First thanks to all who took time to call and share their thoughts concerning my last column about the ‘dysfuction? of the Independence Township Board. Whether they agree with me or not, I always enjoy getting feedback from readers and knowing what their thoughts are.
As far as the board goes, last Tuesday’s meeting was the worst I’ve seen yet. I am sorry, but it’s wrong to discuss (or shall I say argue about a topic) for nearly an hour only to ‘postpone? making a decision on that topic because there is not enough information. (See page 14A). Then that entire discussion just became irrelvant and a waste of time.
I am not against postponing items if after 10 minutes of discussion there is a realization more information is needed, but beyond that items need to be voted on. If you agree with the motion brought forth, then vote ‘yes,? if you don’t than vote ‘no.? The majority rules, it’s as simple as that.
I also keep hearing from board members, ‘I didn’t see this until I got my board packet.? Well, that is what your board packet is for. It supplies you with the items on the agenda and the supporting information for each item. If you have questions after reading your packet, I suggest getting those answers prior to meeting time.
I hope the new board meeting rules and procedures adopted by the board will help straighten some of these issues out and make the meetings run a little smoother. Though I don’t neccesarily agree with all the new rules within the policy, I do think the rules will help keep members on task. (Story in next weeks edition of the Clarkston News .)
I also recieved a call this week from a resident who told me they left message with the supervisor, the clerk, and the treasurer and never recieved a call back from any of them.
They asked me if I get calls back from township officials. I said ‘I generally do, but if I don’t I will keep ‘bugging? them until I recieve a call back or they answer the phone.
This is not the first time I have heard residents say they have not received calls or e-mails back from township officials. Residents? concerns and questions should be of most importance to the officals, since it’s the taxpayers who they are accoutable to. Even if you can’t or don’t have an answer to their question or concern, at least give a courtesy call.
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I was shocked last Friday when I checked my voicemail and heard Sam Moraco was resigning as chairman of the planning commission, however I understood and respect his reasons for wanting to resign.
Sam is what I would call a ‘straight shooter.? He has never been afraid to tell you exactly how he feels. Whether you agreed with him or not, you always knew when you asked him a question on how he felt about an issue he would give you a straight answer.
I personally would like to thank Sam for all of his hard work and effort over the past six years, not only as a planning commissioner, but as a citizen of Independence Township who voluteered his time and efforts towards various projects, which he thought to be of value to the residents of the township.