THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE October 4, 2008

A Supervisor’s Debate?

With the November 4th election only a month away, and the contested race for Township Supervisor heating up, the notion of conducting a debate has been circulating. This last Wednesday, I sent a letter to both Mr. Loftus and Burkhart proposing that we have a Town hall debate. In my proposal I suggested that this town hall debate be conducted at the Centennial Farm Recreational Building, moderated by a neutral party (such as the Newsherald Editor), open to as many residents which can fit in the Recreational Building, televised live and rebroadcast prior to the election, and conducted several weeks prior to the election per conditions set by all parties.

Even though it has not occurred yet, it is my hope that the other Supervisor candidates agree to this proposal – as indicated to both of them, it is my belief that such a Townhall debate will help residents become more informed of our experience and positions on matters which affect Grosse Ile. If you have any suggestions or comments regarding a potential Townhall debate please feel free to contact me at 676.4424 ext 215.

Michigan House approves property tax proposal
The Michigan House of Representatives voted Thursday, September 25 to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would place another cap on state property taxes. HJR III states that in any year the State Equalized Value (SEV) of a property goes down in value, the Taxable Value (TV) of that parcel may not increase. It further states that if the SEV increases by less than the rate of inflation, then the TV may not increase by more than that percentage. Under Proposal A, the TV of a property can increase with the rate of inflation but no more than 5%. On Grosse Ile in 2008, the assessments decreased by 1.7% while the TV went up 2.3%. Under this ballot initiative, with the SEV decreasing, the TV would not have increased in 2008. It should be noted, however, that this proposal has the great potential of affecting school and other relevant State funding. It is my belief that much analysis must be taken in reviewing this proposal because of all the many ramifications which it may have. It is my sincere hope that much consideration and debate occurs at the Senate level so that all Michigan residents have a good understanding of this potential constitutional amendment.

Senate leadership has already expressed support for the proposal and wants it placed on the February 2009 ballot with implementation concurrent with assessment changes in March 2009. The Senate Majority Leader has stated that the Senate will take up the measure when it returns on Thursday, October 2, 2008. Stay tuned for more discussion on this important piece of legislation.

Grosse Ile Fire Department Open House
It is time for our annual Fire Department Open House, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Chief Duncan Murdock and crew will proudly display their equipment and vehicles for residents. Hot dogs, chips and refreshments will be available as well as a bake sale. Sparky the Fire Dog, tours of the Command Center and various demonstrations are all planned to acquaint residents with the operations of this department. You can also get some hands on looks at all our equipement and .trucks which help our firemen and women keep us all safe. For more information, please contact the Fire Department at 676.7157 or call my office at 676.4422 ext 215.

St James Fall Rummage Sale
The annual Fall Rummage Sale at St James Espiscopal Church will be held on Friday, October 3 from 9 am – 4 pm and on Saturday, October 4 from 9 am – Noon. St James is located at 25150 East River Road.

Voting Information

In preparation for the November 4, 2008 General Election, please remember the following:
October 6, 2008 is the last day to register to vote
You may register with the Secretary of State
You may also register with the Township Clerk’s Office any day, Monday through Friday and our hours are 8 am to 5 pm

For any college students who are planning to vote:
Absentee ballot aplications are available in the Clerk’s Office
Come in or call to have an application sent to you
If you are a first time voter you will need to show a picture ID to receive your absentee ballot.
We need to know early if you need an absentee ballot so we have enough time to deliver it to you and for you to get it back to us.
Ballots must be back in our offices by November 4th (election night) by 8 p.m.

If anyone has questions or other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk’s Office at 676.4422, ext. 241 or ext. 234.

Grosse Ile Kiwanis News
On June 30, 1962 Grosse Ile Kiwanis was chartered as the 204th club of Kiwanis, nationwide . (Kiwanis is now international.) Hugh Dallas was the first president and Robert A. Smith was the first secretary.

On Oct. 1, 2008 the Kiwanis Club of Grosse Ile will embark on the 54th administrative year serving Grosse Ile. Lt. Governor Don Jones, 5th Division, Michigan District, will install the slate of officers for the administrative year Oct. 1, 2008 - Sept. 30, 2009. The officers are: President Dave Snoke, Vice President Derek Thiel, Secretary/Treasurer Art Koester. Directors: Dick Kaufman, Clare Koester, Chris Snoke. If you have the chance thanks these fine folks for their continued service – they help make our Island a better place.

A Good Dad Saying
“Do good to your friends to keep them, to your enemies to win them.” Ben Franklin

The Supervisor will hold office hours to meet with residents each Wednesday and Friday afternoon, and any Monday that a Board Meeting is scheduled. To make an appointment with the Supervisor, please contact Administrative Assistant Carol Knopp at 734.676.4422, ext. 210.

Anyone wishing to receive the monthly Supervisors E Updates, please click here.

Watch for E ALERTS for Breaking E News and on the township website or tune to AM 1700 Grosse Ile Community Information Radio.

Any questions or comments regarding the information provided in this E Update, or other questions related to the Township, please feel free to contact Supervisor Kobiljak at KurtK@grosseile.com or at his Township Office 734-676-4422 Ext. 215

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