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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN November 9, 2023

ROMULUS - SUMPTER
ROMULUS - SUMPTER

March on

Members of the Romulus High
School Marching Eagles will
be getting up early Nov. 23.
The Marching Eagles will be
part of the 97th America's
Thanksgiving Parade present-
ed by Gardner White The band
will march with the parade
through the streets of down-
town Detroit beginning at 8:45
a.m. The traditional event
always takes place on
Thanksgiving morning to offi-
cially welcome the holiday sea-
son. The parade theme this
year is "A Heart of History" and
the entire celebration can be
viewed on Channel 4 WDIV.
Following the parade, the pub-
lic can vote online for the best
marching band in the parade.

Early voting law could be costly for township

Early voting will be available During the meeting, trustees on the agenda item, he said he
to Sumpter Township residents expressed their frustration at ” was doing in “under protest.”
during the 2024 Presidential the state mandated early voting While the state legislators approved the measure, Trustee Matt Oddy was also
Election, but the cost isn't popu- rules allowing for 9 days of in- critical of the new voting regula-
lar with members of the board of person voting in addition to the they did not approve or supply any funding tions. He said that while the
trustees. usual Election Day opportunity. toward the increased expenses state legislators approved the
State voters approved Township Clerk Ester Hurst measure, they did not approve
Proposition 2 which included noted that proving staffing and or supply any funding toward
the extended in-person voting equipment is now law in the the increased expenses
on the 2022 ballot and the meas- state, but the measure would be legislation would have a serious state mandate offensive and required to comply with the new
ure becomes mandatory with “a headache” for her depart- financial impact as there are claimed the cost could be as procedures. Oddy said each of
the election next year. ment. In addition, municipali- three elections set for next year. much as $6,000 for staffing for the 735 townships in Michigan
Municipalities must now offi- ties must now apply postage to She said the township would the added election days in addi- would be facing new expenses.
cially adopt the new procedures all absentee ballots which are have to hire an increased staff of tion to the unknown cost of vot- Township Treasurer Bart
by state law. Sumpter trustees mailed to voters. Hurst said with election workers at $12 an hour ing equipment. Rush said he felt Patterson agreed with Rush and
were asked to vote to officially the increase in postal rates, this for 8 hours on each of the that voters were not aware of the Oddy. He said voters didn't
adopt the new procedures dur- could be another expense in her increased election days. impact of the question on the understand the question. when
ing a meeting last month. department. Hurst said the new Trustee Tim Rush called the 2022 ballot. While he voted yes voting for the proposal last year.

Train standards for railways. the urgent need for stricter said the derailment “obviously neighbors now.”
“I am extremely frustrated
laws and regulations regarding
represents a breakdown in the
“Our base jobs as elected
officials is to make sure our
system.” He said the deteriorat-
freight rail. I'm relieved that
and disappointed to hear about
FROM PAGE 1 yet another train derailment in there was no hazardous waste ing infrastructure throughout communities are kept safe,”
my community,” said state Rep. spilled, but as we know from the country was in need of McCraight said. “How do we
Reggie Miller, D-Van Buren similar accidents, we are not attention and added, “The keep the community safe when
Following the Romulus Township. always so lucky. This situation bipartisan infrastructure law we don't see enough federal
derailment last week, state and “The startling frequency is untenable, and it must will be bringing much-needed oversight on these railways to
federal officials issued state- with which we experience change.” funds to the rail system, but we make sure that our public
ments urging stricter safety these incidents underscores U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar need to ensure the safety of our remains safe?”