Editorials
On this page you will see personal opinions expressed that may or may not be representative of those of other individuals or groups. Some will be triggered by events, actions, observations — or perhaps pent-up frustrations. Some of you will agree — some of you will disagree — some of you will simply exit. Please remember that what you are reading here are opinions. Whatever your reaction, thank you for taking the time to at least give a look.
Note: The oldest articles are at the bottom of this page.
Contents
Go to Editorial Archives prior to July 1, 2010
34. Peter Weighs In
Following an August 20, 2010 Letter To The Editor of the Alpena News (Tag Line: Cutting Down Trees Should Not Be An Issue), the former Presque Isle Township Supervisor & Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee submitted a response comment to the online version. It reads as follows:
As the Chairman of Presque Isle Township Park and Recreation I can tell you first hand that there was never APPROVAL for any tree cutting. I had attended ALL Township and Park meetings and I do not remember you at many of are Park & Rec. meeting. There is a very easy way of putting this to rest- SHOW US THE MINUTES of the meetings that gives approval for the tree cutting.
We also draw your attention to the following from the minutes of the July 20, 2009 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee:
- Parking spaces at the New Lighthouse Park was another issue. We are looking into creating additional spaces by having a swath cut, from the 1905 House to the lake. Peter, Pat and Clayton will walk and mark the area and report back to this committee.
And finally from the minutes of the August 10, 2009 meeting of the Board of Trustees:
P. Pettalia reported on the additional parking that is being sought at the New Lighthouse. They have plans to mark off a section that would allow a clear view of the lake from the 1905 House porch. If everything works out, they hope to have it cleared this fall (as soon as the park closes).
Now, what does this tell you? Firstly, the planning for the "swath cut" had been in the works for several months. There had been discussion by the Parks and Recreation Committee and their intention was to clear it as soon as the park closed. The July 20th minutes indicate that Peter was not just a bystander, but a participant from the beginning. The August 10th minutes indicate that the project was a virtual fait accompli. The Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee delivered his report as a statement — not a question requesting permission to move forward.
Now Mr. Pettalia, in light of your professed knowledge, skills and expertise in governmental matters, should you in your role as Chairman of Parks and Recreation, not have been requesting permission (at that August 10 meeting) to move forward? Perhaps it is your failure to do so that has triggered the crisis of recent months. If you are the person of honor that you claim to be, then you will admit your share of the responsibility instead of playing the game of Pass The Hot Potato.
There is reader feedback on this item. Click Here33. Revenue From Lighthouse Concession
Perhaps it is time for township citizens to pay a bit closer attention to the revenue (or lack of it) coming from the Lighthouse concession. At the Board of Trustees meeting on August 9, the topic of that revenue surfaced. It appears that only about $5500 has been realized to date this season when possibly 3 to 4 times that should have entered the township treasury. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect is that our treasurer seemed quite surprised by the revelation.
A couple years back, there was an issue of extended non-payment by the concessionaire that illustrated major shortcomings in the monitoring of those dollars. It is beginning to look like we might be there again. Our treasurer should face some serious questions as to how this issue has been allowed to happen for the second time. If anyone of us fail to pay our taxes, she is on you in a heartbeat — but thousands of dollars of overdue revenue sounds no alarm. Who is watching our money? Who is watching the person who is watching our money? Hopefully, we are not experiencing a "revenue leak".
32. Special Meeting of July 26
Some township Board of Trustee meetings are rich in fodder for an editorialist. Such was the case of the July 26th Special Meeting.
Firstly, notification of the meeting was given by the usual method — a note on the door of the township offices. Problem — Treasurer B. Tadajewski only learned about the meeting when she arrived. Well Bette, join the crowd! At least you knew about it before it happened — a privilege not extended to most of the citizens of the township. This only emphasizes the issue of Special Meeting notification. As we have suggested before, a sandwich board announcing these meetings should be displayed on the roadside in front of the township offices. Of course, none of the trustees will be reading this editorial and thus will not be aware of a very simple solution. AND, if they did sneak a peek, it would be a violation of their principles to act upon it — even if it was in the best interests of the community.
The purpose of the meeting was to interview candidates for the vacant trustee position. However, only 2 of the 3 candidates were available — looks like another "special meeting"!
Perhaps concerns should be raised about the interview procedure. Each candidate made a presentation and answered questions during the 10-15 minute interview — a very common process. As it turned out, only 4 people (plus the candidates) were in attendance — but what if it had been a full house? It was a public meeting and a large audience could have been present. It is not inconceivable that a "grilling" could occur. Would such an environment be reasonable and fair for the candidates? Perhaps this could be looked at for the future.
And finally, township employee E. Comerford, questioned trustees as to the status of her position. In our opinion, she is probably the glue that keeps the leaky boat afloat. Our advice is for her to look out for number 1. As valuable as she is to our township, she should do what is best for her. In this day, employers can be fickle.
31. Over-stepping Boundaries
A July 21st Feedback submission, "Anonymous Letters", made reference to a letter that surfaced after the July 12th Board of Trustees meeting. A thank you to J.P. who responded to the request for a copy of the text. Although it was originally classed as anonymous, that is no longer the case. Since the letter was directed at the Presque Isle Harbor Association and certain of its members, it will not be reproduced here. It did contain references pertaining to PIHA property adjacent to the township cemetery. An editorial commentary on that letter is in order.
The author of the letter is not a member of Presque Isle Township government, although probably believes that she is. To our knowledge, she has no status within the township other than that of a concerned citizen who wishes to be involved. To our knowledge, she is not a member of the Presque Isle Harbor Association and has no status other than as a guest. The content of her letter levelled criticisms and accusation and made demands not in keeping with her relationship to either Presque Isle Township or PIHA. She is reminded that the property adjacent to the cemetery is private property in which she has no stake. Until such time as she or the township has been granted some rights regarding that piece of real estate, she should cease and desist and stand clear.
30. "Cemetery Trees"
In the township supervisor recall issue, a lot of fuss has been made regarding the tree cutting on the private property adjacent to the cemetery. The facts should be laid clear.
Firstly, the property is owned by the Presque Harbor Association — a private corporation of property owners. The cutting of the trees on that property was done with the permission of the association and not in the manner espoused by those behind the recall. The PIHA was sharing the services of the tree cutting contractor to enhance vehicular visability of a curved section of road along their property. On the day that the "cemetery tree cutting" took place, PIHA Executive Director Steve Lang attended the site along with several association property owners. The PIHA on that day and since, has not had an issue with respect to what took place. Everyone will acknowledge, however, that some unfortunate cutting mishaps and errors took place, but those things happen when working in the woods. It must be emphasized that there is no issue with the PIHA regarding those events.
29. Musings From The Restroom Wall
Reports coming out of last night's Board of Trustees Meeting indicate opinions were expressed regarding the anonymous letters and other information being distributed within the community. Comments equated those communiqués to the writings on the wall of a public restroom. Historically, if you were looking for a good time, then ................. no, no, no, no, I don't think that was what the meeting commenters had in mind. The analogy is a bit off, but catchy, at least. It made the point. Since the Shadow was specifically implicated, a response is in order.
We are not in the publishing industry. We are not The New York Times, nor People Magazine, nor the Alpena News — nor do we pretend to be. Nor do we dance to the tune of advertisers. AND we do not follow the generally accepted protocols dictated by any industry — protocols created in another century. We are in a new era in communication. We are our own entity. You are an intelligent reader. Take us however you will. All we expect is that you use your intelligence and not dismiss us just because you don't like the protocols of today. To do so, you stick your head in the sand — leaving another part of your anatomy in a position to be easily kicked.
This website has a significant following, considering the size of our community. In fact, several township officials regularly peruse our pages (and openly say they don't read the Shadow). If you run the risk of being bitten, are you not going to be keeping an eye open? In spite of some that call our content "all lies", we continually present items that are hard documented facts — but possibly not with the spin you would prefer. The published feedback and editorials frequently point out issues that others would rather not face but allow the reader to see another viewpoint.
Our township council may wish to formally denounce what we (and others) do — but what is the point? The mere fact that the topic has surfaced in several council meetings proves that the public is aware. To say anything lends legitimacy to what is being condemned. We (and the public) are watching council and they in turn are watching us. Council does not want to stick their heads into the sand again as that already tender exposure does not need any more licks.
28. Special Meeting Notification
The following quote was taken from the minutes of the June 21 Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees.
B. Tadajewski responded that she thinks that's a different issue, and she didn't want it discussed at a special meeting. She had a really bad feeling about special meetings. They're clandestine; things are done behind people's back. Yes, the requirements were met by posting it, but the general public does not stop and look at that door everyday.
Trustee Tadajewski has the situation pegged — clandestine. With the rash of recent Special Meetings, things are happening with the community excluded because they don't peek at the front door or they are not privileged enough to receive that phone call. Finding out a day or two later breeds resentment and suspicion. Does this council need more angry taxpayers?
Special Meetings will continue to be called (but at a reduced rate, one would hope) and notices will continue to be posted on the front door. Here are a couple of suggestions that may help communicate the notifications:
- As soon as a special meeting is called (board or any committee), immediately post the notification on the front page of the website. Office staff should be able to perform that task with only a 5 - 10 minute time investment.
- Place a sandwich board with the meeting notification next to the Township Office Sign at the parking lot entrance.
27. Independance Day Events
Saturday, July 3 saw Presque Isle Township celebrate Independence Day with its annual Picnic at the New Lighthouse Park, followed by the evening fireworks show at the harbor. Attendance was excellent at both events. A full picnic atmosphere during the day focussed on children's events, complete with a parade around the lighthouse, along with the hot dogs and brat fare for everyone's tummy.
Dusk saw the annual fireworks show that all look forward to. The sky lit up with never-ending color and the reverberating booms that we have come to expect. The finale was awesome! Comments from those in attendance confirmed that the show was most impressive — many claiming the best in the history of the event.
The Parks and Recreation Committee must be complimented in their efforts to make the day memorable. Specifically, those volunteers that stepped forward to ensure that the event came off are due thanks from all of us. Specifically, Trustee Morrison should be noted as the individual who dug deep and made sure that the fireworks tradition continued. We look forward to next year.
Please keep in mind that fireworks not only create a great ending for a great day, but come with a price tag. Fund raising is required to ensure that it continues. Please be generous. Remember the thrill and excitement you experienced that evening, when asked to financially assist.
26. Rumors ...
Rumors have been swirling in recent days as to changes in key personnel within the township. Due to the significance involved, we will not feed those rumors other than to point out the origin. When you look at the Township Officials page (dated July 2) on the township website, you will notice that the position of clerk is listed as vacant. Since the monthly Board of Trustees meeting is only days away, it is best to wait for it to clarify that issue.
While you are viewing the same page on the township website, you might also note the roster for the Parks & Recreation Committee. The name, Barbara Nichols, appears as a member — peculiar, as that name has not shown up in any minutes as having been appointed. Additionally, the quantity of positions listed is 7 for a committee capped at 6, plus a board liaison person (who has been Trustee Morrison). We can only assume that the new name is present in error.
While you are visiting the township website, take a look at the minutes for the June 21, 2010 Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees. What you will see is something rather unusual for published minutes within this township. They read more as a transcript rather than the sanitized version that we normally see. The text is very difficult to follow — not unlike your experience would be had you been present at that meeting. As you struggle through those minutes, you will get a very clear image of what we have been pointing out from the onset — the inability of this council to move forward. They are hamstrung by red tape and can only see how to stall things rather than facilitate. It ultimately took 3 meetings to deal with issues that didn't warrant 5 minutes of their time. Truly, a black eye for our township.
25. Recall Clarity Hearing
As reported by the Alpena News and also posted elsewhere on this site, the Clarity Hearing on the recall of Township Supervisor Patrick Pokorski was held on June 30 in Rogers City. Although the County Elections Commission panel was not in agreement on some of the points, the petition was approved. The next step is a potential appeal to the Circuit Court.
Regardless of your views, this is the process and it must be allowed to play out. If it goes the distance, ultimately the issue will be placed into the hands of the electors a number of months from now. We can only hope that emotions have settled to the point where clear, rational heads come into view. In the meantime, those electors who have not been paying full attention during the past 18 months will have the opportunity to do their homework and research all the issues on the table. It is very easy to be influenced by the visuals along with the emotional and dramatic arguments put forward. You may have to do some digging to convince yourself of the real facts. What you must also take into consideration is that this process will have to be funded by our township — potentially 2 elections — paid for by your taxes.
As for the hearing itself, the strong turnout of support for the Supervisor was in sharp contrast with that of the other side. The sponsor of the petition was not even present. Was such an absence unusual? Perhaps it was arrogance — thought it would be a "slam dunk", and didn't need to waste his time by showing up. Perhaps he was afraid to face possible challenges to his petition. Maybe he just forgot. Regardless, his absence was notable.
The rationale for this exercise can be argued from many directions. Has the Supervisor stepped on the wrong toes? Has his "reaching out to the community" ruffled some feathers? Has his efforts to do something in a do nothing environment drawn the bullseye on his back? Or is he just from the wrong side of the tracks? Circumstance does give credibility to the politics theory — "dirty politics". Perhaps a comment attached to the Alpena News article says it best: "I smell Pettalia all over this."
Go to Editorial Archives prior to July 1, 2010
No bum that can't speak poifect English oughtna stay in this country...oughta be de-exported the hell outta here!
... ARCHIE BUNKER
