Retired Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey is speaking out in support of the Lake Michigan College millage renewals set to be on the ballot next month.

Bailey has written a letter to the editor that’s he’s sending out to local newspapers and speaking to us about. He says with the current leadership of the Berrien County Republican Party vocally opposing the LMC millage, he wants it known the current group does not speak for him and many other Republicans around the county.

Bailey tells us he went to LMC back in the 70s and has always seen it as a beneficial institution to the community.

“It helps train police, fire, EMS, nurses,” Bailey said. “So those are good things. Plus, it helps train people that want to go into business. So I think it’s important and I’ve always voted for the millage and I will continue to vote for the millage.”

LMC is seeking a renewal of its operating millage and a renewal of its capital millage at 50% of its current rate. Bailey says he thinks the request from the college is reasonable.

“We’re blessed to live in this great county of Berrien County with so many people that work hard and that we have the opportunity to have a great community college here amongst us if we choose to send our children to it.”

In his editorial, Bailey says Lake Michigan College has been a trusted partner in the community for nearly 80 years. He adds we need a trained and educated workforce in the county, and LMC is one way that can be achieved.

Bailey is also opposing the Ax MI Tax ballot initiative that’s seeking to eliminate property taxes in Michigan altogether. Bailey says it would jeopardize police, fire, schools, parks, libraries, and programming for seniors. We have his letter to the editor below.