The Niles Star

Why the absent vote?

Dear editor:

It’s been no secret to me in the more than 60 years I’ve been around here that a certain clique exists within the Berrien County Board of Commissioners that will, and has, favored the north county in every way possible.

Take county commissioner John LaMore, who was elected to represent Niles Charter Township’s best interests. Knowing that his constituents were opposed to the proposed new Berrien County campus’ location, and that his “no” vote would upset the “go along to get along” commissioners group, he absented himself from the vote. In my opinion, he did this so that in the coming campaign for re-election he could claim he opposed the campus’ location and did not vote for it. Now John, you can make up an excuse for your absence, but the very next day your picture was in the paper at the Fort St. Joseph dig for old artifacts.

The cause for the “no” vote for sewer and water for the Shawnee/Berrien Springs area years ago was for entirely different reasons. With the commissioners now wanting to spend $750,000 on this north county campus puts an entirely new reason for sewer and water there. These county commissioners have commented on the shortage of funds to the point of returning some of our roads to gravel. But, all of a sudden they have $750,000 for a projected need 20 years down the road. Where are the brains of this north county clique?

The board of commissioners clique wanted John to vote for spending $750,000 on the project, but they knew his constituents did not want it and it would cripple  his re-election chances come fall. I believe he took the coward’s way out by not attending and publicly showing his disdain for his constituents’ desires. This way he could honestly say he did not vote for spending that $750,000, hoping no one asked, “Why didn’t you vote ‘no,’ John?”

Now, let me be clear about this. John LaMore was not disabled. The very next day, he was attending a Fort St. Joseph artifact dig. His picture was in the paper, along with other dignitaries at this dig. Speak up John — where were you? Tell us John, why you can’t say “no” when obligated, but you could schmooze and get your picture in the paper.

Let me be clear once more. The majority of Niles Charter Township residents are opposed to spending $750,000 that we don’t have on a project 20 years down the road when we can’t keep our roads repaired. John LaMore was elected to represent the majority interests of his constituents. Why John, was it so difficult to just stand up and say “no” on our behalf?

I’m sure John LaMore would like to be remembered.

Glen Edquist

Niles