A doer and a leader
Tim Werner has the integrity and leadership needed to effectively serve on the city commission. His primary vision: to build connections between neighbors, businesses and the natural environment.
I have known Tim as an active and engaged member of various community boards and organizations. He is a dedicated supporter and advocate of not only his children's school, but for all Traverse City Area Public Schools students. He carefully considers all sides of an issue and is not afraid to take on the status quo if that's what is needed. Most importantly, Tim is a doer who leads by example.
Vote Tim Werner.
Mary Bradley
Traverse City
Committed to solutions
A vote for Ralph Soffredine for mayor is a vote for common sense. Mr. Soffredine has served on the city commission for many years and has provided logical and valuable input and direction on a number of local projects. He understands the impact of growth on our community and is committed to finding solutions to problems.
Please vote for Ralph Soffredine on Nov. 8.
Dewayne and Cheryl Litwiller
Traverse City
Fights for his beliefs
I'm supporting Ralph Soffredine for mayor. Working with Ralph during my tenure as a county commissioner, I found him straightforward, knowledgeable and of the highest integrity. You always know where you stand with him, and he fights for his beliefs. It's clear he'll make an excellent mayor. Please vote for Ralph Soffredine for mayor.
Karen Strom
Traverse City
Projects benefited city
It's been reported that 48 percent of local governments are experiencing financial difficulties due to the overall downturn in the economy. Traverse City is not exempt from this dilemma, and that is why we need a mayor who is experienced in dealing with development, special interest groups and budget issues on a daily basis.
Mike Estes has implemented projects that have benefited everyone at little or no expense to taxpayers, and he'll make the tough decisions to eliminate unnecessary city expenditures to make sure Traverse City remains a desirable and viable place to live and work.
Vote Estes for mayor.
Bill Ptak
Traverse City
Will analyze the facts
I am endorsing Tim Werner for city commission. Tim has the background, intelligence and integrity necessary for members of our city commission. He will be a commissioner who will study all aspects of an issue and analyze the facts before making a decision, and that decision will be in the best interest of the citizens of Traverse City.
I also know that Tim is seeking this position because of what he can do for the city, not what it can do for him. Traverse City will benefit for the next four years if Tim Werner is elected. Vote for Tim.
T. Michael Jackson
Traverse City
The writer is chairman of the Downtown Development Authority.
An outstanding mayor
When Michael Estes ran for mayor in 2007, he promised to listen and he promised change. He kept his word and excelled at both. Estes listened to residents and opposed affordable dwelling units and vacation home rentals to preserve our family neighborhoods. When others suggested tapping the Brown Bridge Trust Fund to pay for streets and sidewalks, Estes said no. No city employees were laid off. No city services were cut. And a million dollars "suddenly" appeared. Streets and sidewalks are being repaired today because of Michael Estes. Estes was an outstanding mayor. I support Michael Estes for mayor.
Christine Maxbauer
Traverse City
The writer is a Grand Traverse County commissioner.
A straight shooter
I've known Mike Estes for many years, both during his term as mayor and previously, when we jointly served for a period of six years on the Great Lakes Mental Health board. I've found Mike Estes to be extremely knowledgeable regarding governmental finances and very practical when addressing opportunities and alternative solutions to business as usual. Mike Estes is not afraid to think outside the box.
My experience working with Mike is that he is a straight shooter. Mike Estes defInitely has my support for mayor of Traverse City.
Richard Schmuckal
Suttons Bay
The writer is a Leelanau County commissioner.
All are God's children
We support the spirit of the city non-discrimination ordinance on the upcoming November ballot. While we value differences of opinion, the message of the scriptures and the traditions of our faith call us to proclaim that all people are God's children and deserve the protection of their human and civil rights.
We are called to support those who face discrimination and to advocate for initiatives that prohibit it. We do this as a part of our Christian witness in the hope of establishing a more loving and just community for all.
The Rev. Dale Ostema
Traverse City
The Rev. Chris Lane
Traverse City
The writers are writing on behalf of members of the Central United Methodist Church Administrative Council.
Honest and forthright
I've known Jeanine Easterday for nearly 25 years through both work and involvement in community activities and organizations; I support her 110 percent in her quest for the Traverse City Commission. Why? She works hard. She's honest and forthright. She listens to and works comfortably with everybody, creating inclusive and participatory environments. She's proven her commitment to this community through her active involvement in various civic organizations and city committees. Plus, her good humor makes her a joy to be around.
Please join me in voting for Jeanine Easterday for city commission.
Jo Rundio
Traverse City
The writer is a former assistant city manager.
Depending on BATA
I'm writing to encourage you all to vote for the Bay Area Transportation Authority millage. As manager for HelpLink, I see people every day who may once have had a car, can't afford the gas and are now depending on BATA to get to work. A bus transit system is essential to a community that serves many minimum-wage earners. They are the people who do the critical work we all enjoy at our restaurants, hotels, shops, hospitals, etc., and depend on BATA to be efficient and dependable.
Barbara A. Lemcool
Traverse City
The writer is project manager for HelpLink.
Will make hard decisions
It sure is great knowing Michael Estes is running for mayor. We're in some very challenging times, and it would be nice to know that the person in office will make the hard decisions nobody else wants to.
Recently two large U.S. cities filed for bankruptcy. We'll have a waterfall effect happening soon. Do you want Traverse City on that list?
Traverse City's budget is $15 million per year; 43 percent goes to fund the police and fire departments. Fifteen percent is for pension benefits alone. At this time our pension fund is underfunded by $11 million. Do you get it?
Jeff Brackett
Grawn
History of controlling costs
A few years ago I served on the Community Mental Health Board for Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.
Mayoral candidate Michael Estes served as the board treasurer. Finances were often confusing to board members due to the complicated nature of governmental accounting, but Michael Estes was able to sort through the financial data and always worked for the benefit of the clients, just as he did for the citizens he represented as mayor.
Michael has a history of controlling administrative costs and working for the public. Please join me in voting for Michael Estes for mayor.
Kristy Sumera
Traverse City
A proven replacement
City voters will be selecting a new mayor Nov. 8. Consider the choices and vote. Mayor Chris Bzdok has done an excellent job; unfortunately he's moving on. The city needs another experienced, proven replacement to deal with continuing complex issues.
The ideal candidate is former Mayor Michael Estes. I followed Mayor Michael Estes when he guided this city during difficult financial issues, a job well done. I can tell you that he also helped his church during its financial crisis. Michael Estes has the needed skills to again assist our city as it deals with complex budget and other issues.
Dr. Chuck Watling
Traverse City
Wealth of common sense
I have been privileged to have Jeanine Easterday as my neighbor for many years and am thrilled she is willing to serve on the city commission. She is efficient, organized and will bring a wealth of common sense to the commission. As a former planning commissioner, and now as a member of the Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corp., she is a great listener and compassionate citizen. Jeanine won't be a drama-maker on the commission but will actually work to build consensus toward getting things done.
We are fortunate she is willing to serve if elected.
Dotty Wilhelm French
Traverse City
BATA delivers
The Traverse Bay Economic Development Corp. and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce support the Bay Area Transportation Authority millage renewal. Any region with aspirations of economic significance must have a viable public transportation system. BATA delivers on that imperative.
The Chamber believes the region's growth is inevitable and desirable. That growth must include alternatives to cars and carbon-fueled vehicles. BATA's fleet of alternative-fuel buses is an important part of the mix.
We urge voters to be informed of the substantial benefits of BATA as they head to the polls in November.
Chris Morse
Traverse City
The writer is chair of the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation.
Seeks to improve outcomes
As a 25-year city resident, lawyer, and mediator, Barbara Budros knows Traverse City, understands the law and values the criticality of understanding all sides of an issue. As such, she voted against the construction of an in-town biomass plant and against using public funds for projects where she saw little or no public value.
She voted for elimination of the 1 percent administrative fee on residents' tax bills and for cutting expenses to avoid a tax increase in 2011-2012. Barbara asks smart questions, seeks ways to improve process and outcomes, and shoots straight. Please re-elect Barbara Budros on Nov. 8.
Jean Aukerman
Traverse City
Vast budget experience
With the state of the economy, county and city governments are forced to make cuts in their budgets. We encourage voters to compare candidate "qualifications" before voting Nov. 8.
For years, former Traverse City Police and Fire Chief Ralph Soffredine administered a multimillion-dollar budget for the police and fire departments. Currently, Ralph serves on the Traverse City Commission, where he continues to use his expertise dealing with the city's multimillion-dollar budget.
Ralph's vast experience with budget, policy and decision making far outweigh that of his opponent. Please vote for experience, and vote for Ralph Soffredine on Nov. 8.
Maggie Kent
Traverse City
Best person for the job
Please vote for Ralph Soffredine for mayor. His years of experience on the city commission and countless other boards make him the perfect candidate to represent the interests of the people of Traverse City. Having lived in the area for more than 40 years, Ralph Soffredine has seen the growth of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County and is familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the area. He is the best person for the job.
Vote for Ralph Soffredine on Nov. 8.
Colleen Lewis
Traverse City
Experience, determination
I have known Michael and Rhonda Estes for more than 15 years as their neighbor, and have worked on a variety of community projects with them. I have seen first-hand that they are committed to our community and take a leadership role in most everything they do. As a former mayor, Michael has a proven track record and is not afraid to make difficult decisions. Michael has the ability, experience and determination to support the needs of the citizens of Traverse City.
That is why I am voting for Michael Estes for mayor and encourage you to join me.
Dayna Ryan
Traverse City
Carefully deliberate
I have known Ralph Soffredine for many years and have served with him as a community member on a number of local agency boards. He has served our community well for many years in a variety of roles — as police chief, city commissioner and Traverse City Area Public Schools Board member, to name a few.
Ralph will have an open mind, be willing to consider the facts and is carefully deliberate in making decisions on tough issues.
This experience and leadership capability make him the right choice for mayor of Traverse City. Please join me in supporting Ralph Soffredine on Nov. 8.
Edward Carlson
Traverse City
Above and beyond
I am writing this letter in support of Ralph Soffredine for mayor of Traverse City. Ralph is an individual who gives above and beyond the call of duty for all members of his community. He is honest, trustworthy and listens to all sides of any issue. Community service is a way of life for Ralph. He has dedicated his life to God, family and country.
Jim Pavelka
Traverse City
The writer is a former superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools.
Administrative experience
Ralph Soffredine has an excellent record as a city commissioner.
He supported the construction of the parking decks and the Hagerty Insurance building.
He was instrumental in lowering taxes 0.9 percent and cutting the administrative fee. Ralph believes in maintaining the quality of public services, like independent police and fire departments.
Ralph has the administrative experience and commitment to Traverse City that our residents deserve. Ralph served as police chief for more than 20 years, and during that time he helped form the neighborhood associations that he still supports.
Few Traverse City residents can boast similar experience and commitment to service.
Robert Lipinski
Traverse City
Public safety paramount
As a Traverse City police officer for nearly 17 years, I am urging the residents of Traverse City to support mayoral candidate Ralph Soffredine and commission candidate Robert Donick.
I have personally witnessed the erosion of our department's community policing philosophy due to staffing reductions; two community officers presently versus five community officers two years ago. Future staff reductions will further erode our department's proactive approach and cause us to become a more reactive police department.
Candidates Soffredine and Donick regard public safety as paramount, and will work to ensure that no further cuts are made to your police department.
Scott Maxson
Traverse City
No special rights
Isn't it a contradiction that lady justice holding the scales of justice in her outstretched hand now has to have her blindfold removed in order to see which group is being treated equally?
If anyone is that concerned about equality they must first learn the distinction between group rights and individual rights.
In the case of the Traverse City's non-discrimination ordinance's rush to judgment it is the God-given individual's right and responsibility that is undermined — even of those who unwittingly want group rights status and recognition.
I'm voting "no" special rights discrimination.
Chris Scheoch
Traverse City
Wild weather for Memorial Day weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
Hurricanes and Heat Waves Across America
Kristen Stewart Is Red Hot
Shark Attacks Australian Fishing Boat
Bradley out for playoffs
Kayaker Survives Trip Over Washington Waterfall
