March 19, 2024

Letters 10-17-2016

Oct. 14, 2016

Here’s The Truth

The group Save our Downtown (SOD), which put Proposal 3 on the ballot, is ignoring the negative consequences that would result if the proposal passes.

Despite the group’s name, the proposal impacts the entire city, not just downtown. Munson Medical Center, NMC, and the Grand Traverse Commons are also zoned for buildings over 60’ tall. Munson was forced to rush through their request for the 110’ tall Maternal and Pediatrics Center to avoid the negative effects if the proposal were to pass. SOD spokespersons emphasized passionately in public that they supported Munson’s request. Weren’t they violating their own proposal, speaking without a vote of the people authorizing them to make those statements?

In their campaign literature SOD states, "City Prop 3 does not conflict with any state law."Yet an Assistant Attorney General stated in writing in August that Proposal 3 does conflict with state law. The city will have to spend thousands of dollars in court if it passes, diverting needed revenue from essential services.

SOD supporters have not explained how or when a public vote on a building would take place. Developers spend a great deal of time and money creating detailed plans for their property and meeting with City staff for guidance. Why would they do that, with the prospect that their project could be voted down? What information would voters have upon which to base their decision? Who would provide that information?

A special election costs $20,000, paid by city taxpayers. Most developments are timesensitive; if a developer has to wait months for a general election, he/she could lose the option on the property where the project is to be built.

This proposal is flawed and the information disseminated by its supporters is misleading. Vote "no."

Jan Warren, Traverse City

Keep TC As-Is

In response to Lynda Prior’s letter, no one is asking the people to vote every time someone wants to build a building; Prop. 3 asks that people vote if a building is to be built over 60 feet.

Traverse City will not die but will grow at a pace that keeps it the city people want to visit and/or reside; a place to raise a family. It seems people in high-density cities with tall buildings are the ones who flock to TC. Check out the dying "big cities." Is this what we want? According to police reports we are already experiencing an increase in drug use and human trafficking.

By the way, the last time an election was upheld regarding building construction was 1976. Please support Prop. 3 and keep Traverse City a city that has natural beauty and not excessive man-made mortar!

Carole Daniels, Traverse City

A Right To Vote

I cannot understand how people living in a democracy would willingly give up the right to vote on an impactful and important issue. But that is exactly what the people who oppose Proposal 3 are advocating. They call the right to vote a "burden." Really? Since when does voting on an important issue become a "burden?"

The heart of any democracy is the right of the people to have their voice heard. And if the people believe their will is being ignored, the Constitution guarantees them the right to demand a vote. Interestingly, some of our elected officials who have relied on the vote of the people are among those who oppose giving the electors of Traverse City a vote on the future of the city. Keeping the power to themselves is considerably more attractive.

Those who oppose Proposal 3 have spent thousands of dollars to convince you to give up your right to vote. You should ask yourself, "why?" What is it that concerns them so much that they do not want you at the polls? Perhaps the prospect of losing is more than they can bear. Vote "yes" on Proposal 3.

Brenda Jones Quick, Traverse City

Reasons For No

I have great respect for the Prop. 3 proponents and consider them friends but in this case they’re wrong. A "yes" vote on Prop. 3 is really a "no" vote on:

1. Affordable-workforce housing 2. An increased business and tax base in downtown Traverse City 3. Controlling sprawl 4. Public Parking 5. Thoughtful expansion of the Munson, NMC, or GT Commons campuses 6. And most importantly, your right to elect public servants to represent you in city government.

It may have been well intentioned, but when did we decide that our city master plan and the zoning regulations that help control it should be abandoned in order to let citizens vote on whether private development should happen? After spending upwards of $40,000 and waiting for a city wide vote before project proponents know if the city planning department and city boards will approve their development is ridiculous. It is also illegal"¦.

I love this town and the measured growth we have seen. I appreciate that while I don’t always agree with them our city officials have done a good job of managing that process. I have lived near the city core for most of my life. I never once thought I needed to take the responsibility to manage this process away from the people we elected.

Vote No on Prop. 3.

Scott Hardy, Traverse City

Republican Observations

When the Republican party sends its presidential candidates, they’re not sending their best. They’re sending people with a lot of problems. They’re sending criminals, they’re sending deviate rapists. They’re sending drug addicts. They’re sending mentally ill. And some, I assume, are good people.

Terry Frysinger, Frankfort

Stormy Vote

Florida Governor Scott warns people on his coast to evacuate because "this storm will kill you! But in response to Hillary Clinton’s suggestion that Florida’s voter registration deadline be extended because a massive evacuation could compromise voter registration and turnout, Republican Governor Scott’s response was that this storm does not necessitate any such extension.

Can you detect any political motivations here to either diminish voter turnout, increase it, or both?

Bob Ross, Pellston

Third Party Benefits

It has been proven over and over again that electing Democrat or Republican presidents and representatives only guarantees that dysfunction, corruption and greed will prevail throughout our government. It also has been proven that we cannot rely on the parties to do what is necessary to enact positive, progressive and needed change to a system that is extremely corrupt and designed to benefit them and their elite donors.

I believe that a fair and democratic electoral process, a simple and fair tax structure, quality health care, good education, good paying jobs, adequate affordable housing, an abundance of healthy affordable food, a solid, well maintained infrastructure, a secure social, civil and public service system, an ecologically sustainable outlook for the future and much more is obtainable for all of us. Countries elsewhere are able to make it happen and there is no reason that we should not be enjoying the same benefits. As I have come to understand it, the Green Party embodies fairness and common sense and represents the change we need to make this a reality.

It is up to us to demand and vote for change if we want it. Please exercise the powers you have (such as voting and persuading others) and help us get the fair treatment we all deserve from our representatives. Your vote and support for the Green Party is a step in the right direction.

Patrick McDuff, Manistee

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