EDITOR:

A pair of letters to the Editor on 2/23/23 showed an interesting contrast to problem solving. Perhaps lessons can be learned in how to confront problems either real or interpreted.

Mr. Tom Grant of Escanaba had a maturely considered approach to dealing with the inevitability of U.P. weather. He recognized that snowplows and their drivers have but one task… move the snow out of the way so traffic can continue safely after a major snowfall. Obviously, the number of plows available relative to the number of roads to be plowed requires a bit of patience in completing the job. The cities had the roads cleared in what most would consider a timely fashion. Here in the greater Nahma metropolitan area the county is responsible for clearing the roads (…lots and lots of roads). The result is understandably less “timely” and as of 2/26 my road had still not been cleared.

Mr. Grant’s and my (and our neighbors) reaction was to adapt to circumstances and make your way as safely as possible recognizing the limitations of man and machine. A reasonable and mature understanding of the circumstances. I’m certain this series of events will repeat, perhaps numerous times yet this winter (Booo!!!).

In stark contrast, a letter from Rebecca McIntyre of Escanaba took a different approach to a situation of process error involving the Delta County Board of Commissioners. I verified (via meeting minutes available on line) that the commission did make an error regarding ethics complaints at one meeting, but then corrected the error at the next. This, to me, seems a reasonable and appropriate action by the commission and they should be commended for recognizing and correcting this error. Ms. McIntyre, instead, seemed to view this situation as being dramatically worthy of the resignation of several commissioners. Is Ms. McIntyre’s expectations of the commission one of infallibility? Her admonition for resignation seems extreme and her insistence on that result a position ignoring the commission’s corrective action. An error was made, acknowledged and corrected. This is to be punished?

As with the weather, human beings through their foibles and errors will occasionally be disappointing. It really is up to us to “suck-it-up”, accept the circumstance, hope for a positive resolution and go on with our lives. Perhaps that is the lesson to be learned.

Michael A. Glass

Nahma