OUR VIEW: AUGUST 31, 2007
Political newcomers bring variety to the ballot box
It may not always be pretty, but representative democracy seems to be thriving in the Grand Traverse area. More and more candidates representing various political persuasions and backgrounds are coming forward. And more and more, elected officials are being held accountable at the ballot box for what they do — or don't do — in office. MORE EDITORIALS »

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2007

• Political newcomers bring variety to the ballot box

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2007

• Garfield Twp's McManus needs to earn salary, taxpayers' trust

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2007

• Taxpayers need details before amusement park plan advances

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2007

• Justin Revnell honored by MADD selection?
• Other View: What is the plan in Iraq after surge?

MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2007

• Cheers

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007

• Newest visioning effort will fail without leaders
• Op-Ed: Labor leader Reuther was one of the best By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Hopscotch primary shows political rifts By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2007

• Freedom of Information Act being given support
• Many items missing from new $1 coins
• NFL should suspend Michael Vick

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2007

• Now Bush uses Vietnam to fight pullout from Iraq
• Other View: Let's make the workplace a safer place

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007

• Rove leaves a legacy of deceit, divisiveness

OTHER VIEWS: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007

• We deserve some answers on Iraq
• Financial markets get a crash course on risk
• Goodbye, Queen of Mean

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2007

• Bitter development battle takes a big toll on Acme Township

MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2007

• Cheers & Jeers

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2007

• Petition gives taxpayers a voice on parking deck
• Op-Ed: New human services director is a perfect fit
  By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Tilting at windmills, water withdrawals
  By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007

• Padilla is really a bad guy
• Court's role is reinforced in Padilla case
• Phil Rizzuto was a gift to baseball

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2007

• TIF funds weren't meant to subsidize ad campaigns

OTHER VIEW: THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2007

• Supreme Court majority is chipping away at rights

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007

• Jump in attendance is just what the NW Michigan fair needed

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007

• Grayling-area officials must put park claims to the test

MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007

• Cheers and Jeers

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 2007

• Great movies, good changes help festival keep improving
• State Theatre's rebirth a big plus
• Op-Ed: Granholm needs to communicate better By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Coalition is biggest PAC in state history By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2007

• Missing weapons hurt us
• Communism can't rule all
• Reform should start within

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2007

• Bishop oversteps bounds by blocking pro-Dem blog

OTHER VIEWS: THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2007

• Weapons aren't tracked in Iraq War
• Gather information cleanly with warrantless wiretaps
• Gray's changes in hurricane forecasts laughable

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2007

• Menzel promised change for Cherry Festival and delivered

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2007

• GT County must consider merging fire departments

MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2007

• Cheers and Jeers

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2007

• So where's the anger over Lansing gridlock?
• Op-Ed: Cars symbolic in state political campaigns By George Weeks
• Op-Ed: Ernie Harwell's plan to save Tiger Stadium By Jack Lessenberry

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007

• Ethics bill isn't perfect
• Iraqi Parliament's vacation is a bad idea
• Dems need to get a grip and stop caving to Bush

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2007

• Campgrounds issue masks the real debate in Lansing
• Other View: A 'catastrophe of historic proportions'

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007

• County finally getting tough about septage plant failures

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2007

• Kolke Creek settlement puts the environment last
• TC's tourism Triple Crown

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2007

• Region gets high-profile praise from governors

MONDAY, JULY 30, 2007

• Cheers

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007

• TCAPS hurt process by refusing to delay decision
• Op-Ed: Court ruling takes teeth out of state EPA By George Weeks
• Op-Ed: Rabbi goes from pariah to intellectual By Jack Lessenberry

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007

• It's long past time to go
• Relax — records don't last
• A chance to set things right

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007

• Building the Big Mac couldn't happen in '07
• Gov. Jennifer Granholm: Traverse City residents were perfect hosts

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2007

• Engler Majority mangling state environmental law

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007

• Gonzales epitomizes Bush disdain for accountability

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2007

• County board on board: Being efficient is good

MONDAY, JULY 23, 2007

• Cheers and Jeers

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2007

• Delay raises more questions on Petoskey Pointe project
• Sacrifice isn't the Bush Gang's style
• Op-Ed: Another side to the voter photo ID story By Jack Lessenberry

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2007

• Who's showing contempt?
• Playing us for chumps
• Iraq: Vacations from reason

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007

• Michigan's challenges may be a look at nation's future

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2007

• Maxbauer's watchdog role scares GT County board

OTHER VIEWS: WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2007

• White House says to mind your business
• Bush should have trade authority
• Congress must ensure food safety

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2007

• Swimmers should take E. coli warnings seriously

MONDAY, JULY 16, 2007

• Cheers

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007

• Festival's evolution seems to strike a chord with TC
• Op-Ed: The UAW and retiree health care By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: McCain can rebound from campaign woes By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007

• Historical markers needed
• Focus on food safety

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007

• Public access TV needs big push from the public

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007

• State, Benzie must ensure they're on same side of fence

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2007

• 'Scooter's' free pass shows Bush's contempt for law

OTHER VIEWS: TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007

• U.S. should not overreact
• 'Scooter' Libby decision pales in comparison
• Failed immigration reform provides opportunity to negotiate

MONDAY, JULY 9, 2007

• Cheers & Jeers

SUNDAY, JULY 8, 2007

• Commissioners hoping voters will forget Deck II
• Op-Ed: New tax won't solve our problems By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Congress, Legislature stir Lakes waters By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2007

• Get-out-of-jail-free card
• Next up, a Libby pardon
• Anything but routine
• Dance with the one that brung you

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2007

• Gradual rate hikes help homeowners keep pace

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2007

• Feds must re-evaluate how rules get enforced at Sleeping Bear Dunes

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2007

• Bill of Rights guarantees that freedoms come first

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2007

• Alba residents are right to distrust injection well

MONDAY, JULY 2, 2007

• Cheers

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2007

• Don't buy lawmakers' spin on charter fishing junket
• Op-Ed: Approval of factory farm bills stinks By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Third-party hopefuls find votes elusive By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2007

• Senate falters on reform
• Immigration bill fails
• Bush was on right side

OTHER VIEW: FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2007

• Supreme Court decisions sure are head-scratchers

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2007

• Putting taxpayers first can make even no-bids work

OTHER VIEWS: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2007

• Cheney needs more checks to obtain balance
• Supreme Court decision means return to attack ads

OTHER VIEWS: TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2007

• Mohammed more popular in England
• Tighter background checks: A step toward gun sanity
• Congress should drop its nepotism loophole
• Mileage limit hurts Michigan troopers, public safety

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007

• Cheers & Jeers

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007

• As wine industry matures, entire region will benefit
• Op-Ed: Lake levels a sign of things to come By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Wonderland worries about its own water By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2007

• Dream of Palestinian statehood is going, going ...
• Parents deceive themselves about kids' media habits
• Keep up the hunt for missing White House e-mails
• Veterans need help, not prattle

FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2007

• Community must find way to ensure fireworks funds

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007

• Congress gets weak-kneed in face of energy bill lobbying

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2007

• Why should GT taxpayers foot bill for 'positive' spin?

TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2007

• Foundation's expertise has been great investment
• Other View: Billy Graham's wife Ruth did her job well

MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007

• Cheers & Jeers

SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2007

• Elsenheimer opens door to questions about non-profit
• Op-Ed: Former lawmaker still making headlines By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Budget aside, some progress from Lansing By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2007

• Bombing deepens chasm in Iraq
• Bloated farm-subsidy program must go
• Fuel economy requirements overdue

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2007

• GT county finally catches up to state disclosure standards
• Other View: Higher fuel-economy goals deserve approval

THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2007

• City finally gives greenies the welcome they deserve

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007

• Lawmakers should give martial arts bill the boot

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007

• State must give AuSable River priority in cleanup plan

MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2007

• Cheers & Jeers

SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2007

• Munson breast cancer clinic will offer space, privacy, hope
• Op-Ed: New standards won't help dropout rate By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: It's bash Bart time in Lansing, D.C. By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2007

• Get ready for a battle over EPA's authority
• Jefferson's ability to serve in Congress damaged
• Paris Hilton's celebrity justice

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2007

• Grayling-area officials face difficult choices over park
• Editorial: Look at, but don't touch fawns

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2007

• Beach Bums have given Chum's Corner a boost

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2007

• GT voters must demand open county government

OTHER VIEWS: TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007

• Zoellick has potential
• China punishes the corrupt
• Nigeria faces challenges

MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007

• Cheers

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2007

• Film Festival gets a home; TC gets a shot in the arm
• Op-Ed: Selling Michigan's future is a 'dirty' fix By Jack Lessenberry
• Op-Ed: Term limits behind lack of budget progress By George Weeks

OTHER VIEWS: SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2007

• Zoellick is qualified pick
• TB traveler irresponsible
• Next president has hands full

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007

• State must make punishment fit the beach-grooming crime

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• At Issue: School Closings
  July 15, 2007
• July 14, 2007
• July 13, 2007
• July 12, 2007
• July 11, 2007
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• July 8, 2007
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• June 30, 2007
• June 29, 2007
• At Issue: Police officer
  June 28, 2007
• June 27, 2007
• June 26, 2007
• June 25, 2007
• June 24, 2007
• June 23, 2007
• June 22, 2007
• June 21, 2007
• June 20, 2007
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• June 15, 2007
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• June 13, 2007
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• June 11, 2007
• June 10, 2007
• June 9, 2007
• June 8, 2007
• June 7, 2007
• June 6, 2007
• June 5, 2007
• June 4, 2007
• June 3, 2007
• At Issue: Klan Flag
  June 3, 2007
• June 2, 2007
• June 1, 2007

• August 31, 2007
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• July 24, 2007
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• July 22, 2007
• At Issue: School Closings
  July 21, 2007
• At Issue: School Closings
  July 20, 2007
• At Issue: School Closings
  July 19, 2007
• At Issue: School Closings
  July 18, 2007
• July 17, 2007
• July 16, 2007

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The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing . Please include biographical information and a photo.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2007

• Tourism is bridge to good economy By Brad Van Dommelen

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2007

• Orange is the color of progress By John Hamilton

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007

• East Bay, Omni both need repairs By Christopher Wright

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2007

• Experience is lacking at Kresge Auditorium By Gary Worden

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007

• Early primary helps state stay relevant By Michelle McManus

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007

• Gas tax not helping our roads By Lonnie Schaub

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2007

• Leelanau history is preserved By Mark D. Nesbitt

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007

• Libraries should be a priority By Moira Maus

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2007

• tctv2 is great exposure for nonprofits By Robert DeGabriele

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007

• Lack of tax increases no cause for anger By Jack McHugh

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007

• Septage waste needs disposal By Keith Termaat

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 2007

• Amusement park might be sickening ride By John Bebow

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2007

• We shouldn't gamble with coal By Tom Karas

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2007

• School buses are safer, cleaner By Daniel F. Lynn

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2007

• Remember the engineer behind the Big Mac By Harry R. Ball

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007

• The other red meat's not as good By Jacqueline Ostfeld

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007

• Outside cash floods Michigan campaigns By Richard Robinson

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2007

• Medicine only works when you can afford it By Elana Sullivan

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2007

• Cherry industry needs investment By Edward J. Hahnenberg

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007

• Governor, volunteers put on a great conference By Howard C. Walker

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2007

• There's no excuse for people to go hungry By Jane Marshall

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007

• Farms are critical part of our economy, community By Glen Chown

TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2007

• Nestlé affronts flagship law By James Olson

TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2007

• Reconsider closing Bertha Vos By Bill Kurtz

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007

• A chance to act on region's future By Janet Wolf

THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007

• Road-end marinas block lakes By Dean W. Ginther

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2007

• All motorists must share the road safely By Eric Larson

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2007

• Nestle supports and follows the EPA By Scott Coward

THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2007

• Community taxes support libraries By Larry Neal

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2007

• For tennis athletes, fall is best By Richard D. Friedman

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2007

• Web site compares drug costs By Mike Cox

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2007

• TCAPS officials have no hidden agenda By Elizabeth Denoyer

SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2007

• Much thought put into creek decision By Steven E. Chester

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2007

• Giving value to the invaluable By Steve Gools

SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2007

• State's environmental act threatened By Joan L. Wolf

FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2007

• Habeas corpus, an American right By Marvine Stamatakis

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007

• Mixed martial arts regulated, safe By Marc Ratner

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2007

• Time to pass business tax agreement By Todd Anderson

SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2007

• Helping environment starts behind wheel By Mick DeGraeve

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2007

• It's time for universal health care access By Dr. Tim Lambert

THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2007

• Profitability has positive impact By Pete Kuhnmuench

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007

• Great Lakes' future rests on boating By F. Ned Dikmen

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007

• Americans 'Pause for Pledge' By Jerry Evans

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2007

• Don't blame corn growers for prices By Frank Lipinski

FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2007

• Ride motorcycle as if your life depends on it By Terri Lynn Land

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2007

• Cancer study deserves to go ahead By Carol Lambertson

TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007

• The Farmers Market wants you By Mark Eckhoff

MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007

• The real question: To sink or swim in math class? By Bill Bogley

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2007

• Let officials know you watch TCTV2 By Nancy L. Warne
• 'Granny flats' should have a place in TC By Maurie Dore Dennis

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007

• True understanding, participation bring change By Ed Boettcher
• School funding tied to responsible reform By Michelle McManus

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