March 19, 2024

Letters 05-23-2016

May 20, 2016

Examine The Priorities

Are you disgusted about closing schools, crumbling roads and bridges, and cuts everywhere? Investigate funding priorities of legislators.

In 1985 at the request of President Reagan, Grover Norquist founded Americans for Tax Reform (ATR). For 30 years Norquist asked every federal and state candidate and incumbent to sign the pledge to vote against any increase in taxes. The cost of living has risen significantly since 1985; think houses, cars, health care, college, etc.

The goal of ATR is to "shrink government to the size where it can be flushed down the bathtub drain." One strategy to cut many social programs at once is to cut taxes so there is no funding. Our crises are the result. Undemocratic dictators in 17 communities--financial managers appointed by the Governor who have power to break contracts--roll back pensions, eliminate benefits, and sell assets all without local input.

Since 2004 local government revenue sharing has been cut 31 percent, colleges and universities cut 29 percent, K-12 public education cut 16 percent, and transportation cut 15 percent.

In 2012, Michigan business taxes were 9 percent of total Michigan revenue. In 2015 business taxes were only 2.9 percent of total Michigan revenue.

Beverly Christensen, Cedar

Make TC A Community For Children

Let’s be that town that invests in children actively getting themselves to school in all of our neighborhoods. Let’s be that town that supports active, healthy, ready-to-learn children in all of our neighborhoods. Let’s be that town that empowers children to walk to school on a well-connected and safe network of sidewalks in all of our neighborhoods. Let’s build sidewalks now in the Traverse Heights neighborhood.

Ty Schmidt, Traverse City

Where Are Real Christian Politicians?

As a practicing Christian, I was very disappointed with the Rev. Dr. William C. Myers statements concerning the current presidential primaries (May 8).

Instead of using the opportunity to share the message of Christ, he focused on Old Testament prophecies. Christ gave us a new commandment: to love one another.

One of my biggest frustrations during this campaign cycle has been the number of so-called "Christian" politicians who have built their campaigns on spreading hate and marginalizing the outsider. The example Christ set was to love your neighbor (the stranger and the outcast), feed the poor, and take care of the sick. Christ welcomed those that the establishment considered dangerous – the Samaritans, the tax collectors, the adulterous woman.

He did not talk about building walls to keep people out, nor tell us to fear and hate those we don’t know. He did not incite violence as a way to get the next news clip, or throw out those that disagreed with his message.

Those of us who are Christian need to take Christ’s example seriously, and not support politicians who use the label, but do not live a life that reflects Christ’s love.

Katherine Will, Traverse City

Not A Great Plant Pick

As outreach specialist for the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network and a citizen concerned about the health of our region’s natural areas, I was disappointed by the recent "Listen to the Local Experts" feature.

When asked for their "best native plant pick," three of the four garden centers referenced non-native plants including myrtle, which is incredibly invasive! Yes, myrtle serves as an excellent ground cover but it easily escapes yards, creeps into natural areas, and displaces native plant life. Many landowners can attest to the frustrations of (purposefully or accidentally) planting an invasive species and dealing with years of expensive, time-consuming maintenance. And as mentioned before, the threat to local ecology is extremely high.

I encourage folks to do their own research before investing in plants. To ensure you’re purchasing native, visit one of ISN’s "Go Beyond Beauty" participants. These garden professionals have pledged to not stock highpriority invasives and carry a wide variety of native plants. Visit here for more info: www. habitatmatters.org

Emily Cook, Grand Traverse Conservation District, Traverse City

Truth About Plants

Your feature, "listen to the local experts" contains an error that is not helpful for the birds and butterflies that try to live in northwest Michigan.

Myrtle is not a native plant. The plant is also known as vinca and periwinkle. The plant is native to Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia. The plant covers the ground but is not a host to the insects that feed the birds and host the larvae of butterflies and moths. Myrtle tends to crowd out any native ground cover.

Sharon Oriel, Glen Arbor

Ask the Real Plant Experts

This letter is written to express my serious concern about a recent "Listen To Your Local Experts" article where local nurseries suggested their favorite native plant. Three of the four suggested non-native plants and one suggested is an invasive and cause of serious damage to Michigan native plants in the woods. The article is both sad and alarming. Sad that there is such a huge knowledge deficit understanding Michigan native plants and alarming that many homeowners and land conservators in our region are on the frontline in myrtle removal to protect Michigan native plants.

Non-native plants, especially those from other continents do nothing to support our natural eco-system.

Organizations such as Plant It Wild, our local Conservation Districts, The Invasive Species Network and their Go Beyond Beauty program, and the local Land Conservancies, are all well versed in Michigan native plants. I encourage all to get to know the beautiful and beneficial Michigan native plants that will work well in your yard to strengthen our ecosystem.

Cheryl A. Gross, President, Plant It Wild

My Plant Picks

In last week’s featured article "Listen to the Local Experts," I was shocked at the responses from the local "experts" to the question about best native plant pick. Of the four "experts" two were completely wrong and one acknowledged that their pick, gingko tree, was from East Asia, only one responded with an excellent native plant, the serviceberry tree. One "expert’s" pick was myrtle, which is on the NW Michigan Invasive Species Network’s List. It is a native of southern Europe. Another "expert’s" pick was lilac, a native of Europe & Asia.

My personal native plant picks: Woodland poppy, Wild raisin shrub, and Pagoda dogwood understory tree. Plant it native and enjoy the beautiful plants, shrubs, and trees that our bees, butterflies, and birds, are dependent on!

Jim Heffner, Acme Township

NOTE: Thank you to TC-based Eagle Eye Drone Service for the cover photo, taken high over Sixth Street in Traverse City.

Trending

What's Behind the Orange Cone

This road construction season promises to be one for the ages, so we’re starting something new here at Northern Expr... Read More >>

Transformational Libraries

Over the past two years, the American Library Association (ALA) has offered more than $7 million in grants to small and ru... Read More >>

The Butterflies and the Bees

How much do you know about pollinators and native plants? The Wexford Conservation District is ready to up your knowledge ... Read More >>

An Ecstatic Equinox

Celebrate the Spring Equinox (early this year: March 19) with the Day of Dance at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Par... Read More >>