EDITOR:

In response to Delta County Commission Chair David Moyle’s editorial dated October 18, 2023.

Chairman Moyle: I read the letter you sent to the Daily Press pertaining to a discussion at a recent board meeting regarding legal representation. I appreciate you taking the time to inform the public on behalf of all the commissioners. That is incorrect however, all commissioners did not agree.

I understand you want to protect the county when civil issues arise. I believe our county legal department and the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority “MMRMA” serves us well in that regard for a number of reasons:

– Local counsel knows the local rules.

– They can help us guard against costly litigation.

– The board and administration can engage more quickly and efficiently without intervening factors.

– They can more easily be present at meetings and provide input.

– If there is a problem our prosecuting attorney or MMRMA will advise us of the need to hire outside counsel.

Mr. Moyle, do you know something that other commissioners do not? If this is the case, please consider engaging the whole board so that they too may know. I have requested this in the past and have been denied. Why?

I would advocate for additional legal counsel if it meets a need or purpose. I do not see that need at this time. If the facts, supported by input from the prosecuting attorney, points to the need for assistance, I will support it.

You, In your role as chairman, should lead, mentor, and guide — and it appears that you are manipulating commissioners, people, statements, or agendas to benefit your way of thinking. A “might make right attitude.”

I believe there’s nothing wrong with speaking out when you have an issue with a team member, policy, or procedure. Like most commissioners, I too like to offer information or knowledge that will lead to an appropriate resolution.

It appears as chairman, your public statement was to protect your professional standing and status, by giving you the personal justification to rip on our county legal department.

Board credibility appears to come into question when you generalize full board support when in reality that is not true.

The bottom line is ineffective leaders can quickly impact the morale of the team and even the most motivated employee. Part of our job is to serve our constituents, hear what they have to say and represent their interest. Please contact me directly if you wish to discuss sharing county concerns — it is important to us to keep our constituents informed.

Sincerely,

Steven Viau

Delta County Commissioner

City of Gladstone and Escanaba Township District 2