Niles Olson to represent all residents fairly and to administer the duties of treasurer.
Mike & Lil Flood, Jr.
I’m excited to write this letter to say thanks to Richard Tomczak for his dedication and hard work as a servant to Orion Township. He’s now running for township supervisor and I’m encouraging all residents to vote for him on Aug. 3 during the primary election.
The reason I’m so appreciative that he’s running is because I know Tomczak and have worked with him on the planning commission.
During the last decade, Orion Township has grown enormously. I give a lot of credit to Tomczak in keeping our motto a reality ‘Everyday living is like a vacation.?
Density was controlled and proper planning was implemented to give us the quality of life we have in Orion Township.
Tomczak is qualified for township supervisor with four years experience on the planning commission (two of those years as chairman) and eight years as township trustee.
In addition to his township dedication, Tomczak has a master’s degree in Public Administration and has served over 30 years as a ranking police officer for the Oakland University campus community.
I’ve been a resident of Orion Township for 15 years. I have never had the experience of being able to reach an elected official so easily, by phone or in person. He listens and acts. Tomczak’s challenges are the environment and roads.
Tomczak, we are ready for you to lead Orion Township into the future.
Gary Halverson
America’s appetite for voyeurism seems to have no bounds. I find it particularly disappointing that Michael Moore’s new ‘documentary,? Fahrenheit 9/11, has found such an eager audience.
More than that, the political ‘spin doctors? have asserted the high box office proceeds are ‘obviously? a validation of the country’s growing displeasure with the actions of the president. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
The truth of the matter is we have taken hit ‘reality? shows to a new level…the movies. Unfortunately, most people fail to realize that through creative editing, all things are possible.
Television producers have (thankfully) not gone beyond creating romances and rivalries. However, it appears this movie has taken some great liberties with creative editing to greatly shade the truth and evoke a far more dangerous emotion…fear.
Do I know the truth about the events leading up to the tragedy of 9/11 or the days and months afterward? Unequivocally, no! But I’m not stupid enough to believe Moore has presented an unbiased documentary regarding these events.
Nor am I stupid enough to believe President Bush could have done anything more to protect us from these attacks. There is nothing the president did or can do to protect us from all carefully coordinated terror attacks without jeopardizing many of the freedoms we enjoy. Furthermore, in 100 +/- days in office, what actions could he possibly have taken?
To say he should have known and should have taken action is the same as holding a new mayor accountable for a forest fire set by vandals or a new principal accountable for a school shooting.
In each of these cases, the known potential for tragedy existed, but to predict the exact time and place of the event and to then be able to successfully thwart the plan is an impossible expectation.
I urge each of you to think twice about spending your hard earned money on this movie. If you do see the movie, remember this is a documentary, but it’s very one-sided.
While I support our president and his actions, if you are truly upset with his actions…act. Vote, run for office, become involved.
Better than that, take your $8.50 movie ticket money and give it to a program such as Boys and Girls Club or the Scouts or anything that may teach our children to be responsible, open-minded citizens.
Terry Lang
All too often we find ourselves so focused on growing our enterprises that we lose sight of what’s taking place in the local governments until it negatively impacts our livelihood. And by then it’s too late to adequately address.
We scramble to make phone calls and hectically reschedule appointments so it’s possible to status with officials regarding the policy changes that now directly alters how we can do business, only to be frustrated by not reaching our intended audience, not getting our calls returned and not being able to make-up the business we lost while trying to meet with the architect of these changes.
Sound familiar? It should. This is how things get done under the current township ‘leadership??
Ever wonder why Independence Township has been sued more in the last 12 years than at any other time before the current ‘leadership??
Ever wonder why the majority of those suits filed against the township come away victorious?
Could this ridiculous waste of taxpayer funds be attributed to, quite simply, questionable ‘leadership??
Perhaps if Independence Township had a supervisor that not only listened, but responded, to the needs and concerns of the taxpayers, the community would be much more fiscally sound.
Imagine what it would be like to have a leader in place that residents and business owners could not only talk to and be heard, but that our thoughts and feedback would be shared with the other elected officials making up the board. Think about the advances possible in our township if we had a leader that simply communicated… instead of harboring unspoken agendas.
Gosh, just to have someone honor the township’s 2020 Master Plan instead of trying to change it when it didn’t suit a personal whim.
Change is good and now’s a good time for change. Our community needs to get on a progressive path with forward-thinking, open-minded leadership that’s responsive and accountable. This is the kind of leadership Dave Wagner has demonstrated time and again.
Let’s rally behind the economic future of Independence Township. To learn more about Dave or for information on how to help, go to www.wagner4supervisor.com.
With your vote we can have the administrative integrity in place that we had to endure without for so long.
Luc Robert ‘Slick? Poirier
Independence Township
Recently I received a pamphlet in the mail from the Citizens for a Progressive Springfield that promised their slate of candidates for Township offices would bring us ‘efficient, effective operations,? ‘information and leadership? and ‘long range planning for our future well being? as if that was something sorely lacking in our township.
Their suggestion that good government was somehow lacking in Springfield Township amazed me because for many years Collin Walls, Nancy Strole and now Jamie Dubre have been providing effective, informed, visionary leadership and so much more as our supervisor, clerk and treasurer. Unless folks simply believe in making a change for ‘change sake,? I see no valid reason for making a change in our township officials at this time.
I am proud to live in Springfield Township because of its uniqueness, its beauty and also because of the quality of municipal government practiced here. Several years ago, under the leadership of Walls and Strole, my wife and I, ailing with hundreds of other residents, were invited to participate in a dynamic community planning process at Heather Highlands, designed to let us have a say in the future of our township.
Long before and since that event, I have watched first-hand how hard our township government works to protect the rights of individual residents, support the township’s master plan and keep us informed of critical issues and opportunities. In my work with surrounding townships, I’ve been impressed by the respect and support evident for our current officials and county leaders, as well as officials from around the state and the federal government.
So before we blindly accept the rhetoric of the ‘progressives? and opt for change simply for change sake, I hope each of us takes a look around to appreciate what we have and the hard work and dedication that has brought us here, and take time to cast our votes for quality government on Aug. 3.
Bob Inskeep
Springfield Township
The Music in the Park programs presented each Friday during the months of June and July are just the perfect elixir for those who are battered and bruised by the violent weather of spring and, frankly, are tired of sitting at home and watching TV.
Through the courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce, some of this area’s finest bands have been booked this year to entertain us, the multitude of dogs, and the hundreds of kids who find ways to wear out the outdoor gym equipment while listening to the musical offerings.
In addition, we have learned during recent concerts valuable information. For example, the spokesman for the Blackthorn band told us that setting up their equipment takes their band members exactly one hour and eleven minutes. But, when they are forced to use union laborers at the Fisher building during their preparations for the St. Patrick’s Day WJR concert, it takes over nine hours for setup. No doubt the union craftsmen are more meticulous in their procedures and do a superior job of plugging in the microphones and arranging the musicians? chairs.
We have also learned how to sling shoot dozens of t-shirts into crowd of youngsters, how to drip mint green ice cream on our new yellow trousers, and how to meet all the politicians we would ever want to know.
It’s amazing to absorb so much knowledge in just a couple of hours on a balmy Friday in Clarkston, isn’t it?
We are indebted to the Chamber for making it all happen.
Thanks, Chamber.
Harry Knitter
Independence Township
Dear Clarkston Friends:
This is a simple letter of thanks.
I want to thank you for your hospitality, your support of our kids and for your kindness toward me. After 16 years in youth ministry at Clarkston United Methodist Church and active involvement in the Clarkston community. I will be moving Sept. 1 to attend Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kent. My goal is to obtain a Master of Divinity Degree and to become an ordained pastor. This is a three-year course of study.
It’s been my joy and honor to serve the Clarkston UMC family and especially the youth who I love so much. I have also deeply enjoyed being a part of the larger Clarkston community, attending school events and games and coaching boy’s basketball. I have much love for all of you.
I would love to see friends from the community before I leave. Feel free to stop in and visit at my church office located at 6600 Waldon Rd. My farewell worship service is 9:30 a.m. Aug. 29 with a reception to follow. Please join us.
And again, thank you. As I go, I take a part of you with me.
John Leece
Associate in Youth Ministry, Clarkston UMC
That’s right! Our opinion counts.
I absolutely agree with Cathy Houch’s letter to the editor in last week’s paper on the senior citizens center.
The community should be outraged. Cathy, I thank you for writing this article. I also think it’s time to re-elect new officials. It’s obvious that they don’t care what we vote for or against. They will just find a loophole, and do it anyway.
I’ve spent a lot of time on this issue and another issue regarding leaf burning in this community. Unless you create a petition to change things, they will not listen to our needs. It’s time for a change.
Jim Altene
Clarkston
It has recently been brought to my attention that our local teens have found easy access to beer and liquor. Fortunately I have a teen that talks to me. He told me all about ‘cooler hopping.?
This easy shopping adventure was explained to me as….
Homeowners will leave their coolers on their boats, decks and such and later in the evening the teens go out and rob them.
They then take their findings someplace private and share with others. This is a great concern to me. My teen is only 14!
I’m writing to ask everyone to please lock up their alcohol whether it’s in their home or on their boats.
A Concerned Mom
I love the wildlife on Lake Orion. So I was surprised to learn some people find the swans and geese annoying.
Have you ever watched these beautiful birds? I enjoy watching the babies go from sweet little fuzzy things into young adults. In the fall, it’s amusing to watch them learn to fly.
Why is it so hard for people to understand that the swans and geese belong here? This is their home.
With all of the existing houses and new building going on, it’s hard for them to find a private and safe nesting place. The swans are just trying to raise their young as nature has planned it.
When jet skiers chase after them or people throw soda and beer cans at their nests, they definitely get the message — these people are threatening us. So it’s no wonder when a jet skier goes near his young, he’s going to be protective.
He doesn’t understand the person who chased him yesterday isn’t the same person driving by him today. He just knows a Jet Ski attacked him and the Jet Ski is the enemy.
Since some people are too busy to notice and others only live here during the summer, they don’t see how these beautiful birds have been mistreated. These swans have enough worries dealing with natural predators; they don’t need uncaring people adding to their problems.
For those of you who dislike the swans, you got your wish. The male swan was shot and disposed of per your request. No one is too concerned with the fact that what was done was illegal.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife issued an illegal permit after only talking to a few people. The permit said it was to be sedated and euthanized. But the Department of Fish and Wildlife didn’t follow up.
The man who requested the permit was allowed to dispose of the swan. So the swan was shot. Shooting this swan was the ultimate inhumane act. I’m outraged the Department of Fish and Wildlife permitted this.
Cathy Battaglia said she was delighted that something was going to be done about the swans. She said, ‘When they start attacking my kids, they have to go.? Isn’t it ironic? The daddy swan thought the same thing. ‘If it’s my babies or the Jet Ski, then the Jet Ski has to go. And now that daddy swan is dead.
Nancy Vona
The Supervisor of Independence Township would have us believe that back in November 2002, the voters only turned down a community center with a pool and a township hall. It must have slipped his mind that senior facilities were also included in that election.
On Nov. 5, 2002 the township voted on two proposals concerning senior facilities. The first proposal had to do with building recreational facilities, including senior facilities and a township hall. The second proposal was for the purpose of paying the operating and maintenance expenses of just the recreational facilities including senior facilities. The wording on both these proposals are quite clear. Both of these proposals were turned down by 75 percent of those who voted in that election. I am sure the township would provide a copy of these proposals to anyone who would like to verify them as well as the results.
In a board meeting on Nov. 18, 2003 our supervisor, along with another board member, made comments about the taxpayers voting against a new township hall. In the context of that comment they were very willing to uphold that part of the proposal that the taxpayers turned down. Now, the supervisor and the board seem to be picking and choosing what parts of those proposals they want to uphold and which ones they do not. In this case, obviously, they do not want to uphold the part about the recreational facilities including senior facilities.
We live in a democracy, we have the right to vote, especially on controversial issues. When the supervisor of our township actually recommended not going to the people for a vote on the senior center, whether it was for new millage or not, every person in this community should be outraged. We have soldiers dying in the name of democracy, the right to vote. It is what our country is based on. If it has come to the point where our elected officials feel they cannot uphold the results of our elections in their entirety, perhaps it is time for them to resign their positions.
In discussions leading up to these proposals, there were serious concerns about seniors not willing to pay or being able to afford the user fees as suggested. Many seniors in that case would not use the facility. That being the case, it seems to me that the taxpayers are going to end up subsidizing this facility. As I stated before, someone has to pay for these projects. They are not free.
Comments were made about not raising our taxes and changing the character of assets and the general fund borrowing from other funds. No matter how you put it, the taxpayers will be funding this senior center in an amount well over $1.4 million. The money we provide to the township, as Stuart put it, are called taxes and should be used to run the day-to-day business of the township government. The township is not in the banking business. We do not pay taxes so that Stuart and the board can borrow from fund to fund to build projects. We have special millage elections for that.
I have the utmost respect for most of our senior citizens. They are delightful, fun loving people and I am sure they have endured many hardships and challenges. However, there are other generations that also have and are enduring many of those same hardships. No matter how deserving we might be, society does not ‘owe? us because we have done through these challenges, and society does not ‘owe? us just because we are becoming elderly. That is absurd as well as presumptuous.
The residents of Independence Township are a very generous people when it comes to the needs of its citizens. Wants are a different story. I strongly suggest that this issue be put to the voters in the next feasible election. I also suggest that wording include the cost of the building, cost of the land, operating costs and any indirect costs.
The citizens need to know the total amount of this project. In the long run, after everything is said and done, this center may very well cost us a $14 million figure like the one in the Rochester area.
This proposal may pass overwhelmingly. But then again, it may not. I urge all those who agree with my point of view to write The Clarkston News and the Oakland Press and call the township officials and just say, ‘I want to vote on the senior center issue.?
But not to be able to vote on this issue when $1.4 million tax dollars are involved is just wrong.
Cathy Houck
Independence Township
I am a resident in Springfield Township and I feel that John and Millie Ham of Springfield Township need to wake up and open their eyes. This is in response to their letter to the editor ‘No reason to change Springfield leadership,? in The Clarkston News.
Look around you. Nancy Strole, along with the Supervisor and Treasurer, are weak and self-serving.
? ‘The protection of the environment.? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined environment as surroundings. That would mean the safety and well being of our persons and property.
? ‘With growth.? They actually go to painstaking efforts to discourage it.
? ‘Strong fiscal administration.? No, tens of thousands of dollars in litigations, and wild flowers.
? ‘Balanced approach to well planned growth.? Yeah, right…downtown.
My name is Michelle Beck and I will welcome this slate of candidates, it is time to clean the yard and get rid of the deadwood.
Thank you for your consideration
Michelle Beck
Springfield Township
Property owners should receive their 2004 summer tax bills by the first week of July.
Please contact the Treasurer’s Office if you do not receive your bill. Property owners without an escrow account will receive the actual bill. Property owners that have an escrow account will receive a copy of the bill for your records. Payment of the bill covers from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005 for all education related taxes. The bills are payable through Sept. 14 without penalty.
This year the State Education Tax will return to six mills. Last year the State of Michigan, which authorizes local municipalities to collect the SET, reduced the levy to five mills for one year only. The SET is collected statewide and becomes part of the State aid formula to equalize spending on students state-wide.
For last year a principal residence (previously referred to as homesteaded) in the Clarkston School District had 16.9974 mills levied on the property. For 2004, a total of 17.9678 mills is levied. The Assessor’s Office sent out changes in the taxable values last February. A mill is equal to one dollar per thousand. Your tax bill is determined by multiplying the millage rate by the taxable value per thousand. For 2003 a home with a taxable value of $150,000 would have paid $2,550 for summer taxes. If the taxable value of the same home in 2004 is $153,500 the summer tax bill would be $2,757.
The township offices will be closed Monday, July 5.
The township will be sending some information about the West Nile Virus with your bill. Please read it carefully. If you have any questions call the Department of Public Works at (248) 625-8222.
Jim Wenger
Independence Township Treasurer
Thanks to the Detroit Pistons for showing our youth who are involved in team sports that you don’t have to be a ‘super star? to excel in team sports.
Thanks to Pistons coach, Larry Brown for extending his philosophy of team play to lead the Pistons to the NBA Championship.
Being a team player prepares our youth for coping with life’s demands. Yes, some will be better or more skilled at a specific sport, however she or he must still rely on the team effort to lead to a successful result.
I have heard too many kids say they don’t want to participate in a sport because they aren’t ? good enough?. I have been at games for 8 to 10 years olds where the coach or a parent is focused only on the ‘big? play by an individual player. The rest of the kids burn out and lose their enthusiasm for the sport instead of learning skills and just having fun being a part of the team.
I think most people who watched the finals of the NBA Championship can say they stayed up late to watch the games and enjoyed every minute watching a team effort win out over the so called ‘super stars?.
Nancy Knitter
Clarkston
I am writing this letter to urge you to support the Michigan Marriage Amendment and the Federal Marriage Amendment. These amendments would amend
the Michigan constitution and the United States Constitution to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
It is imperative that We The People protect the institution of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The ultimate purpose of marriage is to join together a man and woman to raise children, the future generations who will run our country.
Same sex couples also want the right to marry and raise children, however research has proven that children do best in a home with a married mother and father. Two women cannot teach their ‘son? how to become a man or teach him masculinity. Nor can two men teach their ‘daughter? what it feels like to experience her first menstruation or how to become a woman.
I strongly urge you to evaluate your position on the issue of allowing same sex marriage. If we allow same sex unions, marriage will become meaningless and
the next person who wants to challenge the definition of marriage or other social laws to meet their agenda will be knocking on the capital’s door. The
same sex couples, which represent about 5 percent of our population, are forcing their definition of marriage on everyone else. They claim that not allowing
them to get married violates their civil rights. What about the right of a child, to have both a mother and father? Who is standing up for the rights of
children?
We must stand strong and support the Michigan Marriage Amendment and the Federal Marriage Amendment. I urge you to contact your government
representatives and let them know your opinion. For contact information for your government representatives or more information about the issue please
visit www.formarriage.org.
Will you be someone who will stand up for our future generations and protect marriage, an institution that has served our society for five thousand years?
Anna Anderson
Clarkston
I was pleased to read Doug Doty’s update and time corrections of ‘Music in Depot Park.? This is one more addition to its history.
After Gini and I brought the local concert idea back from Vermont where many villages have local band concerts, the Village Council approved the idea and agreed to fund the music.
Doug and Nelson Kimball built the first band shell closer to the parking lot ‘so people with physical disabilities could sit in their car and hear the music.? For a certain amount of money donation anyone could conduct the band in a march at the end of the concert.
It was Maddy Kimball who led the children in the march around the park to the music. Gini and I did not want to see this wonderful tradition vanish so we led the march after she was not able to do so. (Remember the ‘Band Aid? badges when you gave a donation for the concert?)
Barb Thomson graciously donated the present gazebo in memory of her husband Ted, in 1988. The free concerts have brought so much pleasure to so many people throughout the years.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this tradition a success.
Gini and James Schultz
Clarkston
I read with dismay CJ Carnacchio’s editorial regarding Jim Marleau and Memorial Day ceremonies in Oxford and Orion. To suggest Marleau’s actions were rude or insensitive seems a little disingenuous.
EVERY ceremony or parade event in this town is going to involve campaigning by political candidates.
I certainly don’t think that getting to know your constituents at a Memorial Day ceremony is a bad thing. I consider it an excellent opportunity to speak with individuals that care enough about veterans and their country to attend the event.
Those would be the kind of people I would like to emulate and get to know if I were running for office. To compare Memorial Day services to a funeral seems a little extreme.
Did Carnacchio express his disgust with ‘political whores? after the 2002 funeral of Senator Paul Wellstone turned into a DNC pep rally for Walter Mondale? I doubt it.
Margaret Boggs
I’m writing this letter to protest, for the record, the decision to euthanize the swan on Lake Orion.
It’s hard to believe the Department of Agriculture actually recommended the issuance of a permit to destroy the swan, based on a very ‘few? complaints. Obviously, the MAJORITY’S wishes were overlooked.
A group was in the process of trying to relocate the swan AND his mate. I also mistakenly thought the department was in the business of PROTECTING wildlife.
There are more ‘aggressive? swans on Lake Orion, as on other lakes — protecting their nests. Does this mean they can all be destroyed at the whim of a few who don’t appreciate the water fowl and therefore shouldn’t even be using it, such as the ‘anonymous? person who was injured due to his own bad judgement? (Witnesses know what ‘really? occurred).
Intelligent people who live on and/or use the lake know better than to harass the swans and know to stay away from any nesting animal.
Apparently it’s going to be up to the majority of lakefront owners to be the ‘guardians? of our wildlife.
One of the ways to accomplish this is to report ANY violation of watercraft or of any harassment to the waterfowl. The OCSD Marine Division patrols our lake and can be called at 248-858-4911.
Let’s protect what we have left!!!
Patricia Fry
Having just received my homeowners insurance, I wonder if we were the only ones in the area who got a 30 percent increase in our premium or if everyone did and are suffering in silence.
My feeling is an increase of this proportion is both excessive and uncalled for.
The insurance companies have complained that due to the stock market drop their investment income has been down, but now the market is up and that excuse is no longer valid.
I’ve had my insurance with the same company for over 30 years and have not had a claim in at least the last 10 years.
Maybe it’s time for the Michigan’s attorney general to look into this situation.
John Pollitt
At a recent township meeting, I must have had a puzzled look upon my face as the status of the Gingellville Community Center was being discussed.
The lady next to me offered to explain the pros and cons of the problem. Her knowledge of the tax laws and kind tutorage helped me understand the problem.
This lady’s name was Alice Young and I believe with a knowledgeable person of this caliber, problems such as the tax standing of the Gingellville Community Center situation could have been avoided.
Edward Peters
Many adults seem to be under the impression that today’s youth do not read the newspaper. I must beg to differ.
After Mrs. Logan’s letter was published in the June 16 edition of the Oxford Leader, many young people approached me, fairly perturbed by what they had read.
The Senior All Night Party is the graduating class’s last chance to be together, to see one another and enjoy their company before departing into the great wide world. We shall keep a few of our friends past high school, but, as many adults such as Mrs. Logan can attest, most will fade into the annals of our high school memories. It is a shame that we are to be made to feel guilty for wanting to enjoy being a graduating class of Oxford High School one last time before our paths part.
Also, Mrs. Logan was correct. The parents of Oxford did devise the party as a way to allow students to celebrate their graduation in a safe, chaperoned environment as opposed to a raucous “kegger” to which some may be inclined. Yes, the party only stops the students from engaging in those types of activities for one evening. However, that is one evening in which 300 young adults will celebrate in safe revelry rather than dangerous substance abuse. Yet perhaps this is not enough. Perhaps it is not worth it. For that matter, none of our anti-substance programs stop teens from engaging in said activities for more than a few nights. Maybe we should give up on those as well. I, for one, would be saddened if groups such as SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) gave up on their fight. Though it may not seem like much, the lives that SADD, the All Night Party, and others save are irreplaceable.
Some take issue with the cost of the Senior All Night Party. Others fall under the ill impression that it is supported by school funds. Private donations and fund-raisers provide all of the money behind the Senior All Night Party. If the fund-raising committee (Project Graduation) is able to come up with amounts up to $30, 000, 1 believe that quite a lot of individuals and businesses feel as I do about the party. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have put forward their hard-earned money. Mrs. Logan noted that, in our very own community, there are young ones who may be strapped financially or have lost parents who are more deserving of the party funds. She went on to state that there would finally be hope for the future if just one graduating class could altruistically sacrifice their “overindulgent party” in favor of donating the cash equivalent to one of the causes she mentioned. What she remains sadly unaware of is that the very students of whom she speaks donate to such causes all of the time. Student organizations such as NHS and Student Council have donated thousands and thousands of dollars, along with other needed services, in the past year alone. We did so privately, not wanting the publicity that is obviously necessary for our graduating classes to appear unselfish.
Maybe I’m wrong though and maybe she was right. After the parade of “dinners, trophies, badges, awards, and speeches for the grand accomplishment of completing enough education to land a minimum wage paying job” we have received, perhaps a
Senior All Night Party is too much. But why stop there? Having received so many accolades throughout the year, do we really need a commencement ceremony? I’m sure the price tag for that was high as well. Surely our diplomas could be mailed to us or is that taking things too far?
The Senior All Night Party is a celebration for thirteen years of work by one group of three hundred young people and the relationships they’ve formed along the way. I hope that its annual nature is a tradition that my younger brother and future generations of Wildcats will be privileged to enjoy.
Darren Johnston
Student Council Executive President 2004-05
* * *
devote hours to sports and fine arts performances. No big deal, you say? I think not!
If you choose not to support this activity, that is your right as a parent. You overstep your parental bounds, however, when you try to “shame” a group of young people into bowing to your values. Furthermore, to label dais as a “ridiculously shallow event” maligns those dedicated, hard working parents who gave so selflessly for all of our children.
Finally, I want to thank Linda and Bill Hyder for taking on the awesome responsibility of planning and executing such a successful last activity for the Class of 2004. Arid thanks to all the other parents for their tireless work on the Senior AU-Night
Please don’t let the criticism of a few diminish the gratitude of so many.
P.S. We’re putting three through college. Do they “require” a vacuum??? You bet!
Lynn Henderson
Lakeville
* * *
I would like to respond to a letter from Mrs. Kathleen A. Logan regarding the Senior All Night Party. I can’t imagine that the majority of parents and students in the Oxford area don’t appreciate the all night party theory. I am the parent of one graduate of OHS and one yet to graduate.
Both of my children are levelheaded, and respect authority and laws. However, there is a time in a young person’s life where the effects of 12 years of schooling, rules, peer pressure, and trying to keep grades up, comes to an end and celebration is greatly anticipated.
As a parent I encourage my children to participate in the All Night Party, but they make the final decision whether they want to participate or not. Parents so graciously and with generous hearts volunteer to spend hours and hours organizing, cooking food, getting donations, decorating, and more.
I can’t understand why anyone would be so negative about something so positive. I remember as a high school senior in the psi a lot of my classmates spent that night partying and carrying on unsupervised.
My understanding of the reason the overnight parties were started was so that on graduation night it might deter the drinking, driving, and unsupervised parties giving the students a place to go.
Parents could get involved if they wanted to, and the kids were at least for that first night in a safe environment and parents didn’t have to worry as much.
If you don’t want to contribute to the party, if you don’t think it should happen, if you don’t want your children to go, if your children don’t agree with the party, if businesses don’t agree that it is a worthwhile cause then DON’T PARTICIPATE!
This is a positive night, and those who choose to participate do so willingly! Not under command of our children!
P.S. Not every student in their senior year gets recognized with dinners, trophies, badges, awards and speeches.
P.S.S. For some students, a 12th grade education is all they can achieve, and I wouldn’t belittle that effort.
Becky Paquin
Mother of two OHS students
* * *
Last week there was a viewpoint expressed by a concerned Oxford mother regarding the All Night Party. While I am still trying to figure out the point of her letter, I thought I would try to set the record straight for those of you who are now concerned about this event.
Parents please understand the major purpose of the All Night Party, is to keep our graduating seniors safe. Too many graduates celebrate in the wrong place and in the wrong manner. Unfortunately this sometimes has serious consequences. We provide for them a safe, alcohol, and drug free environment.
Every year we work hard to raise money for this worthy event. Money is raised through many avenues. Business donations this year accounted for 18 percent of our total budget. Many of those donations came from parents that own a business. Our community does not have to bear the cost of this All Night Party. Money comes willingly from good hearted people that don’t try to put a price tag on our children’s safety.
The thing that amazes me most, are the people who are ignorant of the facts and had no involvement whatsoever with this years All Night Party, feel the overwhelming need to write in and criticize us for doing something good for our children. What on earth are we to do now? We are very thankful for the commitment and dedication of the parents that helped us this year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is good to know that caring parents are still out there
Bill and Linda Hyder
Chairpersons for Project Graduation 2004
* * *
This is in response to Mrs. Kathleen A. Logan’s letter to the editor that appeared in the Oxford Leader on Wednesday, June 16, 2004. It is extremely unfortunate that Mrs. Logan finds that the American High School Senior All-Night Party (‘PROJECT GRADUATION?) to be ludicrous. PROJECT GRADUATION events have taken place in the Oxford School district for 16 years.
In response to her question as to what possible reason there could have been for instigating the idea of an All Night Party anyway? The article below should answer her questions.
‘In 1979, the Oxford Hills area in Maine experienced seven alcohol and other drug-related teen deaths during the commencement season. As a result of this tragic experience, the schools and communities in the Oxford Hills area offered their students an alternative to the ‘traditional? graduation night drinking and driving temptations that all too often end in tragedy. They called the party, ‘Project Graduation.? By 1986, Project Graduation activities were held in all fifty states.?
I have worked on ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? since 1998 when my oldest daughter was a junior at Oxford High School. I worked on it again this year, 2 years after my youngest daughter graduated. Why would I do such a ludicrous thing? Because ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? has kept Oxford High School graduating seniors safe since 1989 and because I believe in this community and the people in it.
I resent the fact that Mrs. Logan feels she has the right to tell me or anyone else who participates in ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? that we don’t have the RIGHT to donate our time and efforts to ‘PROJECT GRADUATION?. I believe that our ‘hard-working local merchants? support ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? because they believe in it as well. I will donate my time, money and efforts to anything that I believe in and will not be persuaded by someone who has no idea what ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? represents.
Although the local merchants are a significant part of ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? and it could not happen without them the biggest form of funds raised comes from fund-raiser that are headed up by parents and friends in the community who do care about keeping the students safe and giving them a place to go to celebrate this joyous step in their lives. Mrs. Logan I believe that the students that attend ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? have the intelligence to understand that by participating in ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? they make a decision that allows them to be much safer than they would be by jumping from one party to the next.
In response to ‘Could any reason for ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? have ever been persuasive enough to rationalize a $30,000 expense to a community?? First of all although approximately $30,000 was raised, total expenditures of ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? for 2004 were approximately $26,000 which calculates to be approximately $130 dollars per student that attended. Any money left over is donated to the subsequent year efforts. The costs over the last 6 years have ranged between $100 – $130 dollars per student. Mrs. Logan have your children attended, Homecoming, Prom or Winterfest. How much have you spent on those events? I would be very surprised if you or your student spent less than $130 when you considered a dress/suit, hair, nails, dinner, flowers and ticket to the event.
Parents, friends, family and students purchase tickets that range in price from $35 – $45 depending on when they purchase them and 88 parents/friends/family acted as a senior sponsor which was $100. Are you telling us that these 88 people have no common sense and no business making the decision where to spend their hard earned money? I am including the mission statement of ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? you can also go on-line to Google and type in ‘PROJECT GRADUATION? to learn more about what others around the United States are doing to keep their graduating seniors safe. CAN 50 STATES REALLY BE WRONG?
Mrs. Logan I think that it would be a wonderful idea for you to head up a fund-raising campaign to help students whose future is limited by his/her finances or to sponsor a family that has suffered the loss of a home or a parent. This worthwhile cause would support your position and if you worked diligently towards it you might find success. Many residents in the area including myself would help support it.
Josie Hunwick
Parent of two graduated seniors
We recently experienced a major house fire on June 1. Luckily, although this has been a trying experience, we are blessed that our family is all okay.
We have multiple people to thank for their support following this event. First of all, we would like to thank the Independence Township Fire Department. Their response to this fire was fast, strong and very impressive. We sincerely appreciate their concern and offered support for our family. We would especially like to thank Investigator Robert Purvis and Captain Tom McDonald for their kindness and concern. You guys were all great.
We would also like to thank all of our great neighbors in the Glenwood Creek Subdivision for your support, generosity and concern. It is difficult to keep track of all that has been done for us but everyone’s support has been remarkable. We look forward to rebuilding and getting back into our house.
Thank you, as well, to all of our other Clarkston friends and colleagues who have demonstrated support and concern. We are very proud to be a part of this great community.
Again, thank you very much.
Robert and Susan Barnes
I would like to set the record straight for the people who have recently moved into our wonderful community. From the June 16 edition of The Clarkston News, the article titled ?2004 season celebrates 25 years of music in the park? should read 29 years.
I directed the first concert on July 24, 1975 of the Clarkston Village Band. I started and directed the band with the support and funds from the Village Council and was played in the Mill Pond parking lot because the band shell was not ready for the first concert.
We played the first ‘Concert in the Park? on the new band shell on July 31, 1975. With funds from the Clarkston Land Conservancy, Village CETA workers, Nelson Kimball and I constructed a band shell. The Band played three more concerts that season on the new shell.
Over the winter, we formed a committee to oversee the concerts for the 1976 season. They were: director, Doug Doty; chairperson, Maddy Kimball; secretary, Neil Granlund; publicity, Buck Kopietz; treasurer, Betty Hallman; fund-raising, Dave Leak; entertainment, George White; liason, Bob Schultz.
In the summer of 1976, the band played six concerts in the park. We always played a march as our last number and Jim and Virginia Schultz would lead all the children in a march around the park.
When the funds from the Village Council stopped, Jimmy Morris worked out an arrangement with the Pontiac Musicians Union and we played the 1977 and 1978 season as a Union Band. Then in 1979, the Chamber took over the concerts to what they are today. I can’t really remember when the band shell was torn down and the gazebo built on the other side of the river.
I thought the community would enjoy a little trivia from the past.
Doug Doty
Clarkston Village Band Director
What a terrific idea to combine community efforts of Addison, Orion and Oxford Townships with the Villages of Leonard, Lake Orion and Oxford for a senior center!
Church Street Singers have also combined efforts from all these communities to provide a wonderful entertainment exchange program. We know that by adding the talents of many, all things are possible.
A combined multi-township/village older person’s facility could provide more services, better programming and fabulous activities from a great game of bingo and lunch to a wellness and adult day service program for our communities with expanded opportunities for the upcoming needs of our young retirees.
We commend commissioners Eric Wilson and William Patterson for their vision. We totally support their efforts to convince our Oakland County Board of Commissioners to channel the monies for this urgently needed project for an area-wide senior and transportation center.
We hope we can learn from the Rochester model, how important seasoned citizens are to their community and how important the community is for their seasoned citizen.
Kathy Wieland, Director
Church Street Singers
I have lived in Orion Township for over 56 years and I have never seen a candidate for the office of Orion Township treasurer more capable or qualified for the office than Alice Young.
Having been a former Orion Township clerk, I know the tremendous responsibility the whole board has in the operation of the township business.
What a great opportunity the voters have to acquire a CPA for the treasurer’s position.
I know Alice as a friend and find her to be a wonderful human being. She is kind, thoughtful, honest, humorous, willing to do anything to help others, cooperative, and just a joy to be around.
She loves our community and donates many hours of her time, including her professional services for many worthy causes.
She will play a big part in bringing harmony to our township board. Being a CPA is only a small part of who Alice is and what she has accomplished. These have already been published in her biography.
To the voters in Orion Township, please be sure to vote in the primary election. This is the election that determines our future Orion Township treasurer.
Marge Hodges
I am delighted and honored to comment on President Ronald Reagan following his recent death.
Perhaps few can discern or comprehend his impact on our times. In his memory, we salute and celebrate his superb leadership, intellect, humor and the sense of purpose with which he pursued our country’s restoration to greatness and world leadership.
Reagan began his watch over a very dispirited nation – with a decaying military force, an economy with double-digit inflation and interest rates that corresponded to a new index called the ‘misery index,? which consisted of the interest rate times the rate of inflation, designed to measure our levels of despair throughout the country.
Facing an aggressive ‘evil empire? whose leadership was apparently devoid of the guidance of Judeo-Christian, Islamic or other major world religions, and, whose focus was on world domination, Reagan again proved that the pew, the pulpit and the moral ideals of a free people were mightier than even ‘nuclear swords,? which stood shielded behind an iron curtain.
Reagan called upon his own deep spiritual values and his clear understanding of our founding fathers? belief that we were ‘one nation under God? – not separate from God. Reagan understood and embodied the fact that the separation of church and state did not mean the exclusion of God, religious symbols and values from governance. Rather, armed with these values, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and with the committed support of a free and God-fearing people, Reagan, in conjunction with Margaret Thatcher, our pope and many millions of humble and God-fearing people, and with our Lady of Fatima’s intercession and with her SON, fulfilled the promise of Fatima and brought Russia to her knees in a spiritual sense.
Reagan, Thatcher, Bush and other leaders never took credit or gloated over the fall of the Soviet empire. They knew that they were the ‘worldly hands? and instruments for the Holy Spirit in our free world.
In the Bible, Matthew and many other prophets throughout the Old and New Testament spoke of the moral blindness of their time… that they shall look but not see, that they shall listen but not hear or comprehend truth, morality or wisdom. To those who thought Reagan was simple-minded, they too cannot hear, see or understand the spiritual grace or clarion call which was most clearly proclaimed in his famous words to Gorbachav – ‘tear down this wall.?
With regards to ‘grace,? Reagan was one of the greatest presidents to have graced our oval office. He and Nancy lent their great dignity, integrity and spiritual and social ‘grace? to the office of the president, earning the sacred trust of ‘we the people.? His indomitable faith and trust in God made us once again remember our faith that America is truly that great moral city on the hill, the bastion of all men, women and children who live free of fear and bondage.
The journey to world peace, equality and freedom is ongoing. And history has made it a requisite that leaders such as Reagan, evoke in us a remembrance and yearning to the simple childlike trust, love and inspiration necessary for us to hear and follow God’s precious call to greatness.
History will be kind to Reagan for his wonderful example of selfless leadership. His greatness will be reflected upon our country, and truly the world, for generations to come. May the good Lord reflect his glory and loving embrace on Reagan for all eternity.
Dr. James O’Neill
Clarkston
My name is Rachel Glowski and I am secretary of the Alpha Club at Clarkston Elementary. Alpha Club is a youth organization of the Optimist Club. There are 17 members in our club made up of fourth and fifth graders: Michael Gieske, Taylor Sloan, Megan Francis, Hannah Phillips, Caitlin Harvey, Alexa Saplala, Hailey Kociszewski, Taryn Racine, Allison Kitchen Stephanie Burnham, Erin Castillo, Kayle Muller, Mike Arkwright, Taylor Smith, Kate Macsay and Cassidy Cunningham.
Here are some of the things we’ve done this past year: We wrote thank you notes to the teachers at Clarkston El, sent Valentines and teddy bears to children at Children’s Hospital, held a canned food drive for Oakland County Food Bank, and made Easter baskets for St. Daniel’s Church. Also, our fundraiser raised over $700 for Make a Wish Foundation and American Cancer Society.
We are very proud of our first year efforts. We are happy to help others in the community. When you help others you help yourself!
Rachel Glowski
Secretary of Clarkston El Alpha Club
OK, Cathy Houck, I hope you vented all of your outrage on the seniors of Independence Township, Township Supervisor Dale Stuart, and the citizens of Independence Township in your ‘guest column? on the opinion page of The Clarkston News, May 26 edition. According to you, the township board and its leader, Mr. Stuart, are busily plotting nefarious behind-the-scenes actions against the taxpayers of Independence township regarding the building of a new senior center behind the library on Clarkston Rd. You questioned their decision to provide funds for the project by borrowing the money from the sewer/water budget. What’s more, you not only disagree with their actions, but term them ‘illegal?. . . not to mention ‘scandalous? in the same context as the Oakland County School District debacle. Your charges are utterly ludicrous.
Further, you have the cockeyed notion that the senior center under consideration would be used as a social club by a few ‘select? and privileged residents of the township. Who in the world are you talking about? This is not Grosse Pointe or Bloomfield Hills, but Clarkston, and there is no elite upper crust group that will dominate the senior center. If you dig down far enough to unearth the truth, you will find ordinary people, like you and me, interacting and making friends, learning and enjoying themselves and enriching their lives rather than becoming couch potatoes. The aim of the senior center is to provide services and activities for older adults to maintain their independence as long as they can, avoiding the public dole as much as possible (hopefully, for the rest of their lives), saving taxpayers money in the process.
Your contention that the township board is ignoring the election results of several years ago is also not supported by fact. The decision rendered by the voters at that time was not a rejection of the proposed senior center, but a vote against a combined senior center, community center, and town hall. The cost of that complex was estimated to be $26 million. The current proposal is a fraction of the size and cost ($1.4 million) of that proposal. The decision to use money from the water/sewer budget has been reviewed and examined from many perspectives, none of which concluded that the action of the board is illegal, immoral, or a threat to humanity. If you still feel that the financing strategy is questionable, why aren’t you at the board meetings hurling your questions at the board members? The fact of the matter is that the project can realistically be fulfilled without new taxes, a feat that should merit support, not condemnation. The loan would be repaid out of the township budget.
To those who think that the current center facility should serve its purpose for a few more years, think again. During the recent storms, the basement of the converted homestead resembled Paint Creek, with 8 to 10 inches of water waiting to be pumped out. Fishing tournaments might have been appropriate events of the day.
As a representative of the steering committee developing a senior center of which we will all be proud, I believe this project is one of the first in my memory that has brought the Township board, the School Board, and the senior contingent together in a spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding that is extraordinary and commendable. Your attempt to wrap the project in a cloak of suspicion and elitism is not only regrettable, but far from reality.
The reality is that many of the activities emanating from the senior center are saving and/or preserving lives. For example:
– In the 2003 fiscal year, 9,993 Meals on Wheels were delivered to homebound seniors who are physically unable to travel to the center. These hot meals provided nutritious supplements to their meager diets, and the recipients paid a portion of the cost;
– With a federal government subsidy that was approved over 40 years ago, the center served 5,491 meals on site to those who had no alternative way to maintain a healthy diet. Again, the recipients paid a portion of the subsidized cost.
– Through January of this year, the center provided 8,791 van rides for a small donation by the riders. Many of these elderly people were in wheelchairs, or used the van to get to their kidney dialysis center, where their lives were prolonged by the treatments.
– The senior center administration estimates that 3,100 citizens of Independence township, including those under 60 who suffer handicaps,
were provided with therapeutic services to deal more effectively with their disabilities and maintain a lifestyle that is a close to normal as possible. Are these people the ‘privileged few? you singled out for criticism, unwitting victims of poor health who would be abandoned by society if it were not for the senior center?
As for saving money, consider the tremendous cost of the current center, which was inadequate for senior gatherings right from the beginning of its use. The new facility, on the other hand, will be modern and cost-efficient, saving operating funds and generating increased income through expanded participation by seniors, income that will offset some of the operating costs of the center.
I am not questioning your right to disagree with the efforts of ordinary citizens to build a center that will benefit much more than a handful of participants, but with that right comes an obligation to check the facts, ensure that your arguments are being presented truthfully and that your statements are based on fact, not conjecture. In this regard, you have failed to earn a passing grade.
Harry Knitter
Permit me to respond to Kyle Gargaro’s editorial comment of June 9 ‘Communication Breakdown,? which I found to be unjust, disrespectful, erroneous and sleazy.
How could anyone who professes any degree of intelligence and fairness listen to our President’s eulogy given at the Reagan memorial service and perceive it as ‘stumbling and bumbling of the English language??
Granted, President Bush may not possess the oratorical skills of Winston Churchill but thank God he does have those essential qualities this country requires in it’s leadership, including integrity, courage and vision. Traits that were sorrowfully lacking in the previous administration.
Your column appearing in the June 9 issue of The Clarkston News reflects a willful rejection of substance and a picayune perspective of the big picture.
I suggest you remove the ‘beam ? from your own eye before attempting to remove the ‘mote? from someone else’s.
For years the Liberal media underestimated Ronald Reagan and they’re now doing the same thing with President Bush. They just don’t get it.
H. G. Hughes
Clarkston
P.S. I will be surprised if you have the courage to print this response.
(Editor’s note: The column referenced President Bush’s comments to reporters the day of former President Reagan’s death and not the eulogy at the memorial service.)
This is in response to the guest column by resident Cathy Houck.
The voters of Independence have never told the Township Board not to build a new Senior Center. The voters defeated a proposal to build a new Township Hall (administrative center) and build new soccer fields with improvements to Clintonwood Park.
The voters in a second election defeated the proposal to build a community center with a pool. In both these votes, the Township Board was asking for the citizens of Independence Township to approve debt that the citizens would have to repay as additional taxes. The citizens have spoken on those issues, and I would not violate or second guess their decision.
The current proposal to build a new Senior Center will not require any additional taxes. The township has determined that we can pay for the new facility with the funds the voters already provide to run the township. Our research shows that we can run the new facility with the same staff we currently have.
The current Senior Center facilities are deplorable. Senior citizens deserve better. Independence Township and most other townships in the state run programs for the benefit of seniors, just like we run programs for the benefit of children, teens, young adults and middle age adults.
The water and sewer funds must maintain fund balances to meet the future needs of the systems. These funds are invested and earn interest. All that the board is considering is to change the character of the asset in which the funds are invested. The general fund would borrow the money and repay the loan with interest. The loan will be repaid with user fees from senior citizens and from the senior budget. This is nothing like what happened with the Oakland Intermediate School District.
Houck suggested the township has hidden accounts and that I, as Supervisor, or the elected Board of Trustees, spends without citizen knowledge. Neither of those insinuations is true. Our budget is public and approved in public. All of our expenditures are made in public. All of our investments are public knowledge.
The voters of Independence Township told the board not to build a new township hall, not to build a community center and not to build new soccer fields. I respect and will follow that mandate.
I, and the remainder of the board, are elected to use our best judgement in meeting the needs of the community for everyone – young and old. It is our duty to provide the services that the community needs.
In all of my years as trustee (from 1980 to 1988) and as Supervisor from 1992 to present, I have attempted to look for innovative and creative ways to serve the citizens of Independence Township with vision and foresight.
Senior citizens are an important part of this community and deserve our respect, admiration and services that are specific to their needs.
Dale Stuart
Independence Township Supervisor
I strongly urge Clarkston School residents to vote for Jeffrey Allsteadt in the June 14th school board election. He is genuinely concerned with the academic welfare of our children.
He has taken a positive step to make sure this is possible for Clarkston students, by co-founding an after school homework club at Bridgewater Apartments. The homework club enables every child there a chance to understand and get their homework done. He also promotes an intense academic focus on the new 6/7 and 8/9 buildings where the Clarkston School District utilizes those middle school years in prep for high school and every dollar possible is used for classroom instruction.
As voters we need to support Jeff for his strong commitment and dedication for the academic welfare of all Clarkston Students.
Joyce Bleim
As a lifelong Lake Orion resident, a mother of a dyslexic child, and a professional in the area of early childhood development, I read with interest the letter to the editor, ‘I hope school officials change their minds?.
I’m convinced most people don’t know the gravity of the situation the school board faces. By refusing to allow Katie Vanderhayden to attend Stadium Drive elementary, the school board is in violation of state and federal regulations that require her to receive special education assistance at the school she would have gone to if she were not disabled.
The taxpayers of Lake Orion passed a bond initiative to give the school district $129,000 specifically earmarked for special education.
Despite the fact that the school district has the money to educate Katie and the other Stadium Drive children in their current facility and despite the fact that federal and state law mandate it, the school board is denying these children this right with no explanation to their parents whatsoever. Could it be that the ‘Webber room? is a poor front for the money they spent on offices instead of the purpose you and I voted for in good faith?
Orion area residents shouldn’t just ‘hope? the school officials change their minds – we should demand it.
Carol Roughton
We want to thank all of the participants in this year’s American Legion Post 233 Memorial Day Parade.
They are: members of the American Legion, scouts/kids on bikes/baseball kids, Oakland County Sheriff’s Mounted Division, Orion Historical Society, police and fire department, ‘Elvis,? motorcycle riders, old cars, Lions Club, Milosch for the cars, Ed Stone for Elmo and Shrek.
Angie Griffith, Mary Jo Simpson,
Candy Reed
I write this letter in support of the child of Vicki Vanderheyden.
When my oldest child was in need of special services during the latter part of the ?70s, the approach of Lake Orion Schools was one of benign neglect. The system wished we would go away.
The school system has come a long way since. Let’s not revert to the ways of the 70s and give due consideration to the different needs of our children.
William Schramm
This letter is in response to the recent letter to the editor regarding the fundraisng carnival held at Old World Canterbury Village.
Stand Aldridge, owner of Olde World Canterbury Village, donated the area used for the carnival. It was done as a good will gesture to help Lake Orion High School raise funds.
The event was listed as part of our calendar of events, in newspaper ads and on our website to benefit the school.
At no time did the Canterbury Village profit from the presence of the carnival.
Throughout the year, events are scheduled to help nonprofit organizations such as Ronald McDonald House (R-Gang Car Show on July 18), Humane Society (Adopt a Cat Event on June 19) and Muscular Dystrophy (Ice Carving event that took place Jan 30-Feb. 1).
We are also working with Guest House (Arts, Automobiles and Architecture being held on July 24-25).
It’s unfortunate assumptions are made regarding situations without having accurate information such as Canterbury Village renting to the carnival.
Mary Ellen Krause,
Events Coordinator
I recently spent some time on the Lake Orion Community Schools? website researching the proposed changes to the student transportation plan for 2004-2005.
I disagree with the statement made in this plan that a ‘superior level of transportation service to all of our students? will be provided by this plan.
Your plan states that by reducing the overall number of stops, route times can be condensed and we can utilize our buses more efficient.? The plan also states that ‘every effort will be made to assure that walk routes are as safe as possible.?
The transportation plan has failed to address the needs of our young students and their families in primary school ((K-third grade).
By moving the bus stops from the interior of subdivisions to subdivision entrances (located on busy streets like Baldwin and Lapeer Roads), the plan will put young children closer to many cars moving at higher rates of speed.
The volume of traffic and the rate of speed on these streets is much greater than the usual traffic within subdivisions, thus your proposed plan can’t be regarded as safe.
Are any of the members of the school board parents? Can they truthfully say they would allow a 5, 6, 7 or 8 year old child to wait for their bus on one of these streets?
Does the school district plan anticipate children will be able to do this alone? If board members expect children of these young ages to be able to walk and wait on busy streets alone, their knowledge and care for children of this age is lacking.
I understand the need to reduce costs, as our school district seems unable to REDUCE SPENDING in other ways. Your plan doesn’t consider the needs of young students and their families in our community and should be considered incomplete.
The plan you have proposed includes a DRASTIC reduction in bus stops. Please consider the needs of younger children and include more stops at safe places for our children.
JoAnne Flynn
Clarkston’s Deer Lake is rapidly changing from a pristine first class Michigan jewel lake to a runoff ravaged cesspool. This spring snow melt and normal seasonal rainfall has tainted the regular deep, clear water with silt laden stormwater discharge.
Residents on Deer Lake Road, Sagamore Drive, Simler and Phelan particularly have seen roadside ditches and intermittent woodland streams alike turn brown from mishandled runoff. Swamps around the lake that previously slowed flow of runoff have been overburdened to the point where they no longer are able to filter the extreme amounts of gallonage redirected by development engineers.
Inappropriate flows from new shopping centers, cluster housing developments and open cut land balancing as practiced by developers on the west side of Dixie Highway are working together to destroy Deer Lake. If allowed to continue, then to compound with unregulated application of fertilizer from hundreds of new homes, Deer Lake as residents have come to know it will all but disappear in a 130 acre floating cloud of algae blooms and undesirable water weeds, just another liquid landfill.
This is not just an idle prediction but a promise born out by the fate of dozens of lakes in southern Oakland County where development like we now see in Independence has trashed lovely little lakes into chemical soup into which you wouldn’t put your toe.
I urge Supervisor Dale Stuart to have the building department and wetland board quickly re-evaluate stormwater systems in the Deer Lake watershed. The present controls are failed.
Robert Namowicz
Independence Township
I haven’t “looked askance” in many years, but I really looked askance at the statement that “school officials” (unnamed) thought that there could be a future elementary school near the proposed new Senior Center adjacent to the Clarkston School Board building Property. Several issues come to mind:
? It is only about 2 miles from the luxurious, new Independence Elementary School at Hubbard Rd & M-15.
? There is already an inordinate amount of traffic on Clarkston Rd., generated by the Township Library, the new Clarkston High School, Clintonwood Park, and Pine Knob. A Senior Center would add very little traffic, especially during peak hours.
? The proposed Senior Center would be in close proximity to Clintonwood Park which already provides many outdoor activities for our Seniors, and to the Township Library, that is used extensively by Senior Citizens.
I don’t know why the Clarkston School Board is vacillating. They should jump at this opportunity to do a service to the community and to divest themselves of a small bit of property that will probably prove useless to them in the long run. I say: ‘Give it up.?
In regards to Cathy Houck’s Guest Column:
? The issue the taxpayers turned down was for approximately $15 million, that included a community center, swimming pool, large expenditures for Bay Court Park, etc.
? Cathy twice mentions “few Senior Citizens”. Seniors are now and will increasingly be a large part of every Community. (And they also pay a lot of taxes) She also mentions that the Seniors are a select few. How about after they built houses that they knew were along the Expressway? That probably cost more than the proposed new Senior Center!
? Cathy rightfully questions where the funds are coming from. But, there should be funds available in our upscale community to provide something for its seniors.
? Which leads me to my next question. Has Cathy ever visited the Independence Senior Center at Clintonwood Park. For all the good that they do, it is almost a disgrace to a Community like Clarkston.
? I think Cathy’s reference to the Oakland Intermediate School Board is a low blow… There is no comparison!
? On a personal note, I love to play table tennis, but since there is not room for such an activity at the Independence Senior Center,(or any other place in Clarkston), I go twice a week to the Waterford Senior Center at the CAI Building on Williams Lake Rd. where I have a great time. By the way, Waterford also has a 2nd Senior Center on Grace Kay Blvd! (Not fancy, but useful and available!)
Bob Arend
Clarkston
One measure of a great community is how well local businesses support the community at large, especially their school district.
On May, 18 the Clarkston Foundation, a nonprofit organization that sponsors the ‘Teacher of the Year? award in our community, hosted a reception at Liberty Golf & Banquet to recognize the exceptional elementary teachers nominated for this year’s award.
Many of our local businesses donated gifts for the teachers and provided services for this event, clearly demonstrating their support for Clarkston schools and the educators who contribute so much to our community.
Local business supporters include Bordine’s Nursery, The Clarkston Cafe, Clarkston State Bank, the Clarkston Union, Dairy Queen, Mr. B’s, Outback Steakhouse, the Parsonage and Waterford Jewelers.
Special mention must be made of Rudy’s Market, who created and generously provided the stunning bouquets of flowers that were presented to the teachers.
The willingness of our local businesses to be partners and active participants in community events is something we can all be proud of. Not only do they deserve our patronage, but our gratitude for the many ways they make Clarkston a truly great community.
Sherrie VanderVeen
The Clarkston Foundation
Thank you, Clarkston!
The Community Collaboration Award presented to the Spraypark Committee by the Chamber of Commerce was truly a collaboration of the people, businesses and newspapers of Clarkston.
We graciously accept this award – thanking each and everyone who supported our efforts.
Spraypark Committee Members
On Saturday, May 8, Lighthouse Emergency Services Clarkston was the recipient of almost 3,000 pounds of food collected by our local letter carriers working out of the Clarkston post office.
The food was transported to our Sashabaw Road building by Waterford Harley Owners Group members Brian and Lora Smith and their sons. It was then unloaded, sorted and boxed by 14 volunteers who diligently worked from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on that humid Saturday afternoon.
Lighthouse Emergency Services thanks the letter carriers for the extra effort needed to collect all of the food. Thank you to Postmaster Jane Haugen, Paul Sharkey and Jeri Duncan of the Clarkston letter carriers for once again coordinating the local ‘Stamp Out Hunger? campaign, along with all the volunteers that worked to box the food so that we could re-open for business Monday morning.
A special thank you also goes to the many residents in north Oakland County who took the time to set out a bag of food for the letter carriers to collect. Your tremendous outpouring of support for the less fortunate households in our service area is truly heartwarming.
Lighthouse Emergency Services depends upon the generosity and support of the community to continue our food pantry program. With the rising costs of food, utilities and gasoline, many families are struggling to keep food on the table.
Soon children will be home for summer vacation and parents will be even more reliant on agencies such as Lighthouse for food assistance. This recent collection of over a ton of food should last until the end of June or the first part of July.
Please consider picking up extra food to help us get through the late summer months or even making a monetary donation to Lighthouse Emergency Services so that we may purchase needed food items through a local food bank.
Thank you again for supporting Lighthouse Emergency Services.
Connie Stapleton
Lighthouse Branch Manager
The City of Clarkston received this year’s Beautification Award at the Michigan Week Awards Breakfast held on May 19 at the Liberty Golf and Banquet facility.
There were many people who have worked hard on the downtown enhancement project.
First and foremost is Gary Tressel of Hubbell, Roth and Clarkston, Inc., City Engineer. Gary was instrumental in starting the wheels rolling for the TEA-21 grant for the downtown improvements in street lights, pavers, tree plantings and many other improvements of the city.
Members of the City Council spent countless hours of planning which included David Savage working with Jennifer Radcliff and the late Susan Basinger coordinating the improvements while keeping the historical integrity of the city.
Marcy Rotondo and Art Pappas are to be thanked for fielding citizen requests and directing questions and problems to the Engineer, contractor and D.P.W.
Bob Pursley and his assistant Adam Frank, the City’s DPW, provided inspections and continue maintenance on the improvements throughout the city. Wonderful elements can be put together, but without proper maintenance, these elements will not withstand the test of time.
The Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce did outstanding work by coming up with events to assist the city’s business community during the trying times of construction. Our thanks to this fine organization.
Finally, the entire community — both residents and the business community, is to be commended for the cooperation shown through several years of disruptions to our city life. Everyone has worked together to make these improvements a reality.
Sharon Catallo
Clarkston Mayor
I wish Vicki the best of luck! I respect her and support her.
Thank you for the awesome coverage. Sherman Publications has been an amazing tool as I have researched my tail off.
It’s amazing what one learns as they decide to go on a mission for the children of our area. They all deserve the best programs and as taxpayers we are entitled to them.
Lisa Baum
Having been invited, as an elected official to the Scripps Middle School Blue Ribbon Award ceremony, I never dreamed what an awe-inspiring event it would be.
Probably 15 years ago, I was a parent volunteer at the then LO Junior High East.
From the pride of the students in the new curriculum and renovated building to the staff and administration who, you can tell, really care about the kids and learning, it was an hour of accolade upon accolade for a job well done.
Of special note was the symphonic band’s stirring rendition of the tone poem, ‘The Road Unknown,? about a young man going off to war.
The young seventh grade woman who spoke of why Scripps Middle School is so great gave an enthusiastic speech by pacing herself as she enunciated her words carefully and clearly. I would bet she will use that voice to advantage in future endeavors.
It was truly and awesome experience. As the sign out in front says, ‘Scripps rocks!?
Jill Bastian
All Orion Township residents (long-timers and newcomers) should be concerned about preserving a small piece of Americana located in the southwest corner of the township on Baldwin Road.
It’s called Gingellville and all the original buildings may some day be gone and never replaced.
The original community center was torn down and relocated three miles northeast of the hamlet…what next?
I’m talking about the Proper School and former Christ the Redeemer Church buildings and property on the east side of Baldwin Road at Gregory Road.
The township should find some way of preserving this landmark that is sitting smack-dab in the center of the hamlet.
Not this year, nor possibly next year, but sometime in the very near future, Baldwin will have the funding to be widened to five lanes or a boulevard style highway. Believe me, everyone and I mean everyone, is lobbying Washington DC for the money.
Once Baldwin is widened, it’s a distinct possibility that no original buildings could be left standing where they have resided ever since this hamlet was originally developed (starting in the 1920s) by the founding fathers, Harold and Francis Gingell (now deceased).
The only historical trace of this small hamlet will be the two green road signs located at Judah Road to the south and Maybee Road to the north.
Proper School and the property it sits on (approximately eight acres) is the oldest landmark in Gingellville. The Proper family was one of the first families to settle in this area back in the 1800s.
Harold and Francis, as young boys, attended elementary school at Proper where it resides to this very day.
Twice, that I’m aware of, the Gingell brothers donated land to Orion Township. The first time was in 1948, to build the first fire hall in Gingellville, Station #3, located on Gregory Road. The second time was in 1972, again to build the newer and larger existing fire hall on Gregory Road, across the street from the original fire hall.
It’s a fact the Baldwin Road will someday be widened and the whole corridor will be commercially developed ‘as far as the eye can see? (along with residential housing in the back).
Saving a small piece of Gingellville for our children and our children’s children would help to preserve ‘one of the last places in Oakland County that’s a real community.?
Mike Flood, Jr.
My nine year old son, Andrew, attends the CI classroom at Stadium Drive Elementary and I am in full support of the move to Webber Elementary. I will admit Andrew loves dance and drama and it was a bonus for him to be able to attend a ‘focus? school that offers ‘performing arts.? However, that is what it is, a ‘bonus.?
He previously attended the CI/POHI classroom at Paint Creek Elementary prior to moving him to Stadium. (The move was due to the classroom being a better fit. The students were more compatible.) Paint Creek does not offer dance and drama, nor does any other ‘neighborhood? school, that I am aware of.
For my son, the move to Webber is a very good one. First and foremost, this classroom is designated as a ‘special education classroom,? which means that the potential of this classroom being moved again is slim to none. Stadium cannot offer this.
Stability is very important to special needs children. The stability of teachers returning year after year is never a given. Stadium has had three CI teachers in the last four years and the current teacher is leaving. The OT and PT have always remained the same to date.
As for the speech therapists and social worker, no-one knows until next school year. These positions have undergone staff changes over the years, no matter what school we are talking about. Therefore, these children should now have one thing that will remain constant, the school in which they will attend.
Second, the classroom at Webber is much more conducive for my child’s needs. It has lockers and boy and girls restrooms located right in the classroom.
Also, the room offers a quite room, which has been referred to as a ‘time-out closet.? Rest assured no one is going to put my child in a closet with a locked door.
I have personally observed the classroom and the door has been removed from the small room and even from the classroom. My son has sensory issues that at times require a quiet and low lighting area where he can detach and regroup. This small area would be an ideal place for him.
Also, Webber offers a fenced in playground that will hopefully allow my child to experience the entire area, like other students. Currently, Andrew is not afforded that at Stadium.
The bottom line to all of this is’the goals and needs of our children are met through each of our children’s IEP.
I know that Andrew’s IEP states nothing about the need for dance and drama. And, I would bet that if you talked to other parents regarding their child’s IEP that dance and drama are not a requirement for their child.
To me social skills and academics are first and foremost. Dance and drama are extras. There are many programs involving dance and drama that are available to our children outside of the school setting.
Lake Orion is not the only district to make these changes. Andrew had to go through three school and classroom changes in Brandon, in three years.
I for one feel Lake Orion has our children’s best interest at heart. They are very open to ideas of implementing some type of dance and drama for our children at Webber. There are nine students with nine very different needs, someone is bound to be unhappy.
Tracy Gora
I’m writing in support of the Vanderheyden family. Their children Katie and Jake attend the performing arts school in the school district.
Next year, Katie will be taken from her school, the faculty who has come to know her and her younger brother by placing them in another building.
It’s my understanding the decision makers in the district have decided to unfairly discriminate against the social needs children in the community, particularly the ones who attend the performing arts school.
As a parent of a special needs child, I’m outraged that such little consideration has been given to the children and the dramatic impact this move will have on them. It saddens me that the school district fails to take into consideration the needs of its students.
I’m also aware the so-called ‘new facilities? for these special needs students has a time out room. Please know that I will do everything in my power to expose the fact that the district finds it completely acceptable to place children in a 4 x 4 room and lock them in as punishment.
Katie is a beautiful child and like all children has tremendous potential in the proper environment. She has struggled with health issues since birth, and through the love commitment and crucial choices made for her by her parents, she has thrived. A lot of that progress is being taken away from her.
I would hope the school officials would reconsider their decision to relocate Katie and other students. Don’t be the school district that puts its finances before the needs of its students.
I hope we can speak loudly enough in opposition that school officials change their mind or come election time lose their jobs.
I will urge the Vanderheydens to contact the Michigan Board of Education and Governor Granholm regarding this issue.
Please give ‘no child left behind? true meaning.
Shannon DeRey
I attended the Skerbeck Carnival at Canterbury Village this past Sunday late afternoon. This fair was advertized in The Lake Orion Review and some proceeds were to go to the LOHS Student Council.
This will be the last carnival I attend put on by Skerbeck. I know many other families feel the same way.
Parents and children were misled into buying $15 wristbands vs. tickets. We were told by two young carnival employees that the wristbands were good until dark. You need to purchase them before 6 p.m. The signs that were posted in the ticket booth were very misleading.
I was getting on our second ride, the ‘Tilt & Twirl,? with my daughter and was told our wristbands expired at 6 p.m. I was shocked and my daughter was almost in tears. Thirty dollars for wristbands equals three very expensive rides.
The one child ride that involved big Jeeps only had two working out of six. This ride alone was three tickets. I never heard so many negative comments from parents at a local carnival.
This carnival company is a disgrace. It should be embarrassed. Parents and children were offered no partial refunds or tickets.
One woman was so angry that she slammed the ticket booth and then made a call to Orion Township’s OCSD sub-station. The deputy showed up quick and I found it amusing that the carnival manager — a young guy in his late 20s or so — tried to shake his hand. The deputy didn’t reciprocate his handshake.
Most families by now were tired of waiting around for a response by the carnival owners and left. Very few were still left when a decision was made. We were all able to ride for one more hour.
I was disgusted by now, I really didn’t care. But as any parent would do, I did go on two more rides with my daughter.
The last ride we went, the Tilt & Twirl, lasted extremely long and my daughter almost became sick. I wonder if this was done intentionally or as a treat to us?
Canterbury Village should never rent space to this carnival again. I also don’t think the high school would want to be associated with this company.
A nice family gathering place like Canterbury Village doesn’t need carnivals like this. It will only drive away business.
All I can do is call the BBB and file a complaint.
Name Withheld
It is time for the Americans to leave Iraq and let the Iraqi’s fend for themselves. It is not that the American army cannot defeat any military or armed insurgent group that arises.
It is not that we haven’t the political skill to forge a working government on this hapless nation. It is not that we lack skills to build an economy that will work. It is not that we don’t need the airbases in the middle of this tumultuous region.
We have the army; we have the diplomats, we have engineers and business people. What we don’t have is the political will to do the job that must be done to achieve that which George Bush told us we would achieve but haven’t.
That collection of publicity seeking, spineless politicians I saw on TV at the Senate Hearings and the backpedaling done by our military, Rumsfeld and the President on the issue of a minor incident in a prison holding Iraqi insurgents convinced me that the Americans haven’t the stomach to do the job that needs doing
If what we have seen so far is what constitutes terrorizing and interrogation of adversaries then it is no wonder we cannot find the WMDs and we cannot roll up the insurgent networks.
There was more outrage from our government against a collection of incompetent soldiers who didn’t have the sense to not photograph their sado-homo-erotic venture than there was against Iraqis who killed and mutilated American citizens on the streets of Fullujah.
We are very comfortable killing unknowns from 30,000 feet but squeamish about embarrassing a collection of combatants who would kill me and you at the first opportunity.Those prison guards should be punished for stupidity and incompetence and then an expert should be turned loose to extract information from those prisoners.
If we refuse to extract such information then we should no longer send brave young men to battle a group of armed insurgents that yesterday’s captive should have given up.And the press, what a group they are.
The highest form of political bravery is to say you are sorry? This from a group of lying, copying, plagiarists who continue to venerate Woodward, the only man who can write unchallenged, using alleged conversations held in private!
What a sorry nation we would have if this group could actually put into action their ideas as opposed to critiquing what others work hard to make functional. The reporters, print and TV, consists of very few heroes and even fewer real journalists
Ben Laden is right, the road to Islamic success lies not with military victory but with photographs shown on the American TV; photographs of American dead and wounded; photographs of dead and wounded Arab civilians after they dropped their weapons.
Mogadishu is the guide. Iraq is not another Vietnam, it is another Mogadishu. We should give up the quest because Bin Laden knows our soul and political will better than we do and we have no political hero who is able to re-define them
Let’s bring the army home and let the French organize the middle-east.
Robert Brown
Why the government compulsion to develop every square inch of Independence Township?
Now the board would buy vacant school property to build a Senior Citizen Center. Not that we need it, this senior believes we already take too much from the limited resources of the younger generations.
But if we must have such continued coddling, why not buy the old high school building on Church Street? It already has a gymnasium, a dining hall and meeting rooms.
What a fitting way to preserve this ancient landmark, for use of the ancients who attended it.
Tom Bullen
Clarkston
I just finished reading the letter you printed from the DPW’s part time employee, Mrs. Carol LaRoque. I have to say that her letter only causes me to be even more convinced that King was treated terribly after being the successful senior bidder on the DPW position so desired by LaRoque.
King owed no one an explanation as to why she bid on the job. Why on earth would she be expected to ‘apologize? for merely exercising her contractual rights. How could LaRoque, be ‘booted? from a job she was not contractually qualified to have?
That’s the whole issue, a contractual right that I see being denied to King because of some misplaced anger that apparently was allowed to be directed at King.
As a 20 year Township resident, I am outraged that this was even allowed to happen and then continue and more outraged at the total lack of sensitivity directed at King. Shame on her co workers for their obvious poor behavior. Did any of them offer to trade positions with Laroque?
I have always respected Linda Richardson and first met her 20 years ago. I believe she deserved the DPW position and worked hard to prepare for it in other assignments, I am glad we have her, as the Department head, However, she needed to address this problem better than it appears she did.
The problem starts with LaRoque’s feeling of ‘entitlement? to a vacant position, she was fortunate to have been able to cover for as long as she did.
I have to ask, that when King’s former position became vacant wouldn’t that also go up for bid to the highest seniority worker? and then by the time the bidding process is finished and only one position is left , wouldn’t the highest seniority part time worker automatically get this full time position? So if Laroque didn’t get a position she was not eligible for, and she was the highest part time person, she would automatically get that vacant position. left over after all the bidding was completed.
This whole situation needs to be revisited by our Supervisor and the Township board, then investigated fully with guidelines set in place to stop this from ever again happening. I’m glad this is an election year for Township Supervisor, and Trustees, my vote will be riding on how this is resolved and how restitution is made to King. A sincere heart felt apology would be a good start.
Finally, I fell terrible for LaRoque and her unexpected role as her families ‘sole earner?. My mother was cast in a similar role with my younger sister and I in 1959, and she had to at times work three part-time jobs while waiting for a full time one that would bring us benefits. It was tough and I know some of the hardships she must be facing, but, in all fairness I think she has been treated well by the Township and hopefully her situation will only get better in life.
I hope that LaRoque will read the union by laws and agreements and see how the bidding process is governed and managed. And learn that personalities, and circumstances like she now faces, as sad and terrible as they are cannot circumvent the contract and the rights of others or they would have been addressed in the Labor Management agreement and I have never heard of that happening yet. She seems to be making a case as to why she is qualified for this job in the local paper and this is not the proper forum for this. Public opinion does not select candidates for vacant positions subjected to collective bargaining rights, only elected positions are chosen this way. My experience with the Independence Township DPW has always been positive and I have much respect for all the employees in this department, and the job they do for us. This situation, however has cast a negative shadow on them. With it comes a lot of unanswered questions and scrutiny . It almost makes the case for privatizing this work out instead of having benefit paid public service employees. I don’t necessarily want this to ever happen, and hopefully most of us feel the same way, but, this could wind up costing us taxpayers a lot of money. Money that could be used for other much needed priorities.
I sincerely extend my family’s sympathy , best hopes, and support to Laroque. Hopefully, she will be successful in securing a full time position, with benefits somewhere soon. My heart and prayers go out to her, and her family. I also suggest she think about attending meetings in a support group for persons in a similar situation. They can be very helpful .
She was allowed to be a victim in thinking that she was entitled to a full time position without regard to properly established seniority procedures. I also think her coverage of a vacancy should have been rotated to all other part time employees, if the contract allows for this.
I applaud The Clarkston News for breaking this story as they always do in bringing us a local version of Fair and balanced news. I hope they will continue to follow the events that transpire and report these as well. I would hate to think something so wrong could ever be withheld from the citizens of this township who write the checks and choose the Officials. The Clarkston News did their job and we can only hope our township officials will as well. We only have a little more than two months until the primary election.
Bill Kinsley
Independence Township
We Independence seniors have now reached the real possibility of a new senior center, but we need land on which to place the building.
We are very interested in the property behind the library. It belongs to the Clarkston Schools. As seniors, we have supported the schools for many years through taxes. It is now our hope the school board will support the seniors with perhaps a gift of this property.
Those interested can come in and see our present building and the tentative plans for a new senior center. We are in the house in Clintonwood Park on Clarkston Road.
Fern Schultz
Independence Township
This is what the Bible says about same sex marriages. In Leviticus chapter 18 verse 22, ‘Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination.?
If it is wrong for man to lie with man I’m sure it is wrong for woman to like with woman.
Also is Genesis chapter 19 verse 24 ‘Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven.?
He did this because of the sin and immorality of the people which includes the having unnatural affections towards the same sex.
Another reference is in Romans Chapter 1 versus 26-32. It talks about the unnatural affections between man and man and also between woman and woman. It says that the judgement of God is death.
I know that God does not consider same sex marriages a holy union. If you wish to get information on how to sign a petition for the protection of marriage contact the website www.protectmarriageyes.org.
Vicki Flood
Dear Ms. Stieb:
I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with teaching staff as part of their externship experience. The time they were able to spend with you was quite valuable in that it allows them to better design lessons based on existing expectations of the work force.
The externship is a facet of our vision and daily task to promote Career Focused Education. It’s important to us that we teach our students skills that best prepare them for the work force as well as their daily lives.
Moreover, we are committed to assisting our students in best identifying their interests and talents and making them aware of the career choices that may be the best match for them.
This also entails the creation of a dedicated individual student academic plan, laying out the best choice courses for each student to take during high school in order to best achieve their goals.
Your willingness to accept a teacher extern has enhanced our ability to accomplish our mission.
We need to ensure our teachers are best equipped with the proper tools and information in order to bridge any gap that might exist between what we are teaching and what is needed for our students in the world outside of education.
We greatly appreciate your willingness to work with us to accomplish this goal.
It’s equally important that we work to develop a strong partnership with local businessmen and employers in order to stay on a path toward success.
If you have any suggestions for improvement, contact myself or any other educator at the high school. We invite your ideas as well as concerns.
It’s also a goal of ours to place students into a monitored work experience while still a student. We have both co-op and intern experiences for students who are structured around employment skill building with feedback from both the school and employer.
We are always searching for placement opportunities.
If anyone is interested and able to accept a student or want to find out more about this topic, contact Janette Jones in the high school career center or our co-op and internship director, Jennifer Ohlrich.
Again, thank you for your time and energy. We appreciate your caring and look forward to fostering a positive working relationship in the future.
Todd Dunckley, Principal
Lake Orion High School
My name is Vicki Vanderheyden and my special needs daughter Katie Vanderheyden desperately needs your help. We received a letter from the director of special education of Lake Orion Schools a month ago stating that they were eliminating the current performing arts program for special needs kids at Stadium Elementary. The children are being moved to another school next fall.
Not only will the children be removed from their teachers, their friends, and siblings, but also the opportunity to participate in performing arts programs such as dance and drama that will not be duplicated in the other setting.
This curriculum offers the ultimate benefits for special education students to be mainstreamed with regular education students while learning processes that help with life long learning skills.
The performing arts program provides many benefits to special needs students, including:
? improved physical coordination and posture
? improved social skills and ability to work with peers
? ability to speak and perform in front of others
? improvement in memory skills
? improved self-confidence
The decision to move this excellent program to a different location was made without informing the principal, her teachers, special education psychologists and therapists, or even the special education teacher consultant that oversees all programming.
We have addressed the director of special education and the superintendent to no avail. They told us in their original letter that they had created a ‘new room? with bond money from 2002 and they needed to fill the room.
They maintained that this room was not built at the current school because architects said that no additions could be made there. The new location does NOT include a new addition for this classroom but rather a remodeled existing room with minimum funds spent
They also built a ‘time-out closet? that is about 4×4 feet with a door that locks them in. This was an outrageous thing to see as a parent and a taxpayer. It is interesting to note that the bond money allowed $129,000 to be spent on this particular classroom and they couldn’t have spent more than $20,000 on their remodeling. They did build an addition at the school with bond money though for A HUGE OFFICE area and conference rooms.
This situation has been heartbreaking for the parents who wish to keep their children at the current program. Speaking as a registered music therapist, I have studied and experienced the positive effects of the performing arts and how they stimulate neurological functioning.
Even the current principal stated that decisions on the location of district-wide programs are not left up to building principals and he was sad to see this program going. Members of the staff have also written letters stating how the performing arts program has benefited my child in many ways.
Every year a parent with a child in special education has a meeting to discuss programming with the special education staff which is called an individualized educational plan (IEP). This meeting concludes with a designee of the school signing legal papers along with the parents that state they are in agreement of the child’s program. Requirements listed on the last page of the IEP state that the superintendent or designee of the operating district assures:
– the placement for the student is as close as possible to his or her home
– unless the IEP of a student with a disability requires some other arrangement,
student is educated in the school that he or she would attend if non-disabled
– in selecting the least restrictive environment, consideration shall be given to any
potentially harmful effects to the student or the quality of services that the student needs.
– a child with a disability will not be removed from education in age-appropriate regular classrooms solely because of needed accommodations in the general curriculum.
I also had a meeting with members of the special education staff to see if they would write letters of support. These professionals agreed with me and said they would write letters to the board of education saying they believed a performing arts curriculum definitely benefited my child. The director of special education confiscated these letters as they were being typed up by the office secretary before they could even sign them.
I ask that you please help us in any way that you can as we parents address the Board of Education Meeting on May 12. You can also voice your concerns to the Lake Orion Board of Education by phone or email.
Craig A. Younkman, Superintendent
Email: cyounkman@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Phone: 248-693-5400
Leann Bartley, President of the Lake Orion Board of Education
Email: Lbartley@lakeorion.k12.mi.us
Phone: 248-693-5400
Thank you for your support on this very important matter. Programs that are working should not be taken away from the taxpayers. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND!
Vicki Vanderheyden, RMT
248-393-1919
Wow, what a cold day Mother Nature decided to throw upon us on Sunday, May 2.
Aside from the rain and cold weather, we had a tremendous amount of support. From the workers, volunteers, and walkers, to the sponsors, pets and SCAMPers, everyone was gracious enough to bundle up in their mittens and gloves to show their support for SCAMP.
The Walk & Roll for SCAMP was a resounding success and we couldn’t have done it without you. Even though the sun wasn’t shining, the hot dogs, cookies, and chips were delicious. Words can’t express our gratitude for your hard work and generosity. Making an event of this caliber come off without a hitch is truly a work of art. We applaud and appreciate your efforts.
The SCAMPers, their families, and the SCAMP staff, along with the entire North Oakland SCAMP Funding Corporation Board of Directors, would like to personally thank you for your kindness.
Corey Sadowski
Volunteer Coordinator
Running late on preparing my tax returns and having gotten totally confused with the computer tax program I was using, I searched desperately for someone to bail me out.
Then I remembered that Alice Young is a CPA, right here is Lake Orion. So I called her on April 13 and asked if she could squeeze in one more tax return.
Although this is her busiest time of the year, she thought she could do it, but if not, she would file for an extension and do it the following week.
As luck would have it, she was able to do it in time so that I didn’t need an extension.
But, not only did she get it out on time, she was able to get me a refund that is four times as much as I expected. She asked all the right questions and then went to work on the tax form.
I was very impressed by her calm manner and her professionalism. I just can’t thank her enough for bailing me out of a sticky situation.
What a pro Alice Young is. She’ll get my vote in the next election for Orion Township treasurer.
Wes Fuelling
For the past 10 years, the students and staff at Blanche Sims Elementary School have done a wonderful special project during ‘March is Reading Month.?
They have participated in the ‘Paws to Read? program sponsored by Paws With A Cause. Paws trains and places specially trained assistance dogs that help people who have disabilities.
The students have now helped sponsor 10 assistance dogs and they LEAD THE NATION in minutes read and dogs sponsored by the ‘Paws to Read? program.
Thanks to the leadership of Blanche Sims, another Lake Orion elementary school, Paint Creek, joined the program.
Together, the two schools raised over $10,000 toward the sponsorship of an assistance dog. Next year, the students and staff will be able to meet the assistance dog and partner they sponsored.
All of us at Paws would like to thank the Lake Orion community for supporting the efforts of the children.
Many hours at the schools were spent reading, decorating the halls with paw prints and paper dog leashes. Special reading incentives in the school were set up and there were hundreds of parents and families reading with the children at home.
It was a community wide effort that gave the children the opportunity to enhance their reading skills and to help someone waiting for a Paws dog get closer to their dream of independence with a new canine partner at their side.
Thank you Lake Orion from everyone at Paws With A Cause!
Lynn Hoekstra,
Paws SE Michigan Director
Isn’t it a little more than a paradox that our township assessor John Attwell removes the tax emption status of Gingellville’s Community Center during the drive by a few for a new community center complex?
Donna Waite wrote on April 28 that the new community center would have a daily user’s fee of $6. If you wanted to use it three times a week, it would cost each individual $18 per week, $72 a month and $864 a year.
You can join the new exercixe facility on Baldwin Road for less than that. Add that to the increase property burden for the average homeowner of $250 for 20 years.
Don’t forget to add the more than $200 (that will rise with each assessment increase) in perpetuity millage increase we received on property taxes for the Intermediate School District.
This will bring the increase in property taxes to around $500 since 2001.
A petition of 900 + was gathered for a community center. That amounts to around 3.8 percent of a community of over 36,000. I don’t see the logic in adding additional taxing burdens to benefit a few, especially when we have two existing facilities that afford us of a pool.
A very small percentage of seniors use the current senior center and yet many seniors on limited incomes would be walloped with another increase on their assessments who have no intention of using the current or a future senior center.
Proposal A of 1994 was to stop our property taxes from accelerating beyond reason and household budgets. That seems to be lost on our ISD and certain township officials.
The argument put forth for the building of a community center is the current interest rate.
What benefit does it serve an individual or household if they are currently suffering layoffs, unemployment and a limited income? You only have to be two years behind in your property taxes for the government to confiscate your home and all of its equity.
Let us not forget the devaluation of our earnings by the increases in motorist fees, fire insurance, heating bills and gasoline prices that have brought about increases in other commodities.
Mary MacMaster
This letter is in response to the letter from Mr. Smith who last week asked for help in understanding why this township needs a new senior center:
To most seniors, life is more than Bingo and Bob Barker. Life beyond 50 offers more potential than it used to, since people are living longer and more productive lives into their seventies, eighties and beyond. And when people retire, they aren’t dead. In today’s society, they need mental, social, and physical stimulation – not just things to pass the time.
As for the library, it continues to be one of our township’s great assets. We intend not to replace it in a senior center, but to supplement it with reading material more suited to the elderly, including books and periodicals that help them prepare for life well into the 21st century.
Your mindset that our senior center should offer nothing more than card games, Bingo and an occasional holiday meal is not realistic. We envision our senior center to be a vibrant, active, lively focal point of enriching activities, not the scraps of our future society.
Finally, if taxes are eventually required to pay for new facilities, the seniors? dollars will count the same as yours. . . and did you know that those same seniors helped to pay for the schools, the roads, the sewer and water facilities used by all residents of the township? They have not withheld their support to those projects, and you should certainly not withhold your support now.
Harry Knitter
Clarkston
Isn’t it funny when one party tells a story, he or she can make the other party look so ugly.
But as we all know, there are two sides to every story. Last week’s article titled ‘DPW Clerk Resigns,? is that type of story. I would know because I am the part-time widowed employee mentioned.
While it is true that I asked Ms. King not to speak to me, it was not done to give her the cold shoulder or to be rude. It was a defense mechanism meant to protect myself. This is something people do who have lost their spouse or significant other.
Not talking and withdrawing is a coping-with-stress maneuver. I just was not able to look her direct in the eye and have a conversation with her without breaking down – simple as that – nothing more, nothing less. The conversation between us did not go as she stated, either. King did not try to apologize and explain ‘her right? to the job. She coldly said that she did not make the rules and implied that if I did not like it, too bad!
As far as the DPW employees are concerned, they do not deserve the negative comments either. You see, we are family. They are my family, really. They have been through so much with me, and I want to thank each one for their support during my time of need and hardship. To expect that they would be happy to see me booted from my job is ridiculous.
Linda Richardson is not to blame for anything. I have personally known her for nine years, and I know she would never tell her employees to be mean to another employee. I have seen her deal with hard issues that would send some women home to stay. She has bent over backwards to help residents with special needs and requests, and I have seen her having to prove herself just because she is a woman in a Director’s position. She is a strong woman and a fair boss.
The men at the DPW work hard at their jobs and have always gone above their own duties by helping citizens, other departments and the city with manpower for most anything, you name it. The women work just as hard doing the work of several support employees since the department is understaffed. This group is a great bunch of people.
Has there been a crime committed by the DPW employees? Well, if people can still feel someone else’s pain and actually be sadden about it in this day of ‘me, me, me? then I would say the verdict is guilty. I ask myself what good did putting King’s story in the paper do. Was it meant to hurt me or to hurt my co-workers. Bingo. Well, it most certainly accomplished that.
I would be lying if I did not say that I want to fill the position full-time:
? because I know it well with nine years of experience,
? being the sole earner, I need a good financial job,
? because I need a job with benefits – not because I thought it would be nice working in a newer building as King has stated her reason for wanting it.
To the general public may I say that in this election year you will read negative things about Mr. Stuart, Mr Wagner and anyone running for office. I am here to tell you don’t believe everything you read for I know too well how things can get blown out of proportion and the damage it leaves behind.
Carol LaRoque
Independence Township
This is in response to Orion Township’s Assessor John Attwell’s comparison of the Gingellville Community Center with the Knights of Columbus.
He doesn’t seem to have a lot of knowledge on Section 501 (c) organizations. He really needs to look up Publication 557.
The Knights of Columbus is a Fraternal Beneficiary Society Section 501 (c) 8 under the Lodge system. Our letter of Determination from the federal government is under Section 501 (c) 3. There are eight categories; ours is Charitable Organization.
If he wants to make any comparisons then it would have to be all the churches in the township because all the churches have a 501 (c) 3 under the category Religious Organizations.
They also have the same letter of Determination as we do. So are you going to discriminate and only tax us? Or are you going to be fair and tax all the 501 (c) 3 organizations?
Pamela Hutchison,
GCC Director
I was one of the few people at the Orion Township public hearing who spoke in favor of the proposed community center.
But I want to draw your attention that over 900 people singed petitions in favor of this center. This is not just a whim of the township board or of the parks and rec committee.
Unfortunately, most of the supporters were not at the public hearing, but let’s not ignore their voices, all 900 of them!
My initial support was for a teen center because our area teenagers have been telling us for years they don’t have a place where they can just ‘hang out? with their friends.
Malls and other businesses don’t want them to gather on their premises because they are perceived as a nuisance. Recreational facilities at the schools are often occupied with their own activities and aren’t a place where someone can just go whenever they want. Athletic centers charge a membership fee that not everyone can pay.
I changed my support to a community center because research shows there is more support for a center where ALL ages can gather rather than just one segment of the population.
Yet there would still be a designated area for teens and one for seniors. The community center would have a daily user’s fee of about $6 per person that would enable anyone to go whenever they want. Yearly passes would also be available.
Yes, taxes would go up for the building of this center, but it would be a valuable asset to the community as proven by the Lapeer Community Center.
I will be a gathering place for ALL ages, where positive, supportive relationships can be built while community members participate in healthy activities.
To me, that’s a GREAT place to put my money!
I think it would be helpful if we could continue this discussion in additional community gathering where more questions can be asked and additional input gathered.
There are definitely needs in this community that we should address. Let’s work TOGETHER to do that.
Donna Waite
The Independence Township Senior Center and United Health Organization would like to thank Pastor Jim Keough, Secretary Carol Masters and staff of First Congregational Church of Clarkston for their outstanding contribution in collaborating with us on the Project Healthy Living (Health-O-Rama) event on Saturday, March 27. Eighty two people took advantage of the free and low-cost screening with three persons advised to seek immediate medical attention.
A special thanks to the senior center Nurses Committee, Lois Seddon, Mary Lou Schell and Gerta Powell who recruited the medical professionals and worked so diligently to develop this community health program. Medical screenings and literature was provided by OCC Nursing School, Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital, North Oakland Medical Center, Beaumont Rehab, North Oakland Ear, Nose and Throat Centers, Dr. Michael Lefkowitz, Independence Township Fire Department, Oakland County Health Department, American Cancer Society and Quest Diagnostics.
We would also like to thank the senior center and church volunteers who learned the procedures and manned the stations with great care. We all enjoyed the delicious lunch prepared for volunteers by Carol Masters and the church kitchen crew with other donations from RT Specialists, Dunkin? Donuts, Little Caesar’s Pizza and Subway. It was due to the cooperation from many entities in the community that we were able to offer the Project Healthy Living event in Clarkston.
Margaret Bartos
Independence Township
Senior Center Coordinator
Can someone please help me?
Do the seniors want a senior center or their own private country club? To me, a senior center is a building with a few rooms and maybe a kitchen. It’s a place for them to get together and play cards, bingo, games or just talk and maybe have a holiday lunch or dinner together.
What I’ve heard over the past few weeks is they want a swimming pool, track, conference room, class rooms, gymnasium and a library. We do have community programs out there for all of these extra things. Community Education offers a lot of classes and swimming programs (lessons, open swim, water aerobics) for the community that includes seniors, too. We have a public library that seniors are not excluded from using.
These programs are out there for everyone to take advantage of and are supported with the help of our taxes, which we all pay. A senior center okay, but not your own private club.
And yes, someday I will be a senior (sooner than I like to admit) but let’s be realistic and take advantage of the programs out there already.
J. Smith
Clarkston
It isn’t difficult to agree with Kyle Gargaro’s column of April 14 supporting the need for a new senior center and recognizing that the negative election results of 2002 didn’t represent a true picture of the respect younger voters have for the elderly of this area. After all, the seniors have contributed significantly to our well-being over the years, have ‘paid their dues,? and now deserve our enthusiastic support.
The committee that has been formed to deal with the development of a new senior center proposal acknowledges the need for conservative thinking as they plan a new building. Thus far, the committee members have attempted to incorporate multipurpose rooms and facilities into their plan, so that initial building costs will be minimized and utilization of each part of the building will be maximized. That means the conference room can also be a classroom; the gymnasium can serve as overflow space for dining or dances; and the library can also be used for meetings or small group discussions. Later, as demand increases, new facilities can be added when funds are available and the additions can be justified and afforded.
The committee has also discussed the potential for income-generating activities at the new center to help control operating costs.
The sale of arts and crafts fashioned by the talented hands of the senior men and women of this area, the planning of fund-raisers like auctions and special entertainment programs, and the expansion of travel programs all offer opportunities to generate income that could offset the costs of operating a new center for senior citizens.
The steering committee for this project includes four representatives of the senior advisory committee at Clintonwood and four representatives of the township board, plus Dick Carlisle, the township planner. They share common goals and obstacles and, as you pointed out, are all or will be seniors themselves ? if they can stay away from Twinkies and Big Macs.
Harry Knitter
Clarkston
The old adage says, ‘Things get better or worse, they never stay the same.? That’s why the leadership of a community must be visionaries as well as fiscally responsible.
In planning for the future, the needs and changing face of the community must be considered.
A little over 13 percent of our community in 2000 was 55 years of age and older. If a 20-year bond is issued to build new facilities for the citizens, then the future needs of the citizens must be considered.
A complex opening in 2010 will have to adjust to the needs of 22 percent of the community 55 years of age and older. After the last payment to the bond in 2030, 43 percent of the citizens will be seniors.
With seniors growing from 13 percent to 43 percent of the population and the baby boomers transition toward old age, the demand for senior services will be overwhelming. I believe it’s necessary to develop strategies for program utility and impact now.
At the present location of the Orion Senior Center, between 800 and 1,000 citizens a month participate in activities and 10,000 meals are provided to our elderly population on a yearly basis.
When polled, many seniors who didn’t use the center indicated they would use it provided the center was bigger and there was parking available.
A recent survey on the role of senior centers by Ronald H. Aday, Ph.D., director of Aging Studies at Tennessee State University, has shown the importance of senior centers in America.
Middle age families benefit by having adult day care or programs where the older members of a family can:
1. Participate in disease prevention and health promotion activities.
2. Maintain and develop social relationships and a support system.
3. Develop emotional support.
4. Develop and maintain a positive mental attitude.
5. Learn new skills and information.
6. Participate in educational and other mentally stimulating programs.
7. Engage in voluntary and other productive activities.
As our community continues to develop, do we build for today or build for the needs of tomorrow and into the future?
Concerned Citizen
Thanks to the great support of our community, Kiwanis raised $1,250 at our April 1 fundraiser at Kalloway’s Restaurant in Oxford.
The restaurant donated a substantial amount from items sold from a special Kiwanis menu in addition to generous donations/tips received directly from the customers. Club members waited tables and the Kiwanis? youth group, the Key Club, washed dishes.
This month, Kiwanis is making a donation in the amount of $512 to Page Anolich of Oxford to help with the expenses for her speech therapy. She suffers with Verbal Apraxial/Oral Motor Syspraxia — a motor speech disorder requiring weekly therapy costing $128 each week.
Her problems don’t end there. She has another condition known as Sensory Integration Disorder causing even greater difficulty. The family is strapped financially and wrote to our club hoping for help.
Your articles help to reach the community so that they know about our group, eventually leading to contact from those in need.
This is one of the ways in which our fundraiser go directly into the community to help children.
Lisa Ross
I went to a meeting last Monday night at the Gingellville Community Center to rejoin. At the meeting, the board reported that we have to go to the State Tax Tribunal because Orion Township is not excepting our non profit tax exempt status.
We have a 501 C-3 status given by the federal government. What is going on with our township?
The center is doing and has always done a lot for our community. I’m a 41 year resident of Orion and I know what has been done.
Janet Cocking
I’m writing in response to Jim Altene’s letter to the editor regarding the Senior Citizen Center.
It seems to me that Altene must be too young to realize that eventually everyone will become a senior citizen. Seniors have been called upon to support schools, playgrounds and other community activities just like everyone else. Now when they ask for support from the younger community to expand the Senior Center, the answer is no – let them support their own center.
How about if we return all the taxes seniors spent for schools, playgrounds etc. (which they do not use.) They could build one heck of a senior center and still have tons of money left over. I don’t think Altene would want to go for that type of trade off.
I haven’t had kids in school for over 20 years and I still am paying to support the community. I realize car insurance, property taxes and other expenses go up every year. I have these expenses also, and I pay to send my grandchildren to college and to keep my home in good repair. That’s what is called life.
A community is built on everyone working together to take care of the very young and the old. I think Altene has missed the point of what community is about. Everytime Altene neighbors pay taxes it is to help support his family’s needs.
Some seniors need a place to meet and have activities to fill their days and keep active. Should we say no to people who have supported their community for so many years? The seniors have paid for their senior center, but the community has spent the money on other projects. Now I think it’s their turn.
Vincent Rizzo
Clarkston