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Letters to the Editor

We have the right to recall, sign the petitions

The Alpena Public Schools Board of Education has a problem. Multiple members of the school board are casting votes that waste taxpayer money that is supposed to fund our schools. Their names are Eric Lawson, Monica Dziesinski, and Sarah Costain. All three members have “voted no to a $150,000 grant for a rain garden at Alpena High School”. Who turns down free money? All three members “voted yes to hire a second law firm, Kallman Legal Group for Alpena Public Schools.” Lawson and Dziesinski “voted yes to award a paving contract to a higher bidder.” Lastly, “during 2025, her ...

“United We Stand and Divided We Fall” and where it all began!

The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic oath expressing loyalty to the American flag and the United States of America, traditionally recited in schools and at civic ceremonies. It was originally written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 and has undergone several revisions, with the most recent change adding "under God" in 1954." Wikipedia 2026 I'm proud to be an American, but with less certainty. God does not create nations, people do, and we created a nation to represent all of our citizens. All of our citizens born with certain inalienable rights, the existence of God not included ...

Where credit is due

In a recent letter, you were told that at the APS Retirement Dinner I didn’t honor the retirees and talked only about myself. What I did was spend thirty seconds establishing that as a teacher myself, I have some understanding how hard their jobs are. In the remaining four minutes of my talk I said: “Let me thank you for working so hard for so long to bring to fruition that vision that burned within you, that fire that drove you to achieve all that you have and which inspired you to help others and take care of our students here at APS. You have proven your commitment and ...

The spotlight belonged to our retirees

Our school district is facing a critical recall of three school board members who consistently prioritize their personal agendas over the best interests of our students, staff, and community. If anyone needs further proof of this self-serving behavior, look no further than the recent district retirement dinner. The evening was meant to celebrate the dedicated retirees, but one of the board members under recall, Eric Lawson, hijacked the spotlight. As president of the board, Lawson was asked to say a few words. Instead of honoring the individuals who’ve given decades of service to ...

A salute to local band students

I would like to take a moment to celebrate and recognize the talented students who participate in the AHS and TBJH band and choir programs. I recently attended both spring concerts and these performances were truly impressive. The dedication, hard work, and countless hours of practice put forth by these young musicians were evident in every song and performance. From solo moments on an instrument they love to play to a solo song sung with just a piano. Their talent, professionalism and enthusiasm made for a memorable evening. The arts play a vital role in our schools and our ...

Sign the recall petitions

It has been a delight to move to Alpena some 39 years ago and to see the progress that the world of education has been able to make during these years...often under challenging circumstances. Since this world of education has been a personal life's work, I consider myself a bit of a teacher/evaluator at analyzing the good with the bad when it comes to the governance process and specifically...the vital role that Boards of Education play in charting a positive future for our children. Alpena has been very fortunate to have had strong, positive Board of Education leadership for 38 of ...