Below is the text of the letter to the editor that I sent out today to the Troy Eccentric, Oakland Press, and Daily Tribune...

Editor:

On November 8th, Troy voters will have an opportunity to state their opinion on the future direction of our City.

The proposed I-75/Long Lake interchange is a key issue for voters to consider. While there are other issues in this campaign, the proposed interchange project is one of the few where the candidates have taken a position on one side or the other. Cristina Broomfield, Wade Fleming, and Victor Lenivov have clearly stated their opposition to the interchange project.

In casting your vote, I would encourage each voter to consider a few facts that have not been fully covered by the local media and have not been addressed at the candidate debates. The interchange project will not be funded solely by Federal dollars. If we proceed to build the interchange, it will cost Troy taxpayers at least $2 million. That is $2 million that will not be available to acquire additional park property or to build a football field for Troy youth or to build more sidewalks or to repair local roads. Will the quality of life in Troy be better served by allocating $2 million of our local tax dollars for an interstate highway interchange or by spending our limited funds for parks, sidewalks, and road repairs?

I would also encourage voters to look at a candidate's position on the interchange project as a good way to ascertain that person's vision of our City’s future. Opposition to the interchange project demonstrates to me that a candidate understands that the future of our City depends on policies that guide and control growth so that we can maintain Troy’s quality of life. The people of Troy are tired of the impact of uncontrolled growth. The interchange issue is one of the few opportunities where Troy voters can say “Stop!”

The three candidates for Council who have been willing to step up to the plate and announce their opposition to the proposed interchange should be commended for having the right values for Troy. Unfortunately, you and I can only vote for two of them. I’ll be voting for Cristina Broomfield and Wade Fleming because I believe they will be strong voices for maintaining Troy as a family-friendly community.

Dave Lambert
Councilmember, City of Troy
Web: http://www.dave.lambert.net
Blog: http://blog.dave.lambert.net

Should the Troy City Council maintain the boundaries of the Downtown Development Area as they presently exist? What if that means less tax revenue for the general operations of the City? At Monday night's Council meeting, Councilmembers Eisenbacher, Howrylak, and I voted to change the boundaries. Unfortunately, the motion to change the boundaries failed on a tie vote.

Let me know what you think by sending me an email at dave@lambert.net .

President Bush Salutes Rosa Parks:

"Today America also honors the memory of one of the most inspiring women of the 20th century, Rosa Parks. Fifty years ago, in Montgomery, Alabama, this humble seamstress stood up to injustice by refusing a bus driver's order that she give up her seat for a white man. Her show of defiance was an act of personal courage that moved millions, including a young preacher named Martin Luther King. Rosa Parks' example helped touch off the civil rights movement and transformed America for the better. She will always have a special place in American history, and our nation thinks of Rosa Parks and her loved ones today."

Rosa Parks' courage demonstrates that each of us can make a difference for good. Thank you, Mrs. Parks for all you did.

KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25®

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I posted a new photo to Photos.

Mayor's authority is at center of power struggle that could mean big changes for customers.

From the Tuesday, October 25, 2005 edition of the Detroit News...

"Oakland County officials filed a motion in federal court in September seeking to have four suburban water officials join Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in a special oversight role that he currently fills by himself. It's unclear if officials from Wayne, Macomb and Genesee counties would support such a board. Those counties and the city of Detroit have until Nov. 8 to respond to the motion."

See the entire article at...

http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0510/25/A10-360055.htm

Promotion Ceremony for Two New Sergeants Re-Scheduled for Thursday, October 27th

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