Archive: Opinions

In her letter of June 8, 2012 posted on the Lansing Star’s 'Opinions' page, Yasamin Miller made a number of inaccurate allegations relating to the recent election of Trustees to the Village of Lansing Board. On June 14, 2012, the Village of Lansing Community Party wrote a response to Ms. Miller’s letter that is posted on the Star. As a member of the Village of Lansing Community Party, and as a private individual, I am writing to correct further the inaccurate statements made in paragraph 5 of Ms. Miller’s letter.

Ms. Miller refers to an event held at Northwood Apartments on April 21, 2012. A sign advertising the event was posted at the entrance to Northwood Apartments. The person who was installing the sign directed me to the meeting location; I therefore inferred it was not a private gathering. A total of five people attended the event. When I met the two candidates from the Voice of the People party, I introduced myself as Anne Furry, former Mayor of the Village of Lansing (contrary to Ms. Miller’s letter, my first name is not Mary). I stated that I was there to meet the candidates and learn their views on the issues. After listening to the candidates’ statements, I responded that it was my understanding that the Village Board of Trustees had not yet acted on what appeared to be the major issue at hand (which related to the possible development of property adjacent to Dart Drive). I said that I trusted the Board’s thoroughness and judgment in this matter. I was in no way critical of Ms. Miller (or of Mr. Goodell as the other VOP candidate). A statement Ms. Miller attributed to me (i.e., an explanation of “Why I could not vote for Ms. Miller”) was actually made by another attendee at the event and not by me. Having had substantial experience in a wide variety of Village and Board matters over many years, I can honestly say that the discussions at the event were not argumentative, belligerent or offensive in any way. Additionally, I have always supported every effort by Village residents to express their opinions (regardless of the specifics of those opinions), and to broaden the debate.

I would be happy to provide further clarification of any other matter included in Ms. Miller’s June 8 letter, if such is needed.

Sincerely,

Anne Furry
Former Mayor and Trustee
of the Village of Lansing, 1975-1989

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