This letter is in response to the negative letter written by Clinton Buechler about St. Clair Township.

During my four years in office, I have focused on repairing or resurfacing deteriorating roads. Peole who drive the township will be impressed to see all of the work that has been accomplished. We still cut grass and sweep streets, but I have redirected some of this labor into road repair. I simply believe that repairing roads should be the top priority of the township.

During my tenure, three road employees have retired and I have not replaced them. I used the saved money to hire private sector union contractors to do major road resurfacing projects that the township is not equipped to do internally. This is one of the reasons we have been able to make so many improvements so quickly.

Two examples of how the township helps neighboring municipalities: When I do a road project that has a small piece of the road in another municipality, I always offer to include that small section of the road in my larger bid so they can repair their section at a lower cost. Then I oversee the project at no cost to the neighboring community because I will be out on the job site anyway. We have also shared our concrete leveling equipment with other municipalities.

Mark Burk

St. Clair Township

Highway Commissioner

Belleville