Fred Roperti's Reflections

Bad Government's Christmas Gift to You - Longer Waits for Emergency Help

Dear Board Members,

 On Thursday December 16, 2010 I learned of a proposed Township vehicle policy which requires Fire Department rescue/emergency response vehicles to be parked at the Township Hall property, rather than with the trained first responders assigned to the vehicle, resulting in emergency response times being increased.  

 Does this board believe that medical services will be provided in a faster, more efficient and safer manner by this policy? Apparently four of you do – the Board voted to immediately enforce the new parking requirement pending a Board vote on the new proposed policy.  This new policy will be considered for adoption at a "Special Board Meeting" scheduled for Monday December 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM, instead of a usual 7:00 PM starting time.

 Does this board believe that the residents that you are supposed to be serving will hear about this special meeting, called during Christmas week, and be able to attend at 11 am? Apparently 4 of you do. Would any reasonable person consider this a coincidence, especially when current use of these trucks has been in force for many years?  

 Currently, there are three pickup-type trucks which are assigned to, and stay with, certain Fire Department first responder personnel.  The purpose of this practice, should it not be obvious, is to quickly respond to any emergency experienced by our residents within our Township.  This has been a policy for years because there is a life and death component to time delay: heart-attack, stroke, accidents in the home or vehicle, children in danger of injury, or the initial stages of a fire where an immediate response may mean the difference between life or death, or permanent injury.  

 It should be obvious that any emergency response time is shorter when a trained-first responder can proceed directly to the emergency site without stopping, changing vehicles, and driving out of the way to do so.  

 The Board could have a list prepared from over the last 10 years of calls answered by these vehicles where an immediate response (prior to arrival of the large Fire Department vehicles, or police or EMS) provided critical help to any resident.  It will be apparent that this new policy, which removes the immediate use of an emergency vehicle, puts township residents at risk. 

 If any resident suffers harm as a result of this new policy, then it appears that the Township will be liable for damages if the Township Board knowingly approved a policy that could result in such harm.  Furthermore, if it is found that if such Board action was deliberately taken that falls within a pattern of on-going actions against certain fire fighters, then it appears the Township could also be liable for punitive damages.  Fulfilling vendettas and ruling personal fiefdoms does not make good governance. It only makes for liability, and ultimately, it is the residents that are harmed.

 I hope that the four Board members use this letter to recall their higher purpose of serving the public well, and vote in the best interests of the people of Salem Township. Please forward a copy of this communication to the Township Attorney who needs to be aware of these concerns and the potential liability to the Township.

 Sincerely,

 Fred Roperti 

 

 

Board Voting Monday December 20 at 11 am on our Health, Welfare and Safety - guess who's gonna lose?

On December 14, 2010 the Fire Chief received a call at 10:13 pm informing him that on a 4-3 vote (no - Brien, David and Susan) the board voted to park the small fire trucks - and at this time they cannot be used.  

 

Monday 12/20 at 11:00 am the Board planned a special meeting to adopt the attached vehicle policy.  This will allow them to adopt the policy with little resistance from the public. Download MOTOR VEHICLE POLICY (Revised 12-15-10) - DRAFT

 Your Tax Dollars at Rest                   

If you are concerned about an increase in response time when you call 9-1-1 for the fire department you may want to voice your opinion.  Emails can be sent to townboard@salem-mi.org.  The new policy will require firefighters to drive to the station, get a truck and then to the scene.  For the past 10 years the small trucks have driven right to the scene.

 

Please forward this to your friends and neighbors.

Salem Recall Election Results - in short, all stay in office

SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - ROBERT HEYL       Yes 1115       44.12%   No 1412 55.88% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - PAUL J. UHEREK       Yes 1113 43.96%   No 1419 56.04% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - WAYNE W. WALLAZY       Yes 1028 40.65%   No 1501 59.35% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - DAVID TRENT       Yes 1002 40.16%   No 1493 59.84% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - BRIEN WITKOWSKI       Yes 1058 42.32%   No 1442 57.68%

 

Now - The Heyl, Uherek, Wallazy Board "Accomplishments"

This is an easy one, it’s taken directly from their recent campaign material and titled as “accomplishments.”  So here goes.

“Disbanded the Fire Administrative Board.” (FAB)

They call disbanding FAB an “accomplishment” when the real reason was to get directly at Chief Mark Hamilton and a few of the Fire Fighters that are on "the List."  This feud with the Hamiltons has been going on for years with a few disgruntled residents including the Uhereks and Muirhead.  They are angry about the fire trucks that the Chief and several Fire Fighters use to get to emergency situations, even though it allows them to get to emergencies much quicker and protect us, the Public.

 The Fire Fighters were being stalked in December 2009.  On January 12, 2010 Heyl had Uherek call 911 for police to shut up the Fire Fighters who were asking the Board for assistance in the stalking issue.  Three police Deputies responded to shut them up.  Now the Fire Fighters have joined a union and the township has to pay an Attorney thousands of dollars to negotiate a contract.

 FAB was created long before I took office.  The Board was served by volunteers who were experienced in some way to help make the Fire Dept. more effective in taking care of the needs of Salem Township and its people.  Whether it was fires, a heart attack, or auto accidents they were there quickly.  Just like they came to my house in 1994 when my wife had an emergency, we were able to spend one more day with a wife and mother because of them.  Do Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy have a conscience? 

“Evicting the For-Profit Contract Post Office Operation”  

This is another accomplishment to be proud of?  When I first heard about the For-Profit operation, I thought great.  I raced to the Post Office to get a sandwich and a coke but I was told she wasn’t selling anything, not even potato chips.  Then I thought she sold Lotto Tickets, but no again.  So I asked where she gets her “profit” and it turns out she gets paid by the Post Office to handle the mail, just like all other Post Offices.  Hmm, you work and get paid.  Maybe when you get a paycheck it’s really a “for-profit check.” I just learned that our Salem Post Office should be called a "Community Post Office" (not contract).

 Linda Hamilton has been paying rent of $250 per month for over 10 years for an office of about 10 ft x 10 ft.  Expenses would include electricity for two light bulbs, heat and A/C, and pick up one trash basket a week.  As far as snow removal and cutting grass, it has to be done anyway for the building.  How much would that add up to in expenses for the Post Office room?  Maybe $100/month, just a guess.  So the Heyl gang claim we have been subsidizing this Post Office for years?  Give me a break!  She has been providing a service all this time so that people like me don’t have to waste time and gas driving  to the Beck Road PO, or to Northville or to South Lyon and then wait in line.

Anyone who is familiar with this phony issue knows certain people have been trying to get rid of the Post Office for years.  They have filed complaints about the Post Office coming up with whatever reasons they can.  They stopped buying stamps there for the newsletter or other mailings to take away business.  They have even switched the Township mailbox and zip code to Beck Rd where they have to pick up their mail. 

Why not be honest and admit they want her out of there, it’s just part of their vindictiveness.  They have spent thousands to have the Township Attorneys draft an eviction notice.  When that failed to be passed, they came up with a new idea.  Just raise the rent to $700 per month so they can then say she was offered a lease but refused to sign it. The Township Attorney was paid additional money to come up with that research and the new monthly rent offer.  How would you like to rent out a spare room for $700 a month?  

“Ending Nepotism and Cronyism”

This is an accomplishment?  And again aimed at the Hamiltons and the Fire Department.  How many volunteer fire departments in small towns have relatives working together?  Do you think that they are on call 24 hours a day, take training, clean up trucks, and whatever else on their spare time for the money!  I know I wouldn’t.  Yet, they are there to help when needed as neighbors and friends.   We should feel fortunate that cousins, brother-in-laws, nephews, etc would do this for us. 

The alternative is to go to a full-time fire dept, pay $50,000 for each Fire Fighter plus benefits to sit at a fire hall waiting for a call.  Go talk to our adjacent neighbor Superior Township that is spending about $2,000,000 (that’s millions) per year on fire services paid through taxes.  So this is another “accomplishment” they can be proud of and want our vote?

“Limited Improper Building and Computer Access”

I’m very pleased Mr. Heyl stopped Brien Witkowski, a board member, from unlimited access to the Township Hall and Computer system after work hours.  Particularly since he was involved with litigation alleging electronic espionage.  Now that is really scary to think that Brien Witkowski is a crook.  Maybe they are afraid he might find out about any secret letters exchanged between Mr. Heyl and Township Attorneys, or neighboring communities regarding availability of Fire Dept. services. 

The same campaign literature asks why I hid this alleged espionage, which I knew nothing about,  from the residents of Salem.  That’s interesting.  We all know that Mr. Heyl did not disclose the terms of a lawsuit settlement with Pennzoil-Quaker State.  The settlement was dated Oct. 14, 2008, or about a month before Mr. Heyl took office.  Maybe it was just a coincidence to settle before taking office.  On page 9 of a 12 page Consent Judgment, there is a finding of fact, agreed to by Robert and Joann Heyl, which   includes among others:  unfair competition, false advertising, unjust enrichment and breach of contract.  Yet Mr. Heyl accuses others of suspicious motives and that former board members “sole purpose was to unjustly enrich themselves.”  Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, such nerve. 

By the way, you can go to the front page of this website and click on the link:  Pennzoil Quaker State v Robert and Joann Heyl if you wish to read more on the 12 page Consent Judgment.  You won’t find it in any of their campaign material paid for by Salem Residents for Truth, just a tiny bit ironic.

“Increase the Township’s Return on Investments”

A of 5% return on safe investments would be nice, although the returns actually range to a low of 1.85%.  It should be noted that most of the money is invested in Federal Mortgage Loans, like Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, which recently had to be bailed out with billions of our dollars when they were failing.  The primary objective in these investments should be safety.

To Summarize Their Accomplishments

Ÿ  “Disbanded the Fire Administrative Board.” (FAB)

Ÿ  “Evicting the For-Profit Contract Post Office Operation”  

Ÿ  “Ending Nepotism and Cronyism.”

Ÿ  “Limited Improper Building and Computer Access”

Ÿ  “Increase the Township’s Return on Investments”

So these have been their accomplishments, for the past two years, in their own words.  Something they are proud of?  But I believe they forgot to include some “accomplishments” that  they may not be proud of like:

Ÿ  Exorbitant legal bills.  Legal bills paid by the current Board (Heyl, Uherek, Wallazy) amount to $198,000 for the period between January and July 2010 without any active litigation.  That’s about $28,300 per month.  This compares to the previous Board that spent a total of $157,000 for the 3 fiscal years 2005-2008, or  an average of $4,400 per month.   How can this be justified?  If you saw the bills for the every day phone calls, meetings, reports generated, and attendance at every board meeting at $175 per hour, you could understand.

Ÿ  Forcing Fire Fighters to unionize for their protection against harassment from this Board.  They want to concentrate on providing the best and most effective service possible for the Township and not be concerned about retaliation.  The 18 Fire Fighters and 4 Officers are asking for your support in a recent mailing. 

Ÿ  Mr. Heyl refuses to answer citizen’s questions at public meetings.  You must contact him in his office or by phone so he can give you his (unbiased?) answers in private.  What happened to his promise of Open and Transparent Government?

Ÿ  Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy have now “partnered” with a Developer, through secret meetings and correspondence, to arrange for the availability of sewer and water in direct conflict with the intent of the USD Development Agreement.    

What’s Next If They Stay In Office?

One can make some educated guesses about what might happen in Salem Township if Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy are not recalled.

Based on their conduct and actions from the events of the past two years, here’s what we may expect:

 Ÿ  Chief Mark Hamilton will be fired, and replaced with a full-time fire department (that will bankrupt us), to be lead by one of their own, a retired member of the Canton Fire Dept and active in supporting Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy.   That has been the plan ever since they got rid of the Fire Administrative Board (FAB).  There’s not much argument on this one.

Ÿ  With the new Heyl-appointed Fire Chief, many of the current Fire Fighters and Officers will probably leave.  They simply will not be willing to put up any more with the vindictiveness of the Heyl Board.  Do you think Heyl and company will forget Fire Fighters going door-to-door asking for your help?  They're on "the List" and will pay for it.

Ÿ  The Heyl Board will now be justified to negotiate agreements with surrounding communities for fire and rescue services, adding to our response times - try holding your breathe for 15-20 minutes, could you wait that much longer for a rescue truck? Heyl and other board members have been in  contact with Superior and Northfield Townships for that purpose which they have denied.  Then in an Aug. 3, 2010 letter to the paper, the Northfield Township Supervisor states “I had been contacted by Salem Township Supervisor Bob Heyl…..the meeting that day was going to have discussion about the Fire Authority Board and that it was possible that they might have need for additional Mutual Aid in the event that some staff might leave….”   So now the truth comes out.

Ÿ  The Post Office will be gone, everyone agrees on that one.  It's just a matter of how many thousands of dollars they want to spend of our money to township attorneys to deny the residents a community post office. Hopefully a new Heyl-free group can rescind prior actions of the Board and resolve any issues - if it's not too late.  Then the Salem Post Office can remain and continue to provide long-standing mail service to residents.

Ÿ  A major concern will be the future of the Urban Services District (USD).  So much work has gone into a Development Agreement to establish guidelines for the use of sewer and water, they type of development that would be allowed, and to restrict all commercial development in the Township to this area.  Now that this Agreement has been scuttled, who knows what will come out of any new partnership with the Developer.  Will this be the beginning of another Canton Township where years later residents will wonder how could it happen here?  I’ve lived through one of these transformations and I don’t want to go through it again.

 Wrap-up - Final Thoughts

It’s too bad it’s come to this.  Here we are in Salem Township, a place to live that was our dream when we first moved here.  A place where we could have a home for our daughter’s horse Lil Sugar Reb, and where we could watch her and “Reb” practicing riding and jumps in the outdoor arena.  To watch deer graze and frolic in the hayfield.  The quiet and solitude of a summer evening interrupted by the sound of a train whistle in the distance.  To wake up early in the morning to the sounds of cattle calling for their calves.  Very little has changed in the 31 years I have lived here, it’s still a wonderful place to live.

Now I’m very concerned about our future - if we can't get local government "right" here, well, I guess we don't deserve to live here then.  I don’t think any of us in the past has witnessed the kind of disgraceful conduct from this new group of politicians Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy, except maybe at a national level.  One of the three has an unlimited amount of money to “call the shots” as he wants, and the other two catering to him.  Have you ever seen this kind of campaigning before, using colored flyers with doctored photos to try and show the worst of people they hate?  That they can hire “consultants” to write their scripts and make campaign phone calls in their behalf?  That they have their new Township Attorneys at their beck and call to support them in every way possible for the money they are getting paid?

I do know one thing, that I will have a clear conscious no matter what happens.  That I have tried my best to bring the truth to the residents of Salem Township.  Now it’s up to the residents to vote on what they believe is in the best interests of the Township.  I can understand the confusion that may exist with all the personal door-to-door contacts, flyers, letters, and phone calls where each one is asking for your vote.  Yes, I’m one of them, but there is so much at stake at this time.  I am asking you to do the best for the future of this Township and vote YES to recall Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy.  And to vote NO  to retain David Trent and Brien Witkowski.

 Best Wishes,

 Fred Roperti

For the Salem Village Green, I thank you...

Previously I brought up the subject of the Village Green, how it was conceived as a perfect place in the Hamlet.  Also, I mentioned how it was built through the generous contribution of funds and services by many people and businesses.  No matter how often they have been thanked through phone calls and letters, it doesn‘t seem adequate.  Now I would like to list everyone that helped to make a vision come true, so you will know who they are and can thank if there is an opportunity.   

Cash contributions were divided into 3 categories: Platinum, Gold and Silver, as well as a category for Service Contributors. I'd like to show you a picture of the sign that lists these contibutors, but it has mysteriously disappeared from township property - coincidentally right before the November 2 election.

Platinum Contributions - $17,000     Dr. Jay & Wanda Moon                      Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center                Gary & Sherry Whittaker        Northville Crossing Venture LLC      Gold Contributions - $8,000 All American Storage Dr. Ann Cavendar Fred & Gina Roperti Garan Lucow Miller PC International Transportation Co. (ITC) Larry Sant, Builder McClain & Winters PC R&R Heavy Haulers Rotundo Brothers Schostak Brothers & Co. Silver Contributions - $2,575     AA Anchor Bolt Advanced Assessment Technology Chris & Megan Crespi Cribley Well Drilling Don Pennington, Township Planner Dr. Tim & Barbara Dobson Edith’s Market Eugene & Paula Hornback  Gardner Westcott Co. Karl’s Family Restaurant Lyco Engineering Maria Kearns Plymouth Office Supply Post Smythe Lutz & Ziel LLP Ron & Joan Handloser R&R Fire Truck Repair Salem Hills Golf Club Service Contributions - $23,550  DTE, Utility Provider - Utility Pole & Wiring Dave Herriman, Township Building Inspector - Carpentry Jim Fulkerson, Township Resident - Landscaping Mark Hamilton, Township Fire Chief - Soil Preparation Michael Bruggink, Landscape Architect – Architectural services Pat Curley, Salem Resident - Carpentry                       Plante Moran, Township Auditors - Accounting Services Reggie DeLuca, Township Resident - Concrete Work R&R Heavy Haulers, Township Business – Trucking Sign Studio, former resident – Township Green Sign Design,               Creation and Installation

The Salem Village Green is in the center of the Hamlet, and is intended to be the heart of the Township.

Significant Accomplishments Of Former Boards

Granted there were some problems on each Board.  But the majority was able to work together and accomplish something significant as noted below for the people of Salem, unlike the current Board.

Negotiated The Landfill Agreement

The Mike Geary Board negotiated the Host Community Agreement with the Landfill which today provides over $1 million in yearly revenue.  Along with control of spending, it’s the main reason we haven’t paid local Township taxes.

 

Built The Hamlet Waste Water Treatment Plant

Next, the Geiger/Riddering Board cleaned up the environmental contamination (raw sewage) of the Johnson Creek by building a wastewater treatment plant in the Hamlet.  In the process, they also acquired a $400,000 grant to help defray expenses for the residents’ benefit.  That accomplishment has improved the quality of life for so many, and was the beginning of revitalizing the Hamlet, the heart of Salem Township.  

Created the Urban Services District

The Mike Penn Board created the Urban Services District (USD) to protect our rural character.  That is, all commercial and high-density development was to be located in the USD consisting of 1400 acres located in the southeast corner of our Township.  It’s the perfect place since the M-14 Freeway cuts through the middle of this area and will keep most of the traffic off the more rural areas of the Township.

The 2000-2008 Board Accomplishments

Expand The Hamlet Sewer District Without Increasing Development

We (the cockroaches), took office in the year 2000.  Our first priority was to  expand the Hamlet Sewer District to the Chubb Road corridor. It added $600,000 to the Sewer Fund, plus additional yearly income through the sale of new sewer taps, to make this fund solvent and self-sustaining.  Prior to the expansion, the Township was required to subsidize the sewer plant operation by at least $100,000 per year, but no longer required.  

 Landfill Gas Revenues Restored, Will Continue For The Next 30 years

The most significant accomplishment was the successful litigation in 2003/4 involving Landfill Gas Revenues. The new company, Gas Recovery Systems (GRS) that bought the landfill gas production facility, claimed Salem Township was no longer due one-half of the total gas revenue.  They further claimed Salem Township was overpaid for a number of years, stopped payments to Salem, and demanded return of back payments.  This is the primary source of income for Salem Township. 

We participated in negotiations with GRS to come up with an acceptable resolution, but were not successful.  The Board then supported our Attorney’s recommendation to take legal action to recover the lost revenues, and to protect future monthly income in accordance with the contract signed by the Mike Geary Board.  Our Attorney Doug Winters was assisted by Attorneys Steve Matta and John Whitman to successfully support  the Township’s position.

The lawsuit continued well over a year with travels to various other landfill gas production facilities in the United States and Canada and to meet with many expert witnesses.  The Township finally prevailed and we were awarded back payments with interest, attorney fees, as well as the protection of future gas revenues.  In January 2005, the Township received a check for $2,101,835.14 (that’s millions) to cover missed back payments with interest, and approximately $500,000 in attorney fees.  Current landfill gas revenues are approximately $900,000 per year.  The total revenue to Salem is expected to be at least $30 million over the life of the landfill.  We thank Attorneys Doug Winters, Steve Matta and John Whitman who successfully litigated this case for us.

Now, incredibly, this Board attempts to disgrace Attorney Steve Matta in their campaign literature sent to you.  This is just another example of vindictiveness by Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy. 

The USD Development Agreement

Another accomplishment was the signing of the Urban Services Development (USD) Agreement between the Roperti Board and Salem Springs (Schostak Brothers).  We spent over a year in negotiations in which Attorneys representing Salem Township, Salem Springs, and the County participated and signed off on the Agreement.  The County was also represented by their Financial Advisors since the County was to issue $30 million in municipal bonds to cover the cost of a waste water treatment plant to be paid back by Schostak.  The Agreement contained language that if Schostak defaulted on the payments, then their properties and money put in escrow would be taken to cover the payments and not leave Salem on the hook.  The agreement was passed by the Board 7 - 0.

This Agreement would require the construction and financing of a public sewer plant by Schostak, which would then be deeded to Salem Township.  The purpose of this plant was not to permit the use of  large private septic systems here or anywhere else in the Township.  It was further agreed that the sewer plant would not service any development outside the USD. 

The Agreement would also require that water would be obtained from the Detroit Water and Sewer Division (DWSD), so that the large amount of water required would not be taken from private ground wells and deplete our aquifers.   A DWSD water main connection is located at Joy and Napier Roads for easy access.

The Village Green

The Village Green was conceived in 2002 after the prior Board acquired the property at Six Mile and Dickerson in an expensive “Eminent Domain” proceeding.   When I traveled through small rural towns in New England States like Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, I noticed that most towns had a small park in the center of town.  Each usually contained a gazebo, benches, walkways and shade trees.  The small park would be fenced to keep out motorized vehicles, and no ball playing allowed.  I would observe people sitting and reading, picnicking  and enjoying each other’s company, and even observed wedding ceremonies.  I thought of such a park in the Hamlet as a theme for a small rural village, and that it would reflect the kind of character that  Salem Township desired, and serve as a way of  building community. 

 The Salem Village Green - The Heart of Salem

In December 2002, I sketched out a concept for the park then gave it to an architect who donated his services for a final drawing.  I still have that sketch which I value.  I also held a contest for ideas from residents, 3 residents won dinners donated by Karl’s and Fox Hills.  The park was completely financed and constructed through privately donated funds and services.  We collected $26,275 in cash donations, and over $25,000 in donated services from 37 individual residents and businesses.  In a later post, I'll  thank the contributors for making this park possible.  Then you will know who they are if you wish to thank them too. 

Recall Confusion - A Great Campaign Strategy

I can understand why some Salem residents may be confused with the recall of 5 board members and the recall language.  There have been five sets of recalls filed, but only two sets had language approved for recalls in Salem Township.

 

On April 16, 2010 language was submitted (and subsequently approved) to the county to recall Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy by Bonnie Cook.  Then on May 25, 2010 language was submitted (and subsequently approved) to the county to recall David Trent and Brien Witkowski by Jane Griffith.  Believe it or not, the language to recall David and Brien was identical to the language to recall Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy except the words “no” and “yes” were interchanged  Confused yet?  Of course, it was intended that way by the Heyl camp!  So when the voter wants to mark the ballot on the recalls, it will all look the same, and the Heyl people hope you will make mistakes or not vote at all on the recall.  You have to admit it’s a very clever stategy.  But all you need to remember is a "YES" vote RECALLS Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy; and a "NO" vote RETAINS David Trent and Brien Witkowski. 

 

More campaign strategy.  Who and what can you believe during this campaign?  Should your vote be influenced by unflattering color photos that they send out of former board members?  Or maybe the fact that they call us “cockroaches?”  Some people have been put off by these low class antics that shows desperation to hold onto their power and will do anything to survive the recall.  And what does it say about the kind of people they are?  Doesn’t that reflect on their character and self-respect?  Do they care?

 

Now you might ask why are they attacking former board members (me) who are not running for office?  Well, there’s a simple answer.  They don’t want you to think about or consider their record in office the last two years.  Or worse yet, what they may plan for next two years if they survive the recall.  I guess you could say they would have “carte blanche” to do whatever they want.

  

In the posts to follow, it’s my intent to present the facts and the truth as to what they have accomplished so far in two years in office.  Then compare their “accomplishments”  with some key accomplishments of recent administrations.  The question will be:  What have they done these past two years for which they can proud? 

 

Then, I also think it’s worthwhile to best-guess what we may expect from the Heyl people if they remain in office.  That is, what’s in the future for the Post Office and the Fire Department?  What will be done about threats to citizens when they ask questions in public or in writing?  Will citizen’s questions be answered in public?  What will be done about exorbitant Attorney fees? What’s in the future for the USD regarding the type of development that will be allowed and new plans for water and sewer?  Let’s move on and talk about accomplishments.

How Did We Get Here - a Partial Answer

In my last note I asked the question:  How did we get here?  After living here for 31 years I have never seen such vicious politics of vindictiveness and downright hatred for certain people on their “list.” Some of the people on the list include me, Linda and Mark Hamilton, Attorney Doug Winters, Assessors Pat and Greg Zemekis, Bonnie Cook, Brien Witkowski, David Trent, Ray Givens, Diane Ferris, and Fire Fighters Ed Signer and Kirk Ferris - and the list seems to be growning every day.  Can you imagine that their campaign literature includes as if it were nothing that Supervisor Heyl, Treasurer Uherek and Trustee Wallazy were elected to “clean out the cockroaches” that have infiltrated Salem Township Government.  Unbelieveable.

Sure, it was these same “cockroaches” that kept Salem Township rural this past decade.  In spite of the rapid development that was happening until the crash of 2008, there still is not a gas station or a strip mall in Salem, hard to believe.  More cockroach accomplishments...when I was elected Supervisor in 2000 there was about $2.7 million in the bank and by November 2008 there was $7.5 million in the bank.  That’s an average savings of $600,000 per year, including the years that our gas revenues were cut to $0 overnight, and we were paying large legal bills to reclaim our money.  And through successful litigation, we did get all our backdated revenue and restored our future revenue of at least $30 million in landfill gas over the life of the landfill. Very insect-like, right?

So why do they hate us so much?  In my case it might just be because I have zero tolerance for dishonest and deceptive people.  My father was that way and I’m that way too.  I  will not be intimidated by a few powerful bullies who have never done anything positive for the Township.  I’m not afraid of any person, machine or animal.  [Note to older sister Jen: Yes, I'm still afraid of you.] In fact, she often asks me "why are you so stupid..." questions. Right now I hear her yelling, "Why are you so stupid for getting involved in politics when you should be retired?”

 Good Question, Sis - Why Should I Get Involved?

This year I’m missing my yearly October trip to Vermont with my daughter so we can admire nature’s showcase of colors in the mountains.  I have put off Fall clean-up projects that I’m able to do with my tractor, it’s the best time of the year and I have always enjoyed it.  There’s not that many more years left for me to do the kinds of things I enjoy.  But it is much more important to me that the people of Salem Township know what is going on, and what is at risk. I have loved living in Salem Township for the past 31 years, and I would like it to continue to be a great place to live. That's why I served honestly and with integrity for 10 years, despite all the ridiculous and unfounded accusations I read about from the opposing camp. I wonder why they are so worried about smearing me instead of telling you about what they've been up to? They can't provide ANY proof whatsoever of what they accuse me of - because there is none - but right at their finger tips they have their record. Remarkable.

With what I have seen with this new Board the past two years, and what might happen to the Township in the next two years, how could I live with myself if I didn’t try my best to make this known?  We have this one opportunity to restore Salem to what it has been and should continue to be. 

Just look at the material that HEYL, UHEREK, AND WALLAZY have sent out thru their PAC "Salem Citizens for Truth." Looking at their flyers and postcards (despite using the word "truth" a lot) tells you that they have accomplished nothing but let their personal grudges, petty grievances, and hunger for power run this township, rather than what is best for the People of Salem.

I wouldn't normally tell people what to do, but I am asking you to do the right thing for Salem and RECALL HEYL, UHEREK, AND WALLAZY before they do something that can't be undone.

I'm sure we kind find honest people who have Salem’s best interest at heart to step up and serve our community. I'd like to be fully and permentely retired, not worrying what self-serving, community destroying is going on again down at townhall. At the same time, we need to keep  David Trent and Brien Witkowski who (along with Sue Bejin) have tried so hard to keep some normalcy in Salem.  It’s hard to imagine what it would have been without them the past two years. 

How Did We Get Here?

Hello Friends and Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe that it has been 2 months since I last posted news on this website, wow how time flies!  After taking an extended vacation to Europe through most of April and May, we left again in early September to spend time with my sister in Florida who had a stroke earlier in the year.  She is 88 years old and doing very well - there's some serious genetics at work there! We celebrated my birthday with lunch at a casino, where she won a $10,000 jackpot, while I played for 2 hrs on $11 at nickle poker.

Quick aside - I want to thank our new neighbors for watering the flowers in containers while we were gone and for watching the house, it was safe and secure.  Welcome to the neighborhood and Salem Township, M and R.

Being gone for so long during the spring and summer months put me well behind in work around my place.  Due to a car accident last year when I was rear-ended by someone chatting on her cell phone, I have been limited in my ability to work because of injury to my back and neck.  But thanks to help from my sister and nephew, most of the work in the garden and flower beds was able to get done, although there's lot's of repairs and routine maintenance that won't get done.

Upon our return from this last trip, we found the latest round of trash talk from the Recallable Three, Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy.  I'm not sure how printing photos of me, Linda Hamilton, and Bonnie Cook is supposed to convince residents that they should not be recalled. Is the idea supposed to be that since I squint when I listen, that their record in office is above reproach?  Or because Linda and Bonnie sit next to each other Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy shouldn't be recalled? I guess I just don't get the connection - does anyone?

Their record includes firing the township attorney who served us successfully for 9 years, who has done so much to preserve our way of life in the 8 years we were in office.  And on the same day, hiring a new Attorney firm in about a 30 minute interview by waiving Township Policy.  Then paying these same new Attorneys thousands of dollars to find ways to evict the Post Office.  They also dissolved the Fire Administrative Board (FAB) so they could directly go after the fire fighters forcing them to join a union to protect themselves.  And that’s just the beginning as you will find out in future news that will be posted on this website.   

I keep thinking to myself how in the world did Salem Township come to this point?  We are supposed to be a small rural community with working dairy farms and horse farms. We have hundreds of acres of hay, corn and soybeans.  Fields of sweet corn, tomatoes and pumpkins grown by our produce farmers.  That’s what Salem Township has always been, and that’s why it’s been a great place to live.  Now we have chaos and turmoil going on in the Township, why?  And that’s the intent of this website to bring forward news that will attempt to explain what’s behind all this chaos.  Then, hopefully,  residents can better decide what is best for the Township regarding these recalls.