In My Opinion Democracy is no picnic...

Democracy is no picnic. It’s a job, we all have, and that has to be done. Voting is essential, but democracy needs something beyond the one-day infusion of our efforts. To quote John Gardner “ The citizen can bring our governmental institutions back to life, make them responsible and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can do it.” The concept of “for the people, by the people” slips away quite quickly, when “the people” aren’t present in our local government. After observing the AuTrain Township Board and Zoning meetings for five years, I can firmly conclude that AuTrain citizens aren’t much a part of our government processes and decisions. The three-minute time limit given to citizens to approach the AuTrain Township and Zoning boards has become perversely used to exclude citizen participation. As I communicate with citizens of AuTrain, I often walk away thinking ‘that person would be amazingly helpful if they were at our Township Board meeting’. New uses for our township hall including youth oriented activities and senior citizen activities, better planning, an improved transparent government, and yes picnics, all start at the AuTrain Township Hall at the AuTrain Township Board meeting. Lets put challenges like saving taxpayer money on the agenda, with citizen input incorporated. I’ll bet you have some thoughts.

In My Opinion New Minds... Creative Solutions

The AuTrain Township Zoning Board had a quorum that consisted of basically the progressive thinkers of the bunch.When zoning administrator Will Rogers gave his report, it illustrated the growing problem of a constant flux of ever new illegal hotels popping up in our township.There were four mentioned in this report alone.
The zoning board previously introduced language to include "transient rentals" to every zoning district. This was clearly a serious mistake that would only exacerbate the problem. However, last night the zoning board made a meaningful decision to remove this language from every district.
BRAVO !

In My Opinion CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Superisor Atherton stated that he wants dennis Gramm to be on the Planning Commission. This is the same dennis Gramm that has an illegal hotel in a residential district. There is a REAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST here folks. Superisor Atherton is basically putting the fox in the chicken coop. Oh, by the way dennis Gramm was absent from the Township Board meeting again. Maybe they mailed the $250 salary to him. We need a change in AuTrain government.

In My Opinion Resolution Based on Nonexsistant Law

In the latest issue of the Munising News, a resolution was published by the AuTrain Township Board. The resolution was based on a Michigan law that has been repealed. This resolution was the brainfart of Supervisor Atherton.

In My Opinion New Salary Created by Board

Things are tough these days, money is tight. This doesn't seem to apply to the AuTrain Township Board. They created a brand new salary for the assistant fire chief. That's right folks;the AuTrain Township Board is now paying out an additional $100 per month of taxpayer money for a position that didn't even have a job description. Supervisor Atherton actually suggested that the salary be $150, along with Treasurer Anne Clapp. There was never a salary for the assistant chief before, why make a new expenditure ? The rational that was given for this new way to give our tax money away was " the fire fund is rich". I really think its time for some change.

AuTrain Wind

I recently completed this sculpture of a Northern Raven, my favorite bird. I'm posting these pictures here because I've named the sculpture after AuTrain, the place I love.

In My Opinion Up Date

We now have a new fire-chief Congratulations Rocky. We also have two new fire trucks ordered. More details later.