opinion: Leadership, past service makes Bob Lange ideal for Sylvan Township supervisor

Bob has been instrumental in bringing new businesses to Sylvan, such as Chelsea Chevrolet-Buick, Elite Arms and Winter's Diesel Repair.

He has increased the Michigan State Police presence in Sylvan Township by providing accomodations for troopers who were stationed at the now shuttered Ypsilanti post.

Bob knows the most pressing issue for the Sylvan is to find feasible ways to make the township's water plant a self-supporting entity and has been showcasing our township to potential businesses.

The talented and intelligent people Lange has appointed to our various committees and boards and his willingness to listen to citizen input will help Sylvan to continue as a thriving community.

Mr. Lange's opponent, Scott Cooper, claims that he can "change the tone of politics and direction so that the people of the township are served by the board and not the other way around." (This quote was printed in a July edition of the Sun Times) Given that these are his stated goals, it is strange that it was Mr. Cooper who created a major kerfuffle during the American Legion's annual "Heroes on the Water" event, by trying to disrupt this special day for our wounded heroes.

As I recall, the sheriff had to be called to remove Mr. Cooper from the premises. According to the Sun Times, at the Sylvan Township meeting on July 3, when he was faced with public outrage for his actions, he chose to see himself as a victim.

Mr. Cooper and his friends have also wrongly blamed LuAnn Koch and Arlene Grau for the township's current financial woes. This is misplaced blame that has resulted in the ousting of these two hard-working civil servants by two men who, according to this week's Sun Times, are going to be in over their head. I would also suggest that voters consider writing LuAnn Koch in for clerk, and Arlene Grau in for treasurer. I truly believe that our current administrators are our best bet for working our way out of debt and keeping our township viable.

Linda Merkel Hahn

Chelsea