March 29, 2024

Letters

Aug. 1, 2010
Shocking vote
Dave Camp recently voted no for the unemployment extension that was
recently passed. Camp is following the party line of not passing the
extension due to our deficit.
I don’t see how a representative from a state with one of the highest
unemployment rates in the country can do this, However he isn’t the
only one not to vote yes from our state. Pete Hoekstra, running for
governor of our state, didn’t even vote. That’s right, he wants to
lead our state but doesn’t even vote on an issue that affects
Michigan’s residents.
I urge all voters, especially the currently unemployed to not vote for
Mr. Camp or
Mr. Hoekstra.

Daniel Bronsink • McBain

Budget solution
Our state legislature is trying to find funding to fix a $500 million
budget deficit, all without cutting services or raising taxes, a
difficult job for sure.
Now recently, there is a debate going on now about continuing $35
billion in tax abatements and grants to businesses in Michigan. Some
feel this is absolutely vital to getting jobs in Michigan and
attracting businesses, others feel it is a waste of taxpayer money.
I find this absolutely incredulous that anyone with an IQ over 40
could possibly think this is prudent spending of our money.
The legislature is now trying to find a mere $500 million to fix the
budget deficit. I think I just found the money. Stop this welfare to
businesses, and now we have $34.5 billion budget surplus. We all
complain about our high tax bill, and this could go a long way to
lowering it.
Now $35 billion is the amount these companies are not paying. They are
also using $35 billion in services. This is why we pay taxes, to
receive services. Most of us like nice roads, good schools, police and
fire protection, and these services cost money, raised through taxes.
So not only does the state lose the $35 billion that these businesses
are not paying, but have to provide $35 billion dollars worth of
services. So it is not a $35 billion loss, but now $70 billion loss to
the state.
I don’t believe any number of jobs or businesses brought to this state
is worth $70 billion.
And remarkably our legislature can’t find the paltry sum of $500
million to fix the budget deficit. Golly gee, I think I just did. Any
bets on the legislature fixing this?

Gerald W Gertiser ll • Johannesburg

Devil in the details
The primary/election process is underway. We hear conservative
candidates claim that they favor less government and lower taxes.
Wow, great, but just what do they mean, who is effected, and what are
they planning to cut?
Less government usually results in eliminating regulations that hold
corporations and businesses accountable for what they do. Regulations
protect the employee from health and safety violations when management
chooses the financial bottom line over consideration for their
employees. Regulations protect the general public, our food quality,
manufacturing specifications and quality of our environment.
Lower taxes flat out means cuts. Who or what gets cut? K12 education
is usually on conservatives’ list because kids do not vote. Medicaid,
and state-funded programs are cut for the below poverty families,
seniors, women, children, infants, nursing home care for those in need
are targets for the conservatives. For a state that thrives on
tourist our roads and bridges right now are as “good” as they are
going to get. Police, firemen, prisons, operation and maintenance of
state and national parks are usually are on the “chopping block.”
Government with our taxes does what the individual can not do. We must
pay for our life style or accept the consequences. So the next time
you hear a conservative favor less government and lower taxes ask some
questions... just what do you mean?

Ron Dykstra • Beulah

Correction
The age of a juror in the Archie Kiel
article last week was misstated; the juror is actually in his mid 30s.

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