Grand Traverse County trimmed its county board membership from nine members to seven this year, and voters will select from incumbents and challengers in four contested races.
One such race — the First District — features incumbent Commissioner Ross Richardson and challenger Dan Lathrup.
Richardson, of Traverse City, seeks his third term on the county board. He's one of the precious few bright lights on the board, a thoughtful, studious sort who's well-versed on local issues, isn't afraid to challenge the status quo and has shown a penchant for standing up for programs that benefit senior citizens. Richardson is the board's lone Democrat and may be threatened because a redistricting plan this year lumped conservative Peninsula Township into his territory.
Challenger Dan Lathrop, of Peninsula Township, is a Republican who said several people urged him to run for the board. He opposes a special tax on septic tank users, but Lathrop hasn't shown an overly strong grasp of that or other top county topics.
Richardson is a moderate who has shown he can work well with county board Republicans. This is an instance that would behoove First District voters to overlook political party affiliations and support the best person for the job. Ross Richardson is a proven commodity who's earned re-election and our endorsement.
Our Views
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Ross Richardson
Editorial: Richardson for 1st District
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The issue: State surplus to go mainly to roads, schools. Our view: Both areas need major new investment.
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Editorial: Sewer investment could pair with road repairs
The issue: TC is considering a road bond. Our view: Marrying road and sewer work may be best investment.
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Editorial: Earnings-based tuition an artificial construction
The issue: Some NMC programs to see stiff tuition hikes. Our view: Don’t base tuition on artificial ‘earnings’ projections.
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Cheers: 05/20/2013
To the late Bill Russell, a businessman who broke barriers all his life, including opening the region's first Indian-owned manufacturing plant in 1975.
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Editorial: Airport should give vets prominent recognition
The issue: Cherry Capital relegates veterans sign to luggage area. Our view: Either do it right or not at all.
Continued ... - Friday, May 17, 2013
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Editorial: Obama must set tone for IRS, Justice Dept.
The issue: IRS, Justice Department have much to answer for. Our view: Leadership begins and ends with President Obama.
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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Editorial: TBAISD hoards money as schools struggle
The issue: TBAISD’s millions. Our view: Big changes needed.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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Editorial: Food trucks will help build reputation
The issue: Traverse City OKs food trucks. Our view: New choices will enhance city’s reputation as a foodie haven.
Continued ... - Monday, May 13, 2013
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Cheers: 05/13/2013
To the Northwestern Michigan Colleges Associate Degree in Nursing Program for celebrating its 50th anniversary. The first graduates of the program were recognized at a reception and dinner.
Continued ... - Sunday, May 12, 2013
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Editorial: TCAPS bond requests reflect voter feedback
After a $100 million bond issue took a beating at the polls in November, the Traverse City Area Public Schools board of education gave itself a homework assignment:
Continued ... - Friday, May 10, 2013
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Editorial: Tax debate will decide winners, losers
The issue: Lansing, Washington consider online sales taxes. Our view: There may be winners, but consumers will pay.
Continued ... - Thursday, May 9, 2013
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Editorial: EPA gives Badger a pass to pollute Lake Mich.
The issue: The SS Badger is sailing again. Our view: No way should the EPA allow this pollution to continue.
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Editorial: NRA president ready to fight
Anyone who perhaps hoped new leadership at the National Rifle Association would bring a chance for dialogue on the gun issue should think again.
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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Editorial: State obliged to provide criminal defense for indigent
They are ugly statistics that paint a picture of a state heading down an unsustainable — and unjust — path.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 7, 2013
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Editorial: Congress must better defend military women
The issue: Military brass may lose right to reverse convictions. Our view: It’s the right and ethical thing to do.
Continued ... - Monday, May 6, 2013
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Cheers: 05/06/2013
To four area high schools — Traverse City West Senior High School, Leland Public School, Traverse City Central High School and Benzie Central High School — which ranked among the top public high schools in Michigan, according to nationwide rankings.
Continued ... - Sunday, May 5, 2013
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Editorial: Cherry Capital wise to use reserves for project
For years, those who fly in and out of Cherry Capital Airport have been complaining about high air fares.
Continued ... - Friday, May 3, 2013
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Editorial: Drop-off boxes getting pills off streets
Drop boxes that give residents a place to get rid of outdated or unneeded prescription drugs have proven their worth in just a few months.
Continued ... - Thursday, May 2, 2013
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Editorial: Peninsula must untangle zoning maze
The issue: Old Mission zoning growing more complex. Our view: Simpler way to navigate rules is a must.
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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Editorial: Path along Boardman could be link to downtown
The issue: City wants to upgrade Boardman River path. Our view: With pedestrian bridge, it could be new link to Warehouse District.
Continued ... - Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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Editorial: Fireworks-weary should put onus on Legislature
The issue: Some Leelanau residents want fireworks curbed. Our view: The best way is to change state law.
Continued ... - Monday, April 29, 2013
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Cheers: 04/29/2013
To The Goodwill Inn homeless shelter, which as of May 1 will offer ready-made meals to those unable to afford food.
Continued ... - Sunday, April 28, 2013
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Editorial: Don't let threatening behavior derail democracy
An ugly incident occurred in the Record-Eagle’s lobby last week, an intimidation effort carried out against one of the newspaper’s writers by a Leelanau County commissioner’s husband.
Continued ... - Friday, April 26, 2013
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Editorial: NMC adopts dangerous policy to curb free speech
The issue: NMC adopts ‘Campus Expression’ policy. Our view: It’s a direct assault on free speech.
Continued ... - Thursday, April 25, 2013
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Editorial: New library would boost Kalkaska
The issue: Kalkaska County wants a new library. Our view: 70-year-old building can no longer serve the community.
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Editorial: Investing in roads, schools will help Mich. recovery
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