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(Editor’s Note: Mary Beth Milliken writes to defend two members of her family — JP Milliken and Jay Milliken — who she says were maligned in a story on Old Mission Gazette and on the NextDoor app. Read on for her thoughts. -jb)
In the interest of truth and fairness, I am writing to defend two family members who were maligned in a recent story on Old Mission Gazette and on NextDoor.
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Isaiah Wunsch (the township supervisor who wrote on NextDoor) and Jim Floraday (who wrote a lengthy piece for the Gazette) have both suggested that the only reason JP Milliken is running for trustee is because he wants to change ordinances to allow him to remodel a home he owns on Peninsula Drive.
The backstory is that he was given approval for the project, spent substantial amounts to draw up plans and in demolition based on that approval, only to later learn that the Township was withdrawing that approval.
Unfortunately, this has not been an uncommon occurrence for residents of the Old Mission Peninsula. Mr. Floraday went on to suggest that, if elected, JP Milliken would “scratch the back” of his nephew (Jay Milliken, one of the owners of the Seven Hills Community Center) in allowing Seven Hills Distilling to sell beer.
For the record, they should be able to sell beer on site given their liquor license and the commercial zoning of their property. Further, Seven Hills does not distill anything on site, nor does it intend to brew beer, as the Township continually insists they plan to do.
Neither JP Milliken nor Jay Milliken are interested in bending ordinances to suit their own needs. They are both honest and principled, in contrast to the accusations of Isaiah Wunsch and Jim Floraday, and they are willing to listen to all sides of an issue.
Both are interested in trustees, board members and planners who interpret the ordinances fairly and without changing them midstream, and who serve professionally, impartially, efficiently, transparently and without animosity or bias.
-Mary Beth Milliken
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Isaiah has responded to dishonest and aggressive attacks directed at the township and staff, including many times from Jay. Jay’s attack on Jim Floraday and Jane Boursaw yesterday shows that this is a pattern for him, not an exception.
While I understand that Jay and JP are both disappointed that they aren’t getting preferential treatment on their proposed projects, I trust that township leaders are in fact serving “professionally, impartially, efficiently, transparently and without animosity or bias.”
The election of JP will be the end of democracy on the peninsula!
Hi Sabina,
Respectfully, I believe you may have a misunderstanding, perhaps due to limited personal experience or a lack of time spent on Old Mission. Peninsula Township’s history and events are complex, and I assure you that I’ve been forthright in all my communications about township staff and Isaiah. Unfortunately, some dishonest and misleading remarks have come from within township “leadership.” You are correct that including Jane in my comment to Jim Floraday was inappropriate, and I have since apologized.
I stand by my public statements regarding issues within our township’s management, including concerns with poorly written and unenforceable ordinances and challenges within the board, planning commission, and other leadership roles. I believe it’s both my right and duty as a community member to hold our local government accountable and to advocate for governance that serves all residents’ best interests. My intent has always been to promote fair, professional, and transparent governance—not to seek preferential treatment for myself or anyone else. Unfortunately, some township “leaders” have not consistently acted “professionally, impartially, efficiently, transparently, and without animosity or bias.”
Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective. I hope this exchange helps clarify my intentions and opens the door to constructive dialogue moving forward.
Since we don’t know each other personally, perhaps we could meet or chat as neighbors and listen to each other. I’m certain we share many of the same views and hopes for our Peninsula. I’ve sent you a private message to connect. Thank you.