Some ways to save
If I were in charge!
Grand Traverse County: Disband the road commission. Sell the property, have workers hired by, say, Elmer's, who then would fix our roads with the tens of millions of dollars in profit. With savings and current taxes it would more than fix our sorry excuse for roads. The snow plowing would be either townships, or whoever was doing road repairs.
The Postal Service: No more stamp or shipping increases until we consolidate 30 to 40 percent of offices (approximate savings in just 496 zip, $10 million plus!)
The country: Cut pork spending, and overhaul all federal programs for waste and fat. No increase in taxes needed and Congress would pay for some of their benefits.
Brian Utter
Interlochen
Bon voyage to editor
Jay Smith, Ed Williams, Al Barnes, Gil Bogley, Bill Smith, Ken Parker, Jeff Peek, to name a few who brought us the news via the Record-Eagle over the years.
And now, Kathy Gibbons has chosen to express her talents in a new venue. I, for one, am going to miss her weekly and daily columns. She could write about anything and make it most interesting and thought provoking, and sometimes even funny.
The Record-Eagle will be hard pressed to find someone to fill her shoes.
I wish Kathy success as she fulfills another dream, The EuroStop at the depot. I look forward to making friends with the EuroDog.
Jeanne Kipley
Traverse City
Volunteers are valuable
Volunteering is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to engage in their community. It is showing the nation that we meet our challenges, not as isolated individuals, but as members of a community working together.
Volunteers work throughout our community doing many jobs. Organizations rely on the commitment of volunteers to support arts, health, sports, environment, education, recreation, community development and social services.
The older adults who make up the Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Programs deserve recognition. Foster Grandparents are found in schools, Head Start classrooms and day-care centers helping children enhance their growth in self-esteem, social, behavioral, life and academic skills through mentoring.
Senior Companion volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments and opportunities for contact with the outside world. Isolated seniors develop relationships that encourage independence and improved quality of life.
Take this opportunity to thank those who volunteer in your community. Consider volunteering so you can be at the center of social change and discover your power to make a difference.
Douglas J. Durand
Cadillac
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