Dear editor,

As a resident of Alpena County, I’m dismayed by the recent actions of the county Board of Commissioners. From the cryptic wording of the “Separate Tax Limitations” they proposed on the August 2024 ballot to their quid pro quo handling of the library board, the actions of the current commissioners are not moving Alpena County toward a more perfect local governance.

The county’s budget is struggling, due in large part to challenges in recovering revenue lost in the 2008-09 recession and then restricted due to the Headlee Amendment provisions, as well as new and increasing county expenses. The board’s approach of asking for a tax hike with language that was ambiguous at best does not demonstrate transparency or a willingness to educate residents on potential loss of services that may be coming.

The commissioners move to dismiss the entire library board after Mr. Schultz, of Alpena, appealed to them at the commissioners’ meeting of July 23 to “dissolve the present library board and replace it with folks that have already identified themselves to you …” (full recording available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj4A9_8w8_g) is egregious. Removing the entire library board without a public hearing? Who are these “already identified folks”?

I am aware there are several write-in candidates running across the districts of Alpena County in the November 2024 election. I encourage county residents to research the write-in option(s) by calling the county clerk for the name(s) and/or attending the upcoming League of Women Voters candidate forum, because educated and informed citizens are a vital requirement of democracy, especially at the local level, where each individual vote does make a difference. Alpena residents deserve transparent, enthusiastic representatives with integrity. Exercise your right to vote, because I’m sure the “already identified folks” will.

TINA ROBBINS,

Alpena County