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The Township Mindset

December 03, 2004

The Holland Sentinel always provides me good fodder for planning talk.

The West Michigan Strategic Alliance is a regional, non-profit group that seeks to promote regional government cooperation across West Michigan. I specify NON-PROFIT. Why? Because of the township mindset, presented beautifully by Mr. Ed. Marsilje:

Marsilje, a long-time Park Township resident and former township board member, hasn’t been shy about looking at the alliance with a critical eye.

Marsilje said he’s still concerned that the alliance is merely another layer of government.

“I hope the townships never lose their sovereignty,” Marsilje said.

“There is a lot to be gained by doing joint, collaborative efforts but the bottom line is that Park Township really has to keep in mind what’s good for Park Township,” said Marsilje, saying that applies to all the smaller units of government.

Isn’t that just wonderful? However, I see a glimmer of hope in a man whom I happened to vote for this fall - John Van Iwaarden, a Park Township board member:

“It’s a much more far-reaching thing than it was in the beginning. They’re doing good work and want to continue to grow … we used to talk about the triplex, but now it’s expanded to seven counties,” he said.

When the alliance was formed, its focus was on the so -called “triplex” area of Holland, Grand Rapids and Muskegon, but the area of focus has now grown to include the counties of Barry, Ionia and Newaygo.

Van Iwaarden doesn’t believe the alliance is out to wrestle power from smaller governments.

“I don’t agree with that at all. I don’t think the alliance is trying to take power away from anybody. I think they’re trying to include us — to better the region.

“I feel strongly (the alliance) is attempting to make this whole seven-county region more unified, to give us a stronger voice,” Van Iwaarden said.

Thank You, Mr. Van Iwaarden, for making me feel like I voted for the right man, and for realizing that regional colaboration is a GOOD thing.

Posted by paul at December 3, 2004 04:25 PM

Comments

Brandon said on December 4, 2004 05:27 PM

Frankly, I wouldn't mind taking a heck of a lot of power from the townships.

Is WMSA a COG that makes decisions on regional transportation funding allocations and the like, or is it even weaker/more limited?

Paul said on December 4, 2004 06:31 PM

It is not a government-entity whatsoever... hence the NON-PROFIT stance... duh. It is just a bunch of West Michigan citizens and companies who are promoting regional collaboration.

rob said on December 6, 2004 08:39 PM

Paul,
What is your take on cluster housing?

-Rob

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