Monday, November 11, 2013

Agenda 21: This Is What We're Talking About

This is the first part of a series meant to educate the public on Agenda 21, and how we see it implemented in our local communities. If you don't see it, you're not looking. And if it doesn't trouble you, not even a little, maybe it should.... In order to explain Agenda 21, we're using one of the best resources we've found yet: It's called simply, "Agenda 21 Course." If you would like to explore their site on your own, here's the link: http://www.agenda21course.com/.

If you haven't read anything before about Agenda 21, consider this your introduction. Those of us who have been studying Agenda 21 and its implementation for a considerable amount of time can see regulations and incentives becoming pervasive in our society, and are noticing that the strategies are being infused into our local communities, often with the dangling carrot of federal grant money.

But we digress. Let's start from the very beginning.

What is Agenda 21? Our friends at Agenda 21 Course asked the same question in their first lesson:

"...what is Agenda 21, also referred to as “Sustainable Development”? It is NOT an environmental movement, it IS a political movement which seeks to control the world’s economy, dictates its development, captures and redistributes the world’s wealth on a national, state, and local level.
The process locks away land and resources from use by citizens, and plans a central economy, while controlling industry, transportation, food production, water, and the growth, size, and location of the population."
 
At first read, it may be impossible to believe that such a scheme is possible, but as you read along, try to notice things in your own community, policies you've seen implemented at any level, or things you've read or seen on TV or on the internet, that correlate with these ideas.
 
And most of all, keep an open mind....
 
"Agenda 21 is one of several global plans of action designed to create a coalition of government, business, and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) under the auspices of the United Nations. When fully operational, this system of Global Governance, will command a One World Court, a One World Army, a One World Media, etc. all working in lock-step to gain total control over all human activity and all of the Earth’s wealth.
 
"It is hard to believe that something this sinister could be happening right under our noses. However, it is easier to understand when you learn how Agenda 21 has slowly and steadily been implemented for many decades." (Agenda21course.com)
 
First of all, let's look at how Agenda 21 came to be.
 
 
agenda21course.com , Lesson 1
 
 
Agenda 21 is over 300 pages long, and:
 
"address{es} virtually every facet of human life and contains great detail as to how the concept of Sustainable Development should be implemented through every level of government. Agenda 21 is the “How To” document for Sustainable Development.
 
"It was at the Rio Summit that President George H.W. Bush, along with the other 178 heads of state, signed agreement to Agenda 21.
 
"One year later, newly elected President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 12852 to create the President’s Council on Sustainable Development. This council contained 12 cabinet secretaries. Six of them belonged to the Nature Conservancy, The Sierra Club, the World Resources Institute, or the National Wildlife Federation.
 
"These same groups, called Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), worked directly with the United Nations to craft Agenda 21, and now were in a key position to put Agenda 21 policies into every single agency in the U.S. Federal Government. This means every federal agency, the Dept. of Education, the Dept. of Homeland Security, the EPA, are all currently using your tax dollars to undercut our sovereignty and steal our property rights bit by bit." (agenda21course.com)
 
Agenda 21 introduced us to the 3 E's:
 
"By selecting the three terms used for the 3 E’s, the Sustainablists were very clever. You see Sustainablists are very good at selecting terms whose meaning seems self explanatory and sound very positive. Social equity, economic justice, and environment justice are three examples of this. Most people who hear these terms for the first time think they understand what they mean, and with words like “equity” and “justice” in them, think that they are probably a good thing. The reality is quite different for several reasons."
 
Social justice, Economic Justice, and Environmental Justice
 






As we learn in lesson 1 of the Agenda 21 Course:

"Since Americans value the environment, it allows the Sustainablists to use Environmental Justice to effectively convince Americans that in order to save their planet they must give up their individual rights for those of the collective.
 
"In other words, the 3 E’s are a way to be sure no one has more than anyone else (unless you are a member of the elite), even if you are smarter, worked harder, took more risks, made all the right decisions, and sacrificed. Your very success is a social injustice. Further, God may have given Man dominion over the Earth, but apparently big government feels it has veto power over God."
 
It's imperative as a society that we begin to remember that our rights come to us from God. That no mere Government is strong enough to give us rights, only strong enough to restrict them.

But still, you may wonder - how do so many people willingly submit themselves to the idea that we must regulate away our individual rights for the sake of the planet?

"As Lesson 2 will show, it is done through indoctrination, regulation, intimidation, and the outright destruction of our culture."

Stay tuned! We will cover Lesson 2 next.

In the meantime, check out these links to some supplemental material:

 
 

Call to Action: Groninger, et. al. v. DEQ

MIDLAND COUNTY - In the case of Groninger, et. al. v. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the court has scheduled a hearing for Friday at 1:45 p.m. - the first day of deer season. Likely the court is hoping not to see the turnout that has become customary for hearings in this case.

At every hearing in this case, supporters have packed the courtroom - even to the point of forcing the court to move the hearing to a larger courtroom to accommodate the high number of people.

But now, perhaps due to the nature of the motion, it seems the court might not want to see so many faces in the crowd.

"The DEQ is trying to block our attempt to inspect or have video / audio copies of the recordings made in open court during our court hearings of April 4, 24, and July 9," the Plaintiffs wrote in an update to supporters. "The DEQ has filed a Motion demanding a hearing with the court to Quash our subpoena, file on the County Clerk for those records. Now why would the DEQ not want us to have access to those records?!"

The Plaintiffs realize the date of the hearing is no coincidence - the court doesn't appear to want to draw a crowd.

"Now for the really rich part," Plaintiffs write. "They have scheduled this hearing for opening day of deer season - Friday, Nov. 15 at 1:45 p.m. before Judge Beale in his courtroom at 301 West Main Street, Midland, Michigan...."

Despite the date, the Plaintiffs are hoping that the crowds will turn out en force to continue to show solidarity, and support them in their case against the DEQ.

"This is a really big request of you, but if you can possibly make this hearing it would be greatly appreciated," the Plaintiffs noted. "I can promise you one thing; this is going to be a real interesting Motion hearing to witness. Public witness and action is the only cure for government bullying."

Mark this on your calendar:


What: Motion Hearing to Quash Subpoena for inspection of recordings made in open court for hearings in the case of Groninger’s et al V. DEQ File No. 12-9040-CZ

When: Friday, November 15th 1:45 pm

Where: 301 West Main Street, Midland, Michigan

Presiding: The Honorable Judge Beale


An overview of the last court action follows below:

Midland County 42nd Circuit Court Judge Stephen P. Carras issued an order granting the Department of Environmental Quality’s Motion for Summary Disposition Sept. 6 in a case filed against them by a local couple and their lease holders.

In the case of Greg Groninger, Carol J. Groninger, Kenneth Thompson and Thomas Dunn v. State of Michigan, aka Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Plaintiffs refused to allow the DEQ – a state agency with jurisdiction and authority over land in the Public Domain – access to their private, patented property in order to determine if it was a protected wetland under the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act (MCL 324.43001 et seq.) As a result of the landowner’s refusal, the plaintiffs were informed that an administrative warrant would be issue to give the DEQ access to their property without their consent. The plaintiffs then filed a lawsuit seeking declaratory relief, alleging Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress by the DEQ, and asking the court to find that the DEQ cannot enter their private, patented property.

The Defendant’s Motion for Summary Disposition filed by the DEQ on July 9, 2013, argued three points, including the point that they feel the Michigan Wetlands regulations apply to the Plaintiff’s private, patented property; that … “even if Michigan law did not apply to the Plaintiffs’ property … federal wetlands regulations apply to the Plaintiffs’ property, and those federal wetlands regulations are enforced by the DEQ; and that Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn lack standing to participate as plaintiffs in this lawsuit.

Regarding the third argument about Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn, who lease a portion of the property in question for hunting purposes, the Court opined that he could not find that Thompson and Dunn had any interest in the land; further stating that “…even if Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn had produced a document entitling them to place hunting blinds on the property they still would not have standing.

While the Groningers can show a particularized injury if the DEQ enters and places restrictions on the use of their land, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Dunn cannot.” In the Motion for Summary Disposition argument regarding the application of the Michigan Wetlands Statute to the Plaintiff’s land, Judge Carras held the opinion that the plaintiffs had “…no legal basis for their action as they are mistaken in their reading of the law, the Wetlands Statute is meant to apply to all land within the state, including privately owned patented land.” Furthermore, it was the judge’s opinion that the DEQ, as an arm of the Department of Natural Resources, had the authority to regulate wetlands under the Wetlands Protection Act.

In his conclusion, Judge Carras noted that, “…when viewed in a light most favorable to Plaintiffs there is no issue of material fact upon which this motion for summary disposition could be denied,” thus opining that the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act applies to the Groningers’ private, patented land, and that the DEQ has the right to come onto that private property and enforce regulations on behalf of the state and/or federal government.

Although disappointed with the opinion of Judge Carras, the judge’s findings were not unpredictable.

“I can’t say we were surprised by his ruling, we predicted it, but the opinion and order are full of errors and fiction of law. The judge’s opinion is in direct conflict with the United States and Michigan Constitution," said Dunn. “One has to wonder what part of ‘No Law shall be passed impairing the Obligation of Contracts’ – found in both the United States and Michigan Constitution – did they not understand?"

He added, "How can the judge say the following and not feel we can sue for protection? In the Judges own words: ‘While the Groningers can show a particularized injury if the DEQ enters and places restriction on the use of their land, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Dunn cannot.' Maybe this is because the word Constitution does not seem to be in the vocabulary of either the MDEQ or the judge because it has never came out of either of their mouths or pen on paper during this case to date.”
 


   

      

Sunday, November 10, 2013

How Much Does Liberty Cost?


How Much Does Liberty Cost?

Would you be willing to pledge ONE DOLLAR per week to help fund a Constitutional candidate to represent you and all of us in the 4th congressional district of Michigan? 

Liberty One Dollar at a Time



With the current state of our nation's divided culture, politicians in both major political pary vehichles are becoming difficult to trust. Campaign promises are often broken and the people now expect them to be.

For most of us. opening our wallets to fund political campaigns is as pleasant as a tooth extraction


Political campaigns do cost money. Name recognition is the major factor in a candidate  being elected and gaining name recognition is expensive when you consider campaign signs and literature, newspaper adds, Radio and Television adds, and public events to draw potential voters to the candidate and message.

Our incumbent 4th district house Republican has a vast campaign war chest and with the position he holds as Chairman of the House Ways and Means committee, There are deep pockets at his disposal to keep him right where he is.

But is money the only factor?  If that is true, please explain to me the win in Texas by the Ted Cruz team.

Besides the money it takes there is another factor that comes and goes in our democratically elected Republic form of government,,,,, Dedication, Passion, Perseverance, and Prayer.

Peter Konetchy is challenging Dave Camp in the August 5, 2014 primary election for the 4th district house seat. Peter's sole loyalty is to the Constitution of this United States that if adhered to, will eliminate our annual budget deficits and begin the slow march out of an exploding national debt.




How many dollars per week do we disregard? Even buying a Coke these days costs a buck and a half. 

We're 9 months out before this election. This campaign needs a couple hundred thousand dollars to function. If We the People value Freedom, Liberty, and Constitutionally limited Government. Please consider pledging ONE DOLLAR per week right    HERE   and please share this blog link with your address book. 

 
 
We can do this, even $1 at a time. Watch how it works:
 
 
 
What's it worth to halt Dave Camp's bad votes?
 
Watch the video by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGPGKaXE8Aw
 
 
 
 

How much does Liberty cost?






 How much does Liberty cost? 







How much does Liberty cost?  

Click here to watch the video: http://youtu.be/Un3CLdKRuuk



If We the People do not participate to some degree in primary elections, our candidates will continue to be selected by the political party establishments. 



Visit www,peterkonetchy.com  to learn more about Pete and the values he intends to bring to our house of representatives. 





If you are a committed supporter please register on the Peter Konetchy website right HERE
If you know folks that are committed to the Konetchy Constitutional campaign, you can sign them up on the supporter page. 

We the People of Gladwin County will be sending out weekly reminders from now until the August 5 primary election. Please share the reminders to your address books and social media.

  We the People CAN get principled, Moral, Fiscal, Constitutional candidates on our ballots.


Peter Konetchy Visits Gladwin County



To be added to our broadcast list, send and email to wethepeople48624@gmail.com
Please visit Our blog at http://wethepeople48624.blogspot.com/
Please visit our youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/wtp48624



In Liberty,

We the People of Gladwin County Steering Committee.







Saturday, November 2, 2013

Your Ballot, Your Voice: Don't Forget To Vote Nov. 5

We sincerely hope there is good turnout for the election Tuesday. No matter which way you vote, please don't let the opportunity to cast your ballot pass you by.

Here's a look at what's on the ballot in your precinct: (We have made it informational and non-partisan. Please share with other folks and encourage them to get out and vote! Locations for Township Halls are listed at the end of this post.)


 
BEAVERTON CITY


There is a fire millage renewal IN ADDITION to an increase in the fire millage. You may vote for three of the Council Member Candidates from the five listed. Vote at Beaverton Community Center, 142 Saginaw St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.


Beaverton Township, Bentley, Clement, Grim, Grout, Hay, Sage, Secord, Sherman and Tobacco Townships


This is the proposal for the County-Wide Public Safety Millage. If it passes, it will be split between the two cities and the county. Gladwin will get $60,000; Beaverton will get $40,000; and the county will get the remainder. The county contends that if the millage does not pass, cuts may be made to Public Safety and/or other areas. Vote at your precinct from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.
 
 
 
 
BILLINGS TOWNSHIP


Mosquito Control renewal, and a proposal for 1.5 mill for Road Improvements, in addition to the Public Safety Millage. Vote at your precinct from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.




BOURRET TOWNSHIP


Road improvement millage and brine for township roads (2.5 Mill), in addition to the Public Safety Millage. Vote at your precinct from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.




BUCKEYE TOWNSHIP

 
Mosquito Control millage (1.25 Mill), in addition to the Public Safety Millage. Vote at your precinct from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.
 
 
 
 
BUTMAN TOWNSHIP
 

Fire and Rescue Millage Renewal with a slight increase (1.60 mill from 1.5 mill), in addition to the Public Safety Millage. Vote at your precinct from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.

 
 
 
Gladwin City, Ward 1, Precinct 1 (If you live in another precinct, you will vote only on Mayor and Millage. There was no option to print ballots for other precincts.) 


Mayor Incumbent Tom Winarski and Scott Hawblitzel are on the ballot, although Hawblitzel says, "Don't vote for me!" Incumbent Councilperson Dee Jungman is running unopposed in Ward 1, Precinct 1. Other Precincts in this Ward do not have council seats up for election, but vote on Mayor and Public Safety Millage. Vote at the Community Center in Gladwin at the entrance to the Gladwin City Park behind the Sheriff Department. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.



Gladwin City, Ward 2, Precinct 2 (If you live in another precinct, you may comment with Mayor and Millage. There was no option to print ballots for other precincts.)


Mayor Incumbent Tom Winarski and Scott Hawblitzel are on the ballot, although Hawblitzel says, "Don't vote for me!" Tammy Hawblitzel is running unopposed in Ward 2, Precinct 2. Other Precincts in this Ward do not have council seats up for election, but vote on Mayor and Public Safety Millage. Vote at the Community Center in Gladwin at the entrance to the Gladwin City Park behind the Sheriff Department. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.




Gladwin City, Ward 3, Precinct 2 (If you live in another precinct, you may comment with Mayor and Millage. There was no option to print ballots for other precincts.)


Mayor Incumbent Tom Winarski and Scott Hawblitzel are on the ballot, although Hawblitzel says, "Don't vote for me!" Incumbent Councilperson Thomas Mienk is running against Nancy Bodnar in Ward 3, Precinct 2. Other Precincts in this Ward do not have council seats up for election, but vote on Mayor and Public Safety Millage. Vote at the Community Center in Gladwin at the entrance to the Gladwin City Park behind the Sheriff Department. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.




Gladwin City, Ward 4, Precinct 1 (If you live in another precinct, you may comment with Mayor and Millage. There was no option to print ballots for other precincts.)


Mayor Incumbent Tom Winarski and Scott Hawblitzel are on the ballot, although Hawblitzel says, "Don't vote for me!" Lori Stout is running against Dan Svetcos in Ward 4, Precinct 1. Both are newcomers. Other Precincts in this Ward do not have council seats up for election, but vote on Mayor and Public Safety Millage. Vote at the Community Center in Gladwin at the entrance to the Gladwin City Park behind the Sheriff Department. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Township Hall Locations:

Beaverton Township
Corner of Dale Rd & Townhall Rd - Beaverton


Bentley Township
4013 Estey Rd - Rhodes

 

Billings Township
1050 Estey Rd - Beaverton

 

Bourret Township

2749 School Road - Alger

 

Buckeye Township
1498 S. Hockaday - Gladwin


Butman Township
5005 N. Hockaday - Gladwin

 

Clement Township
1497 E. M-30 - Alger

 

Gladwin Township
2001 Wagarville Rd - Gladwin

 

Grim Township
6399 Bay-Gladwin Line- Bentley

 

Grout Township
1490 S. Grout Rd - Gladwin

 

Hay Township
1220 E. Highwood - Beaverton

 

Sage Township
1831 N. Pratt Lake Rd - Gladwin

 

Secord Township
1507 Secord Dam Rd - Gladwin

 

Sherman Township
4013 Oberlin Rd - Gladwin

 

Tobacco Township
1826 Dale Rd - Beaverton

Friday, November 1, 2013

What if I told you this millage was never about cops?




http://m.gladwinmi.com/news/two-viewpoints-county-wide-public-safety-millage/article_c806d04e-423b-11e3-acfd-001a4bcf887a.html?mode=jqm

TWO VIEWPOINTS: County-Wide Public Safety Millage


Please stand with me
To the Editor:
I have sat back and watched for the past two years the leaders of this community, call for ticketing the visitors, as well as the citizens of Gladwin County for speeding through town, pleading for more tax base to fund the City Police and Sheriff departments.
This past weekend the Jeep Creep was hosted here in Gladwin, what a wonderful opportunity for families, and citizens to get out and enjoy the day and have something to do on a Saturday. Well, I saw this as yet another opportunity for the City Police, and County Deputies to harass visitors and citizens once again.
You can’t tell me that just because people come into the town of Gladwin, that it would cause an increase in the flashing lights you see approximately every 10-15 minutes, pulling vehicles over, and writing tickets. People do not need to be pulled over just because the city and county need more funds.
I would like to see The City Administrator, The Mayor, The City Council, County Commissioners, and business owners, step back and take note of the decrease in visitors coming to Gladwin, due to the fact that the police are so overzealous. If they would curb this problem maybe this town would become more attractive for people to come out and enjoy. I don’t think they understand the workings of a prosperous city. I believe in following the law, but I don’t see a need for more police in this area, there are not many people out after sunset in Gladwin (due to the reputation of the police pulling people over, in the hope of giving them a citation.)
If you travel to West Branch on a Friday evening, the town is booming, you don’t see police pulling everyone over to harass them, you see the police, but they are just there, observing not plaguing the public. As a matter of fact, when I came back home from West Branch I was pulled over by a deputy as soon as I hit the Gladwin County line. It seems that after 10 p.m. it is the law to be pulled over, for the off chance that you may have been drinking, this is ludicrous, as I am a 50 year old law abiding citizen.
Maybe some revenue would come in by means of having people want to visit Gladwin, and shop locally, instead of what is going on now, it would be nice to have a good reputation rather than the one that I often hear,” Come to Gladwin on vacation, go home on probation.” This is disgraceful to me; please take my lead in voting NO on the upcoming “Safety Millage”, to help fund our police department. There are more than enough police in Gladwin City and County; I would like to see more people enjoying the city instead of seeing all the flashing lights that are out harassing the public.
Thanks for listening,
Marybeth E. French
Lifetime Gladwin County Resident


Magistrate responds to letter
To the Editor:
After reading Ms. French's letter, I had to respond.
Disclaimer-I am the Magistrate for the Gladwin District Court, so changes in county revenue/funding could have a direct impact on my staff. All information below is public, from websites or court information.
First, I found the comparison to West Branch interesting, as West Branch has a State Police post, including the troopers that used to be stationed in Gladwin. They also have miles of expressway, which are well-patrolled.
I went to the Michigan Supreme Court Website, and pulled up the number for 2012 to compare Ogemaw and Gladwin Counties. Ogemaw had 8675 state civil infractions through their court. Gladwin had 1782. Ogemaw had 9843 total traffic cases, Gladwin had 2554.
What does this mean? For the average traffic ticket in Gladwin, [five miles per hour over the speed limit], the cost is $110. Of that $110, the first $40 goes to the state. The $70 balance is divided – $42 to the County General Fund, and $28 to the Library (Penal Fines).
Maybe all the tickets are being written on the freeway? Whatever the source, it is obvious that Ogemaw is getting a lot more money than Gladwin from their traffic tickets.
I was concerned whether Ms. French was being somehow targeted for tickets, so I checked our records (which are public), and discovered she had one speeding ticket in 2007 for which she paid $90-$32 went to the general fund and $18 to the library.
Since 2007, the Court's revenue has decreased from $581,000 to $502,000 in 2012. We have not rehired two staff that left, and tried to cut costs whenever possible. The rest of the county has similar problems.
If people follow Ms. French's recommendation and vote no so that traffic tickets won't be written, there will be a foreseeable domino effect. When the Sheriff's department cuts staff, it will increase response time, so your non-violent breaking and entering will have to be dealt with in due course as officer time allows.
If road patrols are significantly cut, there will be fewer tickets written, fewer drunk drivers stopped, less police presence as a deterrent, probably more accidents from the speeders/drunk drivers, less revenue to the county and the library – all of which will lower the general comfort level of the community.
I encourage anyone seeking more information to go to www.gladwinco.com and follow the links to budget information and statistics, and support the public safety millage.
Michael Greer, Magistrate
80th District Court


I appreciate the paper posting all viewpoints. It's important for folks to weigh all opinions.  

Mrs. French holds a view not uncommon among Gladwin County Residents and its visitors. 

Magistrate Greer took a bold approach to pull out a traffic violation against Mrs. French from 2007 to prove a point on where citation money is dispersed.  I question the motive of Magistrate Greer in pulling Mrs. French's file and posting it as an example to prove a point for the millage.  I would even go as far as to say it was to intimidate a dissenting voice.

You don't bite the hand that feeds you when your hand is out to be fed. 

Magistrate Greer went on to qualify his position in regards to the public safety millage on the Gladwin County Record Facebook page:


" Look over the county budget for the last seven years. A significant increase has taken place in health care costs(this was pre- dating obamacare so no need to go there) even though personnel numbers were going down. Read the board minutes and see how they are having to borrow from other funds to continue operating-and paying interest. The board has indicated the probable result if the millage doesn't pass, and they cannot pay the medical premium costs from the general fund money which would have went to the sheriff's department, would be to look to layoffs. As others have noted, a significant part of the county budget is people. The sheriff's department is a large part of that. Road patrols are not statutorily required. Some of you may remember that situation when Sheriff Shea first came on board. We are not in a unique situation. Other counties have or are proposing public safety millages. I understand the idea of voicing dissatisfaction by turning down taxes when you have the opportunity, but please do your research about what the result will be, and be sure you are willing to live with the consequences. If you are unhappy with police services, talk to the agency-don't do away with the services. I want to thank the Record for opening this opportunity for people to rationally discuss the issue."



This statement reaffirms what we already know is that this millage is not about public safety. It is about funding county government as a whole. Health care and pension costs will come before serving the citizens with road patrol. something has to give, and when push comes to shove, it will not be public employee insurance costs. 



This is a general fund millage plain and simple. I've attended county commission meets for months and have volumes of video. The departments naturally don't agree on what should be shaved next. 3 out of 4 dollars in our county budget is labor costs. And the employees are unionized so it's not just flipping a switch to down size (or right size) local government. The sheriff dept. Has minimum staffing levels. You will not lose your law enforcement coverage. You also will not be gaining any. Since all this does is shift current funding for the dept. back to the general fund. This is another tax. The method used is an old playbook to incite fear, if not at least enough anxiety to get folks to approve this. Our county has been slowly reaching this point. It has arrived. Population is down, taxable values are down, foreclosures are up, and every time we turn around there is another request for government funding. It's becoming to difficult to pick and choose. Government will not voluntarily downsize in any substantial manner regardless of the cuts so far that were low hanging fruit. I don't look at this through jobs, or lost economic activity, or anything remotely personal. I've just had enough. Upside down mortgages, increased fuel costs, increased insurance costs. Much of which we struggle to contain, but this is a millage question to the tax payers. Where is the threshold? When will there be enough...... 

Our county department heads are of the understanding that we don't have a revenue problem, we have a cash flow problem. They advocate the status quo. borrowing from every dedicated fund we the people have been asked to provide to fund county government,  Gypsy Moth, E-911; no fund is sacred. It used to be casually denied. Now it is common knowledge and defended as a better option than bank financing. I question whether it is co-mingling of funds. Even so, I don't like being asked for a dedicated millage then watching that fund be raided month after month.

 

Other citizens have weighed in:



"Not only is it unnerving, pulling out a 15 yr old traffic ticket (even if it is a public record) appears to be a thinly veiled intimidation tactic that some people in positions of authority use to show their power, in this case under the guise of "concern" that Ms. French might have been prejudiced against cops. Such a low caliber machination makes me wonder what it's like to stand in front of this person in the courtroom. Maybe your county shouldn't be as concerned with cutting police. Perhaps there are cuts that can be made in depts. that seem to enjoy tossing an underhand barb at the private citizens when they invoke ire, intended or not."

 

"No matter what anyone thinks about the issue of the millage, it is not proper for a government official to publish information concerning traffic violations about a person that speaks out against giving the government more money. Furthermore, my guess is magistrate Greer did the research and wrote the letter while on duty at the courthouse or he assigned someone on the county payroll to do it."

 

" What are we losing if millage don't pass ?? No one will tell me notchair not sheriff how do we know what we will lose if they wwon't tell us for fear people might start putting out apps how can we be informed just saying public safety cuts and no one willlike them is not informing the people so iI will stand with all my prior statements as iI am not being totally informed as to what will be cut i call their bluff - I vote no this is a general fund millage anyhow"

 

" I can't speak for all the police in our county but I can speak for the ones I know, they aren't writing tickets to make $$. They're great men who care about our safety! I don't support the millage but I'll voice my support of our police" 

 

" When there aren't enough deputies to respond to complaints then everyone will complain about that." 

 

" I can understand both sides of the issue here. I made a trip into downtown Gladwin to pick up a young lady from work. I was pulled over, questioned as to who I was, who I was with and what was I doing out at that time of night, etc. (she worked closing at the bowling alley) After being given the third degree, the officer decided to tell me I had a light out on the rear of my car. No ticket, just get it fixed. On the other hand, I live in southwest Gladwin County. Response time: 1 1/2 hours to not at all. Patrol of our area: none. Speeders: almost every car !! Why does Gladwin County need more money ? Reduction in a force where we don't see them anyway ??"

 

"  I wish my health care and pension concerns could be satisfied by a public vote." 

 

"  Absolutely agree. The police state that exists in Gladwin is long standing and needs to be addressed and changed. I support the police, I'm married to a cop, but I do not support the police in Gladwin." 

 

" My family is 90% law enforcement and come from all over the state to visit. They all have told me they don't see police till they get to this county and get pulled over! They are quick to pull you over but unfortunately slow in response time to a residence (too busy passing out tickets). We have been pulled over for "crossing the center line for 20'" also for not using our blinker! No one was around and on rural road I often deer drive down middle of road to avoid ditch jumping deer! It's sad, we do very little in this county for about10 years as a result. Good letter, worth a repeat!" 


 

" I certainly hope none of you would be complaining the moment something happened and we didn't have enough police protection..." 

 

We've done a good job of focusing on Public Safety.  But Public Safety is just the easiest local governmental millage to leverage.

The local Sheriff Department will receive no additional funding from this millage. And if it fails, we have mandatory funding levels to adhere to by statute. As another citizen stated, our local government is unwilling to pinpoint what the government will look like if the millage fails. There is no transparency in that to make an educated decision. 

Also, consider why a county wide / regional joint millage to share funding between two cities and the county would be requested?  the truth behind that is purely voting demographics. City residents are more prone to vote for increased police funding. The blending of county and city voters increases the odds of passage.

The Sheriff is a constitutional entity. Elected and accountable to the people. 







The local PD is accountable typically to a city council and a city manager.  Sometimes local pds are referred to as "bastions of legislation" no offense to good police officers. we just wish there were more "peace officers"  and we wish protect and serve was not removed from our community owned vehicles.

The bottom line is that the Gladwin County Public Safety Millage is not about public safety.  And any public official questioned point blank will not deny it.  It is a question of whether the citizens of Gladwin County want to continue the current level of service in their county government.  

The goal is to get the county budget in line with a 17% fund equity. With this 5 year millage, it is projected to be accomplished in three. what of the remaining two years of 1.8 million locally  extracted tax dollars?  

Our county was hit with over 800k in drain assessments in 2013 alone. Gladwin schools want 24 buses, Beaverton schools working towards their bond extension, again, Gladwin got an ELEVEN-year non-homestead millage approved. Hunting fees up, registration fees up, gas tax hike on the horizon, Obamacare RACKING the people, dog ordinance, fines, fees, costs of services persistently inching........

<inhales>

Can the private individual, the private small business, the non homestead tax payer PLEASE enjoy a moratorium on all new-taxes........please? 


 


 


 




Wednesday, October 23, 2013

A Tale of Two Letters

From the Oct. 16 issue of the Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion:

Not the America I grew up in
To the Editor:
There are people who receive their news from various sources, some from newspapers like the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News or CNN, MSNBC, Fox News. Maybe some don’t bother to get their news from anywhere but their own neighborhood coffee shops or the local weekly newspaper.
When I read the letters to the editor it more than perturbed me to read a person quoting our President, saying he was putting fences around our national monuments to “punish our enemies.”
I read the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News most days and watch CNN and MSNBC, and I never once heard him say that! I’m wondering if it may have been on Fox News? It is the next best reliable news channel to picking up a tabloid at the grocery store!
I think the reporters seem to trash-talk Obama. Its viewers are a certain segment of our society with low IQs and bigotry and intolerance for our half white/half black leader.
I’ve never seen any letters in our local paper praising him, ever! Our state voted overwhelmingly for mostly Democratic presidents, so where are the loyalists to him? For God’s sake, will you speak up?
I’m sorry the vets couldn’t visit their special places of honor. I’m sorry national parks are also shut down, and for all the other sacrifices to many citizens.
Let’s see who shut down our government? People in Congress, mainly the Republicans who would love to destroy the Affordable Care Act and won’t let go of trying to do their best to rewrite history by taking Obama out of the history books!
Mitch McConnell came out right after the first election making the statement, “The main purpose should be to destroy President Obama.” Now he’s saying “enough is enough, we need to come to an agreement.”
Speaker Boehner isn’t strong enough to stand up to the Tea Party nuts, so now that the Republican Party’s ratings are at an all time low they’re finally coming to their senses and maybe, just maybe, this mess will end very soon!
Who remembers GWB giving away cash to his countrymen and not vetoing one spending bill, and starting an unnecessary war? He never increased taxes to start paying for either war!
That was the war where Halliburton went in and rebuilt the destruction we made, and where other American construction companies made repairs without paying one cent of American tax dollars.
Do you think President Obama enjoys mopping up all his messes plus getting handed the Great Recession?
The national debt has decreased by 50 percent, the economy is getting better, but taxes are almost as low as they were in the 1950s.
We’ve experienced one national disaster after another. The disparity between the top one percent and the rest of us is widening more and more. All the while the Republicans say no to new revenues!
What the hell is supposed to pay for the crumbling infrastructure we have? Face reality Americans. You can’t fix something out of nothing unless you’re Almighty God!
Move to another country if you hate the way things are going and pray to end bigotry and hatred!
Kathy Randle
Beaverton
P.S. I’m Irish and democrat.


From the Oct. 23 issue of the Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion:

In response to Mrs Randle’s Oct. 16 letter, 
“Not the America I grew up in”
To the Editor:
I also believe that this is not the America I grew up in.
I’ll go as far as to say major news networks are slanted with an agenda to push, and that agenda is profit. The ratings bring their reward. News used to be objective, and a free press was a valuable tool to protect society from the overreaches government power introduces. When the media stops being objective, and starts reporting news subjectively slanted towards a demographic, it is no longer news – it is propaganda.
And it takes place in all major outlets. Why would it not?
Considering GE (General Electric) owns NBC and MSNBC…. GE also owns:
CNBC , A&E, The Biography Channel, The History Channel, History Channel International, The History Channel en EspaƱol, Military History Channel, Crime & Investigation Network, Bravo, Telemundo, and Universal Studios.
CNN is owned by AOL-Time Warner Corp. They also own HBO, Cartoon Network (which, like the news, can brainwash children), Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Turner Classics, The CW Channel, various internet and telecommunications companies and more.
Massive corporations dominate the U.S. media landscape. Through a history of mergers and acquisitions, these companies have concentrated their control over what we see, hear and read. In many cases, these companies are vertically integrated, controlling everything from initial production to final distribution.
I do find it easy to see the connection of putting fences around open air monuments and national parks as making it uncomfortable for citizens, while demonizing the opposition to the president’s signature legislation (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). It could be argued that gating off the monuments and parks is more costly than keeping them open, which gives credence to the accusations of citizen punishment.
In regards to the incessant accusations of racism by any who oppose the sitting president, it is wearing thin. While it may work against politically weak leadership, the common sense American citizen sees squarely through the hatred that the Liberal Left continues to manifest in their efforts to further divide this country if steady and timely leftist progress is not made.
While racism may never be completely purged from society, I can assure you it is the president’s failing policies that have stirred America’s sleeping – and usually silent – moral majority.
I will agree that it would be best if Mitch McConnell and speaker Boehner would step down now, but not for shutting down the government, which is an absolute spin since the House of Representatives voted and passed multiple spending resolutions up to and including fully funding the government with a one year suspension of the ACA mandate; but because they have betrayed the conservative base of America that have been literally melting phone lines to representatives telling them to stay firm.
I do not see where low approval ratings for Republicans are of any concern to the American Left except for celebration. The last time I checked, Government’s overall approval is in the teens of percents.
The Left loves reminding us of GWB and his unfunded wars. But as the liberal leaders in Congress beat war drums to support BHO and his quest for war, the silence is deafening as questions about Fast and Furious, Benghazi, and the IRS acting as political adversary mob thugs go unanswered.
To counter the misstatement that the national debt has decreased by 50 percent begs an American grade schooler to question – if that is so, why has our debt ceiling been raised for the 79th time? And how have we just crested the 17 trillion dollar debt level, not including unfunded liabilities quite possibly into the 100 trillion dollar range?
Also, as far as tax rates, 43 percent of Americans will pay zero federal income tax due to tax credits, while our country has the highest combined corporate tax rates in the world, which encourages the creation of multinational corporations not returning profits made abroad back into the U.S. economy.
(We can thank our convoluted tax system for that; blame whomever you wish. The TEA party doesn’t care who’s to blame for that - wrong is wrong.)
Also, to address the income disparity of the rich and poor, it should be easy to see that increased inflation due to failed economic policies will disproportionately affect the poor on fixed incomes, while the costs of goods and services continue to rise with the weakening of our dollar, and the small to large business’ raise their fees to maintain viable budgets and profits.
Last but not least, the Federal government has never collected more tax revenue in the history of this country. And the crumbling roads and bridges could be funded handily if we work together to pare down our over-extended federal partner, and push it back down into the box of enumerated powers and responsibilities that our framers intended. Make States take back their sovereign responsibilities and re-institute at all state and local levels the stigma attached to taking handouts that are not necessary and actually contribute to our looming national financial crisis.
The TEA party folks across this land are not terrorists. They are the American bell ringers who have woken up to this progressive train ride engineered by revolving donkeys and elephants who are either to weak to apply the brakes, or fully willing to lead us into the moral, fiscal, and Constitutional tragedy which lies ahead.
By our nation’s repentance, the dedicated service of citizen patriots, and the divine providence of God, these United States may just remain the Sweet Land of Liberty.
Tab Faber
Beaverton
P.S. We’re fully assimilated Americans.