Senator Lana Theis speaks to area residents at Sharon Township Hall

Peter Psarouthakis, Sharon Township Supervisor, and State Senator Lana Theis at a coffee hour held in Sharon Township on Sept. 25. (Courtesy photo)

submitted by Carol Westfall

Senator Lana Theis (R-22) held an in-person coffee hour (complete with masks and social distancing) on September 25 at the Sharon Township Hall. Several local residents and Sharon Township officials attended the meeting, which included a good give and take between Theis and the audience.

It quickly became clear that one specific issue was on the minds of most attendees: Senate Bill 431, a bill that as now written, would reduce or eliminate local zoning oversight of gravel and mine operations in the State of Michigan. Residents noted there are numerous gravel pits and mine operations in the area and recognized their value to the community and state.

“Of course, we need gravel,” one commented. They voiced concerns, however, about past problems with some (but not all) of those gravel and mine operations, including excessive noise and truck activity, questionable gravel and mining operation practices, and risks to the environment and water table. They were adamant about the need to maintain local oversight of those operations and urged Theis to vote NO on SB 431.

Freedom Township residents expressed an immediate concern about a proposed gravel/mine expansion proposal that could negatively impact the historic, 150-year old Bethel Church, located at the intersection of Bethel Church and Schneider Roads in Freedom Township.

“The church was here first and should be protected,” said Fred Munson. “Surely, they can go somewhere else.”

Theis said she will check out existing law regarding church protections and also noted that she was not familiar with details of SB 431, since she does not sit on that committee and the bill has not yet come out of committee. Residents unanimously urged her to vote NO on SB 431 should it come to the Senate for a vote.

“It would be disastrous for Michigan,” one noted. “Why is this bill even being considered? Why is it even needed?” asked another.

On other subjects, Theis noted that her office has spent a great deal of time problem solving unemployment issues (due to COVID-19) for district residents.

“There are so many sad stories out there,” she said. She was pleased to see the state budget pass, and pass with a good bipartisan effort. It included significant cuts, but they were able to provide funding protections to give schools foundational stability.

Theis added that there will continue to be state budget challenges until the economy rebounds.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.