Dear editor:
(In response to: ‘These violations must cease,? The Citizen, letters to the editor, page 6, May 31)
The Atlas Township Planning Commission is my watchdog of choice. The commission is one of the most respected planning commissions in the state of Michigan. The individuals that serve our community could not have higher standards or be more respected in our community. Some are serving not only as planning commission members but also as school volunteers and church leaders.
Attacking the commission was full of unsubstantiated, uncollaborated accusations that the commission is violating the Open Meetings Act. Not one date or time of an improper meeting was given. Just because someone ‘feels? that there is a violation does not mean there is. The author, Sue Arnold, if elected, would have to work with the people she has unjustly accused of a crime. This certainly is not conducive to the type of harmonious, efficient government we currently enjoy in our community.
To find the truth, I contacted planning commission members, the township clerk and supervisor. Each person contacted assured me that they are well informed as to the rules of the OMA and are required to follow strict rules, which they do.
Township Trustee Statson and planning commission members said it appeared Arnold was expecting to be informed every time two planning commission members get together.
He said he would not do that. He went on to explain how board members, and then the township attorney, attempted to convince Arnold to understand the law, but all were unsuccessful. He assured me that all planning commission meetings are, and always will be, posted in the proper manner. When enough members of the commission get together to form a quorum and conduct township business is when the public must be notified. The commission bends over backward to be fair, impartial and professional.
These hardworking members put in many hours, with the only reward being the knowledge that they have helped to improve our community. Take the time to attend their meetings and you will see how lucky Atlas Township is to have these fine people keeping watch over our community.
Patrick Major
Atlas Township