With the August primary less than a month away, the key issue among local candidates has become the argument of whether or not Macomb Township is "business-friendly."

Incumbent candidates say they are "pro-business," while challengers contend they would do better if given the opportunity. At last week's township board meeting, Macomb Township Clerk Michael Koehs used his comments to respond to anti-business accusations by citing statistics compiled by the township's community planning consultants and assessor's office.

"This whole thing about Macomb Township not being business-friendly seems to be being perpetrated by people who have their own axe to grind," Koehs said. "It's certainly not a result of looking up the record in Macomb Township."

Koehs said that according to township records, Macomb has added 690,834 square feet of available commercial space in the last six years, increasing the township's total to 2,228,529 square feet.

During the same time period, Koehs said the vacancy rate for commercial property dropped from 15.7 percent to 14.4 percent, despite the amount of available space having actually increased.

He also pointed to the addition of several major businesses, including Beaumont Medical Center, Lee-Ellena Funeral Home, Land Rover Dealership and multiple CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid locations.

"We know there are people spreading inaccuracies regarding our business community," Koehs said, in a written statement to the board and township residents. "They are telling these untruths in order to get into a position where they can benefit themselves and their friends."

Koehs ended his written address with this:

"Those business owners who have litigated the Township and do not wish to comply with the statutes and ordinance seem to be the 'loud voices' trying to paint Macomb Township in a negative light. Don't be taken in by self-serving people out for personal gain. Macomb Township is a very business friendly community!"

How do you view Macomb's business atmosphere?