First, this is a critical program for low-income individuals that, paired with LIHEAP, enables them to meet their heating and other energy usage needs. It is truly a community service type of program that needs to have staff administering it who are accustomed to dealing directly with this group of county customers. As much as I admire Tony VanDerworp, his department is basically made up of planners. Their job skills are different.

Also, as noted in this story, the program just received $4 million dollars in federal stimulus money. This may look tempting to some commissioners who have become skillful at finding money for favored programs like SPARK and other economic development programs even as they cut essential services. I feel better about those dollars remaining in a separate department.

Finally, it is disturbing to see Conan Smith make this suggestion, since Smith’s own organization, Michigan Suburbs Alliance, is on track to administer other energy grants on behalf of Washtenaw County, as reported earlier by the Chronicle [Link] This could have the appearance of a potential conflict of interest.

I have great faith in Verna McDaniel, whose capabilities I am familiar with, to make the right call. I hope that she does not receive undue pressure from commissioners to do otherwise.

It is sad to hear your thoughts on ETCS. It would be helpful to have more detail. Feel free to call me at 646-2088.