EDITOR:

Dear Delta County Residents:

My name is Linda Trombley- Robitaille. I was the treasurer of the Escanaba Township Board for 14 years. I am a member of “Delta County Citizens for Ethical Leadership.”

It was my experience that when Mr. Bob Barron came to a meeting, asking to be put on the agenda, it was going to be about something he had in mind for his own personal gain. He did not consider the repercussions or problems his idea might cause for his neighbors. It was consistently a plan that would benefit him personally.

Never once in those 14 years did he offer to lend a hand to help improve the township. There were several opportunities where he could have helped on township projects.

When he brought up the idea of an all-season race track on his property, he shared no concern for the owners of the beautiful river-front homes nearby. The noise, dust and fuel fumes, as well as the traffic of cars in and out during evening and later at night were not his concern. When those same landowners complained, he helped erect a raw lumber fence along his property line and added little fake cameras and graffiti. He was making a statement that he didn’t care. When the race track issue was brought to the court, Mr. Barron lost his case. He had to pay the court costs incurred by the township. He did just that by having his three sons each carry in a cardboard box filled with nickels and pennies, ($543). The boxes had dirt on them or possibly some farm animal droppings. Mr Barron was so pleased with himself and his sons.

Next, he brought the township his idea of “solar power.” The first time the township board was addressed, it was to discuss 700 acres of farm land. The second time it was mentioned they admitted to it being 1,200 acres.

By this time, Mr.Barron and his comrades had already committed to long-term leasing contracts with Chandler and Orion Solar Planners out of California. The leases were for 25-36 years. There was still no approval of a solar farm in Escanaba Township at that time. They forged ahead anyway pushing to get their way. Upper Peninsula Power Company eventually withdrew their interest in promoting and purchasing power from this group.

To the voters who chose to elect Mr. Bob Barron to our county commission, you too, will soon realize he is only there to help himself and reap personal gains. You will see his pattern here. Even at the meetings he won’t talk into the microphone. He doesn’t want you to hear what he says. Eventually you will see what he “does” instead !

I am in favor of recalling Mr. Barron.

Linda Trombley Robitaille

Cornell