A great asset to city
As a police officer, I worked under Ralph Soffredine when he was chief of police. I found him to be a leader dedicated to achieving excellence while tackling issues facing our community every day.
Besides being a great leader for our officers, Ralph is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits. He is the first police administrator to utilize the philosophy of community policing. During his tenure, he improved the department's efficiency, effectiveness and equitableness.
I highly recommend Ralph Soffredine for mayor. His leadership is a great asset to our city.
Jeremy Metdepenningen
Traverse City
Demonstrates quality
In my experience, elected office tends to attract two very different types of people: those who want to be something and those who want to accomplish something.
I've known and worked with many prominent political figures over the years, and I can proudly say with all sincerity that Ralph Soffredine falls into the latter category.
As a community, we need to recognize and support candidates who demonstrate this vital quality.
I hope voters of both parties will agree and join me in supporting Ralph Soffredine as Traverse City's next mayor.
Jerome F. Hartl
Traverse City
Not about business
Steve Francis' Oct. 15 Forum is a red herring. He states that "burdensome protection" of gays will hurt business (since when are civil rights "burdensome"?).
The issue is not about burdening business, but about a fear that homosexuals will be treated with equality.
Francis is an attorney who represents the Alliance Defense Fund, a right-wing organization that is dedicated to fighting ordinances that give legal protection to homosexuals (coordinated, nationwide, by 800 lawyers and 125 right-wing organizations).
ADF's ideology demonstrates the need for the passage of Proposition 1.
How unfortunate that legal protection is necessary to combat bigotry and homophobia.
Jack Lee
Traverse City
Will make a difference
Vote for Tim Werner for city commission on Nov. 8. Tim is a great listener with a refreshing sense of "making a difference."
The Traverse City commission needs new energy with members who will provide an ear to the neighborhood and its people. Tim is this candidate. He quietly assesses the situation, listens carefully and collaborates with positive answers.
For a new voice that will make a difference, vote Tim Werner on Nov. 8.
Lynne Moon
Traverse City
Understands the need
I am supporting Ralph Soffredine for mayor. Ralph understands the need to have a full-time, professional police and fire department. Ralph also knows that in these difficult economic times it is critical that we get the biggest bang for our taxpayer dollars. I trust Ralph to make those critical decisions on behalf of all city residents.
Ward Kuhn
Traverse City
Wants to continue role
As I thought about the length of time I have known him, I realized that he served as chief of police under the behest of three city managers. The managers conducted city business in their own style and form, each coming from different perspectives. It struck me that even with their uniqueness, they all retained Ralph Soffredine as the chief of police.
Now he wants to continue in a leadership role as well as work with his fellow city commissioners. We will be well served to have him as Mayor Soffredine.
Mary Miller Orth
Traverse City
Lead on police and fire
Traverse City is and will continue to be a place people want to visit, live and retire. I believe one reason for that is the service provided by the city police and fire departments.
Our city is in good economic condition and should lead the way, not follow, when it comes to cutting essential city police and fire services.
Ralph Soffredine and Bob Donick are against any further cuts to public safety. As Police Officers Labor Council president for the Traverse City Police Patrol Unit, I ask you to join us in supporting Ralph Soffredine and Bob Donick on Nov. 8.
Matt Richmond
Traverse City
The writer is a Traverse City police officer.
Wisdom and oversight
I am writing in support of Ralph Soffredine for mayor. I became quite familiar with Ralph and his work when he was a member of the Department of Human Services board and was responsible for the policy and direction of the Pavilions Medical Care Facility. His wisdom, his financial oversight and his knowledge of public policy have helped make that facility the pride of Grand Traverse County.
Ralph's experience in the public sector successfully managing budgets will serve the city well.
Please vote Soffredine for mayor.
Mary L. Marois
Traverse City
Experience, sense
As a former city commissioner, I know it takes hard work, commitment and passion to be effective. Ralph Soffredine possesses these characteristics. Ralph will not make empty promises to get elected. He does his homework, knows the issues, will give you the facts and, most importantly, he listens to his constituents. Ralph's experience as police/fire chief, city commissioner and mayor pro-tem comes through in every issue.
I urge you to vote for experience, common sense and independent thinking on Nov. 8. Elect Ralph Soffredine as mayor of Traverse City.
Jody Bergman
Traverse City
Unique insights
By voting for Bob Donick, Traverse City has the opportunity to gain an outstanding city commissioner. As a lifelong resident he will provide unique perspectives and insights. He knows our city. His experience and leadership in the public sector, his negotiating skills, his openness to other views, his ability to listen and work with people from all walks of life will make him a valuable addition to the commission.
Having lived next door to Bob for many years, I can personally attest to his concern for his neighbors. He is a good man and will serve Traverse City well.
Jay Lively
Traverse City
Integrity, leadership
Tim Werner has the integrity, leadership, time and dedication needed to effectively serve on the city commission. I have had the pleasure of working with Tim on major school projects and in a community organization. He is an active and engaged contributor who goes above and beyond to serve the needs of those organizations. He has the foresight and initiative to anticipate future needs of an organization and bring the community together to address them proactively.
A dedicated supporter of Traverse City, Tim carefully considers all sides of an issue and makes informed decisions. Vote Tim Werner on Nov. 8.
Judy Arnold
Traverse City
Thoughtful, principled
I wish to support David Ford for city commissioner. David is an award-winning small businessman. He has been an active leader in his church, including several years serving as its chairman. He was an assistant scoutmaster. He is on the board of his state professional organization. He is involved in various civic groups, such as the Economic Club and a Northwestern Michigan College scholarship committee; he is active in the Traverse City Rotary Club and its committees.
I have often observed David leading and participating in meetings. He is thoughtful and principled and would make an excellent city commissioner.
Wallace Schroth
Traverse City
Will ask tough questions
Please join me in voting for Tim Werner for city commissioner.
I have worked with Tim Werner on the board of the Grand Traverse Ski Club and know that he is bright, capable and a hard worker. Tim does not accept the status quo.
He will ask tough questions and will find solutions to benefit our community. Tim is an excellent leader with great vision. Vote Werner on Nov. 8.
Laura Ness
Traverse City
Right man, right time
We seldom have the opportunity to recommend someone who has so selflessly devoted his life to the service of our community, someone whose life is dedicated to volunteer service in the hopes of making our lives better, someone who diligently represents the citizens who elected him. That person is Ralph Soffredine.
Public service is often difficult and time-consuming. It is also rewarding if you do it for the right reasons and without political or ego-driven expectations. Ralph Soffredine is the right man at the right time, for mayor.
Jim and Connie Wood
Traverse City
Proven record of success
I urge city voters to vote smart -- vote Estes. Having known Michael for many years, I know him to be honest, direct, hardworking, intelligent, energetic and passionate about the causes he chooses. The vitality of Traverse City drives the vitality of Grand Traverse County, and Michael has proven success and shown results in his prior term as mayor. He is not afraid to pose challenges and ask hard questions to get fair and positive outcomes for citizens on any project. Michael is well qualified and has a proven record of success. Traverse City will again benefit with Estes as mayor.
Janet Kronk
Traverse City
Works for citizens
I am writing to show my support of Michael Estes for mayor of Traverse City.
Since his appointment to the Light & Power board, he has worked with other board members to give some of the $30 million that Light & Power has been sitting on back to us in reduced and capped electric rates.
Michael Estes has proven, as past mayor and board member of Light & Power, that he works for the citizens of Traverse City.
We need to elect Michael Estes for our mayor.
Rick Michael
Traverse City
A man of experience
I am writing to support Michael Estes in his candidacy for mayor.
I was new to the area when Mr. Estes served in this position from 2007 to 2009, and I was soon impressed with his strong and visionary leadership.
He displayed an enlightened civic awareness, vigorously promoting wider citizen involvement in the life of our community and proving himself capable of standing by principles that he believed to be the right ones for us all.
He is a man of experience and wisdom.
I hope voters will agree that he should be our next mayor.
Jerry Beasley
Traverse City
A leader in his industry
I am endorsing David Ford for city commissioner. I believe David Ford will be a great asset to the city of Traverse City as he is a successful business person and has the ability to serve the city well. I have worked with David Ford for 22 years and have watched his business prosper and grow. He has the temperament to work with people and organizations. David is recognized throughout the state as a leader in his industry. David always puts the best interest of others first.
Please consider David Ford for city commissioner.
Jeanne Brady
Traverse City
Style fosters relationships
Our city faces tough economic times, including cuts in state funding and a slow economy. I want Traverse City to continue to be a gem in the state of Michigan. Leadership is key, and Ralph Soffredine provides that leadership. Over the many years that Ralph has served on the city commission, the city has improved the waterfront, upgraded the parks and continued -- not discontinued -- services to neighborhoods. His leadership style fosters relationships and welcomes input from all.
I hope you'll join me in voting for Soffredine for mayor.
Kathleen Shannon
Traverse City
Thoughtful and dedicated
Barb Budros has proven herself as a commissioner who asks reasonable, probing questions on behalf of city constituents. As a former county commissioner, on occasion I had a chance to work with Barb and found her to be thoughtful and dedicated in her approach to leadership. City residents have the fortunate opportunity to once again support Barb Budros on Nov. 8.
Beth Friend
Traverse City
The writer is a former Grand Traverse County commissioner from East Bay Township.
Dignity, compassion
I am a resident of Grand Traverse County, but I shop, do volunteer work and play within the city limits. It breaks my heart to have the notion of basic civil rights put to a public vote.
The current law, which has been in place for months with no dire consequences, precludes discrimination on a number of basic characteristics, including sexual orientation.
I hope Traverse City voters will take a stand once and for all against discrimination and vote "yes" on Proposal 1, thus ensuring that all citizens are treated with dignity, justice and compassion.
Joan Sheard
Traverse City
Knows departments' needs
In November voters will elect a new mayor. Ralph Soffredine has been on the city commission for eight years and is presently mayor pro-tem. During this time, I don't think Ralph has missed a meeting except for illness. He's on the board of numerous organizations in the Grand Traverse area.
He's been criticized for being against further reducing the police and fire departments. As the former police and fire chief, I think he has a pretty good handle on the needs of both departments.
With the area growing and drug abuse increasing, I wouldn't think further cuts would be wise.
Ken Cooledge
Traverse City
A logical approach
Tim Werner will be an excellent addition to the city commission. I have worked with Tim on community projects and he has a thoughtful and logical approach toward moving projects forward with the city's best interest in mind. As a city commissioner, Tim will be able to use these skills to think broadly and help make Traverse City a place our children will want to live and raise a family. Please join me in voting for Tim Werner on Nov. 8.
Bob Otwell
Traverse City
Reasonable decisions
I am writing in support of Jeanine Easterday for city commission. Jeanine has demonstrated as a planning commissioner and as a board member of the County Economic Development Corp. that she has the entire community in mind as she makes decisions. Jeanine does her homework, listens to citizen input and makes reasonable decisions. We need her level of sensibility on the city commission.
Bob Spence
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
