Thank you Citizen
Dear Editor,
Thanks to The Citizen for the Viewpoints page. Letters to the Editor are so American, dating back to the birth of our infant democracy. They are a sign that our troubled nation is working out our problems, that our community is robust and contentious, features of a healthy democracy.
Our letters are a sign that The Citizen is thriving. “Consider letters as a barometer of how well (you are) engaging readers or viewers. The more you receive, the more you’re connecting. The fewer you receive, the stronger the sign that you’re putting the masses to sleep.” Said Ronald D. Clark of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
A while back The Citizen published a letter of mine in which I defended all letters, that none are incorrect. They are whatever we, the writers want them to be. That page in every newspaper belongs to us, the readers. Run on, incoherent letters from Trump fanboy Paul Lucas are ok. My high minded sometimes smarmy letters are ok. Even Bob defend-all-police-all-the-time Marshall’s letter is welcome.
Good job, Citizen. Bonnie Beltramo
Vote Kautman-Jones
Dear Editor:
Atlas Township needs a supervisor whose attention is undivided. This is why Shirley Kautman-Jones is getting my vote.
Sincerely, Carole Lawer
Vote Vick
Dear Editor,
As a lifelong resident of Atlas Township, in such a polarizing election year where many feel stuck choosing between the lesser of 2 evils, I feel fortunate to say the Atlas Township Clerk race is not like that. Instead it’s a conversation about who is most qualified and prepared going forward.
We have made an investment in Katie Vick over the last 4 years for her first term in office. She is now a Certified Michigan Municipal Clerk and proven herself capable of doing the job well. Not only is she an asset to Atlas, we have invested her tax dollars in her education. We do not want her to take that education to benefit another community. We paid for that knowledge and training. Not only is she qualified, she is pleasant and energetic. I fully support re-electing Katie (Katherine) Vick for Atlas Township Clerk. Doug McAbee
Vote Grogan
Dear Editor,
I would like to endorse Angela Grogan for the next Clerk of Atlas Township.  Angela was the owner of Lucy’s Pet Supplies & Feeds in Goodrich for 12 years, and I was her accountant for that entire time.
I trained her in the bookkeeping software, and she was soon doing payroll for her business, making accounting entries and keeping her checkbook within the software.  Her books were meticulous. She ran all aspects of her business.
One thing that couldn’t be measured in dollars was her love of animals and her willingness to serve her customers.  She has that entrepreneurial spirit, and I was sad to see her close her business when she couldn’t find a buyer.
Angela Grogan is the perfect candidate to be the next Atlas Township Clerk!
 Nancy Schroth, CPA, Goodrich
Vote Creamer
Dear Editor,
Dale Creamer and I do not always see eye-to-eye regarding political ideas; however, I do admire his passion and commitment to this community. Dale has lived in this area all his life, is a local businessman and his grandson was on the same soccer team as my son. Dale has roots in this community and he cares greatly about it. For the two years that I was attending the township meetings, Dale was always right there as well.
I support Dale and I wish him the best of luck. Hopefully we’ll get to work together as Brandon Township Trustees next term.
Heath D Zietz
Goodrich bond vote yes
Dear Editor,
On Aug. 4, the Goodrich Area Schools will ask voters to approve a much-needed bond issue. I am voting yes, and I encourage our community members to follow suit. While it is widely known that a great school system impacts home values in a positive way, what is often missed is the notion that the buildings and contents that are used to educate our kids are community owned. They are in fact OURS.
Much like our own homes, school buildings are in need of constant maintenance and over time infrastructural replacement, as all materials have an expected life cycle. I believe that the District has done a good job curating what has been given to them by the Goodrich community up to this point. The bottom line though is that roofs need to be redone, technology refreshed, and HVAC made more efficient.

Passing a bond in August also positions the taxpayer to get the best return on investment. Current bond interest rates are at an all-time low, which has given the District the ability to borrow about $21 million without raising the tax rate and only extending the debt retirement window five years. In addition, waiting to take action on critical needs will only cost us more down the road.
The need for bond dollars also stretches into the classroom, as Goodrich is in need of the tools to meet the needs of today’s young person. Technology has provided us the ability to Google almost anything. As a result, knowledge acquisition (old school) has given way to knowledge application (new school). Teachers are no longer expected to help students learn the periodic table. Rather, they are now charged with supporting the application of the periodic table in an unpredictable situation, with an unknown outcome. Upgraded learning spaces and technology will begin the pathway to greater learning, which also benefits the common good.
The time is now for us, the taxpayers of Goodrich, to act. Vote yes on August 4 for safer, smarter, and stronger schools. Rob Murray
Vote Bills
Dear Editor,
I would like to speak up on upcoming August 4th primary affecting Groveland Twp.  This is based on living in Groveland Twp. for over 24 years plus being active in our community and schools.  I back Theresa BILLS!
I got to know her when I was at the township hall for business plus through school events.  I find her demeanor and approachability to be a strength that I want at our offices.  I then looked into BILLS’ background, capabilities and experience.  This is what led me to support her for the Treasurer’s position.  In my conversations with her; I find her to be very logical yet confident.  I find BILLS to have the qualities we need to be our treasurer.
Please VOTE BILLS!  In 2018 I joined social media and read posts of some who are now candidates.  I was shocked and disappointed to see comments worded to rile people up or not supported by facts. I’m wary of candidates who are singled issued and pretentious.  I support candidates who’s words and actions are based on data and facts; not rhetoric.
That’s why I am supporting both Gina MUZZARELLI and Jim CHRISTOPHER for Groveland trustees.  I urge you to vote them back in.  Both are recent to the board, level headed, knowledgeable and respected.  About 2 years ago I had conversations with Patti BACK.  She is solid as our clerk.  She is extremely knowledgeable and competent.  Her direction is spot on and she needs to be re-elected.  Please keep BACK!  I believe our Groveland Twp. elected officials should work hard to be respectable to us and each other.  There will always be tough decisions to be made.  I want decisions made based on the data and facts, not rhetoric.
Lastly I need to say I love living in Groveland Twp.  What I love are the birds chirping, the toads croaking; the chickens cackling and the cows mooing (last two are on my neighbors’ properties).  BUT my most favorite sound I hear is the kids who live behind us playing in their yard!    Let’s keep it this way … Vote for BILLS, MUZZARELLI, CHRISTOPHER and BACK!
Diane Salter, Groveland Township
Vote Kidd
Dear Editor,
When choosing your Groveland Township Treasurer Aug. 4th, I urge you to cast your ballot for the Incumbent Treasurer Shelly Kidd.
I served the Township in various capacities for 36 years. In early 2015 many applicants were screened for Office Administrator/Deputy Treasurer. Those with the best qualifications were interviewed by key people including Township Auditor, Supervisor, and Treasurer. The candidate selected for Office Administrator/Deputy Treasurer, Shelly Kidd, was unanimously approved by the interview committee and was subsequently unanimously hired by the Board.
Shelly Kidd and I meet with the Township Auditor’s staff to create several Excel spreadsheets to better track the various funds and multiple bank accounts to allow consistent balancing of accounts, and tracking ambulance cost recoveries. We then met with the BSA Tax group in Oakland County so we could perform the Winter Tax Collections, record keeping, distribution and balancing of the tax account. Shelly worked many late nights to learn the functions she would be responsible for, additionally, she was extremely eager to learn new time saving steps. Importantly, she worked exceptionally well with the Groveland residents getting them the answers they were seeking. More difficult situations were handled courteously and with outstanding success. Shelly continued her efforts to learn the position by completing the qualifications/courses and became a Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer. When I retired as Treasurer in January 2019, Shelly was fully qualified and was appointed by the Township Board unanimously to become the current Treasurer.
Please join me by casting your ballot August 4th for Shelly Kidd. David Ax
Vote Tolliver
Dear Editor,
Fellow Groveland Township residents, please join me in voting for Republican Clerk candidate Nichole Tolliver on August 4th. I first met Nichole about 20 years ago when she was managing one of her dad’s businesses. She handled the daily operations plus the multiple records that were required. I was a guest speaker providing mandatory annual safety training for all employees. Several years later I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Nichole had been appointed to serve as Deputy Treasurer to Shelly Kidd, which was unanimously approved by the Township Board. In that position Nichole is rapidly learning the programs the township uses to maintain their records as well as being an asset to the township assisting with the tax programs and data entry requirements.
To improve transparency, I highly recommend Nichole Tolliver and urge you to vote for her as the new Clerk for Groveland Township.
Thank you,
David Ax
Vote DePalma
Dear Editor
Working daily with a co-worker you build a special bond. You become a team sharing not only your job duties but sharing your life experiences. You look forward to going to work to tell your stories. You laugh about the silly things, discuss what is happening and you always have a loyal friend to lean on. This is how it was for me working at Groveland Township with Bob DePalma for over 20 years.
What you may not know about Bob is how much he cares about doing the right thing for everyone but like most men did not always show that side. You did not see him on the days he came to work tired because he did not have a good night’s sleep thinking about a big decision. You did not see his daily calendar all marked up with meetings, follow up phone calls and reminders. You were not there to hear the many calls he made daily or the many calls he received from residents with concerns.
He never stops trying to make Groveland a better place to live with innovative ideas. You might not always have liked the answer, but he always took the time to listen to anyone. He is a take charge and get the job done kind-of-guy. Removing the emotion to make a decision that will benefit the majority is not easy. You work together as a team.
I was blessed to have been the Clerk working with a wonderful person who gave me profound respect. The side I saw of Bob was kindness, a strong work ethic and deep love for the township.
He has his own bucket list for projects he would like to see finished before he retires, and I hope he can carry out those goals. Please vote Bob for another term and vote the team that will work side by side as a strong board with him.
Sincerely,
Pam Mazich
Retired Clerk
Vote for Creamer, Lenker
Dear Editor,
There are at least 8 individuals running to be a Trustee in Brandon Township during the Primary Election on August 4th. But here are several points that puts these two gentlemen “head and shoulders” above all the others.
First and foremost, they are running as both multi-dimensional and multi-issue candidates, unlike most of the others who either don’t have a platform or are running on ONLY one issue. And they’re top issue is TAXES and how high they currently are and the need to bring them down before everyone moves out of this township.

They already have ideas on how to do this which are discussed below.
Second is the need for growth of our business community, primarily all along the M-15 corridor, but also in downtown Ortonville. Measured and controlled growth of businesses will help ALL citizens by alleviating their tax burden!
Third, putting together viable plans for the future of the Brandon community. For too long Brandon has been lacking clear and concise plans on how to move forward, especially important now during the Covid-19 crisis. What do we have in place today to make up for the sure large decrease in State revenue funds for the next year and for numerous years afterwards. This is especially true for the Brandon School System which is going to be extremely hard hit.
Fourth, safety of all our loved ones and every citizen is important. Thank God we have such trusted and excellent leaders in Chief Kwapis and Lieutenant Glover and all their “troops” which are keeping us safe and should remain to do so for many years.
In ending, the STATUS QUO and the cast of “regular” Trustees is no longer acceptable. We can and will do so much better with the forward thinking leaders Creamer and Lenker!
Please vote for Creamer and Lenker this August 4th. Thank You and God Bless. Kris Kordella
Vote Onica, June, Major
Dear Editor,
You sure can tell it is the political season by the many signs dotting the landscape. Who are these people whose names appear on these signs? Do they have what it takes to get the job done right or do they simply plaster the landscape with signs hoping to get elected?
I, for one want effective leaders…those who will maintain our township’s rural character; those who intimately know our Master Plan and our Ordinance; those who will work tirelessly on our behalf to make the right decisions—financially, morally, legally, and administratively; those who will represent the people in our community to others in such a way that make us proud. We need a safe community in which to raise our families—roads, schools, police, fire, 911, responsive governmental officials, good communication systems, and a growth strategy in keeping with country living. Credentials are important e.g. level of skill, knowledge, experience, work ethic, availability, and a large dose of common sense.
For 36 years I have closely observed Atlas township politics and the people who have served our community. We have the best-of-the-best in Tere Onica, Supervisor; Barry June, Trustee; and Patrick Major, Trustee. I am privileged to vote for them. And, the qualifications I talked about above? They’ve got them! Please vote August 4th for Tere, Barry, and Patrick. They are a winning team! June Amman, Atlas Township
Vote DePalma, Back, Bills,
Muzzarelli, Christopher
Dear Editor:
We have lived in Groveland Township for 27 years and have been actively involved in our community.
We have both been election inspectors for many years, and Neil currently serves on the Groveland Township Board of Review and Planning Commission.  Between the two of us, we have worked closely with the candidates we support for the Aug. 4 election, which are as follows:  Robert DePalma, Supervisor; Patti Back, Clerk; Theresa Bills, Treasurer; Gina Muzzarelli and Jim Christopher, Trustees.  The experience, professionalism, fiscal responsibility and dedication to Groveland Township that these candidates bring to the table make us confident in their abilities to lead our community with excellence.  Neil and Robin Loughlin
Vote Kowall
Dear Editor,
I would like to ask the Brandon/Groveland/Oxford communities to support Mike Kowall for County Executive. Mike’s past experience as Supervisor of White Lake Township gives him the most understanding of resident’s needs here in the northern Oakland County Townships. The other candidates will be representing city government. When I was in Lansing fighting against a tax initiative of up to 3 mills for regional transit, Mike was there testifying on behalf of our cause. Mike is the candidate most likely to maintain the policies put in place by the late L. Brooks Patterson.
Please visit Kowallforoakland.com to learn more about Mike Kowall’s positions on the issues.
Kathy Thurman, Brandon Township Supervisor
Vote DePalma
Dear Editor,
Robert DePalma has been the supervisor of Groveland Township for 24 years. Prior to that he served on the Planning Commission for roughly 16 years.
When Mr. DePalma started serving as Supervisor, almost all of the funding of the township was from property taxes. Through the hard work and ingenuity of Supervisor DePalma, the funding from alternative sources now exceeds the funding received from property taxes. Examples of alternative sources of funding are items such as a cell tower antenna by I-75, rental of township property, the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Emergency Response facility on Grange Hall Rd., and a bill board on I-75. He is currently working to add additional continuous income for the township through the use of the Stablex property (gravel pit area off of Grange Hall Rd.)
Perhaps most important is the fact that Supervisor Depalma doesn’t just go after ANY type of additional funding for the Township. He looks to blend income opportunities with the lifestyle we want in our township. The greatest example of this is the decades of work he has put into keeping land fills (garbage dumps!) out of the gravel pits. After years of work with Oakland County and the DNR, this fall the OVR park (created in one of the former gravel pits) will open to the community.
So when you go to the voting booth this year, vote for the proven leadership we have in this community, starting with Supervisor DePalma, and the rest of the team needed to work and support him; Patti Beck as Township Clerk, Theresa Bills as Township Treasurer, and Township Trustees Jim Christopher and Gina Muzzarelli.Thanks
Lynne Schank, Jenny Sevigny
Vote Kautman Jones
Dear Editor,
Please support Shirley Kautman Jones for Atlas Township Supervisor. Shirley doesn’t need a big introduction because everyone knows her, she has proven herself in Atlas township due to her dedication, commitments, generosity and accomplishments to our community over the past 40 years.
Her successful Country Home Creations, Board of GCRC, Board Of GEDC, Goodrich School Board, prior Atlas Township Supervisor, Goodrich-Atlas Library, Goodrich Historical society, Goodrich Cemetery Board, and her unbelievable support to the families, school and businesses of Atlas Township/ Goodrich. (much more but way too many to list).
I would also state Shirley is a strong supporter of our Military and our Veterans.
Shirley has in the past and will continue to work with County, State and corporations to get us the things we need in our community like Internet service, road maintenance, EMS and more.
She practices the saying actions speak louder than words. She is trustworthy and her Successful business experience has shown that she will spend our tax money wisely and prevent our tax money from being spent foolishly!
Shirley has a very flexible schedule, is accessible to all and follows up on calls. We now have an over budget, overpriced remodeled Atlas Township Office, let’s get a Supervisor in there that works strictly for the Taxpayers of Atlas Township and not one that works a full-time position for the City of Oxford. We need someone working for us!
George & Betty Butterworth 
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 Groveland Township Administrative Assistant and is running to serve Groveland residents as the Treasurer.
VFW Post 582 Commander Dennis Hoffman helped with the project that will bring citizens together for year 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
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), Gina Muzzarelli (Trustee), Jim Christopher (Trustee) and current Groveland Township Administrative Assistant Theresa Bills for Treasurer. They have managed Groveland Township by keeping millage 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
Qualifications
Dear Editor,
Has anyone considered the qualifications necessary to effectively run for public office in Groveland Township?
Kevin Scramlin, Stephanie Nicholson, and Nicole Tolliver; have you ever attended a Township meeting? Ever been on the planning commission or Zoning Board of Appeals? The positions for which you are seeking election are extremely important and complex and could possibly change the complexion of the entire township for numerous years. Do you know what the Master Plan is and how it effects the Township for the next five years? The positions you are seeking are extremely important for the future of the township. I am asking residents to consider these questions before casting your vote on Aug. 4.
Mike & Kathy Potvin

Political signs
Dear Editor,
Although running for a local political office is admirable, it comes with responsibilities.
Becoming a government leader requires more than putting your name on a ballot and displaying signs. It requires taking the responsibility to learn, understand, and uphold the laws required to manage a township office. Michigan campaigns are governed by the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA). MCFA section 47 requires that printed material referencing a candidate “shall bear upon it an identification that contains the name and address of the person paying for the matter.”
The next time you see a candidate’s sign (or other printed material), take a closer look. Did that candidate take the time to learn and follow the law? Does the sign identify who paid for it? Does it display an address? If not, take a moment to ask yourself this question: If this person did not care enough to learn what it takes to run for office, will they care enough to learn what it takes to manage that office if elected?
Laura Patterson-Lawrence