Alpena County commissioners,

Residents of Alpena County would like to be treated as intelligent members of the community. We elected you as “representatives,” not “governors.”

It has been brought to our attention you seek another millage and hold our safety as the ax above our heads should we not support this demand. We hear claims that without this millage you threaten the reduction or elimination of road patrol from the Sheriff’s Office, leaving those of us outside the Alpena city limits in peril. Before you argue the state troopers would cover the shortfall, we are aware that their priorities often require their actions outside the county, leaving the Sheriff’s Office as the only countywide policing service for extended periods of time.

We hear, “Pass it or else!,” but we see no justification or history.

Show us why we should support what you request rather than trying to scare us into opening our wallets.

If you have been meeting your requirements as managers, you should have all the data necessary to provide us a simple, 20-year chart showing variables justifying your request for more funds.

The chart should include, as a minimum:

1.) Population per year in Alpena County

2.) Taxes collected per year for the County

3.) Average taxes paid to the county per year per resident

4.) Additional funds collected per year

5.) Total expenditures per year/total number of county employees

6.) Inflation rate per year and compounded over the entire 20 years

This chart will provide an overview of whether the funding problem we are facing is a result of mismanagement or inflation.

Treat us as intelligent members of the community. Show us justification for our county’s financial needs and we will react accordingly.

Respectfully,

WALTER BOB REID,

Lachine