Reader Feedback
This is where you will see many of the responses from our readers. Although editing or abbreviating may be done, every attempt will be made to post in a way to fairly reflect the writer's submitted message. Editorial notes of comment, challenge or rebuttal may follow. You may send us your comments through the Something To Say page.
Our thanks to those submitting comments. The fact that you took the time to visit this website demonstrates that Presque Isle Township is an important place to you. The act of submitting a written comment takes that one step further — you are investing in your community. The objective of this website is to raise awareness of our local government, and hopefully move its taxpayers, residents and friends toward the betterment of the community. Apathy is the enemy.
Note: The oldest articles are at the bottom of this page.
Contents
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63. Response to EC 62. Appropriate actions from Employees 61. The Choir Master 60. Working Together 59. December Township Meeting 58. A Gift 57. Township Website 56. Get with the game! 55. Letters of Interest 54. RE: Contents Of Meeting Minutes 53. Caution of Board Appointments |
52. Re: Reader Feedback 51. Response to "Township Board" 50. Township Board 49. Spring Newsletter 48. Lighthouse Gift Shops 47. Our Parks 2 46. Our Parks 45. Minutes Solution 44. Unused Equipment 43. Happy Birthday 42. Cartoon |
41. A Fresh Start 40. Reply to LMR and EC 39. Think Before You Vote! 38. Correcting Errors 37. Lies With No Accountability 36. Vote NO on Recall 35. "Re-Call" Losing Momentum 34. Township Assets Disposal 33. Our Treasurer ... Why? 32. Volunteers' Appreciation Day 31. News In Presque Isle |
Go to Feedback Archives prior to September 1, 2010
63. Response to EC
I agree the MTA, Michigan Township Association, is talked about quite a bit at meetings and this organization is used as a guideline. One item is the guideline for ethics of township officials. It is stated that in addition to being ethical in a situation, it is equally important how a situation is viewed by township residents. When you have a person who is paid by the township openly admit she initiated a letter writing campaign to cause trouble, this is viewed as someone who likes to stir up trouble. So is this ethical? NO! Why would we want a person such as this on the township payroll?
... End of Message ...
62. Appropriate actions from Township Employees
Perhaps a refresher course is needed. If you hold a position on any Michigan Township Board or Committee there is a oath that all elected and appointed officials take if I am not mistaken. All Township Board Members, representatives and citizen of Presque Isle who have attended our township meetings have heard of the Michigan Townships Association, or mostly referred to as MTA at various meetings. A very important part of what is to be upheld by those who hold a Township position are Guidelines. These guidelines and expectations are set forth by MTA. The MTA Mission and Vision Statements for one. For those who are interested, visit the web site. YOU make up your own mind of how YOU feel. Are our Township Representatives upholding their Oath to the requirements set forth by MTA?
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Excellent suggestion.
61. The Choir Master
The recent Feedback letter from SP followed by the minutes from the December Board of Trustees meeting, has caused some questions/concerns to arise about our Zoning Administrator, Linda Taylor.
The Zoning Administrator is to some degree a law enforcement officer — a pseudo-cop — having the authority to issue citations for certain infractions. If the Feedback comments are accurate, why is a township official (the Zoning Administrator) acting as a choir master and organizing a political letter writing campaign? Is this in violation of any laws with respect to her position within the township? Did she use her position to influence the production or content of those letters? Has she done this before? Since she draws pay from the township, she can be considered an employee. Perhaps employees should not be engaging in such activities.
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60. Working Together
We would like to thank all individuals, the Presque Isle Board of Trustees, the Presque Isle Women's Club, the Presque Isle Harbor Association, the ladies who volunteered their time to assist with our raffle/fundraiser during the Ole Fashion Christmas, businesses both from Presque Isle Township and Alpena who made donations to make it possible and the many people who partook in the raffle — a great big THANK YOU!
Area residents are excited about this project and are anxiously awaiting for the completion of the statue with a date in the spring of 2012. We still have a way to go to reach the amount needed for this project and I know that we can all pull together to make this a success. As one of the project coordinators for the Township's Tribute to All Lighthouse Keepers and the Patrick Garrity Statue, which will be located at the 1840 Old Light house for those who didn't know, I've find myself doing a fair amount of research on Patrick Garrity and his family. The individual who appointed Mr. Garrity as our Lighthouse Keeper was President Abraham Lincoln. I'd like to quote President Abraham Lincoln from a fragment of a draft message to Congress on July 4, 1867: "The people will save their Government, if the Government will allow them."
This goes back to WORKING TOGETHER. WE CAN, WE HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE.
... End of Message ...
Contributions to this project can be sent to the Township Clerk, Cynthia Paavola, at our Township offices. Please specify "Statue Fundraiser".
59. December Township Meeting
What an interesting township meeting! Jerry Broad came with a representative from the State of Michigan and a representative from the company who had the lowest bid for building a jetty at the boat launch just off Grand Lake Rd. Two of the township officials acted as if they had never heard of this project when it has been talked about for many months if not years. It seems the boat launch is dangerous due to the waves and the jetty would stabilize the situation. What should have been a simple motion and the township proceeding on with the project resulted in Lynn Morrison rescinding his motion and it being tabled until later.
Two things I would like to point out. First, you cannot get a grant for this project since you have already received bids. Second, the township knows this is a dangerous launch site if someone gets hurt or dies, we will be sued right along with the State of Michigan because we knew it was dangerous and took no action. The $35,000.00 is nothing compared to what a settlement would be. Shame on the board for not moving forward.
The next interesting situation involved my husband and myself. My husband had not received a reimbursement check from our treasurer in a timely manner and since we do not carry a balance on our credit card, he called to find out when we would be receiving this check. This was not the first time he has had a problem with checks from our treasurer. To make a long story short, she had not signed and mailed the check before going to Germany. My husband wrote a letter to the board stating his dismay at the way the situation was handled. Bette Tadajewski sent a letter back apologizing and also read the letter at the November township meeting. It was over as far as we were concerned but apparently Linda Taylor thought differently. She admitted at the December meeting she has initiated a letter writing campaign in defence of Bette. There were three people in attendance and apparently ten letters. Of the names read off who had written letters, I have seen only one at a township meeting and I have attended almost every meeting for over five years. These people should attend and they will see our treasurer many times shows up unprepared, often leaving a document at home, or running off her report at the last minute as people are arriving, or not having her report from the Planning Commission meeting submitted when it was due and so resulting in it not being in the packet of reports. More to the point, why would Linda stir up trouble when the issue had already been resolved? She said we need to be respectful of each other, and I agree, but where was the respect several months ago when her husband verbally insulted Debbie Trelfa when she asked a simple question at a Planning meeting? What is the saying ... "Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house."
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58. A Gift
How about some wonderful news. For those who are aware of the pair of swans that was at Lotus Pond, one had lost its mate. This saddened many residents in our community. Well, for those who have not noticed while driving by Lotus Pond, or have had an opportunity to see, we now have a pair once again. These creatures are just as majestic as our Bald Eagles and as breath taking to watch. Their beauty and gracefulness is something to appreciate. Perhaps we should see this as a message. That all things that happen, happen for a reason, and can have a happy ending in a new beginning. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL !!!
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We have also received a report that 6 swans were sighted today swimming on a Lake Huron bay near Crystal Point.
57. Township Website
We may have a new township website, but it sucks! There are a lot of error 404 links and pages with no information. Here we are a few days away from the Olde Fashioned Community Christmas (which the township sponsors), and you cannot find the details of this very special event on the website. Although there is a page, well buried I might add, no prominence is given to the event and there are no links leading to it.
The website is the world's window into our community If we can't do a better job, perhaps it is time to pull the drapes.
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You can find information on The Olde Fashioned Community Christmas on this website!
56. Get with the game!
I wish Trustee Morrison would take his role seriously. A trustee's job is not "clock in, tick away the time and then clock out". He needs to do his homework, know what's going on, and pay attention. At meetings, why does he ask questions for which he is the only one in the room who doesn't know the answer? Get with the game!
... End of Message ...
55. Letters of Interest
At the Sep. 11th Board of Trustees meeting, it was stated only one letter of interest had been received for a position on the Parks & Rec. Board with a deadline of Sep 15th. The second letter of interest was first read at the Sep 25th PR meeting. The question I have is: — was this second controversial letter received before or after the Sep 15th deadline?
... End of Message ...
54. RE: Contents Of Meeting Minutes
It is true that I did submit a letter of interest for a position on our Park and Rec. Committee, and our Township Supervisor did acknowledge it and read it at a public meeting. At that point he also stated that my letter was the only one they had received thus far. A Letter of Interest was also received from K. Pettalia at later date, and was also read at a public meeting by our Township Clerk.
I do not feel that it is necessary to publish, in the monthly minutes, Letters of Interest for a Position on any committee within our Township Government. Acknowledgment of the person or person's name in minutes and what it pertained to should be sufficient. Yes, our Township Supervisor and Board of Trustees along with committee members of the position in question, should decide together the most appropriate candidate for that position. The public should also be able to express their voice as to who/whom they would like to have work for them. It is their dollar.
As for why my Letter of Interest for the position on Park and Recreation wasn't published in the Township minutes and K. Pettalia's was, is a good question. Perhaps our Township Supervisor or Township Clerk should review and approve all that is to be posted prior to our secretary submitting information. They are her superiors.
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53. Caution of Board Appointments
I would like to share my experience this morning at the District Court in Rogers City. I went there because I learned Peter Pettalia Jr., age 26 was being arraigned on a charge of possession of stolen goods resulting from a break-in a few weeks ago in our community. Just prior to being called to the court room, this man's mother, Karen, was questioning how long it was going to take for the hearing. Upon learning, she said she was due in Alpena by noon. It was now after eleven. Her son's attorney stated it would take 45 minutes to go from Rogers City to Alpena. Karen's response was if you drive the speed limit.
This woman has submitted her name to the Presque Isle Township board for an appointment with the Parks and Rec commission. I ask you, do we want a person on our board who clearly doesn't care if she breaks the law? She also showed her maturity on the way out by sticking her tongue out at me. I for one do not want this person on any board.
... End of Message ...
52. Re: Reader Feedback
{..... Feedback not displayed as it is not specific to the government of the Township of Presque Isle ......}
... End of Message ...
We wish to acknowledge receipt of Feedback regarding a serious political/ethical issue within our community. The concerns stated are quite valid, but pertain mainly to the 106th, rather than Presque Isle Township.
We do appreciate the concerns and efforts of the writer in bring the information forward for the consideration of our local citizens. Our focus here is on Presque Isle Township government specifically — and we choose to remain dedicated to that objective.
51. Response to reader regarding P.I. Township Board
I agree we have some township board members who only look out for themselves or for the person in the community to report back to. This is very evident with our treasurer who can't make a move without checking with a certain person in the township — this also goes for Trustee Morrison. I think Trustee Hart, Clerk Paavola and Supervisor Pakorski are doing a fine job trying to represent the entire township. I think, if you checked, you will find some of our board does have higher education. Its too bad our State Representative can't make that claim. We do need to educate ourselves and remember to vote a year from now. I have no doubt it will be a hot and heated summer.
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50. Township Board
I am a new comer to your site and I applaud your efforts to enlighten the community to the real goings on of the township board. Please continue to operate this site since I feel that this is much more informative than hearing the Township boards rhetoric.
The Whole Township Board and trustees should be dismissed since most of them treat the board and their positions as a good ol boys club and only seem to look out for each other or what personally benefits them or a select few of their buddies — not the community as a whole. I am personally embarrassed that most of the elected officials have nothing more than a high school education and are lacking in morals, ethics, and mostly common sense. Get rid of the board and start fresh — it will make the community a stronger, non-laughable, and more enticing place to be. Their talking non-stop, I might add, adds up to just blustering of little fish attempting to be big fish in a small pond. There should be term limits and elections, not appointed status since I believe we believe in democracy. All paid salaries should be cut in half, if not more, since taxpayers are footing the bill and they are not producing results.
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You are not alone in your feelings. Do your comments apply to each person sitting on that board — or only some of them? If so, which ones? Are all 5 trustees are doing a bad job? Or is it only 1 or 2 or 3 that are hamstringing the efforts of the others? Readers would find it helpful if specifics were identified. It is unfair to paint all with the same brush — unless they deserve it.
If you have a hope of evicting the non-performers in the next election, the voters need to be educated beginning NOW — and names need to be named and performance facts laid out. The typical voter has no idea what is going on in our township hall. This website is an attempt to bring in some light. Informed citizens need to do likewise.
49. Spring Newsletter
I recently received a letter from Presque Isle Township and expected to find the 2011 Spring Newsletter. It appears that the only township news is my summer tax bill. Checked the Township website, no newsletter there either. I guess I'll have to remain in the dark for another 6 months when the next news (my winter tax bill) arrives.
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48. Lighthouse Gift Shops
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS to the Presque Isle Historical Society members and their board of directors who found the courage to assume the operation of our Lighthouse Gift Shops. For ten years I tried to convince the Township Board to either take it over or give it to the Presque Isle Harbor Association or The Museum Society so the profits could stay in the township. I am sure that you will have a successful and profitable operation.
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47. Our Parks 2
We are not a wealthy township in a monetary sense, but rich in enthusiasm and generosity of our volunteers. Nearly all townships in the state must contract the maintenance of their parks and pay full price for the enhancements. Many townships do not have public parks. For us, our volunteers provide their skills and labors for the reward of enjoying the results. Without them, there would be no usable parks and our lighthouses would become only memories. We cannot afford the retail costs of our parks.
As progress is made, the results may not be perfect. There may be deviations from the plan. Some individuals may not be pleased. But things are happening and we ARE moving forward. AND the price is right. Just visualize what the alternative would net.
To the critics, your absence from the volunteer work parties has been noted. I invite you to roll up your sleeves, get sweat on your brow and dirt under your fingernails. It's a great feeling! And please, stop flapping your lips.
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Amen!
46. Our Parks
It is very encouraging to see our township moving forward. The past 18 months have shown the community's strength as the various parks have been enhanced to provide greater enjoyment and future potential. Considerable public input and many hours of planning have created the blueprint for the future. We have all had opportunities to contribute our ideas -- they have been duly considered -- implementation is occurring.
Why is it that a very small group is trying to derail this progress? Why the persistent attacks on the projects and against those who have invested untold hours to get us where we are? Why have our township officials been repeatedly confronted and harassed? Why have our invaluable volunteers been subjected to name-calling? This dissident group is bent on destroying what others have worked hard to create. Their reasons ... they have their own agenda. Or perhaps they are simply vandals.
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45. Minutes Solution
In light of the ongoing problem of incomplete and/or misleading minutes coming out of our Board of Trustee meetings, I would like to make a suggestion for a solution.
That an outside individual be hired to attend the monthly meeting for the sole purpose of recording and producing the minutes. Initially, this would be put into place for a 12 month renewable but non-revokable term. This individual would be paid out of Township funds and would answer not to the Board of Trustees, but to a separate non-paid committee consisting of the Township Supervisor (or his designate) and 2 or 4 local citizens. These citizens will have no involvement with any other Township committees and have no business relationship with the Township. This citizen committee would select the individual to be hired and be solely responsible for his/her direction.
I am very concerned about the Meeting Minutes in that very significant information is being omitted. Without this record, there is very little accountability as well as protection for individual Trustees. In recent history, we have seen first-hand that incomplete minutes have clouded political and legal issues within our township. We must have complete and accurate minutes, and the public MUST have confidence that they are so.
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Great idea! It is important, however, that those citizens on the committee be volunteers and free of township influence. Any guesses as to how this lead balloon will float before Trustees? It will probably take a lot of citizen pressure before we see much change in the minutes issues.
44. Unused Equipment
Just wish to point out the following. In the township office used by the Zoning Administrator, there is a backup power unit for a computer. It has been sitting on the floor under a desk and not plugged in for almost 2 months now. Perhaps it did not come with an operator's manual?
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At the July, 2010 Board of Trustees meeting, it was decided to have an evaluation of the office's computer systems. At the September meeting, approval was given to move forward on the recommendations of Darren Zimmerman of Computer Ease. Can we assume that this backup power unit is part of that? If so, why would such a critical and basic component of any computer system not be in service more than 3 months after the Board's acceptance of the proposal? Everyone in this community is aware that our electricity supply frequently experiences irregularities. Such a device is a basic means of protecting the computer equipment and the valuable data involved. When you choose to accept the recommendations of a professional, failure to implement should be an issue of concern.
43. Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to the Shadow. Thanks to you we have seen many changes in the past year. Here's to another year of hearing what the people have to say and hopefully seeing even more improvements in our township. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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42. Cartoon
The cartoon on the home page here is distasteful and should be removed. The election is over and there is no reason to make a mockery of someone.
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I agree with you. However, you must realize that the target gleefully displayed this same cartoon (less the name alteration) on his website for several weeks after the August Primary. Yes, it will be removed after this coming weekend — a display period substantially shorter than the previous posting. "Turnabout is fair play."
{Cartoon removed November 7, 2010}
41. A Fresh Start
Let's just stop pointing fingers, blaming others, accusing each other. Remember when we are pointing the finger, we have three more pointing at ourselves. Any taxpayer can question/scrutinzie an elected official. A recall can be requested and validated only when the county clerk deems necessary and the recall requirements are met. If we continue to attack those that have offended us and/or proceed with legal action, when and where does it stop? Can't we move forward? It takes more energy to hate than love. Right, wrong or indifferent — just remember to vote next week. Let's start new and remember November for what it is —"Thangksgiving".
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It is agreed that the citizens of Presque Isle Township should "bury the hatchet" and begin a new era after the voting is complete. Everyone needs to forgive and move forward. However with that being said, there may be an individual who has unfairly taken the brunt — of reputation assassination and financial loss, as well as destroyed opportunities. It would only perpetuate the unfairness if that individual were denied redress and those responsible escaped answering for their actions. The schoolyard bullies would be free to strike again.
40. Reply to LMR and EC
I would like to say "thank you" to LMR and EC for their remarks. We live in one of the best communities in our country and I pray we will all be able to come together after next Tuesday and start to heal. I respect both LMR and EC for their opinions along with many others.
... End of Message ...
39. Think Before You Vote!
As the day draws nearer to Election Day, one should take a moment to think about every thing that has happened in our quaint little township of Presque Isle. Take your time, weigh things out, look not only at what is currently happening (with the recall and reasons for the recall) but what has been done currently and in the past.
Compare! Look around at the great things that are being done. People are joining together with wonderful ideas to better this area — not only for the current residents but also for future residents and visitors. Some say that the recall of current supervisor Patrick Pokorski is "NOT POLITICAL". Some would disagree. If it is not "POLITICAL" then what is it? A personal grudge? Or could it be that some things have surfaced (via our current supervisor and officials) that was done by our previous supervisor Peter Pettailia and other elected officials? Was it morally right, or even what the people wanted? And did those things and could those things end up costing you as a tax payers more money? Perhaps so. What we don't know some feel won't hurt, but it will surface and end up costing.
Look at the wages that Peter was paid for the past 16 years. Approximately $240,000.00 he collected as supervisor plus the Sexton's wages, around $12,000 for approximately 10 years. Together $252,000.00. YOUR TAX MONEY! LET'S NOT FORGET ALL THE LITTLE PERKS INCLUDED. Mr. Pokorski, our current supervisor has earned approximately 30,000.00 for 2 years and approximately $2800.00 as Sexton. I'd say for the wages we've paid him thus far, he has done many great things for us. His decisions are made of the utmost concern and care and welcomes everyone's ideas. He listens to all and it's not just what he wants that is done. No more "Gravel Pit" Our cemetery is beautiful and respectful, thanks to him and others.
The view from Lake Huron of our Lighthouse is breathtaking. Things have been repaired that have been neglected for many years all around us. The Old Lighthouse has received a fresh coat of paint and new landscaping, and looks GREAT! The "Swath" at the New Lighthouse will be turned into another asset for our community when the final project is complete. Ideas are in the works and it will bring to those who visit a greater and deeper love for our area. If you are not aware of these and possible plans, attend a Park and Recreation meeting. It's funny, all those who were so concerned as to the "Cutting" have NOT been to any Trustee Meetings nor have they offered any suggestions or volunteered. Where did they go?
Yes, I am sure you are asking, "What about the things Peter did?" Nothing mentioned there. Well, to be honest with you, other that than the bike path, nothing really stands out. (No lens in place.) How much time does one need? Les Nichols deserves the credit there for all he's done, not Peter.
Now I'm sure that my comments will be dissected. But keep in mind when you do, compare apples to apples. Like B Schatz stated regarding Mr. Pokorski not paying a "climb fee" at the Lighthouse. Compare that to Mr. Pettalia's family wedding that had how many guests climb for free? Oh, and possibly didn't pay any free for the ceremony to be held there? HUM... If paid, I'm sure it would be in our records, wouldn't it? Or is this one of those "PERKS"?!
Just one last note. Perhaps Peter should do what is said on his campaign web-site. For those who have not read it, here it is "He has a gift for bringing parties of different opinions to work together to achieve common goals" Who's Goals? Perhaps his and his only. If this is not "POLITICAL" or a "A PERSONAL VENDETTA" or just pure "INSECURITIES", then what would you call it? Peter, you're not "KING" anymore, so step down and take your "Royal Court" With YOU! Most of us are sick of the rhetoric.
... End of Message ...
38. Correcting Errors
I am a bit ashamed to admit that mine was one of the signatures on the petition to recall Pat Pokorski. When a Bayshore Drive neighbor approached me requesting my support for a petition for tree cleanup at the lighthouses, I was more than willing. Foolishly, I did not read what I was signing, and took my neighbor at his word.
It was not until I was asked to display a "Re-Call Patrick Pokorski" sign in front of my home that I started to look at what was going on. I had been misled regarding the petition, and recent newspaper articles cast great doubt on the entire circumstance. I have not been paying attention to what has been going on in this community, and it looks like I should have been.
I have since talked to numerous local citizens and realize that it is a very emotional issue with some very strong opinions. If you can sift through the facts and opinions with an impartial mind, you find the arguments supporting a recall to be very thin indeed. That "Re-Call" sign, although it was displayed for a few days, has been removed from my property. I have completed my research (not an easy task) and made my decision for election day. Unfortunately, I now have diminished respect for one of my neighbors and a few of his friends. On Tuesday, I will correct one of my errors.
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37. Lies With No Accountability
Since Supervisor Pokorski has been cleared of the allegations from Mr Schatz and his group, I think perhaps it is time Mr. Schatz be held accountable for his remarks and actions. I am quite certain Mr. Schatz made a statement to the State Police and to the Presque Isle County Prosecutor, and since we now know his statements were untrue, shouldn't Mr. Schatz be arrested for making false statement to the authorities? I think if this had happened in a court of law, the judge would have removed Mr. Schatz from the courtroom and had him taken to jail. Maybe we as citizens should insist action be taken by our judicial system to hold Mr. Schatz accountable. Maybe a few phone calls to the prosecutor would be in order.
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36. Vote NO on Recall
We Americans seem bent on having another "throw the bums out" election this November. With the economy struggling to escape the Great Recession quicksand (remember those B-movies we watched as children?), it's no surprise that incumbents are running scared. This is what we voters do when we're unhappy. However, one incumbent does not deserve to be thrown out of office -- Presque Isle Township Supervisor Patrick Pokorski.
Politics can be a nasty business. In the election of 1880 Thomas Jefferson hired ghost writers who accused John Adams of being a "hideous hermaphroditical character which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman." In short, Jefferson challenged his opponent to "man up" (a trendy catchphrase these days). In 1860 Stephen Douglass chided Abraham Lincoln for being a "horrid-looking wretch, sooty and scoundrelly in aspect." And in 1884 James G. Blain's supporters taunted bachelor Grover Cleveland, who had fathered a child out of wedlock, with the chant, "Ma! Ma! Where's my Pa?" Mudslinging makes entertaining reading in history books. But it's less fun in the here-and-now, especially if you are the target.
For months now, Pat has been on the receiving end of a lot of mud, none of it deserved. Those who seek his recall claimed that Pat violated the law. Over many weeks the State Police investigated these allegations (at considerable expense to Michigan taxpayers, we must note) and found no evidence of wrongdoing. With nothing to support the charges, the county prosecutor declined to ask for a warrant. Case closed. Voting Pat out of office will cost the Township {that's us!} a lot of money for a special election. The resulting change in administration will disrupt Township business and make hard feelings worse. And Pat would be punished for things he clearly didn't do.
Pat Pokorski is an honest and honorable man and an effective public servant. Vote NO on the recall.
... End of Message ...
35. "Re-Call" Losing Momentum
It seems like the players behind the "Re-Call" of Patrick Pokorski are having some momentum issues. The recent incoherent and verbose web postings by the movement figurehead, Barry Shatz (Schatz), indicates that all might not be going well. The Prosecuting Attorney's failure to endorse the criminal aspect of the allegations, took a lot of wind out of the sails of those promoting the "Re-Call". Mr. Shatz (Schatz) has even lost control of his own website as he posted the same article 3 times, and with different titles, and has been victimized by rogue spam disguised as comments. He has now resorted to taking issue with his "imaginary friends", specifically Trustee Paavola. He rants about his "Re-Call" signs (complete with spelling error) being removed from County Road Commission and other private properties where he has no right or permission to post signs. He has even accused Sharon Paltelky of trespassing while challenging a "Re-Call" sign, when in fact the discussion occurred in a public place.
This blustering is symptomatic of a movement in trouble. The recall rhetoric is aggressively ramping up mainly through the postings of Mr. Shatz (Schatz). His site is commonly known as the "B.S." website and he has adopted a popular strategy used in business and politics: "BS baffles brains". His experience as a fiction writer has come in handy. Unfortunately, he has lost track as to what is fiction and what is fact.
Perhaps the most significant part of his recent ramblings is his quote:
Doesn't that sound like Mr.Understand folks that I'm just the guy that filed the recall paperwork with the County Clerk.
... End of Message ...
34. Township Assets Disposal
With all the noise about the disposal of the wood products from the tree cutting of 2009, one should ask how it was handled in the past. The most recent previous event of similar magnitude would be the development of the new section of the cemetery where the wood products involved was similar in amount. This occurred prior to our current Township Supervisor taking office when Peter Petalia served both as Sexton and Supervisor.
At that time, a contractor was hired to do the clearing with no value realized from the wood. The wood products harvested were not commercially sold, but given away. There was a quantity of logs of value (this was before the wood products market collapsed) and they were quickly handed off to select individuals. The remainder was left for local wood scavengers. There was no fuss then about Township assets being given away.
Petalia was a Golden Boy; he could do nothing wrong. But for Pokorski, it is tar & feathers time.
... End of Message ...
33. Our Treasurer ... Why?
- Why does our Treasurer not support a Volunteer Appreciation Day?
- Why does our Treasurer not support events that promote the community?
- Why is our Treasurer not pay attention to lighthouse revenues?
- Why was our Treasurer so quick (and determined) to explain the missing files as being "mis-filed"?
- Why has our Treasurer taken the stand that a forensic audit is not needed with the changeover of clerks.
... End of Message ...
Hmmmm ...
32. Volunteers' Appreciation Day
First, my disclaimer; I am not the trustee with similar initials. Maybe I should change my name.
It was a very long and interesting Presque Isle Township Board meeting on Monday night and quite frankly it has taken me several days to digest all that transpired at the meeting. I think the meeting could have been cut almost in half if Trustee Lynn Morrison didn't love to hear himself talk. I ask those who were present — have you ever heard someone repeat themselves so many times and never say anything? Comments from the public could be heard saying, "hasn't he already said that," and my favorite was when (Trustee) Morrison said he had something to add; a voice could be heard saying "of course you do." Likewise for the treasurer, Bette Tadajewski, who likes to hear herself almost as much as (Trustee) Morrison.
But, to me, the worst thing to come out of the meeting was (Treasurer) Bette Tadajewski voting down (against) an appreciation day for all the volunteers in our community. Can you believe this woman voted down (against) an evening of simple food, beverage and a big thank you to all the volunteers who have worked so hard to make this the wonderful community where we live? Supervisor Pokorski suggested the event and added there would be no money (requested) from the township; he would provide everything and this woman still voted no. At least there were enough other board members to over-ride her and the event will take place on October 23rd.
I would also like to add my two cents worth to a prior letter about the Old Fashioned Christmas. There are many people, not just the Women's Club, who help with this great event in our community. All I can say is the nasty Grinch must be living in Presque Isle in the form of two board members. And by the way, maybe if we had a real treasurer's report we'd know exactly how much money the township actually has in various accounts. I hope everyone remembers all that has happened when (Treasurer) Bette Tadajewski and (Trustee) Lynn Morrison are up for re-election. Our township does not need either of these people. Actually, if there was a recall petition for these two, I'd be at the top of the list signing! If it wasn't so costly to our township, I'd start one! But you see, I believe we have a system in place in our government to vote out elected officials and not waste township money with recalls. Apparently there are those who think differently but to those people, remember The Shadow is watching and knows more than most think.1
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1 Please do not give the Shadow the image of being this threatening figure in a hovering stance. Yes, we are watching and prepared to bring forward issues that we feel need to be noted. We also stand for fairness and will voice a position when we see infringement. There are others out there who are quite prepared to act likewise. We can partner in that service.
We would like to remind our readers that your feedback is encouraged and we appreciate your two cents. We ask that your comments be consistent with the tone of this website. Please express your opinions honestly — but in a tactful manner, particularly if they are directed toward an individual. Regardless of your opinion, these people are members of our community and have stepped forward to offer their services. A certain degree of respect is appropriate.
31. News In Presque Isle
First let me say, my initials are not those of the Presque Isle Township Board Trustee; I am not that person.
As I looked over this site today, I noticed there have been over 1,800 hits on this site. Since the site is less than a year old, it seems to me that there are many people in this community reading The Shadow. We have discovered much useful information, uncovered lost money from the lighthouse, heard many truths and some false statements.1 Maybe the Shadow should become the first newspaper for Presque Isle! Just look at the accurate information we would receive and no one would need to read The Alpena News that is full of bias junk or the Presque Isle Advance that does somewhat of a better job reporting the truth. I understand, although I have never looked at it, there is a blog out there from Barry Schatz. I hear this blog referred to as BS, I am assuming they are referring to the initials of Mr. Schatz and not the content.
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1 If we have false statements, please let us know and set us straight. Our goal is to provide accurate information.
Go to Feedback Archives prior to September 1, 2010
Everything comes to those who wait... except a cat.
... Mario Andretti