Almont village manager’s door is always open

Dear Editor:

I feel the need to respond to the baseless, nonsensical comments in a letter to the editor authored by James R Wade Sr, President of the Almont Community Historical Society.

First, Mr. Wade, is the location or phone number of the Almont Village Hall a mystery to you?

I wonder why you would write a letter to the editor of the Tri-City Times located all the way in Imlay City to ask a question about park maintenance in the Village of Almont.

It seems the only answer could be that the intent of the letter is to spread hate and dissension versus getting an actual answer.

Second, why would you write a second letter to the editor of the Tri-City Times to express concern over a secondhand report from a friend? Again, I can only think it is to stir controversy where none exists.

The most accurate part of these two letters is that the second-hand report from the “friend” was almost completely accurate!

Missing is where I said that the bushes that were removed from the park had a series of vines growing in them which also contributed to their unkempt appearance.

In the next paragraph, Mr. Wade you call me a liar, and assume some underhanded reason for the removal of the bushes in Burley Park, which was the topic of your first Letter to the Editor.

Actually, last year, Village staff removed the bushes next to the Veterans Memorial monument and installed two benches. These benches will allow those who visit the Veteran Memorial monument to sit and reflect on the honorable reason the memorial is there in the heart of the Village of Almont.

The second row of bushes removed this summer were at my request because after two attempts to trim them they were still very unkempt looking with vines and maple saplings growing in them.

A little later in your letter you draw the conclusion that the Village Council and I are non-law abiding, disrespectful, non-patriotic and lack an appreciation for history.

My response: Mr. Wade, you could not be further from the truth. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the overgrown bushes were removed, flowers planted, watered, and weeded, benches installed, and lawn mowed in the Veteran’s Park.

All these actions give an air of respect, honor, and pride to the Village of Almont Veteran’s monument.

I have spoken to and since confirmed that the Lapeer County and Almont Veterans Association are very happy with the recent improvements in Burley Park.

To address the comment in the second Letter to the Editor marked “Second” by Mr. Wade: you should check your sources.

Your information regarding the state law, who is responsible for the beer tent, and all your other accusations are wrong.

The beer tent is being authorized by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, pursuant to a Temporary Service Permit.

Under such as permit, the 500-foot buffer zone does not apply.

Of course, rather than send a letter to a newspaper in a neighboring community you could stop by the Village of Almont offices to discuss your concerns

We share the office space with those who represent the Township where you live.

Finally, by all means, you can personally contact the County Prosecutor about your concerns rather than write a message in a local paper of circulation, unless it is solely your intent to create mistrust and sow dissension in your neighboring community.

As always, I am available to talk anytime at the Village of Almont offices.

— Dale Kerbyson, Manager
Village of Almont