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Letter to the Editor Record-Eagle
On 12/4/07, the Record-Eagle published a highly visible report concerning an investigation into allegations of illegal use of township property for campaign purposes by Whitewater Township Supervisor Larry Lake. A month and a half later, we have yet to see anything published telling readers the outcome of this investigation despite the fact that on 12/13/07, just 9 days after the story was published, the "investigation" had been completed, "including a forensic examination of Mr. Lake's computer," and a memo from Prosecutor Schneider to the Sheriff's Department states the investigation "produced no evidence that Whitewater Township equipment was used to make a contribution for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of a candidate . . . nor is there evidence that he committed any other crime."
Apparently, the exoneration of Mr. Lake is not nearly as newsworthy as are the allegations of wrongdoing. Fair reporting of this issue demanded that the Record-Eagle follow the investigation and report on its outcome. Because that has not occurred, a township supervisor's reputation has been unnecessarily harmed.
Cheryl Walton
More On the Cost of Zoning in Whitewater Township
June 26, 2007
Since the May 22nd public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance, another Freedom of Information Act request has been forwarded to the township requesting copies of all invoices from and checks to any person or entity performing services for Whitewater Township to draft the proposed zoning ordinance from January 2005 to the present (FOIA dated 6/8/07). Those invoices and checks have been received and provide the following information.
The firm of Mansfield & Associates (formerly known as Wells Mansfield), has been paid $21,195. Let us be very specific about this number. It DOES NOT include amounts paid to the Mansfield firm for any other services provided to Whitewater Township, including consulting on zoning litigation or training/mentoring of the township zoning administrator.
The law firm of Derman & Turkelson has been paid $16,877.50 for services they have performed with respect to the proposed zoning ordinance. Once again, this amount only includes their work on the proposed zoning ordinance and NOT any other matter for which they are consulted by the Whitewater Township Board.
These two amounts total $38,072 spent to date!!
The township's contract with Mansfield, entered into in October of 2005, states that the Mansfield firm will be paid "$60.00 per hour, not to exceed the amount of $6,600." More than 3 times this amount has been paid thus far. The contract calls for a written amendment for any change in scope of work or fees. The township has been asked via FOIA request to provide a copy of any amendment, resolution, motion, or other document which will show where the board authorized the expenditure of more than $6,600 under this contract. To date, no such document has been received.
Additionally, there has been a complete "changing of the guard" at the Planning Commission level in Whitewater Township. Joe Anderson, Chairman of the Planning Commission and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, resigned his long-held position on May 21st, the day before the township board public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance. At almost the same time, Dan Mach, Vice Chair of the Planning Commission, tendered his resignation as Vice Chair, although reportedly plans to serve out his term as a member. Brad Boals likewise tendered his resignation as Secretary of the Planning Commission at the June meeting but reportedly plans to serve out his term. New officers were elected at the June meeting.
Coincidence that all officers of the Planning Commission recently resigned their offices, if not their position? Where are they when it comes time to defend the document they voted unanimously on January 9th to send on to the township board despite a township hall full of people objecting to various sections in the ordinance? A simple oversight that more than 3 times the contract amount has been spent for the services of a planner to write the proposed zoning ordinance, not to mention what has been paid in attorney fees?
Property owners in Whitewater Township should rightfully be very concerned about this proposed zoning ordinance, first of all from the standpoint of how it will affect their property rights, and secondly why so much money has been spent on it.
The next board action on the proposed zoning ordinance is scheduled for August 8th, at which time a joint meeting will be held between the Township Board and Planning Commission. This has been scheduled at the request of the Planning Commission. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
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