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Very best candidate
Kirsten Keilitz is a court referee because she was selected by our Circuit judges as the best candidate among a group of qualified lawyers. Being selected was a vote of confidence in Keilitz; her retention shows Keilitz is performing her work responsibly.
Keilitz is respected by many or most lawyers in the area after duly fulfilling her court obligations over time.
Keilitz is the very best candidate for Grand Traverse County Probate Judge: she's already in the system doing judge-like work; she's experienced in managing courtrooms; and, Keilitz has earned the support of many or most in the legal system.
Mike Alanson
Traverse City
Have an opportunity
Traverse City Area Public Schools have always been a great asset to our community, in fact, it is one of the reasons families and professionals move to this area. We must make sure our young people have the facilities and tools they need to compete in Michigan as well as in a global world.
We have an opportunity to help our students and improve our schools by voting "yes" on the bond proposal and voting for incumbent Gary Appel for the TCAPS board of education. Please join me in supporting our schools on Nov. 6.
Jean Howard
Traverse City
Would have insight
Melanie Stanton has practiced in family court for 20 years and probate court for 16 years. She has worked as an attorney for children suffering from abuse and neglect for years. She has worked all sides, defense, prosecution, and as a mediator for eight years. She has worked in the trenches and started many specialty courts. Melanie would be a judge "for the people."
With Melanie's nursing background she would have insights into the decisions regarding competency, mental illness, guardians and termination of parental rights that are decided in Probate Court.
Please vote for Melanie on Nov. 6.
Brad Barnes
Traverse City
Help save the Republic
Will anyone in America wake up on election day saying, "I didn't vote for Obama four years ago, but he's done such a fantastic job, I can't wait to vote for him today?"
Does anyone think that a vote for Obama will make their world feel more secure?
Vote like your life depends on it. It does. You can help save the Republic Nov. 6.
Jerry L. Brugh
Traverse City
Who will show up?
At the November 2011 Americans for Prosperity summit, the promoter of the no-tax pledge, Grover Norquist, said that the only thing we need from a president is "enough digits to handle a pen "¦ to sign what legislation has already been prepared."
The Republican nominee for president has signed this pledge. However, many believe our fiscal obligations cannot be met without some increase in tax revenue.
There is also uncertainty about a Republican candidate for president who has changed position on so many issues that, if elected, no one knows who might actually show up.
G. Bob Miller
Cedar
Fought for access
I trust President Obama to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. He fought for women to receive equal pay for equal work and access to preventive health services including family planning.
Under President Obama's policies schools are improving, college loans are more affordable, steady job growth continues, bin Laden is dead, the Iraq War is over, veterans are receiving care, the auto industry is thriving, 40 million more Americans can go to the doctor when sick, and social safety programs will stay in place.
All that would change under ruthless venture capitalist Romney, who believes in privatization.
Vote Democratic.
Beverly BJ Christensen
Cedar
Not a 'small number'
Concerning Mr. Swartz's Oct. 16 letter, the Traverse City Area Public Schools' bond proposal asks for a 0.8-mill increase, raising $100 million over 10 years for capital infrastructure projects only. Money from a school bond/millage cannot, by law, be used for salaries, etc. Central High's project cost is $26 million: a new auditorium, a commons area, a first-ever main entrance and centrally located offices. The auditorium benefits not just "a small number of students." In fact, 42 percent of Central's students take Visual or Performing Arts classes and use the auditorium daily for classroom space, rehearsals, and performances. Vote yes,.
Eileen Mikulski
Traverse City
Forthright, honest
I am writing to support Melanie Stanton for Grand Traverse County Probate Judge. I have known Melanie for over 10 years, and had the pleasure of working with her in the late 90s. We've had many discussions over that time and I know her to be very forthright, honest, extremely knowledgeable, and very family oriented. She truly does care for the people of this area, I know this to be a fact. I've seen it first-hand. There is no one better for this position. We really need her on the bench. Get out and vote.
Kelley Vilenski
Interlochen
Experience, wisdom,
A vote for Kirsten Keilitz for Probate Judge is a vote for one of the most "well qualified" judicial candidates in Michigan, according to the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. To achieve the "well qualified" rating, judicial candidates must have good legal ability, wide experience, wisdom, intellect, insight, and impartiality. Her opponent did not receive this rating. Kirsten has been active in the local Women Lawyers Association while both in private practice and while serving as a probate court referee. Kirsten Keilitz is the superior candidate for Probate Judge.
Ward Kuhn
Traverse City
Supports Wayne State
Voting for the Wayne State board candidates is very important this year. In particular, if you care about the future of Wayne State University as a great university and as an institution that is aiding in the revival of Detroit, vote for Sandra Hughes O'Brien and Kim Trent. They are poised to support the university well in its efforts to remain a strong and excellent part of the state university system.
Jane A. Lean
Honor
Objective, well-versed
I am an attorney in practice for 30 years. I met Kristen Keilitz about 20 years ago, shortly after she became an attorney.
I had a number of cases with Kirsten when she was in private practice, and have appeared before her countless times after she was Family Division Referee of the 13th Circuit.
I have consistently found Kirsten to be objective and well-versed in the facts of cases with application of law to those facts.
Kirsten has been a fair, impartial and knowledgeable Referee, and will continue this tradition as a Judge.
I wholeheartedly endorse Kirsten Keilitz.
Gary Bergstrom
Traverse City
Hard working
Ross Richardson is one of the smartest, hardest working people I know. I worked with Ross over a 14 month period on the COFAC committee, and saw first hand his dedication and work ethic.
Ross cares deeply for those he represents.
He has been a tireless advocate for senior citizens.
He actually enjoys crunching numbers to assure the greatest efficiencies, though not at the expense of his constituents.
I am proud that we have someone of Ross' caliber representing us in Grand Traverse County, and will be voting for his reelection.
Elizabeth Whelan
Traverse City
Invest in Traverse City
Now more than ever, our students need a quality education to prepare for the demands of the 21st century and compete on the national and international stage. For most of our children, especially those hardest hit by the economic downturn, public schools are a critical path to a better future. The Traverse City Area Public Schools Bond supports much-needed improvements in academics, technology, arts, and athletics. Let's continue our collective commitment to excellence in our public schools, our children and their futures. Vote "yes" and invest in Traverse City as a great community in which to live, work and retire.
David and Leslie Heimburger
Traverse City
Independent thought
Please join me in re-electing my friend and neighbor, Ross Richardson, to the Grand Traverse County Commission.
Ross is focused on the concerns of this community and his votes show that he wants what's best for our residents. He has fought against the cronyism existing in our local government, and he's saved thousands of dollars in unnecessary spending.
With Ross, you get independent thought and careful consideration of the issues. He works hard to do what is right for all of us. We are fortunate to have him on the county commission. Let's keep him there.
Deni Scrudato
Traverse City
Don't regress
In 2000 Republicans took the Executive Branch and began a program of tax cuts/less regulations, etc. Eight years resulted in massive job losses in manufacturing and an explosion in debt, ending in the worst financial chaos since the 1930s; the Dow was at 7,500.
Since the Democratic victory we've had 31 months of private sector job growth, much in auto and manufacturing; the Dow is at 13,000-plus.
Now is not the time to return to the failed philosophies of less tax, regulations. Especially true with the out-of-date attitude towards women and minorities' rights. Let's not regress. Move forward.
R.E. Haan
Honor
Compassion, integrity
Please join me in voting for Kirsten Keilitz for Grand Traverse County Probate Judge.
I've known Kirsten for 15 years and can confirm that Kirsten is running for this position for the right reason: She wants to help the children, families and senior citizens of Grand Traverse County when they most need help.
Kirsten has the smarts, compassion, integrity and dedication to make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and senior citizens. Her experience as a family law attorney, mediator and probate court referee has uniquely prepared her to serve as judge.
Kirsten Keilitz deserves our support.
Rachel Roe
Traverse City
