Letter to the Editor: Ludington’s Artful Dodger

Letters to the editor are opinion editorials submitted by readers. Letters to the editor are a long tradition in American journalism. The views and opinions of the writer do not necessarily reflect those of Mason County Press, its staff or its parent company. For more information, please refer to MCP’s Letter to the Editor Policy.

Dear Editor,

A little while ago I read a letter to the editor published in a local newspaper that was in response to a letter written by City Councilor Wally Cain. The respondent was mentioned in Councilor Cain’s letter as Cain discussed the skewed  interpretation of that individual’s perception of Ludington, titling it “A Tale of Two Cities,” referencing Charles Dickinson’s famous novel.

I am always inspired by champions of the people and classic literature references, and for someone to present himself as such certainly grabbed my attention. I often attend the “coffee with the councilors” events that occur on the Thursday of the month at the Book Mark in downtown Ludington. A lot can be learned at these sessions, and I encourage anyone and everyone to attend at least one, even if you believe you have nothing to contribute.

There are a lot of things happening in Ludington, and as taxpayers we all have the right to voice how we would like our taxes to be spent. The elected city councilors are not always in agreement and have a range of political viewpoints, much like the rest of this city (and our country as well). While this might seem to slow the process on some things, I respect the range of perspectives and opinions that the citizens of Ludington bring to the table, and when this is conducted in a civilized and constructive way it makes me unspeakably proud of the people here.

Fortunately, for anyone who doesn’t want to attend a public government forum but is curious about what is discussed, the city of Ludington website is a helpful tool. Pulling up www.ludington.mi.us will lead you to the city’s homepage, where there is a drop down menu with an option to view minutes and agendas of all meetings. That’s right: if you have the time you can read all of the minutes every year dating back to (this is not a joke, amazingly) 1912. There is also a search bar to find key words in a hurry.

I have seen many great changes in Ludington enacted by citizens who proactively and collaboratively work to bring their visions of a better, healthier city to fruition.

Unfortunately, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about voicing opinions. The public forums are a great platform for the people, but they can also be a great platform for attention seekers – think less Bob Cratchit and more Artful Dodger.

Jack Dawkins, better known as the Artful Dodger, is a character in Dickens’s 1838 novel “Oliver Twist.”  The Dodger is a pickpocket and his nickname refers to his skill and cunning in that occupation.

When an individual makes a career out of lawsuits against the government, that money doesn’t just come from nowhere. Thanks to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any citizen can make an inquiry — once again through the city’s website — into how much any one individual has cost the taxpayers of Ludington. When I made my own inquiry, the city staff was helpful and prompt in researching, assembling, and presenting the information I was looking for, namely how much money the citizens of Ludington have had to shell out to feed one individual’s need for attention and money.

In the case of our Artful Dodger, in less than 10 years’ time and just in the city of Ludington, that number is $286,522.33. While I do not have figures for other Mason County municipalities, this same individual has cost the taxpayers of the entire county, the City of Scottville, and area school districts thousands of dollars. He has also cost individuals thousands as well. Individuals whose only intent has been to serve their community for very little, if no, pay.

Perhaps he really does, in his own mind, believe he is a true hero of the people – a crusader on a quest to enact change through financial protest. However, after testimonials from harassed elementary school librarians, citizens attacked through social media, and government officials followed to their homes, I felt it important to bring this knowledge to the public. This letter is not meant as a personal attack, and I encourage the Artful Dodger to continue to utilize his right to freedom of speech, one of the single greatest foundations of our nation.

When we as citizens come together proactively and collaboratively, we can enact true change together – and he is no exception. But I am not the first to wonder about his true intentions, and the more people I speak with about their discomfort that borders on fear of what such a bully might do to them, the more I am convinced that it serves the public to bring to light this truth.

Everyone has a right to voice their opinion and work towards positive change in their community, and it is a truly wonderful thing to fight for one’s beliefs. However, when the cost to the citizens is not only over a quarter of a million dollars, but also peace of mind, it is my hope that the Artful Dodger can reflect on his actions and the transparency of his own intentions to bring the positive changes he also wishes to see.

As a post script, I should add that depending on the FOIA request and how much labor and materials go towards the request itself the city may attach a fee deemed appropriate, as stated on the website, to cover some of the costs. Between the time that I made my own FOIA request and the time I am publishing this letter, our Dodger has filed yet another lawsuit against the city, continuing his crusade of pocketing the taxpayers’ dollars. This time it is for the noble cause of “excessive FOIA request fees”. My plea for this man to see reason, to champion for his community and not for himself, is stronger than ever.

Sincerely,

Nicki Danyluk

Ludington

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