Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2011

November 1, 2011

Letters At Issue: Elections: 11/01/2011

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Not about equality

I believe that most people who support Proposal 1 are well-intentioned. Their sole agenda is a firm conviction that equality applies to everyone, irrespective of gender, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Unfortunately, the media have failed to divulge the ugly side of this complex issue. Proposal 1 is not about equality. It is a "feel good" yet anti-family ordinance that allows taxpayer funded preferences for homosexuals. The result is an ordinance that will ultimately restrict the free speech and religious liberties of the general public.

I urge the citizens of Traverse City to vote NO on Proposal 1.

William Marsh

Traverse City

Investment in community

As a non-city resident, I cannot vote in the Traverse City commission election, but my personal and business life may be affected by commission decisions.

Tim Werner is a scientist and businessman. He understands the history and culture of Traverse City. He will analyze issues intelligently and factually in determining what can be the most beneficial outcome. He will provide leadership and integrity to the commission in a selfless manner.

I would state, without hesitation, that your vote for Tim Werner would be an important investment in the future of our community.

Kenneth H. Musson

Traverse City

May be unduly burdened

Because there has been no evidence of any discrimination (thank goodness) against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Traverse City and everyone seems to have gotten along fine, please vote "no" on Proposal 1 as it seems to be creating a fissure between members of our community.

Pre-ordinance, an employer had no reason to be concerned when hiring a GLBT employee. Now, with special government-imposed rights attached to such individuals, an employer may be burdened unduly on issues related to this ordinance. It can only make competing in a global economy even more difficult.

Claire Scerbak

Traverse City

A much needed service

We have many people in Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County who depend on the Bay Area Transportation Authority for daily transportation.

Since Tom Menzel became the executive director, things have really changed and BATA is far more accountable to customers and taxpayers.

One example of innovative community involvement was the busing of the Suttons Bay School students.

This idea saved seven teaching positions at the school, which enabled them to return to their core competency, education.

Please vote to renew the millage, which is lower than the existing millage. Vote Nov. 8 to retain a much needed service.

Marilyn A. Fleis

Grawn

A positive attitude

I have known Jeanine Easterday for 25 years and have worked with her or observed her in action in a variety of endeavors that have greatly benefited our community.

Her decades-long community commitment spans from the League of Women Voters to Old Town Playhouse, from neighborhood advocate to planning commission member, from active parent and city resident to a highly professional manager at Munson Medical Center.

In all instances, she shows courtesy, professionalism, open mindedness, problem solving and a positive attitude that seeks solutions for all — not just special interests.

Please join me in supporting Easterday for city commission.

Mary Bevans Gillett

Traverse City

Open-minded candidate

I am voting for Tim Werner for city commission.

I've known Tim for six years. He is honest, hardworking, intelligent, open minded, communicative and, most of all, family oriented.

Commissioners' time in office lasts only a short period relative to many projects (bayfront, infrastructure, DDA, etc.).

With a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, significant business experience and a citywide viewpoint, Tim will excel at making wise long-term decisions for the city.

Tim's volunteer work, including with TART, the Grand Traverse Ski Club, Glenn Loomis PTO and school funding, demonstrates that he works well at a grass-roots level. Please vote for Tim.

Mike Coco

Traverse City

The write is chairman of the board of Traverse City Light & Power.

Proposal 1 misleads

I have read Proposition 1 and wonder why it takes more than 3,000 words to say "give special rights to gays."

The many words mislead you to believe that a "yes" vote for Proposal 1 is for equality and dignity of the gay community.

But federal and state constitutions already provide equality of liberty to all.

Prop. 1 gives "special rights" to a group. This is unfair and un-American.

Also, news media who use phrases such as "The ordinance protects gays from discrimination" misinform the public.

A "no" vote on Proposal 1 means no special rights for any group.

W.V. Jankowski

Traverse City

Budros a 'keeper'

Traverse City is fortunate to have several excellent choices for city commissioner this year; Barbara Budros stands out for her motivation, experience and knowledge.

It has been my pleasure to work with Barbara in her role as city commissioner. She is well informed, principled and, above all else, fair.

While we do not always agree, I do respect her concerns; her primary concern is for the taxpayers of Traverse City.

She represents no special interests, except those same taxpayers.

Please vote to keep Barbara Budros.

Chuck Korn

Traverse City

The writer is Garfield Township supervisor.

Taxpayers' best interests

Be careful what you say ... the truth may come back to bite you.

While Ms. Easterday was on the planning commission, the Federated deck was approved. In her campaign letter, she shook her finger at "naysayers" on the commission.

Thankfully we have such "naysayers" who look critically at each and every development with questions that reflect the best interests of the city taxpayers, not only the business interests of the downtown two blocks.

Many of the business owners aren't residents of the city and pay no property taxes to the city.

Re-elect commissioners Budros and Carruthers and Estes for mayor.

Ellen Fivenson

Traverse City

Leadership and vision

I urge the citizens of Traverse City to vote for Ralph Soffredine for mayor.

Ralph has a proven track record of listening to all of the residents of the city. Ralph, through his service on the city commission and various other boards, understands what the community needs now and in the future. Ralph votes what is in the best interest of the public.

If experience, along with leadership and a vision for the entire community is important to you, please join me in voting for Ralph Soffredine for mayor.

Karen H. Mauro-Doren

Traverse City

Public safety vital

Traverse City is, and always has been, a vacation destination as well as a sought-after location to raise a family.

I was born and raised in the area and have learned to appreciate what a safe community we live in.

As a Traverse City police officer for the past seven years, I have learned that public safety is vital to keeping our home the safe place that it is.

I believe Ralph Soffredine and Robert Donick feel that police and fire services are of utmost importance, and I urge you to support them this November.

Kevin Dunklow

Traverse City

Years of experience

Ralph Soffredine should be elected mayor of Traverse City based on years of experience, knowledge and commitment to the community. He brings an array of past leadership roles to guide the city through these tough economic times. His whole life has been dedicated to serving the people in this area.

Please vote for Ralph Soffredine on Nov. 8.

Darcy M. Heyd

Traverse City

Fair and inclusive

The America we have been taught to love and respect was based on the unique concept of equality for everyone.

Proposition 1 opponents are against this. They want to say who gets to be equal and who doesn't. In spite of a unanimous, inclusive vote by the Traverse City Commission to support non-discrimination, the opponents have continued to push for repeal, with the intention of dividing our community.

Reject the fear, the hatefulness and the flawed religiousness of these few individuals who want to divide us. A "yes" vote is a fair and inclusive vote.

Richard Tuxbury

Suttons Bay

Better than that

The idea of voiding a policy of non-discrimination harkens to another era.

As a country, we began taking steps toward equality for all more than 40 years ago. So, it seems a bit anachronistic that we would be looking backward rather than in an enlightened forward direction.

Our city welcomes visitors and residents regardless of their orientation. Just imagine what kind of message we send by singling out one class of citizens for discrimination.

Please vote to retain the existing policy and reject calls from the darker side to step back in time: We are bigger and better than that.

Michael Semrau

Traverse City

Listens to constituents

Ralph Soffredine is the best candidate for mayor. Ralph listens to his constituents.

There is overwhelming support to keep the train in the Open Space and Ralph has gone on record saying the train stays.

Ralph's opponent has said things change, there used to be a zoo in the open space and now there isn't.

A majority of citizens have said they want to keep the current services that the Traverse City police and fire department provide.

Again, Ralph listens and opposes contracting with Grand Traverse Metro Fire. Ralph's opponent would contract with Metro. Vote Ralph Soffredine mayor. He listens.

Anna Mouser

Williamsburg

Exhibits good judgment

Economic development is important in any town. We need a person who votes for ways to encourage it and balance that need with the other needs of the city's taxpayers.

Barb Budros has exhibited that good judgment. Working in mediation, she is very discerning about a proposal's different angles.

She supported the Old Town parking deck, the brownfield plan for cleanup of Front and Division, the increase from $100,000 to $1 million a year to fix neighborhood streets and sidewalks, without raising taxes.

These are just examples of her approach to a vibrant downtown but not at the neighborhoods' expense.

Elnora J. Milliken

Traverse City

Thoughtful, sincere

Tim Werner is the kind of city commission candidate Traverse City is truly lucky to attract.

Thoughtful, smart, pragmatic, sincere and fully engaged are all terms that accurately describe Tim Werner.

As a friend and neighbor for many years, we know Tim is already a great contributor to our broader community (TART, Traverse City schools, Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer, the Grand Traverse Ski Club).

We fully support his candidacy for city commission. Please vote for Tim Werner on Nov. 8.

Jason and Jennifer Tank

Traverse City

Organizational skills vital

I like Mike. I like Ralph Soffredine, too. Both are decent, likable guys. But for mayor, I like Mike Estes.

I started working with Michael in 1987. I chaired the County Republican Corn Roast. Michael became co-chair. His organizational skills were critical. Michael was elected chair of the county GOP. We were solvent with Michael as our leader.

As mayor, Michael's financial skill as an investment analyst improved Traverse City's infrastructure without raising taxes. Michael owed nothing to special interests. He encouraged new people to participate in government benefiting the city, not special interests.

Bring Michael Estes back as mayor.

Mickey Fivenson

Traverse City

Track record enough

One can say glorious things about one's choice for who they want to become mayor of Traverse City, but all one needs to do is look at the past track record of Mike Estes when he was mayor a few years ago. That in itself is enough to know that Mike is the right man for the job.

Vote Estes for mayor.

Thomas H. Elliott

Traverse City

Understands money issues

I would like to give Michael Estes my support in his effort to be elected mayor for the second time. Very strong support. He's very businesslike in the position ... a desirable quality. He understands complex money issues. He is not afraid to shake up the status quo mentality.

I see this election as being about team building for what could be a very bumpy road ahead. I will be voting for Estes, Carruthers, Budros and McGuire. We are lucky to have candidates of this quality to vote for.

Rick Buckhalter

Traverse City

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