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Opinion

Screens, fans, and ventilation

Editorials and columns

Dear Jim: I don't want the hassle of always opening a screen door, but I like natural ventilation. Are there additional screening options that would work on a standard door? - Eric R. Dear Eric: Having fresh air gently flowing into your house in the spring and fall is refreshing and healthier for most people without allergies. Indoor air can often be more polluted from synthetic building materials, furniture, carpeting, paint, cleaning chemicals, etc. and less healthy than outdoor air. If your budget is somewhat flexible, don't write off installing a screen/storm door. Some ...

Where is the anti-bullying campaign now?

Letters to the Editor

Does anyone remember the anti-bullying campaign of a few years ago? Given how little we hear about it today, one would infer that the problem is solved. Maybe it's a thing of the past elsewhere, but bullying is alive and well in Alpena public schools. Children are bullied mercilessly, with no evident repercussions. Name-calling, cyber-bullying, even physical assault, still the perpetrators are in school, with no punishment in sight. Situations are reported to teachers, principals, superintendents, up to the school board, where no satisfactory solutions are found. One wonders why? Bullied ...

The recall doesn't require a "special ballot"

Letters to the Editor

On May 9th, a letter to the editor appeared from former probate judge Tom LaCross criticizing the effort to recall some school board members. After noting his prior experience as a probate judge, former judge LaCross stated that during his tenure, he “was able to review proposed ballots and ballot language.” He then made the following assertion: “The proposed language of the recall petition does not rise to the level of special ballot consideration.” LaCross fails to advise that this “special ballot consideration” is a notion of his own making, and any failure in reference ...

One man's Biblical event

Editorials and columns

The following is my dramatization of the experience of one man involved in a famous Biblical event. As a scribe I am meticulous. I trained for 15 years before I was declared an expert in the copying and interpretation of our scriptures. Notice how I dress. Clearly everything is in order, ...

No special ballot, just public accountability

Letters to the Editor

Mr. LaCross correctly noted that voters ultimately decide who serves on a school board, but his letter overlooked an important fact, there is no “special ballot” being created for this recall effort. If enough valid signatures are collected, the recall question would simply appear on the regular November ballot alongside other elections already taking place. No separate election or unnecessary expense is being proposed. More importantly, Mr. LaCross’s argument dismisses the legal process already followed. Recall language in Michigan is reviewed by a clarity and factuality ...

Community expects professionalism, transparency, respect for students

Letters to the Editor

The issue facing APS is not about “three votes.” It is about a pattern of behavior that many in this community believe is incompatible with serving on a nonpartisan school board. Monica Dziesinski’s recent column frames criticism as political activism and personal attacks, but that ignores why so many citizens became concerned in the first place. This recall effort was not started by one political group or a handful of angry people. It has involved dozens of community members — parents, taxpayers, former students, and residents — who are frustrated by repeated division, ...