CLYDE
WELFORD
FOR
COUNTY COMMISSIONER
DISTRICT 7
VILLAGE OF BALDWIN
The Issues
TRAFFIC
Citizens of Baldwin have been complaining for decades about the flashing traffic light at the intersection of M – 37 and US 10. I agree with the vast majority of residents that a traffic (solid red ) light should have alternating signals that would allot motorists entering the intersection a fair amount of time to proceed. Otherwise, motorists may become anxious, frustrated and exhaust an inordinate amount of time waiting for the flow of traffic to end. Usually, it’s the traffic coming from the north on M- 37 and the flow of traffic proceeding north on M- 37 that creates the back up for motorists stalled waiting to go through the intersection.
8th Street Bridge: Washed Out
“I am going to fix the damn Bridge!!” Fixing the 8th Street Bridge is very important. Currently residents have to travel a lot of extra miles to reach their destination. With the current price of gasoline, this isn’t good. It is especially essential for residents living in the area that presently have to travel 7 miles going east on Baldwin Rd., turn left on Forman Rd. for approximately a mile to US 10. Turn left on heading west on US 10 another 7 miles to get to Baldwin’s Business District area. Here’s the kicker, the exact same process in reverse has to be initiated to return home. EMS, law enforcement and the fire department will encounter these same obstacles, putting area residents in peril.
"Got the damn bridge FIXED!"
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Another issue I’d like to address is the lack of recreational/educational venues and activities in the area. Baldwin is the county seat (the governmental center) of Lake County. It wouldn’t be unusual for the residents in the most densely populated region of the county to have access to state- of-the-art libraries, such as the ones that exist in neighboring Mason County to the west, and Mecosta County on the east. Libraries can fundamentally change the trajectory of an individual’s life chances and the community at large. By enriching and providing road maps as well as leisure for the minds of inquisitive readers, libraries should be supported, invested in and treasured more in our community.
Lake County Animal Shelter
The Lake County Animal Shelter is a temporary home for animals. This shelter preserves the life of healthy and treatable animals. The shelter is currently home to 25-30 cats and dogs. It is located in the poorest County in Michigan. Perhaps it could be said better. The resources it take to maintain a viable facility such as the shelter are extremely necessary, especially since Lake County’s resources are well below average.
The average animal is interned at the shelter for 1-2 years, to 2-8 months depending on the breed. Smaller animals tend to get adopted faster than the larger ones.The median cost is about $16.00 per day to house only the canines. The facility located at 3390 S. Dog Track Rd. in Baldwin, MI could use financial support, to hire staff, supply medicine for sick animals and enlarge the facility. Like any organization entrusted with serving the public health, funds are essential to its well-being and survival.
Residents can adopt these loving animals by filling out an Adoption Application. After completing the Adoption Application, it will be reviewed within one to two days. An officer will contact applicants via phone or email in regards to approval /denial. Improve your community and public health by supporting your local Animal Shelter. 231-745-3079.
EDUCATION WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY
If someone were to ask, what was it that sparked my imagination and lit a flame in me so to speak? I would say unequivocally, “Field Trips.” I would like to see our school district acquire state and federal funding through grant writing, and otherwise, that would ensure every child in every grade K-!2 take at least one major field trip per year. Field trips to world renown venues such as, but not limited to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, Natural History, Art Institute, Botanic Gardens, Brookfield Zoo, Adler’s Planetarium, Museum of Photography and on and on and on… I’m a believer that life changing experiences can alter a child’s outlook and destiny. I’d like to see more adult education classes, not just in cooking & crocheting. I feel that everyone would benefit from a Civics course or two. Civics is the study of rights and duties of citizenship. I would even be willing to teach that course, if needed.
High Speed Broadband Internet
Historians will look back on this period of time and say that the 21st Century utilized technology in every aspect of modern life. None will refute the major impact the internet have on us daily. From checking our bank statements to paying bills, from forecasting the weather to communicating with friends in every corner of the world.
If airplanes and other forms of transportation has brought the world closer together, then the internet has placed the galaxy and all of its inhabitants in your living room, so to speak. Every resident of Lake County should enjoy affordable high speed broadband internet without exception if they desire it. In some of Lake County’s 15 precincts, internet service is sketchy, and yet in some area it is still none-existent.
Let’s communicate to the powers that be, saying that we and our children deserve 21st Century Technology and Service that surrounding counties enjoy.
THE FUTURE
A long term goal I’d set for the Village of Baldwin, anticipating its projected growth is a “planetarium“. Now you can rest. Sit back, relax and dream knowing that inquisitive minds will carry on. I want to ensure that the USPS continues to deliver our mail in a timely manner while continuing to focus on the quality and privacy of our mailing system. All citizens should be able to trust in our Federal Mailing Services and not worry about stolen, damaged or undelivered mail. I would like to take measures to STOP porch pirates who are stealing packages from our private property. When we order packages, we should never have to worry about someone stealing it upon delivery. Let’s work together to increase awareness, support our neighbors and help keep our eyes and ears open to stop the thievery within our community. I would like to see an increase in business development, affordable housing, and a surge in employment to further strengthen our community.
Something that also concerns me very much is global warming. Our community and the international community at large are behind the curve when it comes to reducing carbons in the atmosphere, which is choking the life out of our planet Earth. We need to get ahead of the curve! November 5 of this year will mark the 4th year of my personal, individual endeavor to save our planet with nonpolluting, energy saving, atmospheric stabilizing Solar Panels.
To date my solar panels have equated to eliminating 27, 536.6 lb. of Co2 Emissions. That’s equivalent to planting 208 trees and counting. There must be a way to increase and share this technology with residents of Baldwin. I will keep my finger on the pulse, researching and investigating ways and means to its fruition. Also, the bottom line that the average person is interested in is cost savings. Well, my energy bill for the past 3 months has been $ 0.00. For me that’s an average save of $1200.00 in the last 3 months. It can’t get much better than that! – See video. Let’s save our world.