Thank you Chief Mason
Dear editor,
As a Groveland Township resident, we have always appreciated our firemen and law enforcement. They are both there to help us if we need them.
When my husband had a stroke, our lives literally changed in the blink of an eye. The response time was immediate from Station 2. One of the firemen on call was Kevin Mason. He was professional while at the same time compassionate. I felt comforted as much as I could be knowing my husband was in good hands.
Throughout the years, I periodically supply Station 2 with soup and sweets in appreciation.
A few weeks ago, Chief Mason and one of his fire fighters pulled up in our driveway and surprised me with a 50 piece box of tupperware in appreciation of what I do for them.
So thank you Chief Mason to you and your crew for always having our back.
Clay and Deannie Elliott
BGYA bottle, can donations
Dear Editor,
To Ortonville area residents, the Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance would like to say thank you all for such generosity and how much you have contributed to our bottle drive!
We want to share with you some of the great things the money will be used for: Summer camps, Challenge Day, The Reading/Step Summer Program, supporting the families in our community, making sure that our youth and future leaders receive the recognition they deserve and filling gaps for students and families to make sure that they have access to programs and opportunities.Thank you all so much! Ortonville Rocks! Kim Landry
(In response to, “When you choose a leader,” a letter by Denise L Chegash, The Citizen, June 27)
Dear Editor,
I’m perplexed by your comments. If you are trying to “preach” to me to mend my ways by using scripture verses then which 1 (or maybe all 7,maybe just 3 or 4) evils am I guilty of? Perhaps you just recently moved here and are not familiar with the “exchange” between Mr. Bond and I that’s been going on for quite some time! He really has a problem with our President…I am the polar opposite and strongly support him. The result is that lively exchanges take place! That’s just part of the process and I take, nor give, any personal dislike towards Mr. Bond. Heck, I’ve never actually meet the man, I just strongly disagree with his politics.
I save ALL my letters I write to The Citizen, just in case I need them to refer to, to defend my position. I did just that and which part did you find disagreeable? The part where I thought Mr. Bond was being naïve or the part where I suggested that he start taking vitamin “B” for increased mental acuity? Sarcastic by intention, but hardly anything which rises to the level of “HATE” speech! If you support and also don’t like President Trump then why don’t you just come right out and say that and stop using scripture to personally attacking someone who doesn’t agree with you. You seem like a religious person so here’s some scripture I remember from a long time ago: “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Oh, and here’s another, definitely not biblical in nature…………………………GO TRUMP GO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paul S. Lucas
Goodrich Bond
Dear Editor,
As a citizen of Goodrich, mother of three, and educator in a neighboring district, I will be voting YES! for the August 4th Bond Proposal to support Goodrich Area Schools. I encourage other Goodrich parents and community members to learn more about the district’s plan and projects by visiting the school website or using the shortcut: bit.ly/goodrichbond
Funds from the bond can only be used for the projects listed in the proposal, which ensures the money is going to update our buildings, provide additional technology, and keep our kids safe. I’ve sat through the presentations and been part of the conversations and I am confident with the district’s process to identify “critical needs” throughout the schools and prioritize the funding of these enhancements through a multi-year roadmap for infrastructure.

The first of which is this zero-increase bond proposal that will provide the district with 20.9 million dollars. With the current low-interest rates for loans, we’ll get more “bang for our buck” and experience a quicker payoff of the debt. This is the optimal time to pass a bond!
Looking through the list of planned projects funded by this bond, I am pleased to see improvements like the upgrades in security: cameras, updated phone and public address systems, additional external door access controls, and secure building entrances. These features will help keep school staff alert and aware while providing a safer building for my children to attend each school day. My elementary-aged children are excited about the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) room enhancements and maker’s space labs where they can engage their curiosities and be more hands-on. Oh, and the new gymnasium at Oaktree!
Goodrich Area Schools have maintained a status of excellence in part through the support of families and the greater community. We have the opportunity to continue this excellence by voting yes for the bond on August 4th.
Crystal ChapaGoodrich Parent
President, Citizens for Goodrich Schools
Groveland Township vote
Dear Editor,
As a former employee of Groveland Township, I have worked with and had experience with the following candidates running for election/reelection in the Groveland Township Primary on August 4th.
I would like to express my support for each of the following candidates. Robert DePalma, Supervisor of Groveland Township, holds years of experience as a Township Supervisor. Bob’s dedication and knowledge cannot be replaced. Patti Back, Clerk of Groveland Township, has always been fair, knowledgeable, and resourceful. Patti also holds years of experience in Groveland. Theresa Bills, running for Treasurer, is a stellar example of commitment and drive to succeed.
I have seen numerous examples of Theresa’s leadership and willingness to take on any task to better assist residents. Jim Christopher and Gina Muzzarelli are both excellent Groveland Township Trustees who take the job very seriously and are committed to Groveland. All the candidates who I have mentioned are fiscally responsible and caring people. I highly support and recommend keeping these five individuals for Groveland Township.
Kerri Allen former Deputy Clerk of Groveland Township
History revisionists
Dear Editor
I am deeply saddened by nightly reports of the actual or attempted destruction or defacing of another statue, erected in recognition of an individual or event in our nation’s history, by lawless individuals, many of whom apparently have little if any knowledge of history. But then, in reality, this wanton destruction is rooted in hate, not knowledge. It is following footsteps of the Taliban, ISIS and the Communist Chinese Cultural Revolution. Why else would they topple a likeness of Hans Christian Heg, a Norwegian immigrant, anti-slavery activist and Union Army officer who was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga?
Enough talk of sadness let’s talk of anger. I am angered by the cowardly politicians who are responsible for the protection of these public artifacts but do nothing. I am angered by these important public servants who, in theory deriving their power from the people, use that warrant to empower mobs to promote their own agendas.
Since most of the responsible authorities are reluctant to take a hard line with the history revisionists perhaps compromises could be worked out. Take, for instance, the Abraham Lincoln Emancipation Statue in Washington D.C.’s Lincoln Park. Critics are apparently offended by the depiction of a former slave kneeling at the feet of the author of the Emancipation Proclamation.
I propose that the former slave be removed and replaced by a likeness of Colin Kaepernick, who famously has no problem taking a knee. This should make everyone happy. Phil Fry

Vote YES
As a Goodrich parent, I am urging everyone to vote YES on the upcoming bond renewal proposal. There will not be a tax increase for these school related projects. The funds will come from an extended time of 5 years being added to the current debt, with no tax increase to the taxpayers.
The funds will focus on creating new learning space (STEM), improved water quality systems, new technology for the classrooms, and a new (much-needed) gym at Oaktree Elementary School. The existing gym is also used as a cafeteria and it’s difficult to use the space as a functioning cafeteria and gym on a daily basis.
I view the most important aspect of the bond renewal are projects related to student safety. These projects include cameras for the entry points and locking devices on all classroom doors, within the district. All classroom doors will be able to be locked from the inside. Also, the phone system upgrade will allow for any classroom to dial 911. These much-needed improvements are based on the continued threat of school violence that is so prevalent in our society. For that alone, I feel that this proposal is a no-brainer. Our children need all the safety measures possible and this bond renewal will point our district in the right direction.
One of the most important aspects of the security proposal is to redesign the entrance to the Middle School. Currently, anyone who enters the school does not go through an office before entering the school. All visitors should be vetted in the school office. By redesigning the front entrance, all visitors will be approved for entry into the school.
Additional funds will be allocated to infrastructure improvements such as roofing and parking lot repairs. This includes the redesigning the bus and parent pickup & drop off areas, at the Middle School. This will improve traffic flow and will increase the safety of our children as they enter and exit the building.
There is plenty of information online (www.goodrichschools.org) and with a new committee: Citizens For Goodrich Schools.
If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The email address is: citizensforgoodrichschools@gmail.com. There is a Facebook group that has been created as well. Please come forward if you have an interest in helping the committee.
Thank you,
Chad Toms
Treasurer – Citizens For Goodrich Schools