Letters to the Editor: 05/06/2008

May 07, 2008 04:00 am

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BATA saves money

The price of gas is appalling these days. At the recommendation of a fellow employee, I went to the Bay Area Transportation Authority to inquire about bus services.

With their friendly assistance, I realized I could come to and from work at half the cost of driving.

Riding BATA will save wear and tear on my car and will lengthen the time between oil changes, so in the long run it will save even more money. Plus, it will help on the environment and give me a chance to relax before and after work.

I am now more happy than before to have supported BATA in the millage proposals. I am pleased, BATA provides a wonderful service.

Heather Deegan
Interlochen

Protect Michigan's water

Water is life, and the Earth is running out of clean, fresh water. Over one third of the world's people suffer from water scarcity. Many, mostly women and children, walk hours to bring home any water they can carry.

We, who live in states with 20 percent of the world's fresh water, are not immune. Our precious Great Lakes are in danger from climate change, invasive species, industrial pollution and local pollution that creates high E. coli counts and botulism. Toxins from smokestacks produce enough mercury to prompt fish advisories.

But the most critical problem is the entire withdrawal issue. If you aren't aware of the far-reaching consequences, check out the Web site www.michiganwaternotforsale.com.

In Michigan we need a constitutional amendment to ensure the protection of water, and locally we need to conserve. Meanwhile contact state senators to protest any withdrawals and to pass SB 860 and 212 to protect groundwater. The House Bills are 5065 and 5073.

If Michigan doesn't stand up to the Nestles of the world, others will be right behind them, and NAFTA will take over. The nightmare of privatization of water, and a pipeline to the west could become a reality.

Ann Rogers

Traverse City

Viva la festival

Let's see, does anybody remember the late '70s early '80s, when the slogan was "The last one out of Michigan, don't forget to turn the lights off?"

Seems we've come full circle since those times.

It's hard to believe with as much as the Cherry Festival does for our area that people want to shorten it.

We can ill afford to turn away business in this state, even the selling of Gibby's fries and beer tent chips.

Viva la festival!

Daniel Barnes
Williamsburg