Patch Mailbag: The Letters on Mayor's Race Keep Coming

(Editor’s Note: Remember, Wednesday, Oct. 28, is the last day to submit letters to the editor in the Rochester Hills mayoral election.)

Community Values

As a parent in Rochester Hills, I respect the fact that Mayor Bryan Barnett, and his family, are active members in our community. I have come across the mayor and his family at many community events, even when he is not performing “mayor duties.”

This shows that the mayor and his family truly love and care about our city, which is exactly the type of person I want leading our Rochester Hills. I, also, greatly respect the fact that his children attend Rochester Community Schools. This proves that he is just as proud of our great school system, its hard-working administration, teachers, and professionals, as the rest of the community with children in our school district. I want a leader who is a part of this community and values what it has to offer just like any other resident would. Mayor Barnett has proven that he is that type of leader.

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Another thing I am quite proud of is that Mayor Barnett has invested in public safety and has helped get us the title of “The Safest City in Michigan.” Our own public safety members recognize the importance and value in this title under Barnett’s administration. Rochester Hills Professional Firefighters Local 3472 have come out saying they officially endorse Mayor Barnett for a third term. Not only as a resident, but as a parent raising children in this community, that means A LOT to me!

The Rochester Hills city website (www.rochesterhills.org) has information regarding this issue that is readily available for residents to view. The city office is also open to any questions people might have in regards to this matter. I encourage people to get informed before blindly following what others are telling you to think as part of a campaign strategy. A candidate should be elected because of what he will do for our community (or has proven to do) and not because he has attempted to minimize the qualities of the other candidate.

Some things to keep in mind when you go to vote on Tuesday, November 3rd. Under Mayor Barnett’s administration:

• Our city’s bond rating has improved to AAA (the highest that can be received)
• We have one of the lowest tax rates in relation to other cities of our size
• Over 5000 new jobs have come to our city and our unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the state
• We are one of the 10 best places to live in America
• We are the safest city in Michigan
• We are the No 1 recycling city in Michigan

At this point, and the amount of success our city has had, it would be like pulling a pitcher when he’s in the middle of a no-hitter. It just doesn’t make sense. On November 3rd, let’s write-in, fill-in, and keep a good thing going with Bryan Barnett!

— Amanda Shankin, Rochester Hills

Inspiring Others to Dream, Learn, Do, Become More

I am writing in support of Mayor Bryan Barnett for the upcoming mayoral election. There are many reasons I believe Mayor Barnett is the best man for the job, but at the top of the list is his ongoing goal to make Rochester Hills the preeminent place to live, work, and raise a family. My wife and I realize how fortunate we are to belong to a community where the Mayor shares our values, and family is applauded and celebrated by its leadership.

When speaking of leadership, President John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Based on that definition, Mayor Barnett is clearly a leader.

From my time serving on the Rochester Hills City Council, I can honestly say Mayor Barnett takes nothing for granted. His commitment to serve our city never falters and with him leading the way, we just keep getting better and better. To that I say, job well done and let’s keep this good thing going!

I urge you to join me in writing in Bryan Barnett for Mayor on November 3!

— Nathan Klomp, Rochester Hills

Mayor Exceeds Expectations

As a long-term member of our community, I am writing to share my strong support for Bryan Barnett in the upcoming mayoral election. I have known Mayor Barnett for many years and have watched him work tirelessly for the good of our city. I can honestly say Mayor Barnett has exceeded our expectations as to what city government is able to achieve.

I believe the Mayor’s unprecedented success is due to his strong moral and personal character. His relentless commitment to excellence and dedication to service are evident in all he does. His love of family, church, and community is the foundation on which he stands for leading Rochester Hills. During his administration, we have been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for being a great place to live. This winning strategy does not happen by accident but by design, hard work, and commitment.

Mayor Barnett is a proven winner and I strongly urge you to join me in writing him in on November 3. Let’s keep this good (winning) thing going!

— John Modetz, Rochester Hills