To the editor:
As the County Commission embarks on its new term, I encourage them to build on the positive bipartisan tone set by choosing Stever Yoder as chair and Ty Wessell as vice-chair. I personally know them to be open-minded, civil and kind. Though the former is conservative, the other liberal, both share a common purpose of making our county a better home for the entire community. With their leadership, the Commission could focus on some pressing needs including acting to mitigate climate change on a local level, building a concensus on township zoning for locating workforce housing, finishing the work of broadband buildout, and improving services to attract young families.
Some of the stultifying negativity that characterized previous Commissions unfortunately continues. I note this in Mr. Bunek’s recent attempt to monkeywrench the 2% grants. This recalls his actions to subvert the voted millage for child services that led to his recall in 2022. Another example is Mr. Campbell’s assertion that the money spent by the county on broadband was “wasted.”
That effort made us the first rural county to tackle the problem. Now most of the county has high-speed internet while Michigan, as a state, ranks 31st in broadband access. I appreciate that both of these commissioners are trying to be fiscal watchdogs, but their tone is more attack dog. That approach will only alienate others and obstruct the development of solutions for any of our vital local issues. I hope that is not their intent.
Jim Schwantes Cedar
