~MARYANN KEPREOS~ ~Oakland and Macomb Homes~

Dear Neighbor,

I just received this e-mail from my state representative, Pete Lund. Anytime I can pass on valuable information, I will. This is free and can apply to anyone living in Macomb County. Have you ever wondered about why your taxes are higher than your neighbors?? This is the workshop for you. It will help you understand how to appeal your taxes. In this down economy, everyone can use some help. Bring a friend, family or co-worker. Hope to see you there...

In order to accommodate residents, we will host four events:

• Saturday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Shelby Township Municipal Office, located at 52700 Van Dyke Road;
• Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1 to 2:45 p.m. at the Shelby Township Municipal Office, located at 52700 Van Dyke Road;
• Monday, Feb. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Washington Township Hall, located at 57900 Van Dyke Road; and
• Monday, Feb. 22 from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the Washington Township Hall, located at 57900 Van Dyke Road.

Property values have fallen so much in recent years that many homeowners who normally wouldn't bother to appeal their assessment actually stand a good chance of lowering their property taxes. These workshops are a great opportunity for homeowners to learn how to effectively appeal their assessment. Although we cannot guarantee your appeal will be successful, we will have experts on hand to assist you in the process.

You may also download a free, easy-to-understand instructional guide that explains how homeowners may appeal their property tax assessment by visiting www.gophouse.com/lund.htm and clicking the "Publications" link on the left.

For more information about the property tax workshop, please contact my office by calling toll free 1-888-MICH-REP (1-888-642-4737) or e-mail petelund@house.mi.gov

Looking for something to do this Labor Day Weekend? Looking for something that is cheap and fun for the whole family? Check out the Romeo Peach Festival in downtown Romeo, Michigan. The whole weekend has plenty to do, close to home, and is a blast. Small downtown Romeo will have carnival rides, a car show, and plenty of yummy peach pie. It is a great way to re-group with the family before school on Tuesday. Wear your walking shoes. Enjoy!!

Did you hear the news?? Our very own Rochester, Michigan has been voted one of America's best small towns to live!! Take a look at www.CNNMoney.com for the complete article. Rochester is #52 out of 100 acres of parkland small towns. The artice sites the 82 acres of parkland gardens, and natural beauty. If you have ever walked down main street or attended a "Dancing in the Streets" summer event, you would know the reason why!! Rochester has a great community spirit that in these troubled times is refreshing. Congrats Rochester!! You are truly a great town to live and work in. Hopefully, the positive press with help with home and business values. Come visit me in Rochester...

www.MaryannKepreos.com

It is always a pleasure to report when a project is completed on time. It is a greater pleasure to report when that project is completed before the due date. Today the 26 Mile Bridge and Ramp has officially opened. It has been closed for months. The bridge was not to be finished before Labor Day weekend. My many thanks to the construction workers, planners and anyone that pushed this project to be finished ahead of schedule. The northern macomb county area relies on this bridge for easy flow from east to west. It has changed everyone's daily route who lives and works in this area.

Thanks again!!

O.K. It has happened again to me today. Leaving for a client's home, I wanted to exit at the ramp at 26 Mile Rd. and remembered that it was closed. Yes, I have been blogging about it for awhile. I have reminded my friends, clients, and family many, many times. This is not the first time or second, maybe the fifth or sixth time it happened to me. Today, I smiled. I should have known. I do know, but in my rush to get from place A to B, it stopped me in my tracks. It slowed me down and let me take a few minutes to re-group. How has the closure of the bridge been affecting your life? I know some businesses on 26 Mile Rd. and it is hurting their pocket books. Was this good timing with summer fast approaching and the park at the end of Mound Rd. What do you think?