Dear Editor,
(In response to ‘Thurman’s leadership, ethics lacking,? The Citizen, April 11, page 6):
I find it disheartening that a retired state police officer would knowingly advocate breaking a law by suggesting that I vote no to rescind my salary reduction. I learned our motions for voluntary pay cuts were unlawful when I contacted Michigan Townships Association regarding a procedural issue following our March 16 board meeting. Our township attorney concurred with MTA, which prompted the motions to rescind the pay cuts.
Ronald Lapp’s statement, ‘Thurman received the answer she sought, which was no,? is total conjecture. I was hoping we would not have to rescind our previous motions.
Ronald Lapp stated that he thought salary reductions for the supervisor and treasurer was a good idea. The only time officials? salaries can be reduced is before the beginning of their term. Apparently, this was not a ‘good idea? five months ago when Ronald Lapp was in office.
Additionally, I contacted MTA to follow up on Ronald Lapp’s statement that claims MCL 41.95(7), ‘Does NOT prevent an elected official from voluntarily taking a salary reduction during his or her term of office, as the official salary for the position would remain intact.? MTA informed me that they do not agree with this position.
As far as being serious about saving taxpayers? dollars, we have formed a budget committee that has recommended approximately $150,000 in longterm budget cuts. Additionally, we will be saving approximately $3,780 annually by adjusting our calling plan, changing our Dumpster service provider and correcting the replacement values on township properties.
On a personal note, I chose not to take the medical and dental plan offered by the township in order to save the taxpayers approximate $25,623. My family will continue to subscribe to our current HMO (with no optical coverage) and dental insurance that requires an annual employee contribution of $3,415. I will be accepting the $2,000 stipend offered by the township to help offset our expenses. Ronald Lapp, on the other hand, is a recipient of the township’s dental and superior medical benefits, including optical, that does not require an employee contribution, at a cost of $27,623 to the taxpayers.
My salary of $55,518, combined with the $2,000 stipend, equals a total cost to the taxpayers of $57,518 to support my position. Although I receive the largest salary, when you consider the wages and benefits given to other township employees you will find that the cost to the taxpayers to support my position is not the highest.
Furthermore, I will not be claiming mileage for travel within the township. By comparing to the previous supervisor’s charges in 2008, I will be saving the taxpayers approximately $600 per year.
I also believe that good leaders lead by example. Moreover, I believe it is important to get the facts before forming opinions.
Kathy Thurman, Supervisor
Brandon Township