More letters supporting a "No" Vote

Two more letters were in the Argus. One was from former Supervisor Bob Murray. If he wants to come out of retirement, we know a lot of folks who would be happy to support him.

We were mailed a third. If we get permission, we'll post it, but we want to err on the side of caution since the Internet is public.

Genoa road millage is 'a recipe for disaster'

The responsibility for repair and maintenance of township roads is with Livingston County, not Genoa Township taxpayers. Handing the township a $22 million check for 15 years is a recipe for disaster.
If we have learned anything in the past five years it is that giving government more tax dollars results in more spending, more government and higher debt. There is no assurance that the projects listed would be done since four board members can vote to decide what is done.
Do we really need a $2 million roundabout at Bauer and Challis where Mt. Brighton happens to be located? Home values are increasing, so each year as your taxable value goes up this 1.5 mills will increase your taxes. Also remember that a significant portion of your tax dollars will go to pay interest on the bonds for 15 years, not for road work. Don’t be fooled by this proposal. Protect your money. Vote “no” on the Genoa road millage Nov. 5.
Bob Murray
Genoa Township

Road millage too long

Having been a Genoa Township resident for more than 40 years, I have seen and traveled good and bad roads locally. The vast majority of roads that local residents travel are state- or county-maintained. The roads that are presently proposed to be fixed in Genoa Township are lightly traveled and appear to serve a limited number of residents.
The annual cost to an average homeowner in Genoa Township would not be trivial, and raising over $1 million per year would undoubtedly add a whole new layer of bureaucracy (township road administrator and staff) and most disturbing, would last for 15 years.
The proposed extra millage could have been tried for five or even 10 years, and if township residents saw the benefits vs. the cost, the millage could be renewed. Fifteen years is simply too long and would certainly adversely affect property values in Genoa Township. However, our township board has chosen to put this sole item on the November ballot — at what cost? As one pundit has previously observed, rarely has government met a tax it did not like.
Mike Merritt
Genoa Township