The issue he raised was that there was not enough time to get his task done.

He had received a parking ticket while in taking care of county business.  His own ticket, and one on the vehicle of another visitor made him aware of the limited time that visitors had when using the specific parking spaces.  Those spaces with meters that have a 15 minute free time, and up to 30 minutes total by adding coin.

The meters on the opposite side of the lot allow up to Two hours.

The board voted 6-2 to remove the meters, as it seemed there was not even sufficient time for the people to perform their tasks in the county building.  It was an effort to take some of the pressure off those who would be arriving to already pay their taxes, or for licensing, etc., and take away some of the headaches that seem to come by having to deal with government.

It didn’t look so good as it was presented in the news however.

It looked like the commission reacted to Thomas’ ticket alone. And the feedback received does not show an entirely flattering perception of who we are as elected officials.

I voted along with 5 others to remove the meters, but I get it.

We will look a little differently tonight at this issue to be sure.

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?