Susan Bondies letter to the editor of the Observer Its important to look past Harry Jachyms rhetoric and note his close association with the board. It is common practice in Plymouth Township for friends and associates of Mr. Reaume and Mr. Edwards to be commissioned to serve on township boards and commissions. Mr. Jachym has served on and chaired the Zoning Board of Appeals. Hes right that it is not possible to please all the people all the time. However, it is possible to make a genuine effort to gather input from all the trustees, as well as the general public. Lets take the $1.9 million bond proposal. Reaume, Edwards and Conzelman gave the trustees less than four days to review plans costing $2 million that had to have been in the works for months. The public was allowed no input, the trustees who disagreed were blocked by the votes of the four board members being recalled. On major issues, they have voted as a block more than 70 percent of the time. A board interested in communicating with and representing citizen interests would listen to comments made by those citizens who take the time out of their busy schedules to attend board meetings. Reviewing board meeting minutes, one has no idea how many citizens attend, what comments were made, whether comments were positive or negative. Yes, citizens can view board meeting videos online — that is, if they have the time and stomach to view many hours of video that often include unprofessional behavior. How many meetings has Mr. Jachym attended or viewed in their entirety? These are not a vocal minority of disgruntled citizens, but citizens interested in protecting their community and motivated to do something about it. Recall supporters have witnessed the handling of the major issues – the unprofessional treatment of fire/EMS employees; the lack of cooperation with the city of Plymouth; the unprofessional treatment of PARC supporters; the legal battle with owners of L.A. Fitness; the attempt to take over city of Detroit property; the lawsuit against the city of Plymouth over legacy costs; the lack of cooperation with residents on the proposed amphitheater. Some issues, like the Detroit land deal, evolved over many years and some are still unresolved. Recall 4 exists because supporters have seen enough. Salary increases for both 2014 and 2015 boosted salaries for Reaume, Edwards and Conzelman to more than $100,000, not including benefits; these increases were recommended by a compensation commission once again made up of people appointed by those who stand to benefit most from their recommendations. Dont be fooled, Mr. Jachym. This is not a group of malcontents; thats what Mr. Reaume and Mr. Edwards want you to believe. We are simply a group of citizens who have seen enough of these four; Plymouth Township deserves better. Susan Bondie Plymouth
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 03:32:05 +0000
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