I have not backed down on fiscal responsibility issues, or work on returning the proper role of government as the result of the coordinated effort to try and take my voice away.

The most recent letters to the editor at the record eagle are carefully arranged for maximum effect.  In failing to note the name of one writer as a Democrat activist, and who is the wife of one of the other commissioners, that is also the VICE CHAIR of the GT Democrat party, the Record Eagle has failed in properly presenting opinion once again.

The letter the next day from that commissioner, failed to note his position as vice chair for the DEMOCRAT PARTY of Grand Traverse county.

A letter writer last week was Bernie (Bernol) Soutar, the candidate whom I beat by 30% in November for the 1st district seat which I represent.  He is ALSO the TREASURER for the Grand Traverse County Democrats.

Coincidence?

Its political.  Soften up the competition.  The shellacking received by Democrats in the November election seems to have them digging in and taking shots well before the next election cycle coming up.

Its all good.  Now that I understand their primary motivation, I can concentrate on finding unique solutions for Grand Traverse County’s fiscal future.  We are not yet out of THAT crisis, but I can report that the administrator, and the board, are very conscious of where we are headed in this time of reduced property values and shrinking revenues.  We are ALL (including that one commissioner) working towards solutions that get you more bang for the buck.

Today’s ROAD COMMISSION report had a brief clip about a couple of interesting items.

1. The tribal road inventory additions of some of the county’s non federal roads (holiday & Lafranier used as examples) could lead to federal dollars being brought in for their needed repairs.  Though I am not a big fan of going out and getting federal money (I feel it happens all over so we pay for it anyhow) the tribal road inventory additions may help to repair specific areas that we have had difficulty putting together financing for.

2. The replacement for the Cass road bridge would be approx 9 million dollars. Think about this, and the Dam situation.  Have I been talking about upcoming costs of removal enough?  Maybe not enough, but I think you get the picture.

BASEBALL

A couple of folks on the parks commission seems to have a problem letting go of the American Legion baseball program.  They would encumber the vets with more contract language than is necessary.  We will be meeting with them on the 16th.  The county board has the ultimate say, but procedurally we have to endure the attempt to burden the program operators with punitive measures.  Stay tuned on this.

PENSIONS

3. In the midst of our migration from defined benefits to defined contributions for county employees, we are trying to find a solution that is fair to the employees, and allows them to accept promotions without being punished.  The retirement system we utilize is pressuring us for an absolute decision that could cost the county a great deal.  It was on today’s plate, but has been moved to the leftover shelf.  Feel free to call me if you have any questions on this. (I’m in the book)

In fact feel free to catch me in the evenings or leave a message with Candy (truly my better half) during the day.

The county board made it clear that the baseball program belongs in the hands of the veterans who built and maintained the program for over 60 years.

The questionable debt for the American Legion forgiven, the equipment returned to them, and the first year of field maintenance costs held at half cost for the first year.

The vets promise to have a great program underway this year!

thanks to all of you who have contacted us with your concerns on this.

On Wednesday, Jan 12 the  decision was made to end the county run youth baseball program.  The question of whether it should have been done without fore knowledge of the American Legion’s intent in resuming the operation has already had my phone ringing.

As I had run on the platform of returning it to the vets in August, it became clear to me that any move on this issue had to be bold, and decisive.  Over the period of a couple months, the issue continued to be an ‘unfinished’ business agenda.  Allowing it to go any further into the planning process of the season would have risked a lost opportunity to return it to its appropriate operators.

Any delays would have reduced the possibility of it happening at all.

The January 12 committee meeting can be viewed here: Resource Management & Administration – Committee Meeting

The Baseball issue is one like any other, that has passions on both sides.  Much of the hubbub last year with folks arguing for the county taking over the program, and the threat of no program at all moved the commissioners into an action they soon regretted.  It was reactive and left a few hard feelings.  The season survived, but at a cost of fewer participants, and higher participant cost.

In the end however, government ought not be running a sports program.  Maintaining the facilities so that users of county parks is a safe venture is a priority.  Its THE priority.  The decision, though not meant to carry that message alone does indeed make it clear.

But the veterans,who have not only run the program for more than 6o years, and BUILT the fields they play on, are now going to take it back.

And may God bless them for doing so, as swinging bats by more kids in our parks will be a pretty great reward!

The summer ball program formerly run by the American Legion is already showing the results of the county take-over, and NOT in a positive way.   Participation down from over 700 kids participating to just 580.  The price went up, and as it turns out,  the kids that couldn’t  afford to play have dropped the totals to that number.

Sadly the decision by Bruce Hooper to remove the program from the control of the veterans in the legion has resulted in less interest, and more kids with nothing to do.  And even worse still, it is resulting in more cost to the county, as the American Legion USED TO PAY rent for the field, and sponsorship is down as the businesses have decided working with the county is not as rewarding as with the legion.

Loyalty means something.

The Traverse City Record Eagle did an online survey and 75-80% supported the veterans running the summer baseball  program over the county.. Surprised?