Letter to the Editor: Less can be more.

Dear Editor:

While attending the Weare Township Planning Committee meetings, I became acquainted with Lori Green.

My first impression continues to be my opinion of her: this is a person who sincerely wants to serve the people of Weare Township, and now Oceana County, and will work hard to do so.

A couple of years ago she spoke about running for Oceana County Drain Commissioner. Her entry into a six-candidate Republican field is not a whimsical move, it is a determined decision.

Additionally, points in her platform are issues I heard her discuss years earlier. These points are not simply election tactics; they are what she truly believes.

Namely, her desire to ensure the protection of our private property rights and to return the office to part-time. It is the latter point I would like to focus on. Three of seven counties near Oceana (Manistee, Osceola, Benzie) have part-time drain commissioners. Lori believes that small, fiscally-responsible government governs best. She also understands that as wonderful a place as Oceana County is to live, it is not a wealthy county. Therefore, she would like to use a statute in the drain code to initiate a change in compensation of the drain commissioner. This change would need to take place before the beginning of a new term of office – January 1, 2017, in this case. Any change in compensation is fixed by the county board of commissioners before November 1.

Lori plans to request the elected office of drain commissioner be reduced to less than 30 hours per week. This would not only save the county salary expenses, but also insurance and retirement costs. I, for one, think this is a good idea. You can read about Lori Green and additional parts of her platform at www.lorigreen4draincommissioner.com

Marilyn Werner,
7948 66th Ave. Pentwater

Editor’s Note: The five other Republican candidates for the drain commissioner position include:
Anthony Collins, Chris Crosby, Geoffrey William Gowin, Jerry Kroll and Michelle Martin. The primary election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 2.