Dear Editor,
As one of the sponsors of the survey conducted by Independence Goes Green committee and a person who has been a market research director at a major multinational firm, I would like to address comments made about the survey by Mr. Michael Powell of Independence Township, May 28.
First of all, the survey was conducted by a respected polling firm, Tel Opinion Research. It was not ‘our own $10,000 telephone survey.?
It is also false to say the ‘township allowed the poll to be changed after polling had already been started? or it was ‘fixed.? In fact, the survey questionnaire was exactly the same during the entire administration of the poll. It is standard procedure in tax ballot polling to repeat the ballot proposal using a range of millages possibilities. It is only by doing this that a ballot proposal can be constructed that represents a real value to the voting public. It is true that only a plurality of the sample favored the most expensive millage possibility. It is also true a majority favored a more modest proposal. We all have a limited appetite for additional taxes.
Mr. Powell appears to interpret this proposal as a parks millage that will benefit ‘a select few? and is clearly uncomfortable with the idea that 60 percent of our township may believe it is worth spending on average $55 or so per property per year to protect some of the township’s remaining significant natural open space that purifies our drinking water, provides habitat to our wildlife and recharges our spirits by its quiet enjoyment. Since I like pure water, wildlife, and inspiration, I guess I am one of the ‘select few.? Perhaps you are too.
It is clear from the tone of his letter and his previous letter that he is dissatisfied with township officials and the way development has gone on in his part of the township. In fact, the survey shows that the ‘pace of development? is the number one ranked issue on the minds of citizens likely to vote in November. I agree completely with Mr. Powell that history has shown we cannot depend solely on our elected officials to help keep ill-considered development at bay. Our elected officials need our help, support and close supervision.
We all need the wisdom and foresight to get involved and understand this issue now. If we don’t, history has shown we will very likely end up like residents in some of our neighboring townships, and lamenting what has happened to our lovely community.
We may feel lucky to live here now, but we cannot afford to rely on luck to keep it that way tomorrow. When we thing about the legacy that we leave to future generations, which would we rather be: victims, or heroes?
Donald Topping
Independence Township

Dear Editor,
Contrary to Some opinions the Poll that was conducted to measure support for our millage was not fixed but conducted by a national polling group. The resulting millage amount reflected the results of that poll when people were asked how much they would pay to keep our township green and protect our ground waters. The township board was given the poll results and all the data and that is a matter of public record.
National studies have shown that open space does result in higher property values and I invite comparison with areas like Orion, Troy and Auburn Hills for a basis. Any realtor can give you the numbers.
The millage will be for all of our township and some of the highest ranking areas are in the SE part of Independence, specifically Sashabaw Creek and its associated areas which received a high priority rating from County wide surveys.
As to the ‘chosen few? this effort has received support from a variety of organizations including Ducks Unlimited, the River of Life, Clinton River Watershed and other too numerous to mention.
We believe that November will show that the majority of our citizens value what we have and are willing to help protect and preserve our waters, wet lands and green space. All for a few dollars more.
It’s too late when you see the bulldozers!
Jim Reed
Independence Township

Dear Editor,
We just received this email update from 44th district (Independence Township) representative John Stakoe. As you can see we already pay for green space acquisition in Independence Township with royalties paid to the state. The Independence Township green space proposal is a duplicity we cannot afford and is one that we are already paying for.
In Mr. Stakoes own words: The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) began as the “Kammer Recreational Land Trust Fund Act of 1976.” The Michigan Land Trust Fund (MLTF) was established to provide a source of funding for the public acquisition of lands for resources protection and public outdoor recreation.
In 1984, Proposal B amended the State Constitution and created the MNRTF. The constitutional amendment required that oil, gas and other mineral lease and royalty payments be placed into the Trust Fund, with proceeds used to both acquire and develop public recreation lands. Proposal P (1994) established the State Park Endowment Fund for the operation, maintenance and capital improvements of Michigan’s State Parks. In 2002, Proposal 2 was enacted and raised the cap on the Trust Fund and allows the up to one-third of the Trust Fund revenues to be spent annually, until the principal reaches $500 million.
While only a local or state government can apply to the MNRTF to acquire property, any individual, group or organization may nominate land for consideration. A nomination is a suggestion that the DNR consider a property for acquisition. Individuals who would like to submit a nomination must complete a short form. The nominations are compiled by the DNR’s Grants Management and made available to the land managing bureaus/divisions of the DNR for review and to determine if the division desires to submit a MNRTF grant application for the property.
Nominations may be submitted at any time. For information please visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr
Sound familiar? It should. We’ve had a green space proposal that we have been paying for for years. Vote NO on the Independence green space proposal on Nov. 4.
Michael Powell
Independence Township