A New Letter from Linda

I am happy to post a new letter from my friend and respected community leader, Linda Rachwitz:

Next Tuesday, we will have elected two Harbor Springs City Council members. After reading the candidates’ answers to questions from the Harbor Light, I’m grateful that we have five residents willing to put in the time and energy being a council member takes.

I support most of the positions expressed. A few answers from Bill Donohue concern me. Most troublesome is his statement, “As to zoning, the city spoke clearly last year and said loud and clear, leave it alone. The current efforts are simply a different way of accomplishing what was rejected last year. To me, the only justification (by the proponents) is to increase tax revenue. As a council member, I will oppose the current zoning plans put forward by the planning commission.”

Last November 478 residents voted to repeal a new zoning code, Ordinance #439. 404 voted to keep it. Does that sound like a loud and clear message to you? I’m glad that our planning commission is working to update our seriously outdated 2005 zoning code. I believe the current draft of a new code is the best way to protect the charm and character of Harbor Springs.

In Michigan second homeowners pay higher property taxes than those with a Principal Residence Exemption. That money goes entirely to schools. All Harbor Springs taxpayers pay the same rate to the city. Mr. Donohue said, “As one who has had a home here for 43 years, and until recently a second home, I gladly paid a roughly 40-percent premium in my property taxes. I didn’t mind because I loved living here, appreciated the way the city maintained the infrastructure, and the overall look and feel of the city.” I appreciate his support of our schools, but none of his “premium” went to the city.

The other four candidates committed to being transparent about their campaign finances. Mr. Donohue responded, “Since I am self-financed, I see no need to make a transparency pledge.” That just hits me as wrong.

Please vote November 4.

-Linda Rachwitz