Letters to the Editor:
Protect women's reproductive health
When the Supreme Court overturned a woman's right to an abortion last summer, it introduced potential chaos for women's reproductive health.
Suddenly not only was the right to control having children taken away, but EVERY aspect of women's reproductive health was potentially restricted, including medical treatment for problem pregnancies, which happen to as many as 25% of U.S. women.
Gov. Whitmer has challenged the legality of a 1931 law banning abortion for any reason except to save the life of the mother. She also supports Proposal 3, which would basically codify Roe v. Wade in the Michigan Constitution. State Attorney General Dana Nessel also defends women's rights. She has vowed NOT to enforce the 1931 ban on abortion and supports Prop 3.
Her Republican opponent, Matthew DePerno supports the 1931 abortion ban, and would enforce it if it goes into effect. He opposes Proposal 3 and has suggested that Plan B, the "morning after pill," is as bad as fentanyl. DePerno says both should be banned in Michigan and has suggested that women's right to use contraception should be prohibited.
The contrast could not be greater. Support women; support Dana Nessel for Michigan state attorney general on Nov. 8!
Marilyn MoreheadCharlevoix
Gennet is the best choice for Charlevoix mayor
Lyle Gennet is a great choice for Charlevoix mayor. We need a steady hand that will give us, the Charlevoix community, confidence in our leadership. Lyle may not be the best speaker, but when Lyle talks you know you are getting straight answers — it doesn’t even cross his mind to try and make something sound different than it is.
Lyle’s style of honesty, integrity and thoughtful approaches to problem solving may not be the personality traits that improve your chances of getting elected, but they are the character of a quality leader. And that’s what Lyle will be when elected — a quality leader with a quality vision for Charlevoix.
When I was mayor, I worked with Lyle for eight years while he was on council. Lyle was prepared at council meetings, and he encouraged good dialogue about how to move forward on different and complex issues. I am confident that Lyle’s style and personality are exactly what Charlevoix needs.
As a former mayor myself, I am proud to endorse Lyle Gennet for Charlevoix mayor. Current Mayor Luther Kurtz and former Mayor Gabe Campbell are also endorsing Gennet for mayor. The three of us have had our moments of disagreement and agreement in the past, and will continue to have those moments into the future. But we all three agree, along with several of our former and current city council members, that Lyle Gennet is the best choice for the future of Charlevoix.
Boogie CarlsonCharlevoix
Browe's attacks on Conway nothing but sour grapes
In the Aug. 2 primary election, Charlevoix County Commission candidate Annemarie Conway defeated her opponent, Cheryl Browe, by nearly 20 percentage points. Immediately following the primary, county Republican activists began attacking Conway on social media for not showing enough loyalty to the local party. In recent weeks, the attacks have continued, including multiple print ads and mailers referring to her as “a liar.”
Not one concern has been raised by these people about Conway’s actual policy positions, which she has openly campaigned on for months. Conway canvassed her district tirelessly, engaging extensively with hundreds of voters. She has forged decades-long relationships with community leaders, business owners and local stakeholders throughout Charlevoix. As a teacher for 28 years, Conway also has had the opportunity to work with well over one thousand students and their parents.
More recently, Cheryl Browe has attended school board and county commission meetings to claim during public comments that school employees are prohibited from sitting on county commissions. It’s hard to tell if Browe actually believes this erroneous interpretation of state law or if she is just — to borrow a term from her campaign literature — a liar. As a former county clerk who oversaw many elections in Charlevoix, it would be troubling if Browe were actually this confused about relevant balloting rules.
It is also peculiar that, until a few days ago, the attorney representing the county commission (at taxpayer expense) also served as chair of the Charlevoix County Republicans and was instrumental in crafting the hit pieces aimed at Conway. The most recent barrage occurred at a school event when football fans were greeted with leaflets disparaging Conway and praising Browe’s “honesty, integrity and experience.” These bumper sticker bromides are laughable. Moreover, given the conduct of Browe and her associates, the attacks sound like the whimpering of sore losers more interested in consolidating political power than in serving constituents.
Vote thoughtfully on Nov. 8.
Patrick ConwayCharlevoix
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Letters to the Editor: Protect women's reproductive health
