To the editor: I am a resident of the city of Farmington and am writing to ask my neighbors in Oakland County to join me in supporting the Detroit Institute of Arts by voting YES for our county’s art institute authority on August 7. The DIA has a world-class collection that could never be replaced and it’s one that we need to protect and keep available for our county. It’s because of this collection and the museum’s international stature that the DIA can attract exhibitions such as Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus and the currentFive Spanish Masterpieces. It’s also a testament to the DIA’s …
To the editor: Each time I hear my congressman Rep. Gary Peters speak I like him more. Gary isn't your typical politician, which means that he's actually genuine and speaks his mind. He is knowledgeable on the issues that are important to me and has surrounded himself with a capable, talented staff. I've had the pleasure of discussing many serious topics with him and he has impressed me with his thoughtfulness and candor without fail. I don't take the term "representative" lightly. I sincerely feel that I am being represented well in Washington because Gary Peters is in office. I fully …
To the editor: As I was trying to revive some burned out portions of my front lawn last Saturday, the Chief Survey Engineer of Nagel Paving (the company doing the road resurfacing in our subdivision) approached me to engage in some casual conversation about how dry and straw-like all lawns were, including his. After a few seconds, he immediately told me how rude the Highmeadow School drivers were to him and his fellow workers when Nagel Paving started this project in May. He said the drivers (parents of the students) were yelling at him from inside their cars and telling him should have …
The following was written after attending a panel discussion organized by opposition to the DIA millage. The panel included State Rep. Tom McMillin (R-Rochester), Bruce Walker of MichiganView.com, County Commissioner Robert Gosselin, and Simon Haddad of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance. 1. "The City of Detroit continues to own the Museum's permanent art collection, including works of art acquired prior or subsequent to the operating agreement, as well as the Museum building and grounds." Despite this, the City of Detroit does not want to provide any funding to support the DIA. In 2011, the …
To the editor: Nancy Cassis supports Arizona’s and Governor Jan Brewer’s attempts to halt the flood of people crossing the border illegally. I don’t know about you, but I agree with Nancy Cassis. I think Americans deserve better security against illegal people crossing our borders. What we need are fences, more trained border patrol agents and a more secure border. Nancy Cassis is the proven, principled conservative running in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. She is a tireless advocate for taxpayers, small business and families. Please don’t forget to write-in NANCY CASSIS on your …
To the editor: YES! The Dog Park IS open! So far, the mornings have been a great time to go - few people and moderate-to-cool temperatures. Even this morning, Friday, June 29, though the air was a little muggy and the temperature was already 75 degrees, the wide open space allowed enough breeze to make the park visit fun and comfortable. But be aware that the gates to the parking lot are not always open in the morning when the park opens at 8 a.m. The ranger didn't open the gates on Wednesday, June 27, until 10:30 a.m. because, she said, she was just back from vacation and no one told her the…
Twelve teens commit suicide everyday according to national statistics. Recent teen suicides in Birmingham, Livonia Lake Orion and Milan add to the statistics.Farmington Hills has experienced teen suicides in the past, but thankfully none in recent times. The Farmington Area Prevention Task Force, sponsored by the Graham E. Smith Memorial Fund, has a mission to prevent teen suicide in our community. The task force was formed earlier this year. Farmington Hills City Council members Nancy Bates, Dr. Ken Massey and Dr. Randy Bruce launched the effort, after 13 Farmington Hills teens were …
As an elected leader of the city of Farmington, I am proud to have been a part of the continued effort to honor all of our obligations, financial and otherwise, to our residents, employees, retirees, and others with whom we have agreements. In this difficult financial time, this responsibility and duty has not always been easy to achieve. Our residents, employees and staff have performed admirably and have made financial commitments and compensation concessions, beyond those of others, to ensure Farmington’s viability. I am troubled that the state of Michigan appears not to have that same …
