Councilwoman says former official had reasons for stirring crowd

Police officials were summoned and taken away from their patrol duties to monitor an angry crowd at town hall on June 12.

In my opinion former mayor Mike Kafton fueled an already angry crowd, showing disrespect and very poor judgment regarding maintaining order in a public setting.

As a prior elected official, he is familiar with the rules and regulations for conducting township business and yet disregarded them for personal gratification and recognition for reasons other than citizen concern and gypsy moth control.

When asked how the gypsy moth spraying was funded by his administration in 2006, he was hesitant to give the appropriate answer.

For the record, the answer needs to be clarified. Under his watch, Mr. Kafton funded the gypsy moth spraying from a trust fund, disregarding state budgetary guidelines.

It was stated by several people attending the Township Council meeting on June 12 that the spraying should have been funded no matter where the funds came from.

That kind of thinking justifies circumventing laws and explains why many municipalities are under ongoing investigations today.

I'm sure all residents would agree that laws are in place to protect them. There are budgetary laws to be followed to properly fund and spend taxpayers' money. To do otherwise shows total disregard for the law and disrespects law enforcement agencies.

When taxpayers' money is spent erroneously and with total disregard for internal controls and ignoring future township needs, a tax increase like the significant one the residents of Jackson inherited in 2006 is inevitable.

To publicly state that this administration could have fully funded the gypsy moth dilemma without figures in hand and to state that government officials have the almighty decisive power to fully address an "act of nature" makes me question Mr. Kafton's own personal concept of an elected official's power.

I for one will discuss with the mayor and members of the council what can be done to address the current damages and future control of gypsy moths.

Ann Updegrave

vice president

Township Council

Jackson