Thoughts on the new grading system

Dear Editor,
My feedback for the new elementary system of “Successful,” “Developing,” or “Beginning” follows.
The previous, standard letter grading scale (A,B,C,D,F) that was in place beginning in third grade was an adequate way for both students and parents to become accountable and aware of students strengths in weaknesses as they approach a higher level of learning.
Higher-level education grading exists for a reason and our students have lessons to learn about accountability, and this new system leans towards mysterious grading and accountability for the students.
I believe students at third grade and beyond take pride in “earning grades” or identifying weakness areas they need to focus extra study time on.
Elementary education and concepts are important for higher learning and to put generic scoring does not provide fair representation for students who are achieving excellence or addressing students who need to spend more time on studies outside of school. This system is not one I support or find benefit.
The only reason of benefit I can see, is it may be hiding the true learning happening at the elementary level, and why, are we trying to hide something? This is not fair or beneficial for anyone!
Finally, my daughter, Ava, achieved all A’s last year because she challenged herself and she took pride in herself and the grades that she strived for all year.
Now you have taken that from her and all the other students who are putting forth the efforts to earn grades. Where is her motivation now, all she has to do is get an “S”? You have taken away the “Excellence” in Clarkston elementary schools and replaced it with “Successful.” Our graduating elementary children can no longer be eligible for the President’s Education Awards Program, www2.ed.gov/programs/presedaward/eligibility.html.
I ask you share my letter and concerns with the school board as this is a big deal for the future of our children.
Julie Wojewnik
Independence Township

Disappointment by township

Dear Editor,
Regarding the Independence Township Board meeting on Nov. 10, I was disturbed by a particular agenda item, and even more alarmed by the vote.
There was a ‘Request to Establish [a] Woodland/Tree Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee.? This committee will investigate other communities? ordinances concerning replanting-regulations when there is ‘clear-cutting of entire woodland areas.?
For example, if a development project knocks down dozens or hundreds of trees, it seems to make sense they would have to replant a similar number of trees elsewhere in the city or township in order to maintain the community’s natural legacy.
However, it appears that something sneaky was going on in this proposal. In addition to ‘woodland areas,? the ordinance would also include individual trees on the property of Independence Township residents that are deemed to be ‘heritage trees.?
This means that John Smith, who is not a developer, but just a homeowner, would NOT be allowed to freely chop down a tree, that carries a certain arbitrary designation, in his own backyard, without being required to replant a similar tree elsewhere in the township.
I am a conservative, and I’m happy to live in a township where all the trustees are Republican, but I was shocked at the intrusive-government-liberalism of this second, somewhat hidden, element of the proposed tree-ordinance.
And I was quite disappointed that the vote was 5-1 in favor, with the only, proper, dissenting vote given by Trustee Jose Aliaga.
Barry Cohn
Independence Township

Government turned back on voters

Dear Editor,
Congratulations to the liars and skunks voters of Michigan elected, who promised a more fiscally responsible, lower tax government.
After having their special interest tax increase brutally rejected by ballot, they have gone the circuitous route around the electorate.
Auto registration fees and gas tax will skyrocket. Everyone from Sashabaw Meadows to Bridge Valley will pay for their underhanded duplicity.
The legislator and the governor have not just turned their backs on taxpayers, they have exposed themselves for what they are, liars and skinks!
Sincerely,
Robert Namowicz
Independence Township

Workshops at library

Dear Editor,
The Independence Township Library provides so many services for local residents that are in danger of slipping away.
Did you know the library holds two genealogy workshops each year? Partnering with our local Daughters of the American Revolution, Sashabaw Plains Chapter, Joette Kunse offers topics like “Finding Your Female Ancestors” and “US Migration Patterns and Your Family.? The library has a new, dedicated section on genealogy and local history.The library also offers a panel of genealogists ready and willing to research local ancestors and local history, as well as answer general genealogical questions. Free of charge, they will help you find your roots!
Clarkston has no genealogical society. If the doors to the library close this year, that resource will be gone.
Residents do not realize they went from paying a very small amount to support the library to paying nothing at all.
Vesta L. DeRiso
Independence Township

A call for less Cory

Dear Editor,
Never mind that Cory Johnston is ‘searching for an apology? (May 21 edition)! I am searching for an apology from you.
How can you, my favorite hometown paper, give so much ‘soap box? space to that egomaniac? Like King Lear, he is so insanely caught up with himself he sees nothing. I am not impressed with his ‘facts, figures and knowledge.? He should not be allowed to blow his horn so loudly in our paper.
Yes, if he insists, let him write in the ‘To the Editor? pages, but for heaven’s sake do not put him or his ridiculous pontification in your readers? faces! Continue to accommodate him and you will lose me as a reader! He is intrusive, irritating, self centered, and I am sick of all the noise he makes. Mostly I am irritated with you giving him space to disturb your readers. Please control yourself as he tries to push into our lives. Thank you.
Judy McConnell
Clarkston

Suggestion for park

Dear Editor,
I was saddened to read of the vandalism at Depot Park.
May I suggest a citizens watch, those the time and inclination spend some time at the park reporting anything unseemly.
Betty Wright
Independence Township

Support for library

Dear Editor,
I’m writing to urge everyone to support the August Primary vote on theIndependence Library.
A community without a library is one which few people would care to live-in and would reflect very poorly on us. I feel that our library is a real asset and provides numerous services that are of great value to all. Many of their programs, both for adults and children, are outstanding and provide opportunities not to found elsewhere.
A millage to support this community asset is one we should all vote for.
Jim Reed
Independence Township

Book club benefits

Dear Editor,
Libraries ? I love the smell of libraries. All those books in one place. Glorious!
When I was a little girl, I used to love to walk to the library with my sister and bring home as many books as my skinny little arms could carry and the library would allow. Growing up, I used the library for research and enjoyment. How fun to curl up with a good book and let your mind take you to wherever the story is going.
Today I’m an adult and I belong to two book clubs in Clarkston. One is an extension of the swimmers? group at Deer Lake Racquet Club and the other is part of the Pine Knob Enclaves Homeowners group. These book clubs use the Clarkston Library’s ‘Books in a Bag? services to help us choose ‘good reads? and to allow the book club members to read books without having to buy them and then we share them with others.
I hope others in Clarkston feel as I do ? that our library is critical to the mental growth of our youth and the well-being of our community.
I hope the voters of Clarkston vote ‘yes? on millage for our library so we can keep this critical resource open not only for our own enjoyment but for our children as well.
Sandra Palmer
Indedpendence Township

Dear Editor,
Please vote for Jose Aliaga for trustee on Nov.
Jose’s healthcare background gives him insight into the value of hospital services to our community. His business experience gives him an understanding of our need for an efficient and responsive local government.
Sincerely,
James A. O’Neill, MD

Dear Editor,
As a past co-owner of Terry Machine Company, I had the privilege of working closely with Ron Ritchie for over 30 years. I found Ron to be a strong leader, a man with integrity, and a hard worker. I give my support to Ron for township trustee because these are attributes this township needs.
Please also consider a ‘yes? vote for our district library.
Sincerely,
Charlie Hadden

Dear Editor,
I ran for Clarkston School Board two years ago because I felt the majority of the board at that time had their own agenda and I wanted to change the course. It’s now two years later and nothing has changed. Granted, that is my personal view, but nonetheless it’s one that has gotten stronger.
There are three candidates that are running in this election that I believe can make a difference and bring that agenda back to the parents and students of this community as I had hoped. An agenda focused on input and concerns from the community ? rather than pushing out dictates to the community.
Those three candidates are Joan Patterson, Sue Boatman and Betty Reilly. Please support them on November 6th with your vote.
Thank you,
John Schrei

We are writing to voice our opinion on why Kelli Horst should be elected to our Clarkston School Board. We have known Kelli for several years. She has always been a passionate advocate for students and public education. Her professional background working with several colleges and universities nationwide tells us that she knows what graduates can expect when they take their next step after Clarkston schools. We have personally seen her handle tough situations as a parent leader with grace and respect, always working toward a solution that is in everyone’s best interest. Kelli will bring a sense of appreciation for the democratic process to our school board. We trust her to represent our values and wishes for public education in Clarkston. We strongly encourage you to vote for Kelli Horst on Nov. 6.
Sincerely,
Tom and Cindy Vella
Independence Township

Dear Editor,
Hello friends, neighbors, and those who I have yet to meet. My name is Spencer Forbes Bunting. I am a recent graduate of the Clarkston High School International Baccalaureate Program and I am currently writing you from my home in Seoul, Korea. As you are well aware, our community is holding the general election, as well as our local election, on November 6th. My reason for writing from abroad is out of love for my hometown of Clarkston. Personally, I am very concerned with the well being of Independence Township, and have volunteered my time to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Christmas-In-Action, The Clarkston Foundation, The Clarkston Historical Society and several others.
I believe that our leaders should strive to serve our community to the fullest extent, both in office and through volunteer service. Due to my convictions, I have found myself in support of Jose Aliaga, a candidate for Independence Township board trustee. I met Jose several months ago in Caribou Coffee, and can vouch personally for his integrity, outstanding moral character, and leadership ability. Jose is a University of Michigan Graduate, member of the Clarkston Optimist Club, and long time volunteer at both McLaren Emergency Center as well as the Independence Township Senior Center. It’s no wonder that noteworthy individuals of our community such as Doctor O’Neil have also endorsed Jose.
I have worked with Mr. Aliaga as his political representative for four months, up until the very night I left for Korea. In that time, I was privileged to get to know Jose Aliaga as a fellow community member, as a mentor, and as a dear friend. I have accompanied Jose on numerous door-to-door outings, during which he has demonstrated his genuine desire to listen to the interests of his fellow citizens. It was a pleasure to put names to houses across our community and an honor to have worked with a man so dedicated to addressing the concerns of the people.
Mr. Aliaga also recognizes the importance of goodwill toward men on an international scale and is the president of the Aliaga Foundation, a charitable institution that works to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Peru. I have great respect for Mr. Aliaga’s commitment to civil service, and am certain that he would serve as Trustee of Independence Township with dignity, diligence, and honor. I hope you share the same belief, and I urge you to vote for Jose Aliaga on Nov, 6.
Spencer Forbes Bunting
Seoul, Korea

Dear Editor,
Many people have asked why I am supporting Jose Aliaga for Trustee in Independence Township.
First, Jose is passionate about conservative ideals. It is encouraging to see Jose and other Hispanics rise in the ranks of the Republican Party. Conservative ideals such as faith, family and freedom are ingrained in the latin culture, which is why in the future I hope to see allot more Hispanics join our party.
Second, he is focused on job growth. Up and down the board in this election jobs and the economy are at the forefront, from trustee all the way up to my Uncle Mitt’s race for president. National unemployment stands near 8%. In Michigan it is around 9%. We cannot continue to allow this to become the new norm or we will become the Greece of the next decade.
Third, I am supporting him because he asked! For those that know Jose personally you know that this is a defining characteristic of Jose. He is not afraid to ask tough questions. He is not afraid of a bold vision. And he has enthusiasm and passion for everything he does. So I would like to solicit support for Jose and the other Republican candidates for Trustee in Independence Township. Let’s return to prosperity.
George George

Dear Editor,
While campaigning for Trustee this year, people have asked, why they should vote for me, Jose Aliaga, and what do I believe in, that would help our community?
Improving our tax base without raising taxes should be the most important agenda for our Township and I do support McLaren Hospital. There are more reasons to have McLaren build here more than improving the tax base. The hospital will help raise property values and attract people to buy many of the homes I saw lying empty, while I was knocking on 2000 doors this summer. Those who move into our community will help drive the local economy by purchasing goods and services here.
There are many Baby-Boomers in Independence Township, who are aging and will need care services and as seniors find it more difficult to commute for basic health services than Pontiac, Rochester or Grand Blanc. In cases of emergency, such as a stroke or heart attack, where timing is essential to saving lives, a 911 call, could complicate an emergency in particular, during the winter and during bad weather.
I totally support Independence Township’s Master Plan. Currently, the area where the hospital would like to build is approved for 20 different businesses. With McLaren building on this land we would have one hospital, keeping a balance between commercial and residential areas supported by the Master Plan which I respect.
Clarkston High School, graduates 600 plus students each year and there are not enough jobs within our area to support them as they enter the work force or try to earn money to go to college. Our future as a Township, are the students who graduate and become part of the community and contribute to the growth of Independence Township. As Township Trustee I see a vision for our youth to stay in the area if we have a future for them by planning now.
As a Republican, I believe in lower taxes and small government. I strongly support our Fire and Police Department. I believe that it is important that we keep a Balance Budget, without cutting any fire and police staff. I will support the office staff and department heads of our Township when requesting training and education. I will work with Land conservative group to keep a balance in our Township. I will support the administration (Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer and Trustees) to bring ideas to them for agenda and discussion. Be prepared for each meeting, study the agenda and ask questions before meeting if necessary.
I have lived in Independence Township for 12 years, while going to Oakland Community College and graduating the University of Michigan, my church is Mt. Zion. I belong to several services clubs, like The Optimist Club and Clarkston Chamber of Commerce. I believe, I have the good of our community in my heart and I will work for the future of Independence Township with my ability to serve the people in my knowledge and vision.
I believe in Independence Township and the community where I have made so many friends who support me like Dr. James O’Neill, and so many within the area that endorsed me for Trustee. Such as, Sen. Mike Kowall, Rep. Eileen Kowall, Rep. Mike Bishop, US Congressman Tim Walberg, Oakland County Commissioner Tom Middleton and others. Thank you and God bless you all for your friendship, trust and support.
Jose Aliaga
Independence Township

Dear Editor,
Is the American electorate being programmed with misinformation? Do you hate your political opposition? Where did that passion come from?
Please don’t believe the false advertising and expensive political infomercials that billionaires with a vested interest flood the airwaves with.
And please do not be swayed by candidates who repeat lies, change their positions daily, and reference questionable conservative blogs as their sources (‘facts?).
I believe Mitt Romney lacks integrity and does not have a clear vision for America. We don’t actually know what Mr. Romney stands for because he has no continuity and no consistent platform. He simply repeats memorized empty sound bites.
I fear that potential voters who believe that Mr. Romney will work for their best interests are living in an optimistic fantasy land, especially considering how he and his fellow vulture capitalists have taken advantage of the American people to line their own pockets. Why would he change?
In contrast, President Obama works for ALL Americans with integrity, intelligence, and compassion. He is a moderate who focuses on the American economy and the needs of America’s diverse population. We know who he is. We know he successfully overcame massive obstacles over the past 4 years and pulled America out of a potential depression. He’s well respected in the international community. And he fights for us, the people!
Claire Cooper
Clarkston

Dear Editor,
I am an independent conservative deeply concerned about the direction our country is heading. The only real way citizens can affect changing the direction of government is to elect candidates who share your ideals and aspirations. This is true from the president of the U.S. all the way down to local municipal candidates.
That brings me to Jose Aliaga. Jose is an intelligent, articulate, conservative Republican running for township trustee in Independence Township. Jose is running for all the right reasons. He is concerned about the quality of life and economic wellbeing of his fellow township residents. Jose is an American citizen! Jose is also the future of the conservative movement and the Republican Party.
You may have met Jose over the summer months when he was walking neighborhoods and visiting thousands of homes to introduce himself. Jose is very accessible and his candidacy is supported by a huge number of Republicans at the local, state, and even federal levels. Jose is a good man, a hard worker, and is concerned about the wellbeing of Independence Township residents. Please join me in supporting Jose for township trustee.
If you are concerned about the direction our great country is headed (can you say ‘Greece?) then just pull the straight Republican lever, and your vote will count for good people from Romney/Ryan all the way down to Jose. God bless the USA and God bless Independence Township.
Please vote.
Mike Clark
Independence Township

Library support

Dear Editor,
As concerned Independence Township citizens we are writing to urge our neighbors to vote in favor of the upcoming millage to support continuing operations of our library
When we were considering settling in Clarkston, we looked at several things as being very important to our family. The library was near the top of the list. This library has been very important to us raising five children.
Unfortunately, we hear people discussing the fact the Independence Township library now operated on a budgetary shoestring. This concerns us.
Our children all grew up with library cards, and despite the availability of online reference resources, they used the library extensively both in secondary school and in college. In addition, the two of us have spent many years participating in the Clarkston Area Youth Assistance tutoring program. Many of our pupils have used the library to build their reading skills, to find reference material for papers, and for the joy of the participating in the many different programs Independence library has offered.
For example, we had four of our grandkids at the library on Saturday to meet the author of ‘Operation Nice,? an anti-bullying program.
We urge everyone to take advantage of this wonderful resource and to support it by voting for the new millage on November 6.
Very yours truly,
Steve and Anita Demster
Independence Township

Millage response

Dear Editor,
In response to Cory Johnston’s letter in the Oct. 10 Clarkston News about the district library millage, he suggests Clarkston City Council will continue to levy the maximum millage on city property owners, even though, if the millage is approved, the city will be relieved of its obligation to pay Independence Township for library services. That’s wrong.
The ballot question for the library district, which includes both Independence Township and the city, is for a 1.25 mill levy to support the library. This will replace the current .691 mill township levy and the equivalent payment that the city currently makes to the township for library services.
The city does not levy a separate library millage. It currently has a contract with the township to pay the township the equivalent of a .691 mill levy on city property from the city’s general operating fund. If the millage is approved, that contract will be terminated.
The city will be relieved of the obligation to pay the equivalent of a .691 mill levy to the township starting in January 2013. Since the city will be relieved of that expense and city property owners will pay a separate tax to the library district, it is fair that the city reduce its operating millage by the same amount that it saves by not paying the township for library services, rather than spending that money on something else.
The city council approved a resolution on May 29, 2012 that pledges the council to reduce its general operating millage by .3455 mills this December, reflecting the savings to the city for half of its 2012-13 fiscal year, and by .691 mills in future years. If the library millage is approved and I am relected, I will offer a resolution to implement that reduction at the first council meeting after the November 6 election. And, as long as I am on the council, I will insist that the council honor that commitment in future years.
City voters should evaluate the library millage on its merits, not on speculation that the city council will repudiate its commitment to reduce the city’s millage rate.
The library has done a wonderful job surviving on a shrinking income stream as property values have declined, but it has had to cut back on personnel and some services. The township has subsidized the library from its general fund, but can’t afford to continue to do that.
The library is significantly underfunded compared to nearby comparable community libraries. The library is an important resource for the community and should be better funded. The proposed millage is a modest proposal, lower than what the library may have liked but sufficient to restore and improve services.
Richard Bisio
Clarkston City Council

Quality library

Dear Editor,
I am writing in support of the new Clarkston Independence District Library. For me, a quality library is an important ingredient in my life.
One of the first things that I did when we moved to Independence Township seven years ago was to get a library card, and I have been a regular patron since then. The long overdue reorganization of the library presents up with an opportunity to make improvements to the programs collections and technology available to all of us.
I encourage all of you to vote ‘yes? on Nov. 6 for the library our community deserves. I know I will.
Jan Gaffney
Independence Township

Great library wanted

Dear Editor,
Clarkston has a good library. It provides the basic functions of a good library. On the surface everything seems to be fine, but once you do some checking you find out the library has several areas in need of improvement to go from a good library to a great library.
The Clarkston Library serves a large area and several thousand people. To meet the needs of the people the library needs to have the right people, facility, technology and support.
The people who operate the library are very knowledgeable and good at what they do, but the work load is too great to maintain a good library and to become a great library more people resources are needed.
The facility is 20 years old and has served the area and people very well. As any homeowner knows, you must do some repairs and replacements to maintain a good home and if you want a great home you will have to do some updating. The library needs to be treated like a home and needs repairs and updating so it can go from a good facility to a great facility.
Technology changes so fast that only a 6 year old can keep up with it. The older people do not even know the technology exists. The library is limping along with very old technology. The phone system does not even have a voice mail feature. Computers and monitors need updating and/or replacing.
The support for the library comes in many forms. Many hours of volunteer support from people, financial and volunteer support from the group called Library Yes, and from the current millage. This barely helps keep the library going as a good library. We need everyone’s help to get our library to become a great library. Vote yes on Nov. 6.
Joe Pachuta
Independence Township

Mitchell’s biggest fan

Dear Editor,
I am likely the biggest supporter of Jeremy Mitchell’s candidacy for Independence Township Trustee, because as his wife, I have seen first- hand Jeremy’s commitment to serving people and communities for several years.
I met Jeremy on a college mission trip to Virginia over nine years ago in which students from across the country came together to help low income children enrolled in summer programs. After only one month, the staff chose Jeremy as the primary student leader and tasked him with managing the mission trip operations.
As a member of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, my husband learned the inner workings of state and local government and later applied that knowledge as a professional. Jeremy worked alongside non- profit organizations whose goal was to partner with state legislators with an interest in building a stronger middle class.
I truly believe Jeremy will make an excellent trustee because he is a knowledgeable and thoughtful leader who has a spirit of cooperation and who will bring productive energy and new ideas to this township.
Please join me in voting for Jeremy Mitchell for Independence Township Trustee on Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Jamie Mitchell, PhD
Independence Township

A call for school change

Dear Editor,
I believe the Clarkston School Board is dysfunctional and changes are needed. The public can do something about that when they vote on Nov. 6, by voting for the board members that will redirect the board to perform the functions the board has an obligation to perform.
Please vote for Susan Boatman, Joan Patterson, and Betty Reilly. A vote for them will result in the changes to the school board that the district needs. I also believe that Craig Hamilton is also worth voting for. I have spoken to Craig at school board meetings and I believe that he also sees the board’s dysfunction and wants to see the changes that the district needs.
I hope voters don’t vote for Cheryl McGinnis, current president; Kelli Horst, who has publicly sided with the rubber stamp members of the current board and Dr. Rock on anything else being discussed, and was one of the ring leaders of the ‘Say Yes to the $20 million bond? group; or Theresa Adriaens, who is a staunch Dr. Rock supporter who is an ‘absentee? candidate who hasn’t decided to be interested enough in the school system to even attend the board meetings before or after she decided to run for the board.
Per the Center for Public Education, an initiative of the National School Boards Association,
‘The local school board is a critical public link to public schools. Whether elected or appointed, school board members serve their communities in several important ways. First and foremost school boards look out for students. Education is not a line item on the school board’s agenda’it is the only item. When making decisions about school programs, school boards incorporate their community’s view of what students should know and be able to do. School boards are accessible to the public and accountable for the performance of their schools. School boards are the education watchdog for their communities, ensuring that students get the best education for the tax dollars spent.?
I wish that the Clarkston Community Schools School Board would actually become a group of seven professional adults representing the wants and needs of the public, focused on the direction and control of the school system in order to ensure that the students are educated safely and to the best possible degree given the funds the district has to spend on that endeavor. That is what the school board is supposed to be doing.
I see Joan Patterson, Susan Boatman, and Rosalie Lieblang living up to those school board responsibilities.
On the other hand, I see Cheryl McGinnis, Steve Hyer, Barry Bomier, and Elizabeth Egan ignoring the wants and needs of the public, not requesting the proper data from administration, financial and program data especially, they should have before making decisions on those subjects, and allowing their direct employee, the superintendent, Dr. Rock, to take over the board’s responsibilities to direct and control the school system and the board, ignore the public’s comments and desires, and to keep himself and the school board as inaccessible as possible from the public.
Mrs Patterson, Mrs. Boatman, and Mrs. Lieblang have requested data they are not only entitled to as board members, but the data should have been supplied to them prior to being asked to make decisions for the district. Time and again, Dr. Rock has ignored or refused their requests. A change in the board is what is needed to stop this behavior.
Dawn Schaller
Independence Township

Thanks for service

Dear Editor,
We would like to thank Neil Wallace and Larry Rosso for their many years of public service as Trustees of Independence Township. Both of these gentlemen made significant contributions to our township over many years with little reward and considerable investment of their personal time. They handled the disappearance of our township Supervisor well and managed to put the township on a much more effective business model.
We can only hope their successors are half as dedicated and effective as these two people.
Jim and Barb Reed
Independence Township

Support for Roth

Dear Editor,
We support Peg Roth in the Clarkston City Council election on Nov. 6. Peg brings a lot of valuable experience as our longest serving council member. We are elated she has decided to run for a fourth term! Clarkston needs Peg Roth. She is actively involved in the community serving on a number of local organizations. Peg is the co-founder of the Clarkston Retailers Group.
The Clarkston Retailers Group works to improve the downtown business district, ensuring it remains vibrant. Campaigns such as ‘My Clarkston/Buy Clarkston? are but one example of the Clarkston Retailers Group’s efforts. Peg is also a board director of the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce
Peg is very visible around town doing all she can to improve our community, whether she is working in some of the downtown gardens, or working on the recent video promoting Clarkston. We feel she is uniquely qualified to serve on the next council, due to her prior council experience, her local business background and her commitment to Clarkston.
Please join us in voting for Peg Roth on Nov. 6.
Sue and Steve Wylie
Clarkston

Library millage rates

Dear Editor,
Last week’s letter to the editor from a city resident regarding the Library Millage, is inaccurate and as such, misleading to city residents. It’s really pretty simple.
The city pays the same millage rate as does Independence Township, currently .691 mills. To determine the annual payment, the city’s total taxable value (TV) is multiplied by the .691 millage rate. This expense has always been paid from the city’s General Fund and City Council has stated that it will continue to be the case.
Now let’s be clear, the city residents will not, repeat, will not experience a 1.25 mill increase for library services. The actual increase residents can expect will be .559 mills. That’s because the city will continue to pay the existing .691 mills from the General Fund as it has since 1992.
On a $200,000 home, taxed at one-half of its assessed value, $100,000, .559 mills, amounts to an increase of $55.90 to the home owner, not $125 last week’s writer leaves one to believe.
No, the sky is not falling.
Dennis Ritter
Clarkston City Manager