Letters

Jan. 5, 2014

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Indian River concerns

As a long-time resident of Indian River, I must express my concern for the proposed racetrack at Griswold Mountain.

I have lived here full-time since 1992. I have cherished the serenity and beauty that Indian River and the surrounding woodlands have provided me and my many neighbors.

When I learned about the racetrack, I immediately researched the topic and read about the many problems with which these racetracks across the country have burdened communities and the residences in the immediate area... pollution, noise, traffic and human congestion, just to name a few. In Michigan there are state and local guidelines for restriction on noise levels. How will these be enforced?

With the sudden influx of people descending on a small community, how will our police force and fire department handle the impending crime, rowdiness and potential fire hazard that are sure to follow? We have two police cars in Indian River.

Economically, property values will decline, resulting in a drop in the Tuscorora tax base. Only a few businesses will benefit on a temporary basis. There are no permanent full-time employment opportunities provided with this plan.

After the in depth research I’ve done on this, I’m still opposed to a race track anywhere in Indian River, but I believe the Brudy Rd. location would have less negative impact on our community.

Mr. Hall claims his intentions are to give back to Indian River. If so, he should accept Brudy Rd. as a real alternative and move forward with his race track.

Deanna Hergt-Willmott - Indian River

Women under the gun

Dear women of Michigan: Our legislature, in its wisdom, just presented us with a gift, and just in time for Christmas. There is truly a second class citizenship for women in our great state.

Our legislature voted along party lines (Republican of course) to require women to purchase rape/incest insurance as a separate policy to their health insurance policy. I’m not even sure if these policies are available and if so, I cannot imagine the cost. I do not understand their logic, probably because there isn’t any.

In this instance, all women capable of bearing children would, if they found themselves in the unfortunate situation of conceiving after an incestuous or rape crime, have to be insured on a separate rider to cover an abortion. A novel idea for graduation gifts for our daughters and granddaughters; after all you never know if you are going to get raped.

I believe there is some fundamental and evangelical religious principle involved in our legislature’s decision. I can imagine rotund Catholic bishops doing cartwheels of joy. Women should be outraged!

I cannot but wonder how the legislators’ daughters, granddaughters, nieces, sisters, aunts, and wives feel about this low blow to Michigan women. Our Northern Michigan misogynistic legislators are: Darwin Booher, Howard Walker, Ray Franz, Wayne Schmidt, and Greg McMaster. I feel nothing but shame for these men who are making healthcare decisions on behalf of women.

We must keep these men in mind when it comes to the next election. Post these names on your refrigerator, along with your granddaughter’s pictures.

Betty K. Bushey - Elwood Township

Litter & the Bible "In the Beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth". NOTE: Private property owned by any person was originally owned by God. He works through His people. One of them is me.

Everyone should exhibit conduct to mirror Christ. Litter is disgusting and personally objectionable. I often bend over and pick up litter. Yes, it is other people’s because I don’t litter.

Litter is not okay. Items that are refined are unauthorized to be thrown on the ground. Share this with everyone. It isn’t criminal to admit mistakes. If you were told it was ok to litter, consider this your clarification moment. It isn’t. It will not disintegrate. Everything manufactured or refined is authorized to be placed in an authorized receptacle. The ground, open fields, forests, parks, gardens, yards, roadways, railroad beds, driveways, fields, parking lots, grassy areas, paved areas, private property, posted areas, non-posted areas or neighborhood are all unauthorized for garbage and litter.

Terry L. Witt - Williamsburg

It’s Old Mission

I have read several times in your paper writers referring to Old Mission as "Mission" as in "the Mission Peninsula." Most recently this reference appeared in Bob Downes’ farewell letter (so long, good work, see ya around).

Being born and raised in Traverse City, and spending most of my life here, I don’t remember the name ever being shortened or changed. Maybe it’s just cool to call it "Mission" by some newer arrivals to our fair area, but I take offense, and so does history.

The name Old Mission comes from the first community on the Bay founded by Europeans in May, 1839. The first white people to arrive, Rev. Peter Dougherty and Rev. John Fleming, founded a Presbyterian mission there. By 1850 the settlement had grown and people were sailing weekly from Mackinaw City aboard the schooner Arrow to visit the mission.

In 1852, Dougherty moved the mission to present day Omena, hence establishing a "New Mission," leaving the "Old Mission" across West Bay. There is much more history to the Old Mission area, of course, but I bet the natives that live on that beautiful area between East and West Bay may want to keep the "Old" name.

BJ Ingwersen - TC

Wrong party...

Regarding Stephen Tuttle’s column in the December 23 issue, Bob Filner, mayor of San Diego, was and is a Democrat.

John D. Lien - TC