Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2011

October 26, 2011

Letters at Issue: Election: 10/26/2011

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Committed to TC

I am supporting Ralph Soffredine in his campaign for mayor, and I'd like to see you do the same. I have known Ralph for 20 years, first when we worked together on Grand Traverse Families in Action and then working together at Northwestern Michigan College, where he was an adjunct instructor.

Ralph is committed to Traverse City and has proven it over and over again as chief of police, fire chief, on the Traverse City Area Public Schools board, Traverse City Commission and Grand Traverse Families in Action chair.

I hope you'll join me in backing Ralph Soffredine for mayor.

Cheri Garvin

Traverse City

Estes has proven record

Mike Estes is the best choice for mayor of Traverse City. Mike has a proven record; his experience speaks for itself. With Mike Estes at the helm, Traverse City will grow. Mike's agenda is based on what is good for the city.

I have known Mike Estes for 30 years. Mike understands what it means to lead and serve. Mike is aware of the city's needs. He knows how to work effectively with elected representatives and the city's staff. He will listen; he is prepared.

Mike will make Traverse City a city that we can be proud of.

Richard H. Crampton

Traverse City

Passionate dedication

Years ago we heard Ralph Soffredine speak to parents about our youth. At the time we were struck by his sincere, passionate dedication to Traverse City and all of its citizens. That commitment has been clearly demonstrated repeatedly in Soffredine's roles as police chief/fire chief, City Commissioner/Mayor Pro Tem, and in his long service in community organizations. He knows city government as an employee and as a policy maker.

By electing Ralph Soffredine for mayor, Traverse City will continue to benefit from his passion and depth of knowledge coupled with his straight talking, common sense manner.

Stan and Linda Smyka

Traverse City

Linda Smyka is a former Traverse City mayor.

A 'go-to' guy

Our city needs Ralph Soffredine as mayor. His knowledge in handling various situations is vast. As a former Commission on Aging board member, we worked the finance committee. He was integral in our planning to do the right thing with all monies as well as health and house chores needed. His decisions are thoughtful and fair. Above all, he's a "go-to" guy. He will listen.

Please vote for Ralph Soffredine for mayor.

Patricia A. Parr

Traverse City

Reject, rewrite ordinance

After reading Steve Francis' Oct. 15 forum and the city's nondiscrimination ordinance, I believe the ordinance should be rejected in its present form.

Most of us who comprise the city electorate have spent our business lives as at-will employees. If we engaged in behavior offensive to our employers or their customers, we were subject to reprimand or termination. This ordinance clearly creates a protected class of employees among workers within the city.

The plain language of the ordinance allows no other interpretation. The ordinance should be rejected and rewritten, excluding the excessive and discriminatory employment protections presently contained in it.

Larry Angove

Traverse City

Will tackle problems

I am very pleased to see Michael Estes run for mayor again. He knows there are big problems with city deficits. He is not afraid to tackle the core money problems with the city.

Cities throughout America are on the verge of bankruptcy. Michael is well educated to know what has to be done. We in the private sector have all had to make cuts in our budgets. Let's not follow the cities that refuse to make cuts as we see what happens when they're broke.

We need Michael Estes, so please vote Michael Estes.

Bob Roxburgh

Traverse City

Can't back discrimination

The Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church and I would like to voice our support for keeping Traverse City Ordinance 605.

As an Episcopal Church we serve a parish, a geographic area and all who live within it.

We cannot support discrimination or a lack of protection for some and follow Christ, who said: "Whatsoever you do to the least of these my people, you do unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Further, in our Baptismal Covenant we promise to "strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being."

Daniel P. Richards

Traverse City

The writer is rector of Grace Episcopal Church.

Services a godsend

I live in downtown Traverse City and frequently use the Bay Area Transportation Authority's services due to circumstances beyond my control. No, I am not homeless, don't drink, and I have a good job.

I think BATA's millage request should be approved for all of the right reasons.

I'm a transplant and their services have been a godsend. The staff is courteous, knowledgeable and goes to great measures to accommodate their passengers with dignity and respect.

I'm thankful for BATA being there to service the community.

Mickey Christian

Traverse City

Proven, effective leader

Former mayor Mike Estes stepped down after one term, 2007-2009. We haven't forgotten his agenda-slanted decisions and high-handed management style. He declared "new blood" as he forced at least seven highly respected incumbents off local boards, including Jeanine Easterday and my husband, George Galic. Traverse City has seen enough of Estes. We need "new blood" for mayor.

We need Ralph Soffredine as mayor. He truly "listens" to all people of TC, not just his supporters. He gets all the facts. He is a proven, effective leader. He demonstrates transparency and is someone you can trust.

Vote Ralph Soffredine for mayor.

Mary Ann Tompkins Galic

Traverse City

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