Patriot Pavilion
Dear Editor,
I was very fortunate to attend the Groveland Township Patriot Pavilion Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, July 4th on Grange Hall Road.
Teresa Bills and Laurie Dallape planned this honorable event to remind us all that our freedom is not FREE. Currently Avery Bills is serving in the Navy and Teresa is serving as the Deputy Treasurer and running to serve
Groveland residents as the Treasurer.
VFW Post 582 Commander Dennis Hoffman helped with the project that will bring citizen together for years to come. Louise the Desert Angel was also on hand to give out Miracle troop boxes for everyone to take, shop, pack and mail to our service people all over the world.
A beautiful tribute was paid to Joseph Miracle, whose was killed in action on July 5th, 2007 by his Mother Judy Miracle.
The pavilion is a very peaceful place to enjoy anytime and remember why we are so fortunate to live in AMERICA!
Candee Allen
Here to help
Dear Editor,
We are put here on Earth to love and help one another.
During these trying times, wouldn’t it be wonderful if some of our landlords could find it in their hearts to forgive some back rent, especially in small towns like ours.
People are trying to bring customers and business back and get back on their feet.
God will reward you in his way.
Linda Duman
(In response to, ‘All lives matter,’ a letter by Bob Marshall, The Citizen, June 20, page 7)
Careful with your words
Dear Editor,
Recently, Bob Marshall, Brandon Trustee, posted this on his Trustee FaceBook page.
“Some of you were offended by my use of “yellow” and “red”…Just in case you need to remember Sunday School….Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world.
Red, and yellow, black, and white, They are precious in His sight Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
Bob words matter and these words hurt.  They hurt my children, they hurt my friends, they give others the idea that it’s OK to use these words, and Bob, they are racist.
I learned the song you quoted in church too.  Did you know that it’s not taught in many churches any longer?  You know why, Bob?  Because people understand now that it’s not “Christian” to call Asians and Native Americans by the color of their skin.  You see Bob; my family is formed through adoption.  I am white, my son is the most intelligent, most handsome boy born in China and my daughter is the smartest, most beautiful girl born in Guatemala and of Myan descent. (I get to say that because I’m their mom.)  Whether you know of this or not, there are many white adoptive and foster parents in the community.  We knew about racism, we knew there would be challenges, what I didn’t realize was that it would trigger and it made me look at my white privilege. I am in the midst of waking up to the atrocities that happen just because a person was born with different pigments than what I was born with.   Could you call my children yellow and red to their faces?  Would you?  You see, your argument allows kids in school to discriminate.  Your argument allows teachers to look the other way.  Your argument makes my children afraid; they are afraid Bob, and so am I.  So are many parents that live in Brandon and the surrounding communities.  It’s hard for us to speak out because we are afraid we’ll be targeted, or worse our children will be, and yes, this has happened as well.

Do you know what they call it when white parents of children of color get triggered?  It’s called white fragility because we haven’t had to live it or see it up close until now.  But I’m becoming stronger, and so are others.
It has also been mentioned that it’s horrible to bring kids into the political fight.  Guess what?  Parents of kids of color don’t have a choice.  We HAVE to talk to them about racism.  We HAVE to talk to them about being on alert.  We HAVE to talk to them because if we don’t some horrible things can happen.  Again, we don’t have the privilege of hiding them from it. We’ve seen it.  We’ve witnessed it.  (I’m not talking about the actions of police only so don’t go down that path with me.  I come from a family of first responders, I know the good ones, and I’ve seen the bad ones.) It’s a shame that we have to fight to get you to see it, someone that was elected to represent ALL of the people in this town.
The tongue has no bones but is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words.  Lisa Bana
Vote YES for School Bond
Dear Editor,
On August 4th, the Goodrich School District will need the support of our community to pass a school bond that will greatly improve the district.
My family moved to Goodrich 4 years ago this coming August. We chose Goodrich for many reasons (small town atmosphere! The land! Dollar General! ; )) but the main reason was and still is, the fantastic school district. I have spent the last four school years volunteering as often as possible at the elementary schools my children now attend. They are filled with educators and school employees that make school a positive, safe place to learn. While I do love the history of being able to say my children attended the same elementary school my own mother did, it goes without saying these buildings need some TLC.
I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in on a community forum outlining and explaining the in’s and outs of the proposed bond. To me, it’s a no brainer ‘yes’ vote. The bond is for a sum of $20,930,000 and is a NO TAX increase to voters or the town. The funds will be used for, in my opinion, very basic and necessary improvements such as roof and pavement repair, updating phone and PA systems, much needed upgrades to the entrances of our middle and high school, locks on all interior doors, computer network upgrades, etc. etc. On a larger scale, there will be an additional gymnasium added onto Oaktree Elementary. Currently, the gymnasium also serves as the lunchroom. This means any indoor recesses are held in classrooms because the grades switch recess and lunch time. Adding a gymnasium would not only alleviate this issue but it would also give an additional (AND MUCH NEEDED!) space to hold practices and events.
Please come out on August 4th to vote YES for Goodrich Schools and the kids in our community.
Michelle Delaney, Goodrich
Great lifestyle, low taxes
Dear Editor,
I have been a Groveland Township resident since 2000 and attend board meetings often.  Having lived in other Townships, I can rate our officials as being most competent, trustworthy and welcoming.
I urge you to vote for incumbents:  Bob DePalma (Supervisor),  Pattie Back (Clerk), Theresa Bills (Treasurer), Gina Muzzarelli (Trustee) and Jim Christopher (Trustee).  They have managed Groveland Township by keeping milleage rates among the lowest in the state, developing a Master Plan that supports a life style that even the “yoopers” would envy:  an off-road park in place of a landfill, supports a well-trained Fire Department (and favorable ISO rating), and retention of the Michigan State Police Post (alternatives would be very costly).
Vote for these people to continue a great lifestyle and low taxes. George Graunke

Is it time for change?
Dear Editor,
Your right to vote on Aug 4 is an important one to exercise. Your vote is choosing the candidate that most resembles your beliefs and allows you to view their platforms.
In my thirty years working for Groveland Township, the last 18 as the clerk, I had the privilege of working with Robert DePalma, Patti Back, Theresa Bills, Gina Muzzarelli and Jim Christopher.
An issue that stirred the emotions of some residents over the Fire Department review did bring a packed room for quite a few meetings. The time to review the financial findings angered some residents who are now running for office or feel it is time for change.
The Township is solid, employee benefits are funded, the new ORV park will bring revenue dollars with commercial growth along the Dixie by-Way, the Michigan State Police continue to protect the residents and the Fire Department is secure. These decisions were made with hours of review by these candidates to make Groveland a safe beautiful community to live.
Theresa has four years of training and experience working in most departments at Groveland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a master’s degree in Teaching. Theresa is the only candidate that can bring back professionalism and teamwork to the Treasurer’s office that has been lost since the retirement of Dave Ax.
IS IT TIME FOR A CHANGE? Coming to a few meetings and placing your campaign sign on someone’s front lawn are not strong qualifications to step into any of these positions. You may want to ask the other candidates how they propose to bring about this needed change and why it necessary.
I encourage you to read about their campaigns by visiting www.votegroveland.com. Pamela Mazich
Vote Bills
Dear Editor,
I’m writing this letter from almost a thousand miles away from Groveland Township, MI, after taking off my uniform from a long day of working on a nuclear submarine in Charleston, SC.
I have recently graduated from the United States Navy’s Nuclear Power Training Unit, after almost two years of grueling schooling and training, sometimes up to 90 hours a week of tests, maintenance, and a never ending lesson in unwavering integrity. And after all that, I still look up to my mother, Theresa Bills, for her dedication and tenacity towards the things she cares about and is responsible for. I wish I could have attended the dedication of the Patriot Pavilion on July 4, which was a project she was passionate about making perfect for the veterans and active duty service persons of the township.  She cares about the people of Groveland Township, and will work hard to do what is right. My mom helped hundreds of students and many teachers succeed when she was a teacher.  Her strong math skills and experience working with many different teams of people make her the best choice on August 4.
Vote for my mom for Treasurer of Groveland Township –Avery Bills, US Navy
Vote Bills
Dear Editor,
I am asking you to vote for Theresa Bills for treasurer at the August 4 election.
I had worked as an election inspector for about 8 years when Theresa became the election administrator. She provided answers to all our questions and in several different formats.  This helped the poll workers as well as the people coming to vote.  I learned how organized, efficient, proficient and deep her commitment is to serve.
This was what the township board saw anytime Theresa was asked to do a task.
When she applied for the office administrator position she was voted in unanimously.  Her skill set, work ethic, a resume that fulfilled the posting and the reality of the inner workings in the township office are what the township needed.  Despite intervention, during the past year, the township lost two good employees, both leaving letters stating harassment in the work environment.
I am confident Theresa will bring professionalism, kindness, accountability and integrity to the office.
Theresa has a bachelor’s degree in math and science,  a masters degree and continues her education today with workshops and Michigan Twp Association classes, so getting a MiCPT by going to the Michigan Treasurers Institute one week a year for three years would be a formality easily accomplished.
Your tax dollars should be working for you.  When you elect Theresa they will be!
I am looking forward to working with someone who will empower me to learn, respond openly and honestly to requests and questions, and be comfortable being co-responsible for the fiduciary health of Groveland Township through having this communication.
This information can be substantiated through the twp records, our auditor and legal counsel.
Gina Muzzarelli, Trustee Groveland Township
Vote Back
Dear Editor,
I would like to endorse Patti Back for Groveland Township Clerk. I was employed by Groveland Township for over ten years. During that time, I worked closely with Patti. The tasks and responsibilities of the clerk are widespread and encompass many areas of Township business. Patti is extremely well qualified for this position, meeting these challenges with her knowledge and professionalism. Her personality and ability to deal with the public, giving that extra effort to the situation at hand, is always present. Patti is truly an asset to the Township – please vote to retain her on August 4. Judy Schulte
Zietz trustee write in
Dear Editor,
I wanted to let the community of Brandon Township know that I am running as a Trustee for the 2020-2024 Term.
I am running as an independent candidate. I want to thank the 68 people in the Township that signed my qualifying petition so I could get on the November Ballot for the general election. I also wanted to thank Marisa Prince for helping me collect signatures. With her help we were able to collect the 68 signatures in 7 days. Community members can learn more about me on my Facebook page “HDZ.for.Trustee”. On the “Posts” tab you can see my opinions on various community topics and responses to questions from community members. I encourage the community to voice their opinion on my various responses which will help me get a better idea how to better represent this community. After attending the township board meetings for 2 years I felt that there was not enough compromise amongst the board which hurts a small community like ours. My goal if elected would bring more compromise to the community by listening to multiple opinions and find a win, win solution for us all. Heath D Zietz