To the editor:

How disheartening it was to learn of the Chassell Township Board’s decision to include a “do-over” vote of the Aug. 2 election on the November ballot. Voters overwhelmingly supported Chassell Township’s continued participation in the Portage Lake library district.

Just eight days after Chassell Township voters defeated the proposal to withdraw from the library district by a vote of 340-289, our board took action to place an identical measure on the November ballot. Dave Mattson, Chassell Township Supervisor, told residents at an earlier meeting that the board was neutral on the library issue, stating, “We have decided to put the issue of withdrawing from the district on the ballot and let the voters decide.” We had an election, over 600 people voted, and we decided to remain in the district by a 54-46 percent vote.

Since this “do-over” election decision was made at the Wednesday, Aug. 10 board meeting, residents have contacted Supervisor Mattson and Treasurer Kelly Kuntze requesting a special meeting on this issue. The two of them have refused to hold one.

The next Chassell Township Board meeting is at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Chassell Fire Hall. I urge Chassell taxpayers and residents to attend this meeting. We need to question the four board members who voted for this “do-over” vote why the results of a legal ballot are being ignored. I would like to thank Township Clerk June Michaelson, the lone voice of reason on the board, for casting a vote against this attempt to circumvent the will of the people.

Apparently, our “Love Your Library, Vote No” efforts are beginning all over again.

Becky Darling

Chassell