Fix ‘dark store’ loophole

To the Journal editor:

At the heart of our Christian faith is the belief that our relationship with God should be a mirror for the way we live in community with one another. We respect the dignity of each person because we see the face of God on our neighbor. We share the bounty of our work with one another because we believe that the source of abundance and life itself is God, and that we are stewards of those gifts.

The ‘dark store’ tax valuation reductions will affect every part of our communities: education, public safety, public health, infrastructure repairs and improvements, transportation, senior and youth services, libraries, veterans services-it appears there is no one who will be untouched.

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan and its 24 churches in the Upper Peninsula are supportive of the businesses and municipalities across the U.P. that provide jobs, services and products for our population. We believe that businesses of all sizes can and should be engaged and productive members in the local and regional communities.

We call on business leaders to see the broader implications of the ‘dark stores’ ruling, and to work together with governments and service providers to strengthen our communities. What harms the community is ultimately detrimental to the business itself.

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan urges our state legislators to actively protect and maintain our current level of services to our communities and to work diligently to support your constituents and our local communities.

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan urges citizens to contact their local and state legislators to encourage those who make our laws to work justly as we all strive to provide services for the betterment of society.

On behalf of the people of The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan.

RAYFORD J. RAY, BISHOP

and RISE THEW FORRESTER, Communications