Dear Editor:
Of the three candidates running for the two Sylvan Township Trustee positions, Sandie Schulze is by far the best choice for the future of Sylvan.
Having attended many Sylvan Board and Planning Commission meetings over the past five years, I have watched her evaluate everything put before her in an open and honest manner. Unlike others, she has never misled, manipulated, or manufactured facts to promote her opinions.
To minimize unwanted development, she has championed a Land Preservation initiative that buys development rights to land. This has proven very successful in nearby townships and has helped landowners, particularly farmers, get the value out of their land without selling to a developer. Her efforts so far have not been fully supported by the Board, including at least one of the other candidates.
She knows that new approaches and innovative ideas are needed if Sylvan is to maintain its rural character and benefit both current and future residents. It is even more critical that she be re-elected as Trustee because at stake is a board seat on the Planning Commission (she is a current member) which currently turns a blind eye towards most anything that disrupts the status quo.
With the Sylvan community and board being highly divisive, Sandie sponsored a team building training program to at least get the board members talking to each other. Not all board members were willing to fully participate.
The Board and Planning Commission have struggled to show any support for those who don’t have the resources to own acres of land or live on one of our lakes. This approach will become more ingrained and remain unquestioned without Sandie there. Inclusivity and innovation are needed if Sylvan is to grow fairly and attract new residents who will be here when we are not.
Your vote makes a difference in this primary because all of the candidates chose to run as Democrats and the winners essentially win the November election.
Sylvan needs the honesty and integrity of Sandie Schultz on the Board and on the Planning Commission. A vote for Sandie is a vote for a future Sylvan that benefits the many and a Sylvan of which we can all be proud.
Dave and Wendy Reinhardt
Sylvan Township
