I was very disturbed to see that the solicitation ordinance was tabled once again and would like to ask the incumbents why a simple ordinance cannot be approved by this board.
If memory serves me correctly this ordinance was first proposed in 2005 and was designed to protect the citizens of our township. Why have you chosen to ignore this matter of public safety throughout your entire term and what assurance can you give us that you will take action in your next term?

The recent K2 crises and your inability to take swift and decisive action when it comes to the safety of our children is even more troubling. Why haven't you made this a #! priority? People are dying from this stuff and one kid took a baseball bat to his entire family and killed his father while high on it and yet it is still legal to sell this garbage in our township..Other townships have acted and banned these substances. Why haven't you?

To those running against them I would like to ask what priority will public safety take during your term if elected?

This question is for Mr. Sprader, Mr Sprader you were previously the owner of the Northshore Apartment complex. The complex is now bank owned a. How is it we are supposed to trust you with the Township finances when it is obvious you cannot manage your own?

That is a valid point and you are right to be concerned, concerned.
I would point out however that this was a business venture for Mr Sprader and the bank was a willing partner in that venture.
Personally, I would like to know more about this. Were there other partners? Who actually managed the complex? Mr Sprader face these questions directly if he hopes to be elected.
Donald Trump has declared bankruptcy 4 times but I would still trust him with my money.
That said I am more concerned with they way funds are currently being managed. According to the minutes of the May 3, 2012 meeting Treasurer Brendel stated that $6.5 million dollars is available from the 2004 millage increase the voters passed. Chief Harris pointed out that millage was passed by the voters under the assumption that that money was to be used for new equipment.
Everyone agrees that we are in need of three new fire trucks and two rescue trucks at a cost of $2 million. Brendel then points out that out of the $6.5 you have already used $2. So what? Why are you opposed to spending the money on equipment that was given to you for that purpose?

Carol Burkard asked me to post this for her in response to your questions about the solicitor ordinance and K2, Gerry:

An answer to The Solicitation Ordinance No.134, it was discussed that the legitimacy of the Company arranging for the solicitation be investigated, such as by the Better Business Association and the actual people knocking on the doors have a background check by the police and a license be issued, there should also be a form that people can fill out to apply, a fee established and the allowable time for the solicitation be from 10:00am to 8:00pm. The issue was tabled for these additional modifications be added before we pass the final resolution, this should be voted on at the next regular meeting.

The Township Supervisor, Greg Baroni is calling for an Emergency Board meeting on Thursday afternoon at 4:00pm on the issue of K2 Spice. Every board member is extremely concerned and working on this issue diligently.

Carol J Burkard
White Lake Twp. Trustee

Phone number: 248-698-3146
E-mail: Trusteecarol1@comcast.net"

whats all the candidates feeling on the police department being turned over to Oakland county sheriff department ?
This has been a rumor for sometime..

Concerned citizen that is a very good question, my personal feelings on this issue is I really like having our own Police Dept., their interest are to the local citizens who pay their salaries, their milages over the years have supported them and this tells me that this is what the majority of the citizens of White Lake prefer to have protecting them. If a study is done that would show there would be a great savings and that the job would be equal to the service we get now then I would be willing to look at that, as for now our Department is doing a great job. Carol J. Burkard, Trustee

To concerned: Yes, there was another partner who was in the buying of the apartment complex, but Mr. Sprader took the fall for both of them. Mr. Sprader had the complex sold, and when the new buyer went to the township, the twp. told him he had to hook up to the sewer at the cost of 1.45 million, not including water cost to hook up. What White Lake should be concerned about is the sewer fund going bankrupt in the next 6 months. I believe this is a major problem for all of White Lake residents!

Wow! Thank you, Brooke. Thank you, Trustee Burkard and thank you, Supervisor Baroni. It is my sincere hope that these matters of public safety be resolved as soon as possible and commend you for your actions.
It is also my sincere hope that Treasurer Brendel responds with similar alacrity.
From my understanding in reading the minutes from the May 3,2012 the facts are these:
In 2004 the citizens of this township approved a millage for the purpose of purchasing equipment which now has us in a position of having $6.5 million dollars in a fund.
In the minutes it said you agreed that our fire trucks and rescue vehicles needed to be replaced but stated if we purchase this new equipment that "out of your $6.5 million you have already used 2. The fund won't go as far as you think.". Well it will go as far as purchasing necessary life saving equipment, won't it? And that is the reason the voters approved it, isn't it?
I am curious Treasurer Brendel, what greater purpose do you see for this money other than the purchase of necessary and needed emergency vehicles?
The minutes also state that Chief Harris said that it becomes a credibility issue. The money was approved for the purpose of purchasing equipment and if the citizens cannot depend on you to purchase necessary equipment required for our own safety than I am more than a little hesitant to vote in favor of another millage on August 7.

Instead of a costly study and much debate couldn't we ask the county how much they would charge to provide police services? We could then compare that figure with what we are currently spending and make a decision based on that.
Chief Harris has stated here that the worst case estimate for the police department is a $200,00 to $300,000 deficit for 2014. That is a lot. Can we afford to wait?
As is the Chief has crunched the numbers and squeezed out every dime to the point of using one color on our patrol cars.
I too like having our own police department and have called them several times and have been very happy with the result.
My understanding is that when The Oakland County Sheriff Department took over in Pontiac no jobs were lost and service improved due to more resources being available through the county..
So the officers patrolling our streets would be the same. The only differences would be the look of the department with more resources. But the department is going to have a new look anyway with the new one color vehicles.
Why don't we go ahead and ask the county for a quote?

The 04 millage money is also used to fund positions not just for equipment. The fund has a balance of almost $7 million.

Todd Birkle
White Lake Township Trustee

As a non-incumbent, I don't have access to the data that the incumbents do, so I cannot weigh-in on specifics e.g. about budget issues. That is one of the things I'd like to ensure -- greater transparency and availability of public data/records. I should not have to take time off from work to drive to the township hall to conduct perfunctory inquiries/business such as finding out who the candidates are (there is a list, but it's inside the clerk's office thumb-tacked to a bulletin board that you cannot see unless you're inside the clerk's office), applying for very common permits, and other such things. The internet is open 24/7/365, and making information available and moreover making it easy to find is simply serving the citizenry.

Laura Vogel
candidate, White Lake Township CLERK

1. Wow! Don't have a list??? hello!!! the list is right above all the comments IN the article that you are commenting on!!! So now you don't have to "take time of work" to find out who the candidates are!
2. Great example of why you SHOULD drive to Township Hall to conduct your "perfunctory" inquires?? as you clearly do not have an understanding of the obvious.
3. I see that you have in all caps the word "CLERK" which you are not, as it is very deceiving to the citizens of White Lake Township reading this article! "CANDIDATE" would of have been a better choice.

I am sorry, Mr/Ms "Stinky" but apparently you are rather quick to flame/troll on sites such as this. If you go to the township official website, there is no information on candidates running, and the only list that is available from the township itself is thumb-tacked on a cork board inside the clerk's office which is locked and inaccessible when it is not 8am-5pm M-F. A citizen seeking information should not have to try to guess where it might be. You and I are aware of patch.com, but thousands of others are not. The township cannot presume its citizens will know what other non-township sites might contain the data that the township site itself should have available to its citizens.

Thank you for clarifying that Mr Birkle.
I see that the township is currently accepting applications for On-call Firefighters.
Within a year after the last election in 2010 the voters of this township approved a new millage for both police and fire departments to maintain services at their current level both departments hired people. Two new on-call positions in fire and one police officer
I am not aware of the circumstances in which these people were hired nor am I denying that they were needed by their departments.
It did seem kind of strange to me however that so soon after these departments needed money to maintain services these departments were hiring new people.
Now a year and a half later the fire department is again seeking more money in a millage increase and we are being told it is to maintain current levels of service and at the same time the department is actively hiring new people and creating new positions.
The township's website does not list any more career opportunities so can we assume that no new positions been discussed? Also, what new equipment is needed other than essential life-saving fire and rescue trucks?
Either way the fund has been accumulating $875,000/year over the last eight years without being tapped and that alone should cover any new positions.
Do you foresee a point in the near future where the citizens of White Lake will get what they have been paying for since 2004?

The department will be purchasing some new vehicles over the next couple of years. The millage approved in 2010 was only for two years. The millage renewals are essential to continue to maintain our present level of service. However, I think the department needs to be a little more creative with its budget before they seek additional funds from the citizens of White Lake.

Are you saying Mr Birkle that the proposed Fire millage increase is simply a continuation of the millage that was passed in 2010?
From my reading of the minutes I did not gather that at all.

Gerry,

There are actually three fire questions on the ballot. One question is a joint police/fire renewall that is split 65% police and 35% fire. A fire renewall which could be viewed as a continuation of the 2010. Lastly, a new fire millage of .05 that will produce an addtional $500,000 in year one. A previous Patch article summarizes the questions.

Thank you Mr Birkle. The Patch article does not mention that the millage passed in 2010 is about to expire. The fire millage increase we are about to vote on could be seen as a 10 year extension of the 2010 millage.
I think if it were presented in this manner it would have a far greater chance of passing rather than being seen as another new tax.

Question for all candidates, are your township taxes paid up to date?

Good question concerned and yes my taxes are paid up to date. Carol J. Burkard, Trustee

yes, thank you, to the best of my knowledge, all of my taxes (including any assessments) are paid and current. I don't utilize an "escrow" account, so I appreciate the reminder as the July tax payment is coming due in a few weeks.

Mine are paid and up to date

Ms Vogel since the township hours are not convenient for you to to find out who is running and seemed to be quite a challenge for you to find ANY information on the internet about who the candidates are, the information is now available for your convenience on the townships website.
Box 1 -supervisor clerk treasurer
Box 2- trustee
Box 3- library
Sorry but in this game the instructions are not included in the box!

It is good to see that the incumbent apparently chooses to read Patch and respond to issues raised here. Perhaps, then, our local government officials will continue to read this thread and will see that having created three separate PDF files is an extremely ineffective way of conveying a simple list of eighteen names.

I would like to ask all the candidates what are the most important issues facing the township and what do you intend to do about them during your term in office.
I would also like to ask them what is their vision for White Lake, where do they see us in 10 or even 20 years and what will they need to do now to realize that vision.

Ms Vogel yes it is good to see that Burkhard and Birkleave chose to respond, and they have my vote! I beleive the correct wording is "incumbents" which I am Not! As to the second issue it seems that that the the "simple list" that was created and posted all over the internet was extremly ineffective way to convey it to you also.

I have noticed that several individuals running for Supervisor and listed as Republican have clear Democratic views and long standing Democratic voting records. One even told me he was running as a Democrat because he believed that a Democrat could not win in Highland.

IF YOU AREN'T HONEST NOW, WHY WOULD WE ASSUME YOU TO BE ONCE IN OFFICE?

Mr. Sprader-
Have you had any previous dealings or interactions with Union negotiations; specifically contracts? Also, what business experience do you bring to the township? How do you plan on getting more business in to the township, which would generate more tax revenue?

My taxes are paid and up to date,

Scott Ruggles

Gerry,
I think a very important issue currently facing the township is where does the money go? Tax revenues are down, and in most residents situations not to where they should be, so what happens to the money the township does recieve? I see a new ten acre baseball field the township is still building, I also see the township owns a $600,000.00 horse farm but for what reason? These are a few situations that need explanation.

Mr Sprader
what is your educational background.

A comment was removed for violating our Terms of Use. Please review them here: http://whitelake.patch.com/terms

A great point was raised last night at the WLT Trustee Board Meeting. It was asked by Patti Page who is running for a trustee position. She mentioned that Mr. Lewsley's campaign signs are stapled on DTE poles and Telephone poles, both of which are private property and neither has given permission to Mr. Lewsley to put them there. When calls were made to our Ordinance office regarding this illegal activity on Mr. Lewsley's signs those calls have been ignored and the signs remain. If you are running for office, I might suggest you stay above the line of "iffy" tactics. And to the Ordinance office, DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!! No other candidate has or is doing this Mr. Lewsley, why are you?

I would like my fellow/sister candidates to comment upon Ordinance 58, and in particular regarding section 5.9 as it pertains to political signs. (see http://www.whitelaketwp.com/downloads/ord_58clearzoning_ordinance_hyperlinked_652012_1.pdf)

Do, or do you not, believe that the sworn and elected officials should honor our own ordinances? Are your signs in compliance with the size and placement restrictions? If not, why not?

Furthermore, I would like to draw your attention to yesterday's Spinal Column 9see http://spinalcolumnonline.com/local-political-signage-regulations-differ-across-w-oakland/), in which our incumbent clerk announced that there would be no effort made to police (and thus, enforce) the ordinance. Do you, or do you not, believe our sworn and elected officials should uphold our ordinances? If you believe the ordinance is unfair or un-Constitutional, what would you do to remedy the situation, short of simply deciding to fail to enforce it?

For the record, any signs promoting me or my efforts are in full compliance with all local, county and state laws and ordinances.

To private & concerned: Get your facts straight! Mr. Sprader bailed out his "good man" partner, taking the fall for him. The partner was not blindsided-he blinded sided Matt. His home in Hartland was not turned back to the bank. It was sold in a short-sale, not unusual for many homeowners today.

Rog L - It isn't a building department issue - its a ordinance issue. However, thank you for the suggestion of walking it in. Seems unnecessary when a phone call suffices in action on an other ordinance issue, but its worth a try. I am not the first and I am sure I won't be the last to complain about Lewsley's apparent arrogance and noncompliance.

Rog L.

You are mistaken Sir, I have a horse farm on Mckeachie Rd and have had for a long time. I do not rent any proprty from the township. I know the situation and believe somebody needs to right the ship, change the mistakes and closed door dealings that continue all the time. Who decided to rent the horse farm the township owns? and for how much? for how long? shouldnt everything within the township be advertised and up for bidding?

Dear Concerned ,it seems you have an ax to grind with Mr Sprader I believe I know who you are, and you don't even live in White lake and you have no vote so why all the worry about Matt Sprader. I believe everyone has had issues in the past,and I'm sure if we went looking at other canidates we could dig DIRT up on them as well, so lets not try to single out one canidate, if your are so concerned step up and run for office. Instead of hiding behind a computer if you are so CONCERNED.

And aren't you hiding behind a computer Mr. dewetcheatum and howe?

Mr. Burks,

I'm going to try to answer your comment regarding why the Fire Department must ask for an additional millage with "money in the bank".

When millages are written, they have stringent guidelines as to what the money can be spent on - and for good reason. Without restrictions, municipalities could ask for money for say parks and recreation, and in turn use the money for general employee raises, vehicles, etc. This is obviously unethical, taking taxpayer funds approved for one purpose and spending them on another.

It is my understanding that the Fire Department "money in the bank" is earmarked for replacement of their aging and deteriorating fleet, as well as other vital equipment needs. The millage does not cover all personnel costs, facilities maintenance, vehicle repair, etc.

What you and others are proposing is to take money approved by taxpayers for one specific thing, and spend it on another. There is a term for that:

FRAUD

a : deceit, trickery; specifically : intentional perversion of truth in order to induce another to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right

b : an act of deceiving or misrepresenting : trick

The Fire Department obviously needs the funds to maintain the high level of service which the residents of the community have come to expect and deserve.

Mr. dewetcheatum and how, I do live in the Township and I do have a vote. To your statement about running for office. I unlike Mr. Sprader recognize that it takes a particular skill set to run for office and lead a goverment. All of these questions are legitimate and deserve to be answered. If you run for office expect to be questioned on your past. Furthermore these questions are not "DIRT" as you say. If it were dirt the list would be long and detailed. If you look back through the postings you will see many of the candidates answered questions asked of them.

I agree. Mr sprader hasn't answered one question. He has a lot of skeletons in his closet. I notice Mr. Sprader has another link on patch. Search sprader q&a superviser. No one has asked him a question.

"walk into the office" during the convenient hours of 8:30-5pm? so, take a 1/2 day off from work, to file a complaint. As opposed to the ordinance officer doing his/her job, and as opposed to our elected-seeking-reelection officials following our own ordinances in the first place. Sure. Gladly.

Do you have to take a 1/2 day off of work to file a complaint? Isn't there a phone number you can call to file one? There is actually an on-line complaint form. Why do you have to take a 1/2 day off? You could also go in on your lunch hour. I just thought I would give some helpful tips on other ways to file a complaint.

At the risk of sounding redundant, I posted this on Sprader's Q & A, I'm pretty sure you can go to the Township offices and ask for information on the candidates. Freedom of Information Act. I'm pretty sure you would need to get off the computer to do this also. This may be helpful when wanting to find out information on who has paid their taxes, etc.

I would suggest that people should check to see if the candidates property taxes are paid. One candidate is behind.

Dear Laura: Now that the election is just around the corner, is there anything we need to know about you that you have left out in any of the comments that you have made so far that you want people to know about you?