March 28, 2024

Letters 07-11-2016

July 8, 2016

Applaud The Blue Angels

I read in last week’s Express a letter by Tim Keenan. I have read several letters as of late, in fact, many in regards to the Blue Angels airshow and other demonstration teams like the Thunderbirds. I am appalled by peoples’ lack of respect for these teams and what they do. They put themselves on the line every day, performing for entertainment all over the country. They do it because they believe in America and everything she is supposed to stand for.

It seems to me people like Mr. Keenan have forgotten what it means to be a proud American. To be able to listen to the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds is a huge honor for Traverse City and should be treated as such. They come here and give us a great performance every time, and this year was no exception, despite still being in grief over the loss of a fellow pilot and friend. The time they give to shows all over is time away from their families and friends. They are true patriots and should always be treated as such. I will always welcome my U.S. Navy Blue Angels and my U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for as many years as they wish to come.

Thank you, Blue Angels, for another awesome show!

Ryan Flesher, Traverse City

A Voice That Is Here

I found the guest opinion in the 6/27 issue by Commissioner Gary Howe patronizing and condescending. It is in keeping with the pro-business bias/agenda and dismissive attitude toward the residential community that has been so apparent with this commission. He tells us it’s critical not to disenfranchise those prospective employees "not yet here." He claims "many currently travel long distances to fill our needed jobs. That is money and time not spent on family, health, education, or the future." I want names! Pretty weak point, but it did make me laugh. He envisions a wealth-generating community. Problem is that wealth is concentrated in very few hands and in one form or another it’s the residential community that foots the bill.

I recall when the city decided to allow restaurant tables and chairs on public sidewalks. Sweet deal to expand business without more property tax. Profits increased as did trash on the street. One restaurant owner complained she shouldn’t have to pay for added trash service because she already pays property tax and it would cut into her profit margin! So who pays?

Let’s be clear about this "workforce affordable housing" issue. It is the downtown business concerns that would benefit. Like Gary says, there are "plenty of detached single family units" available. So it seems the side of "affordable" that needs to be addressed has more to do with being paid a living wage! Low wages supplemented by tax-funded assistance is the Walmart model! Our commission certainly didn’t embrace the emergence of Costco in TC. Businesses will have to compete with an employer outside the "club."

Gary, the voices of "those not yet here?" How long have you been hearing them?

Tom Akalis, Traverse City

Watch What You Print (And Read)

Please reconsider placing certain content in your magazine if not necessary. My 4th and 5th graders (at separate times) read the cartoon about the guy who "dry humped" the girl, and brought it to my attention about it being inappropriate. I realize this is in the news, but don’t feel it’s pertinent in this type of magazine.

Christine Rueckert, Traverse City

$12 wage for Grand Traverse

The Traverse City Commission and Grand Traverse County Commission should work in unison to pass local ordinances to raise the minimum wage in the city and county from the current statewide minimum of $8.50 to $12 per hour by 2018. While the state minimum will rise to $8.90 in 2017 and $9.25 in 2018, this level is insufficient for a high-cost area like Grand Traverse.

We have witnessed bold moves by New York City, Seattle and California to move wages to $15 per hour in the next few years. Many businesses in the area already pay around $10 per hour for starting wages. A two or three step move to $12 over the next three years would be a very pro-family, pro-worker stance in an ever richer area that would be easily digestible by the local economy.

I am sure this proposition will meet with great support from a wide variety of stakeholders including affordable housing advocates, Safe Harbor sponsors, elected officials and ordinary, fair-minded people.

Michael Ullman, Ph.D., Traverse City

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