LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
No voiceDear Editor,
On Tuesday, September 15, the Planning Commission held an outdoor meeting at Milton Township Park to hear public opinion on the proposed RV park near Torch River. It was insulting to the 80 plus people who attended. The noise from the nearby traffic was deafening and there was no microphone. It was difficult for anyone to hear our concerns or for us to hear each other’s insights. The final meeting will be in the middle of October when many high- tax-paying summer residents will be gone. I am left with the sad feeling that we have no voice. Sincerely, Jan McNerney Rapid City Torch Lake Township meetingDear Editor,
I recently had the opportunity to watch the video of the 9/15/20 Torch Lake Township board meeting. I was shocked, to say the least at the actions of the board, regarding the job responsibilities of the Clerk, Kathy Windiate. Why did she decide to run for re-election to an office, only to admit after winning the primary, that she is not able to do the job? It’s not like she didn’t know what the job entails. After all, she has been our Clerk for 12 years! Now, a motion was made by the incoming supervisor (Bob Cook) and was supported by the current supervisor (Alan Martel) to have the taxpayers of Torch Lake Township fork over an additional $7500.00 per year to pay the current treasurer to do the work that the Clerk is already being paid to do. Apparently, we the voters made at least three big mistakes in August. Since, under law, they can’t be recalled for another year, the current Clerk - Kathy Windiate, Current Supervisor - Alan Martel, and current trustee and incoming supervisor - Bob Cook should all resign for this travesty and violation of their fiduciary responsibilities to our township. Brad Brown, Torch Lake Township Letters to the Editor:
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Grateful for compassion and concernDear Editor,
In a year filled with much gloom, angst, and people behaving badly, we have only to look as far as this paper to see constant reminders of the good there is in our corner of the world. Thus, I would like to acknowledge a recent kind gesture. Last week, after a day of errands in TC, my sister and I were headed home to Alden. A migraine was getting the best of me, so we pulled off to the shoulder on Cherry Ave. A couple passing by saw us stopped with my passenger door opened. They could have continued on, but instead chose to stop and offer assistance. They had no idea what they were getting into, or who we were but still they turned around and checked on us. We didn’t recognize them, but recall they were middle aged and drove a silver Toyota SUV. I’d like to say not only thank you for your compassion and concern but, also, for giving much needed hope that kindness survives in these bizarre times. I am grateful for you. May your good deed be repaid, and may you stay safe and well. Michelle Zeeman, Alden COVID19 reason to delayDear Editor,
Developers John Peal and James Brewer requested the Milton Township Planning Commission delay discussion of the 80 site, 800 limit capacity RV park to October 13, 2020, because “they” needed more time. This project gained momentum during the off season and during COVID 19 restrictions. By October 13 we will not only be fighting darkness, mosquitos and inclement weather but snowbirds going south as well. Let’s face it, how many residents were paying attention to public notices in the paper about the RV park when they were worried about COVID19. Everyone has had to make adjustments. Why not Milton Township? Postpone the meeting until the summer of 2021 when we can again meet en mass, thus giving additional time for Milton Township and its citizens to have traffic safety studies and environmental impact studies completed. A 200 participant “zoom” meeting is ridiculous! How many people are comfortable with Zoom? The developers “delay request” was honored, we ask elected officials, Lon Bargy and the Milton Township Board, encourage the Planning Commission give its citizens the same consideration, thus their decision is based on studies. Summer is a better time for accurate studies to be done, not fall nor winter. Mary Skarnulis, Rapid City |