Everyone benefits from Goodrich millage
Everyone knows or should know that we live in a world of increasing globalization. The best way to keep up with this trend is to keep up with making all our lives one of a never ending learning process.
An educated citizenship/ workforce is essential if we are to keep our edge at influencing world events in a positive way. A way which helps our economy, enriches our lives, and demonstrates to the rest of the world that our core values are the ones to emulate.
Increasing costs and the downturn in the economy should force us to maximize the use of the funds that we do get. We must pool our talents, perspectives, and energies to deliver the most educational opportunities for our children. This starts with a look in the mirror. What will work and how can I/we contribute to our children’s successes?
Back to the basics is great, but we must also find ways to fund the arts and provide for those less fortunate. We must judge ourselves not solely on how we dole out merit to those who excel but also on how we support those who require extra help. We must expose learning difficulties as they arise and apply extra resources to them and in the same breath nurture the maturing student’s talents by providing outlets for their intellectual freedom and development.
Your opinion counts. Please vote. Please pass the millage. — Mark Griffiths, Goodrich

14-year-old offers
insight on state
representative race
After reading Mr. Duane Lee’s letter in the Grand Blanc VIEW, I have taken a closer look at Candidate James Swenor’s and Candidate Paul Scott’s websites.
I am very grateful for Mr. Swenor’s service to his country, but I am absolutely appalled by his website indicating his reason for running as: “I am running for State Representative because I can no longer stand by and watch while the legislators in Lansing pretend to solve problems.”
Considering that the majority of his big named endorsees are state representatives, and he is attempting to take the vacated seat of Dave Robertson, his comment as to why he is running for office is an absolute insult to his endorsees as well as Representative Robertson, who I respect and trust.
I may only be 14 years old, but I am old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. Mr. Swenor’s website is an insult to the elected officials in Lansing, as well as the voters that put them there. I am encouraging my parents to vote for Paul Scott or anyone running against Mr. Swenor.
Contrary to Mr. Lee’s letter, we need a candidate who is going to get the job done, not complain about why it isn’t being done. We don’t need Mr. Swenor joining his buddies in Lansing for his retirement job; we need someone who is going to Lansing to fulfill the will of his/her voters. — Alex Saeedy

Cherry presents hunter safety program and rules of hunting
Although Michigan’s deer hunting season is still months away, it is time again for my 12th Annual Hunter Safety Program. I am pleased to co-host this program with the GLS Building and Construction Trades (Formerly known as Flint Area Building Trades).
The Cherry Hunter Safety Program consists of two classroom lessons and a shooting range lesson. The classroom lessons will be held on April 30 and May 1, from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Goodrich Middle School cafeteria, 7480 S. Gale Rd. The shooting range lesson will be held on May 3, from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club, 9046 Irish Rd.
Hunting is not only important to Michigan’s economy and the livelihood of many Michigan businesses and communities, it is also a great Michigan tradition and is an activity in which all family members can participate and enjoy. Becoming a hunter is also a serious responsibility. So that families can enjoy hunting safely, Michigan has rules that all hunters must follow.
The Cherry Hunter Safety Program will help you meet the requirements established by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. State law requires that any hunter born after Jan. 1, 1960 must take a hunter safety class. You are required to have a Michigan Hunter Safety Certificate or a previous hunting license in order to purchase any Michigan hunting license. When you complete the classes offered through my program, which are taught by certified Department of Natural Resources instructors, you will receive the hunter safety certificate needed for a license.
There are special rules for first time hunters over the age of 10. At age 10, a youngster can be licensed as a small game hunter. Youngsters can hunt deer with a firearm at age 12 on private land, but must be 14 years old to hunt deer with a firearm on public land. Hunters under age 17 must be accompanied in the field by an adult. To obtain a hunting license, young people must present their Michigan Hunter Safety Certificate. Over the past ten years, the Cherry Hunter Safety Program has taught hunter safety to hundreds of youngsters and adults. Adult hunters can take this course to meet hunter safety requirements in other states.
This hunter safety program would not be possible without the good people of the GLS Building and Construction Trades. These individuals have given their time and energy over the years to help organize and host this program. Their hard work and donations have also helped keep this program free of charge to the participants. By not charging the usual $10-$15 cost of hunter safety classes, we can teach hunter safety to as many people as possible.
I would also like to thank Goodrich Community Education for allowing us to meet in the Middle School cafeteria, and the Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club for allowing us the use of their shooting range. Their generosity makes it easier for our teachers to provide quality instruction.
I hope many of you will take advantage of the Cherry Hunter Safety Program this year. To pre-register for this free program, please call my office toll-free at 866-305-2126. Supplies and safety equipment will be provided, and there will be refreshments at the range lesson and gifts for all program graduates. I look forward to meeting and talking with you at the range! — State Sen. Deb Cherry, 26th District

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