There are two sides to every story

Dear Editor,

In recent articles, concerning Goodland Twp. meetings, it appears that everyone is gaining up on the Supervisor of Goodland Twp..

Why is it, or why does it appear that way. Some would argue that appearances are the mother of all screw ups. And perception sometimes does screw thing up. So lets begin......

Julie Dockem stated in past articles that things are not being done properly, or to her liking (Perception). Didn't the newspaper man, Julie, Mike P, and Amy Nolan meet after a meeting in the office of the clerk.

Is that not a Township meeting of three or more - with a reporter. Does that not constitute a violation of the Open Meeting Act (Perception). If is a   violation, maybe someone should look into a law suit. There is also concern among some residents that newspaper coverage of Township matters appears one-sided and does not consistently give all parties an opportunity to respond. There are always two sides to a story,    not just how the reporter sees it. The reporter has always given one side of the township story. The reported story has always been since he has been going to the meeting,  is his take of the meeting, and not the residents (Perception).        

Questions have been raised about whether the newspaper's employment of the Deputy Clerk could create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

While no conclusions are being drawn, the perception of fairness and impartiality is important to maintaining public trust (Perception).

There have been some concerns as to how often things have been raised publicly in ways some believe are intended to embarrass or discredit the Supervisor (Perception).

Lets not forget to mention when Mike P, blew a gasket. And that's ok. Why - he is using some long distance problem as an excuse. 

Again, if one cant handle the position, maybe its time for another job. All this is perception from the taxpayers of this township.

And of another topic. Goodlands Clerk position. Why on earth does the deputy clerk need a pay raise. what was tossed back and forth at the last budget meeting, 7 or 8 or 9% pay increase. Why are the residents possibly paying the deputy that much more.

Some are under the impression, that if the township had a Clerk present M-Th, 9 to 1p, her deputy would not need a pay increase. Heck when I go the township, to see the supervisor, deputy clerk is not there. They are no where to be seen. Oh wait - By Appointment Only.

While no conclusions are being drawn, the perception of fairness and impartiality is important to maintaining public trust. And you read the same line earlier in this article.

I don't think there is much public trust from most of the elected board. But - who am I. I pay my taxes and look at it from a whole different perseption. remember, there are two sides to every story.

Yes two sides, even if there are two, three minute rebuttal segments. The DO matters.

And one final thought. To the Goodland Township Resident who knows about the poisioning of the trees back in 2024, after the election.

Please say something, it was mentioned that your faith is stopping you from speaking out. One must realize that, so far over $75,000 (taxpayer money) has been spent on this clean up, and its not finished. 

Not to mention the possible infection down the road when little kids played in the effected contaminated soil, unbeknown to them or there            parents. So those children will grow up and could possibly have illnesses or serious health issues. All because you decide to be quite. 

Remember that thing about Karma.

—Jeff Sklar
Goodland Twp. Resident