To the Editor:

I am writing in regard to the article in The St. Ignace News entitled "Mackinaw City Council Challenges Williams' Appointment to MISPC." Having grown up in Mackinaw City, I was very disappointed and embarrassed to learn of the request and overall behavior of the city council asking for Jim Williams to step down from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. I believe Jim Williams would be a highly qualified person to sit on the Mackinac Island State Park Commission for the following reasons:

First, the mission of the Mackinac State Historic Parks is "to protect, preserve and present Mackinac's rich cultural and natural resources to provide outstanding educational and recreational experiences for the public."

What better candidate for this position than Jim Williams, who has a degree in history and who has at one time taught children. The park system will only benefit from Father Williams being on the commission because he will want to ensure that history is kept alive for future generations at all of the Mackinac State Historic Park Sites.

I understand this from a teacher's perspective, but also from a person who worked for Mackinac State Historic Parks for eight years. I believe he will help keep alive the vision that directors like Dr. Eugene Peterson, Dr. David Armour (assistant director and interim director), Carl Nold, and Phil Porter worked so hard to establish over the years.

In regard to Father Williams not being involved in Saint Anthony's Parish, that is an issue you will have to take up with the bishops. Father Williams has been involved in your community, if you look. He has been present at hockey games and elementary school events.

He has married some of your young people; he has baptized some of the grandchildren of the community; he has prayed with the families of the community when friends and loved ones have been sick, and he has buried your loved ones and grieved with you at your time of loss. I cannot fathom how you can imply this man is not a member of your community.

I have worked with Jim Williams in the past and known him since I was a child. You will not find a more proactive man that will work with you to achieve your goals. Go to the table, sit down and talk with Father Williams, and he will hear you out.

You should have no worries of digressing to "pre-1958" status, if your needs are beneficial for Mackinac State Historic Parks.

In closing, let us all remember that the job of a Mackinac Island State Park Commissioner is to be a guardian to protect and preserve all Mackinac State Historic Park sites and to keep living history alive in the Straits Area for future generations!

Michelle LaTocha

St. Ignace