Letter to editor/Opinion

Op-Ed: Clouds Continue to Hang Over Michigan’s Government Transparency Laws

Michigan remains at the bottom of the bottom for government openness among the 50 states. The Center for Public Integrity gave the Great Lakes State an “F” grade in 2015. In 2020 Michigan ranked 47th out of 50 for anti-corruption measures for public officials according to the Coalition for Integrity. Leaders from the Michigan Press Association have recently reached out to legislative leaders and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer requesting action with specific amendments to improve the open government climate in our state. This op-ed was written by the Michigan Press Association, of which the Glen Arbor Sun is a member.

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Come on, people now …

On Memorial Day, my wife persuaded me to accompany her to County Road 651 Beach on Good Harbor Bay for a few hours of rest and relaxation in the afternoon, writes Tim Mulherin in this opinion essay we published in our June 29 edition. There we were. Along with perhaps 150 other folks who wanted to recreate at one of the most publicized scenic destinations in the United States. While we dismantled our sun tent, I observed two large dogs running off their leashes, owned by two unassociated dog lovers. That’s not only breaking National Park Service rules, it’s also downright rude. Not everyone loves dogs, including some people and all wild animals protected by the park.

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Reduced access to abortions, reduced access to freedom

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As we approach Independence Day, I wonder at the concepts of “freedom” and “equality.” At the ways our governing bodies have historically made laws that only represent a portion of our population, writes Mae Stier in our Fourth of July weekend edition of the Glen Arbor Sun. From the inception of our country, wealthy white men have been protected by the laws they created for themselves, but people of color, women, children, and impoverished people have not received the same protections. As a woman born in the late 1980s, it feels difficult to see Roe v. Wade overturned. Women now have less autonomy than they did when I was born, and I fear what comes next. I now see abortion access as a necessary step toward equity, especially in a society that does little for parents and their children once they have left the womb.

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Public health, vaccinations increase U.S. lifespan. But political agendas undercut gains

As a local health officer serving six counties in northern Michigan, I see the profound impact of prevention and direct services delivered through public health professionals and innovative community partnerships on the health of people and environments. Successes of public health have contributed in a vital way to a 30-year increase in life expectancy since 1900 in the United States. Thanks to vaccinations for children and adults, there is decreased illness and mortality. However, I write this out of concern as a citizen for the future of our health and well-being.

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Just Milling It Over

I’m ashamed of the neglect for one of Glen Arbor’s most impressive landmarks. A historic monument to the areas pioneer past that stands in quiet solitude and stark decay. The lack of concern and care for the Glen Arbor Mill now appears to only welcome vandalism and fire, rather than an opportunity to preserve the old for the new. The Glen Arbor mill, once the heart of a community, deserves better.

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Trump’s tariffs—bad for local newspapers, bad for fruit, bad for Michigan

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The news media has suffered in recent years. Corporate consolidations have forced mass layoffs; the Internet and social media have redrawn the map; and demagogues at podiums malign us as convenient scapegoats. The latest blow to local news is the current administration’s shortsighted, illogical tariffs on newsprint from Canada.

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Vote “Yes” on the Senior Millage

Vote “Yes” on the Senior Millage on the Aug. 7 county wide ballot. The continuation of prevention services, as well as ongoing services are essential for an age friendly Leelanau. The last .275 millage in 2014 received overwhelming approval by the voters.

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Look in the Mirror, Uncle Sam

These days, the leaders of the United States talk about building a wall to keep people out. Perhaps instead of a wall, we should construct a giant mirror this Fourth of July, and take a look at ourselves, who we are, what choices we’re making, and where we are headed as a nation, as a community.

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Ode to public transit

By Eliot Singer Op-ed contributor Suzanne Sorkin and I have fallen in love with the Number 11 BATA Bus. As retirees, we decided to live in our small condo at The Homestead much of the time between April and November. Like most seasonal (and year-round) residents, we hate the hassle of trying to drive anywhere […]

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Op Ed: More funding needed for National Parks

While our national parks are as popular as ever, many are in need of repairs. Because of aging facilities and unreliable funding, roughly $46 million worth of repairs have accumulated in our state alone. Here in Michigan, investments in our parks would support 452 jobs in planning, road building, construction and carpentry, among other positions.

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