STATE REPRESENTATIVE COMING TO MEET! 8/30/2021

[Gillespie]

On Monday the 30th of August 2021 our State Representative, Ken Borton,
105th District, will be coming to the island with 2 administrative aids
to discuss local issues that they can possibly help the island along
with in coming months and perhaps years. In looking at what is most
relevant especially in season I am going to raise my hand and say BIKE
PATHS!! There are some very dangerous moments on the highways and side
roads that definitely need attention. This would be a complex issue as
the MDNR Oil and Gas Trust Fund (royalties from gas wells) prefers that
bike paths need be detached. I think we can all agree on that but do we
have room in many cases!?

In any event, Monday the 30th of August we will convene a public meeting
(forum if you wish) to discuss this issue and others with our
representative(s). It will be held at 10:00 a.m at the Peaine Township
Hall. Effectively this would be a joint meeting of the St. James and
Peaine Township Boards, Mr. Borton and company and you the public. This
is going to take time to implement so let's be patient, kind and
considerate. Perhaps make notes that could be handed to staff or read
yourself. If we show up with a huge laundry list we will get lost!
Thanks so much and hope to see you there! Let's give them a Beaver Island welcome!

[WyoLej]

I second Bike paths! It would be a tremendous tourist draw to be able to safely bike around the island and would be a relief to drivers to have bicycles out of their way. A win-win.

[Sailorman Larry]

The Beaver Island Transportation Authority will present initial findings of it's survey of operations and future of the ferry service to the island Monday August 30, at noon at the Community Center. Pizza will be served. Ken Borton has been emailed to invite him to attend as this is such an important factor in our island life. After attending his "meet and greet" at the Peane Township hall please come, listen, offer your input on our ferry system.
Larry Hansz (BITA Board member)

[BI Pirate]

Will there be a pizza rain check for those of us attending via Zoom?

[Fschoo]

So what's the goal....??? Are bike bath's are the most pressing issue for this island...???

In my opinion, relevant issues can't simply concern "off season" residents as they are in the minority (I.E., for eaxample when the bike paths are closed). Year round residents have to deal with every aspect of the islands issues (all the time) summer, winter, spring, and fall...

You guys decide, although I will be there

[Gillespie]

Rep.Borton came today with his staff and had a good turnout at Peaine hall with local officials and citizens. There were many good questions raised and he seemed very engaged and eager to see if he could help us along. Topics ranged from internet service, phone service, bike paths, boat launches, trails and more. He toured the routes of the most logical locations for bike paths and later attended the BITA Boat study group hearing at the community center before taking a tour of Central Michigan University's Campus and then a brief visit with Bill McDonough over the returnable problem! They had a very busy day and were very impressed with the local hospitality. Thanks to all who came out to visit. Let's get to work!!

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