I am writing to add my support for the candidacy of Mark Lagerwey for City Council.

I have known Mark for many years and consistently found him to be a person of vision and integrity. Words I think of to describe him? Mark is moderate in his personhood, steadfast, unlikely to give—or take—offense. Instead, he listens carefully, considering facts, the points of view of others, and his own understanding. In other words, he is able to moderate discussion among people of diverse opinions—an invaluable skill for a leader within the body politic.

From his professional life as a journalist, Mark has gifts for clear and articulate communication. A former Dean of Baker College, a member of the Rotary Club, and a consultant with the Alliance for Economic Success in Cadillac, he has been at the forefront of many of the efforts to beautify the city, heightening its appeal for visitors and residents alike.

Finally, Mark is thoughtful—certainly in the sense of kindness, but I am thinking particularly of the way he takes thought before responding to questions of policy, action, and direction. Examining issues with reasoned analysis and assessment, he nevertheless is always attentive to the needs and wellbeing of all involved, both people and nonhuman members of the environment.

I strongly endorse Mark and encourage your vote for Mark Lagerwey as a City Councilman.

Linnea R.P. Stifler

Cadillac

I’m writing in support of Mark Lagerway for a seat on the city council of Cadillac. Throughout the years I have known and worked with him, he has been an active member of our community having volunteered in several civic organizations and in administrative positions at Baker College. Mark is considerate of others, listens to their concerns, carefully weighs his options based on all the information that he receives before making any decision. He understands the current issues facing the city and the critical importance of reaching consensus for the benefit of the citizens of Cadillac. Housing, being a hot topic, new zoning considerations will impact the issue of short-term rentals. This is an issue in progress which has not yet been resolved. Mark has worked for years on the issue of housing in our area and understands the impact short term rentals present to the community. He does not have an agenda of his own, is a thoughtful person who has clear ideas, is personable with a good sense of humor, and trustworthy. I urge everyone who is registered to vote in the city to go out and vote. It’s critical for the future of Cadillac.

David R. Bunce

Cadillac

The Republican Party is an absolute mess. Their chaos, their MAGA co-dependency, and their inability to concur on a single issue prove they are incompetent and have little to no business choosing a leader for the House.

Jack Bergman is not suited to be the House speaker. He is afraid of and continues to make decisions based on the gestation of his MAGA ties. He is anti-LGBTQ, a pro-birther, anti-masker, anti-vaxxer, anti-ACA by trying to repeal, and doesn’t have our nation’s best interests in mind. He signed a letter along with Bill Huizenga, Paul Mitchell, and John Moolenaar condemning Gov. Whitmer’s “Stay home, stay safe” executive order, https://www.traverseticker.com/news/bergman-other-michigan-congressional-reps-send-letter-to-whitmer-over-order/. This order saved lives and kept many from being infected. Unfortunately, it also seeded the frightening chaos at our state capitol on April 15, 2020. I believe he then pursued, with his MAGA cohorts in the participation of the chaos, anarchy and mayhem that is now known as the Jan. 6 insurrection. He signed a legal brief supporting the Texas attorney general’s lawsuit that sought to overturn President Biden’s presidential victory, along with Jack O’Malley, Gary Eisen, John Reilly, Julie Alexander, Matt Maddock, Daire Rendon, Beth Griffin, Doug Wozniak, Michelle Hoitenga, Brad Paquette, Rodney Wakeman, and Greg Markkanen, https://glenarborsun.com/bergman-omalley-back-lawsuit-to-overturn-biden-election-victory/. It’s been proven false, and just last week some have plead guilty to the Big Lie and MAGA delusions.

I believe the inability of the GOP to select a Speaker proves the mess Trump and MAGA has made with all the hatred, bullying and anarchism. For Bergman to not distance himself from this cultish mob, indicates what you will get if he receives this position. He isn’t suited to be Speaker and his past actions demonstrate this.

Jan M. Wood

Cadillac

Speak Out letters are the opinions of the letter writer and should be construed as opinion only. The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily the opinions of the Cadillac News or its employees. We remind writers to limit their letters to one per topic.

The Deadline for letters regarding the Nov. 7 election is noon, Thursday, Nov. 2.

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