Published: July 20, 2008 09:35 am         

Letters At Issue: Aug. 5th Primary Election

Protection and justice

Mike Oltersdorf has demonstrated outstanding service as sheriff of Leelanau County for a number of years. He places the concerns of the citizens of this county for protection and justice above the petty political machinations of the unionized Deputy Sheriffs' Association.

He deserves our support to continue to provide the courageous and experienced leadership we need during the years ahead.

Jack Mobley
Suttons Bay

Honor, integrity, honesty

Ray Franz has many qualities to represent the 101st District as our state Representative.

Among these are his many years of experience as a community leader and volunteer, his ability to lead in a fiscally responsible way and his business and economic history, which are so much needed in Michigan today. He knows the needs of our communities and has been a leader in solving many of these needs.

Honor, integrity, honesty and experience do count, and we need someone with all these qualities. Ray Franz is that person.

Mary Ann Churchill
Arcadia

Fairest, most dedicated

The 2008 primary election will soon be upon us, and I'm writing to urge my fellow citizens of Peninsula Township to vote for Gil Uithol for Treasurer.

I have had the privilege of working with and knowing Gil for a number of years, and I believe he is one of the fairest and most dedicated public servants I have ever known. He will bring his substantial township experience to the office of treasurer and be ready and willing to listen with an open mind to the concerns of all Peninsula Township residents.

Please vote for Gil Uithol on Aug. 5.

Mark D. Hood
Traverse City

A better sheriff

Thomas Bensley was a student of mine. I have known Tom Bensley for years. Tom Bensley and I served on the Traverse City Zoning Board of Appeals. Tom Bensley aided me as a member of the Grand Traverse County Marine Patrol. Tom Bensley is a Republican candidate for sheriff in Grand Traverse County. Tom Bensley will be a better sheriff than the county has now.

Tuesday, Aug. 5, vote for a better sheriff. Vote for Tom Bensley; he will be a better sheriff.

Dick Crampton
Traverse City

Years of experience

The primary election on Aug. 5 this year will be very important to us Peninsula Township voters. I would really encourage all our Peninsula voters to cast your vote for Gil Uithol, who is running for treasurer. Gil works very diligently for what he believes in. He loves the Peninsula and would pursue excellence as our treasurer. He has promised that he will be full-time in the office and will always have an open door for discussing Peninsula concerns.

Experience, he has ... 27 years of township experience in zoning and property evaluation. Please get out to vote.

Anita Wells
Traverse City

An excellent sheriff

I am a Leelanau County deputy. I have served as the court bailiff for three years. Prior to this position I was a state trooper for 25 years. I am writing this letter to the citizens of Leelanau County to let them know that, in my opinion, the vast majority of deputies believe they work for an excellent sheriff. We recognize and appreciate what Sheriff Oltersdorf has done for the citizens of Leelanau County and for the deputies.

Ken Lady
Traverse City

Will support community

What makes a good elected official? I believe high on the list of qualifications are honesty, integrity and a sincere desire to support and enhance the community. Republican Garfield Township treasurer candidate Eric Grebe will be that kind of elected official.

We need Eric Grebe on the job working for us. On August 5, please vote to elect Eric Grebe as our Garfield Township treasurer.

Anna Mouser
Williamsburg

Experience, integrity

On July 3, at the Alden Stroll, Antrim County Sheriff Terry Johnson was campaigning with the assistance of two fully uniformed deputies in a county patrol car for almost two hours.

For a sheriff who advocates strict adherence to the law (The Hatch Act), a flagrant violation of campaigning sends a completely different message. As a taxpayer in Antrim County, I resent the use of my tax dollars to fund the campaign of a candidate I choose not to support .

Remember to vote Aug. 5 for experience, education and integrity.

Dan Bean for Antrim County Sheriff.

William Fleet
Bellaire

East Bay Twp. policies

I'll vote change in East Bay Township. Road improvement programs are gone as fund balances grow $150,000 per year or more.

The township violates its own zoning. The ordinance says, "A Zoning Administrator shall be appointed by and on such terms as shall be determined by the Township Board... ." The board likes to spend money on lawyers. You don't have to be a lawyer to know what "shall" means.

The current board hasn't had a zoning administrator for years, keeping only an assistant administrator (assistant to whom?).

Why cut funding to the senior center last year? Ouch.

John S. Porter
Traverse City

The writer was supervisor of East Bay Township from 1980 to 1992 and is a local real estate appraiser.

Integrity, experience

Dick Schmuckal has made a significant contribution to good government in Leelanau County for many years. We are fortunate to have him run once again for service as District Three County Commissioner.

Integrity, experience, commitment and service are all represented in full measure by Dick Schmuckal as he continues to help Leelanau County remain the "Land of Delight."

Delores Mobley
Suttons Bay