Letter Writer Must Get Facts Right

Veteran Impressed by Appreciation To the Editor:

Mary! Mary! Mary! Please get your facts straight before rambling on about something you really don’t know much about. First of all, city employees cannot cash in an unlimited amount of accumulated sick and vacation time when retiring. The amount they can accumulate and cash in is dependent upon their length of service to the community, with a maximum of 105 days of sick time. My accumulated sick time, by the way, is 71 days, which I will be receiving over a three-month period. Secondly, this system was in place long before I worked for the city and was negotiated by employees in previous union contracts and was not instituted by me. Thirdly, this pay is not in addition to any other pay because there isn’t any other pay. Fourthly, time sheets are turned in for every employee verifying their attendance record, including myself. Finally, the millage levy is the same for 2006 as it has been for at least the last 15 years and there will not be a millage increase.

This system is not unique to just the city and is used by the state, county, and private business. I would caution the editor to check the facts before publishing letters or any other information that is not verified. You To the Editor:

On Thursday, December 22, the St. Ignace Varsity Boys Basketball Team invited the local veterans to a lasagna dinner and to the JV and Varsity basketball game against Escanaba. As a veteran who attended the function, I was very impressed by this sincere expression of appreciation by Coach Ingalls, his coaching staff, and the basketball players. They did a fine job of serving, and then joined the veterans in enjoying a delicious meal. We are extremely fortunate to have a group of teachers and coaches in this community who are doing a wonderful job of instilling proper values in our young people.

John Monville

St. Ignace must also consider the source.

Gary L. Heckman

St. Ignace City Manager Mr. Heckman refers to a letter from Mary Nichols of St. Ignace that was published in the December 22 edition.