I don’t usually like to comment on Letters to the Editor for a number of reasons. But the letter in the Sunday edition of the Daily Press & Argus really caught my attention. It’s hard to believe the letter writer, Bob Murray, was ever an elected official. I have to wonder if the former supervisor of Genoa Township has ever met a Democrat he liked, and as supervisor of one of the most populous townships in the county was he only representing Republicans?
The letter was in response to an editorial the P & A published on Dec. 14 where it urged the Livingston County Democratic Party to being searching for "creditable candidates" for office now. My response was the newspaper should take its own advice and begin treating all candidates fairly.
Mr. Murray blew any creditability he may have had in the first sentence when he called the newspaper the “Democrat Daily Press & Argus.” This is the same newspaper that has on its editorial board an editor that actually ran for the Michigan House as a conservative Republican and another member who is a campaign contributor to Republican candidates. I know these people are journalist who strive to present a fair and balanced view, and for the most part they succeed. However, on the editorial page is where they fail the most.
Mr. Murray says, “The implication seems to be that all you Republican officials are not up to the job and should be replaced by Democrats. Livingston County is one of the best-run and most prosperous counties in Michigan.”
I have to take exception to both of those statements. First, no one is saying the Republicans officials are not up to the job. But, when there are more voices and points of view at the table we all benefit, and a real race makes politicians accountable. In fact, during elections are the only time many politicians are ever accountable to voters. We have seen the consequences when one party controls all branches of government.
As for calling it the best-run county I suggest he get out more. The leadership may be adequate, but calling it the best is a stretch. We are the fastest growing county in the state, but we still do not have the same services for our residents that many smaller counties enjoy. Some smaller counties have their own community colleges, recreation departments and park system and even a health plan for residents. We have none of these things.
Take community colleges as an example. Of the five counties bordering Livingston County only one does not have a CC of its own, Shiawassee County. Just a county away in Monroe, that has fewer residents at 156,000 compared to Livingston’s 187,000 residents, they have had a thriving and growing CC since the 1960’s.
As for Mr. Murray’s last question, is it just a coincidence that it is run by Republicans? The answer is yes.
