Welcome to Traverse Talks, where we dig deep into the stories that shape our world. Today, we're exploring the intersections of family legacy, environmental activism, and the complexities of memory through the lens of Merry Bell Clark's captivating memoir. In Dandelion Roots Run Deep. Clark takes us on a multi-generational journey of organic farming in the Midwest, blending her own reflections with the poignant writings of her mother. This is a story of resilience, from battling environmental challenges and advocating for change to navigating the intimate struggles of caregiving and Alzheimer's. Let's unravel these deeply personal and political threads with Merry Bell Clark herself.

What happens when a community's leaders face serious allegations? In this episode, we dive into the ethical dilemmas surrounding the Grand Traverse County Commissioner scandal and what it means for public trust. Should local officials act swiftly to maintain accountability, or wait for due process to unfold? We explore the tough decisions leaders must make and the impact on the community's faith in its government. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on ethics, leadership, and the power of transparency.

Commissioners debate the necessity of a closed session to discuss the legal and financial implications of airport bonding. Tensions rise as they address public transparency and the potential impacts on the county's bond rating.

In this episode of Traverse Talks, we delve into the serious allegations against Grand Traverse County Commissioner Rob Hentschel, who is under investigation for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. We unpack the timeline of events, including the allegations detailed in the incident report, the investigative process, and Hentschel's public denial of the accusations.

Our discussion explores broader themes such as the impact of allegations on public trust, the importance of transparency in leadership, and the challenges of ensuring justice for all parties involved in high-profile cases. With the case now referred to the Michigan Attorney General's Office for review, we examine the implications for governance and the community's response to these unfolding developments.

Join us as we navigate this complex and sensitive story, addressing the questions at the heart of this controversy.

In this episode, the Grand Traverse County commissioners discuss the challenges and perceived unfairness of the current per diem system for compensating commissioners. They debate and propose changes to the salary structure to better reflect the responsibilities and work performed by commissioners. Although they struggled to convene earlier in the year, the ad hoc committee's recommendations and various viewpoints from the commissioners spark a lively discussion about fair compensation. Additionally, they touch on budget concerns and the need for future reviews of elected officials' wages and benefits.

Deputy Health Officer Mike Leahy discusses the ongoing development of a local ordinance requiring inspections of onsite wastewater systems during property transfers. The ad hoc committee has refined the language to focus on properties within 500 feet of surface waters and is preparing for further legal and community feedback. The approach aims to gradually build inspection capacity without disrupting property transactions.

In this episode of Traverse Talks, Jim Horn reports on the Board of Commissioners meeting held on November 20, 2024. The discussion focuses on the contentious debate over funding for homelessness in Grand Traverse County, featuring key statements from Commissioner Walter, Commissioner Nelson, Commissoner Andrews, and Ashley Halliday Schmandt (Director of The Northwest Coalition to Reduce Homelesness). The meeting highlights both the support and the opposition from commissioners, ultimately resulting in a reduced request allocation for homelessness funding. But providing the first ever funding for this group.

Jim Horn and Bruce Moore break down the controversial $120 million expansion of Cherry Capital Airport, exposing financial missteps and misleading statistics. Learn how taxpayer money and county finances are at risk, and find out what citizens can do to prevent potential disaster.

Join us in Chris Cracchiolo's office as we dive into the local Grand Traverse County election results. We explore key races, candidate efforts, and the impact of living in political bubbles. Gain insights into future strategies and reflections on the recent elections. Chris is the Chairman of the Grand County Democrats.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Gary Howe from Traverse Together as we delve into the complexities of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and its implications for Traverse City. Learn about upcoming ballot proposals, the pros and cons of TIF projects, and the potential impact of public voting on these developments.

https://www.traversetogethertc.com