Kalamazoo Opinion

Congressman Fred Upton needs to forcefully advocate cleaning up the Allied Paper landfill in Kalamazoo (Editorial)

2013-05-12T11:01:00Z

Kalamazoo's decision to allocate funding to advocate for removal of toxic waste from the Allied Paper site is a key decision, bu the fight also deserves more support from a key figure: U.S. Rep. Fred Upton.

Tim Skubick: Woman lieutenant governor candidate might make a difference in a tight race

2013-05-19T10:57:53Z

Picking a woman running mate in this governor’s contest could provide a meaningful contrast.

Andrew Heller: This isn't the president I thought I knew

2013-05-17T14:00:00Z

If I had the chance to say one thing to President Obama about his leadership and the actions of his administration in recent days, it would be "You're better than this."

Letter: EMS Week honors first responders who selflessly face chaos and danger

2013-05-17T11:00:00Z

The recent tragedies in Boston and West, Texas, are sobering reminders of the vital role Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals play in our lives.

Tim Skubick: Re-do of fireworks law should solve those 3 a.m. explosions

2013-05-17T10:38:28Z

Some local officials were inundated with citizen complaints because revelers set off legal fireworks at all hours of the day and night.

Showing documents to readers enhances stories, increases transparency

2013-05-16T15:10:44Z

By presenting the underyling documents directly to readers, particularly on a controversial story, we add a level of authenticity and transparency that serves us all.

Letter: Angela Davis not an appropriate keynote speaker for social justice

2013-05-16T11:00:00Z

One must wonder what the entrepreneur/capitalist who created the Stryker medical devices company would think of the jurist and former FBI most wanted perp Angela Davis, who was in town last week for the awarding of the first Global Prize for Collaborative Social Justice Leadership.

Tim Skubick: Gov. Engler's 'nickel' argument may help kill auto insurance reform

2013-05-16T10:38:42Z

It was one of the more unique attempts to derail the GOP attempt to change the state’s no fault car insurance system. It came from Dan Pero and John Truscott. Dan and John who? They were two stalwarts in...

Come Heller high water: Where were the lawsuits while Flint, Detroit were dying?

2013-05-15T15:30:00Z

The question, I guess, comes down to this: Is the right to “self-determine” your city into the ground absolute? I say it’s not.

Ken Braun: An 'Obama Boom' could lead to an unexpected energy legacy, deserved or not

2013-05-15T11:15:00Z

Soon, North America will produce more oil than it consumes and be functionally independent of overseas imports. Republicans and environmentalists will claim the president gets no credit. Even if right, few will listen.

Letter: Representatives owed citizens more respect in insurance hearings

2013-05-15T11:00:00Z

There is so much disrespect to the citizens of Michigan by this Republican legislature. I don't know if this frosts the cake or not.

Letter: Bill protects biotech firms, leaves humans and animals in danger

2013-05-15T11:00:00Z

In April, Obama signed a bill with a provision that protects biotech companies from litigation.

Letter: No-fault auto insurance reforms will be good for drivers

2013-05-15T11:00:00Z

Michigan's no-fault auto insurance system mandates the most generous benefits in the country; however, one of the greatest concerns is the cost.

Fight against EPA plan for Allied landfill requires money, community support; protest planned today

2013-05-15T11:00:00Z

Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney and Kalamazoo Public Services Director Bruce Merchant on Monday discussed the latest developments in city’s fight with the EPA over the Allied Paper landfill site. Protest planned for 5 p.m. Wednesday in Homecrest Circle.

Letter: Drivers shouldn't be forced to buy 'Cadillac' auto insurance

2013-05-15T11:00:00Z

Auto insurance rates in Michigan are too high, which has forced 20 percent of people to drive without insurance. Michigan is forcing every driver to purchase a "Cadillac" auto insurance plan that many drivers can't afford or don't need.

Tim Skubick: Michigan Common Core school standards face political headwinds in GOP

2013-05-15T10:30:00Z

The business community and other stakeholders are all in on Common Core, but lots of Republican lawmakers are caught in the crosshairs.

YWCA: Friends, family can help domestic violence victims after trauma (Guest column)

2013-05-14T17:31:34Z

"You can’t make a victim choose to end a relationship, but you can let them know what their choices are."

Viewpoint: Fluoridated water is a good, safe public investment

2013-05-14T11:00:00Z

Today, 120,000 people in the greater-Kalamazoo area use municipal water, placing them among the 75 percent of Americans who drink fluoridated water provided by public water systems.

Letter: Only science used in wolf hunt legislation is political science

2013-05-14T11:00:00Z

For those who think that Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission can be counted upon to make its wildlife management decisions based strictly on science, consider that the NRC is not accountable to voters nor immune to politics.

Viewpoint: 2013 Borgess Run for the Health of It gave a new perspective

2013-05-14T11:00:00Z

I have a newfound perspective and appreciation for the Borgess Run for the Health of It events: First, I am a newly elected official and longer an anonymous runner. Secondly, I was an injured runner this year.

Viewpoint: It's spring, think bicycle safety

2013-05-14T11:00:00Z

With Kalamazoo Bike Week 2013 upon us, you may see even more bicyclists than usual, riding on the roads. So, I want to share some of my favorite bike safety tips with motorists and bicyclists alike.