Residents speak out over legislator’s pet projects

Feb. 10, 2019  PLYMOUTH VOICE.

Plymouth Michigan News

To the Editor:

Something is rotten in the state of Michigan. Our tax dollars have been doled out to for-profit corporations under the guise of economic development.

Specifically, the Michigan Legislature awarded $20 million for a Schostak Brothers &Co. project for water and sewer lines for a huge subdivision the company plans to build in Salem Township. Bobby Schostak is a former GOP party leader and contributor.

This deal appears to have been accomplished secretly because nobody would take responsibility for it. After outrage from the community, former Senate majority leader Arlan Meekoff, a Republican, acknowledged in January the he helped secure the money.

Why is someone from the other side of the state even requesting these funds? Did he think nobody would notice? The first $10 million was awarded in 2017, and the second $10 million during the lame-duck session of the Legislature.

Residents and government leaders in the area area have been opposed to this development for years. There seems to be no additional money for roads, schools, or public safety improvements coming from our Legislature, but there is $20 million to give to their political buddy and pal? We do know that Schostak Co. will profit greatly from our gift. Can anyone call this good government?

I hope there will be a pause in the process and an audit into the actions that got us here. We need to elect people to the state offices who will act according to the values in our Constitution and adhere to the principle of government of the people, by the people and for the people (not private corporations).

Jackie Peters

Plymouth

Editors note:  The subject funds are part of a supplemental spending bill approved the last day of the Legislature sessions in December that has incurred the wrath of not just area residents, but city, county, township and state legislators on both sides of the aisle. Peters, a 30-year Plymouth Township resident, said she is taking action and asking the governor and attorney general to investigate the original request for funds.

Read More:

$20 million state grants protested

Salem project concerns Plymouth officials

Public Outcry over water sale halts plan

Plymouth Voice.