DetroitUncovered
This page was last updated: February 8, 2010
Charter Commission Schedule of Meetings in 2010
( partial listing)
UP DATED
February 9, 2010
Roberto Clemete Recreation Ctr
2631 Bagley
Detroit, MI 48216
February 23, 2010
EAST
Samaritan Center
5555 Conner St.
Detroit, Ml 48213-3487
6:00 p.m.
March 9, 2010
WEST
Michigan Teamsters Hall
2700 Trumbull Ave.
Detroit, MI 48221
6:00 p.m.
March 23, 2010
NORTHEAST
Heilmann Community Center
19601 Crusade
Detroit, MI 48205
6:00 p.m.
Email Addresses:
Cara Blount
Reggie Reg Davis
Ken Harris
Teola P Hunter
Ken Coleman
Jenice Mitchell Ford, Vice Chair
Freman Hendrix, Chair
JohnJohnson
Your Source for Information
Detroituncovered 'Live
Saturday's at 1:30pm on 1200 WCHB and streaming on line with your host
John Bennett and co-host Harold Sullivan.
And you can catch me at every Charter Commision Meeting.
Detroit Free Press Editorial reads like it's FEBE ( For Evans By Evans)
An Editorial in Today's Detroit Free Press is giving Police Chief Evans the credit for the change in the culture of crime in Detroit.
So we decided to play fact or fiction:
Detroit Free Press:
"Detroit has a long way to go before it can claim to be a safe city, but it has made significant progress under Police Chief Warren Evans,"
The first part of this statement is true , we do have a long way to go before we can be considered a safe city but its quite early to laud Evans for any significant progress.
Detroit Free Press:
"So far this year, homicides and non-fatal shootings are down about 30%, continuing a trend that emerged after Evans took office".
The Detroit Free reported that in the 3rd quarter of last year that shootings were down . Evans took over in the middle to end of the 3rd quarter. That would mean that shootings were already on a downward spiral when he became Chief.
Detroit Free Press:
"Evans has made some real changes in the culture and operations of the Detroit Police Department that have made a difference on the street and in the neighborhoods."
This statement sounds like they were given a script from Evans' PR firm. Continuing the bad practices of the past such as favoritism and nepotism and violating department ethics rules is not a change in the culture and operation of the department. In fact morale has been in the toilet since Evans became Chief.
Detroit Free Press:
"He took over a department plagued by inadequate response times, dismal homicide closure rates, poor relations with community, and insufficient progress in making the reforms called for by a federal consent decree."
Citizens are still unhappy with response times and the department has not gotten into full compliance on the consent decrees
Detroit Free Press:
"Evans has targeted gun crimes by adding 20 officers to the Gang Enforcement Unit, started daily intelligence sharing among police units, used data to identify gun crime hot spots, assigned SWAT team members to serve high-risk homicide warrants, impounded vehicles driven without licenses or registrations, and collaborated with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies."
Yes he's done these things and should be credited for being aggressive but citizens have yet to see real results in their neighborhood and on their blocks.
Detroit Free Press:
"Equally important, the chief has become a visible figure in Detroit, working hard to improve community relations."
There is no mistake on this one he is highly visible just as he was as the Sheriff but is this more for personal political gain? Targeting mid-level drug dealers gives him a better shot at getting on the tube but it does nothing for the elderly who are prisoners in their homes because a drug dealer is standing in front of their house or the store where they go to shop.
Detroit Free Press:
"A new police headquarters would also improve inter-departmental communications and morale".
Okay please explain how a new police headquarters will improve morale. This sounds like part of somebody's wish list.
You have to wonder in reading this editorial if the writer rides, walks or lives on the same streets as citizens do. Tell that 84 year old woman who was beaten and nearly raped the other morning that things are getting better. We know the perception of crime is important but that's more for outsiders to make them feel good about visiting the city. The reality of crime is what Detroiters are more concerned with. Let's deal with perception later and fight the crime now.
Wire taps implicate former City Council member Talabi
We first reported last summer that Alberta Tinsley-Talabi could be a part of future indictments. Now it comes to light that a informant for the feds gave now convicted felon Rayford Jackson money which he says he gave to Sam Riddle, Monica Conyers and someone Rayford called Alberta. Quote: “Alberta gonna do what she say she gonna do, but Monica is a fighter. She likes to kick, scream, you seen her". Jackson said he gave Riddle $2,500 and Conyers $5,000 and that he would give $3,400 to “Alberta. Tune in to the radio show as we talk about this and other potential indictments.
Council in Closed sessions
Thursday and Friday will be closed sessions for City Council as they consider legal proceedings in the Greektown Casino bankruptcy and the Strip Club matter.
Winfrey set to announce
We first reported that City clerk Janice Winfrey would seek the Secretary of State office this year despite the fact that she won't get the Democratic nomination and she doesn't have the support of her own Pastor Winfrey will announce next Tuesday her intentions in becoming the next Secretary of State in the face of ridicule over her handling of the most recent Detroit election where a reported 42,000 votes allegedly weren't counted.
Feds letting briber's off the hook
There is no excuse for anyone taking a bribe but political consultant Sam Riddle who is on trial for taking bribes is right when he says the Feds are focusing all of their attention on the one's receiving the bribes and not enough attention on those offering the bribes. Just last week local businessman Chris Jackson testified against Sam Riddle after receiving immunity from prosecution. Jackson admitted paying Riddle $25,000 to help his client Deja Vu get the support of former Councilwoman Monica Conyers on a rezoning issue before council. The Synagro Company, represented by James Rosendall and Rayford Jackson either knowingly or unknowingly paid money to several local officials and community activist. The Feds are correct in wanting to lock up the bribee's but they should also be as committed to locking up the briber's. So far the Synagro Company and the owners of Deja Vu have gone unscathed but Synagro supplied the money to bribe those city officials and in the case of Deja Vu Chris Jackson may have just been keeping them out of harms way by saying he supplied the $25,000 for Riddle against the opposition of the owners of Deja Vu.
What you missed on Saturdays' show
On that note you can expect many , many more indictments to come. From all indications there are some who are already aware that their day is coming they just haven't received a call yet. Sources have told us that former City Councilwoman Barbara Rose-Collins was all set to run for re-election when she got a friendly call letting her know that she's on the list. She's waiting for the knock on her door. Former Councilwoman Alberta Tinsley-Talabi was referenced in a news story this week about receiving $3,400 from Rayford Jackson but apparently she can't recall if she did receive money or not. Also Jackson, who was indicted and took a plea deal for dishing out bribes is apparently telling people that Councilwoman Brenda Jones took money. But it should be noted that Jackson is also known for playing loose with the truth. Rumblings from the pension board investigation has former Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel who sat on the pension board being mentioned as a key figure. According to our information Sheila is the source for some of the stories being reported about pension board activity. As soon as the Feds can corroborate the information they have some indictments will come. Although there may be other indicments before hers it looks like the next City Official to fall will be Barbara Rose-Collins.
City Council's vote on Greektown Casino will show their hands
On Thursday morning the City Council will vote on whether they will accept the agreement that will allow the Greektown Casino to emerge from bankruptcy or whether they will halt the deal and potentially create a greater financial burden for the city. What's at stake here is the viability of the Greektown Casino versus the indebtedness of the Casino and the city of Detroit. A group of banks and lenders have essentially taken ownership of the Casino and restructured its debt but before they can emerge they need the support of the Mayor, which they already have and the City Council. If agreed to the Casino will emerge from bankruptcy as a viable entity in the city of Detroit that's employing thousands of Detroiters as oppose to another vacant building with thousands more out of work. City Council has a responsibility to those who rely on the Casino to feed their families to do the right thing. Unfortunately they've been lobbied by some factions who were minority partners under the old Greektown management who are attempting to once again strong arm their way through the door.
Ownership v. Control
They're arguing that Detroit should have local ownership as it did before. And while one could make a case for that though processes let's look at the history.Ownership is such a momentous and sexy word but what does it mean. Detroit had local minority ownership under the last group and what did Detroit get, the answer is nothing. These few individuals were able to live pretty good and in some cases walked away with millions of dollars. Not one of them invested that money back into the community or even gave away a turkey for Thanksgiving. The focus should be shifted to control not ownership which we as a city will never fully have in Greektown or any of the Casino's. Having a few minority owners who's only interest is in their own wealth does nothing for the wider population. The new Casino group has put together a board. On that board will sit Freman Hendrix, Mike Duggan and Joe Ferguson. One could make the argument that Duggan or Ferguson does not represent Detroiter's but that argument could also be made of the limited partners from the previous Casino group. I would challenge any Detroiter to name those minority partners and point out one thing they did for the community. So the question for this Council is do you vote to knock down the deal and further delay the financial benefit Greektown Casino's emergence from bankruptcy could mean to the city or do you make a break from the past, agree to the deal and began to move the city of Detroit forward? It's about jobs and enriching the lives of many not a few.
Things to Know:
Talk of raid of Reverends NAACP offices
First lets dispel a rumor making the rounds in Detroit and that is that the Feds raided the office of Rev. Wendell Anthony head of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP. We checked and found that there was no truth to that rumor. That is not to say that Anthony has not or will not be chatting with the feds at some point. If you recall he was one of the people mentioned as supportive of the Synagro deal and he reportedly wrote a letter to City Council to express his support. Anthony also sits on the pension board and was mentioned in a law suit filed against the pension board by an Arkansas businessman who claims Anthony and others asked for special favors. This one bares watching.
Hendrix Board seat no conflict
Former Deputy Mayor Freman Hendrix will be a boardmember for Greektown Casino after they completely emerge from bankruptcy. Hendrix also is the Chairman of the newly elected City Charter Commission. The most ask question going forward will be is this a conflict of interest and the answer is no. Since Hendrix does not have any say in the day to day operations and decision making of city government its not a conflict. As for any power he would have over the charter, anything decided upon by that body must be brought to the people to vote on.
Illitch thinking about Governor but not with own money
Local businesswoman and daughter of Billionaire Mike Illitch , Denise Illitch had a sit down with the folks in Washington, D.C. about her desire to run for Governor only thing is Illitch does not want to spend he own money which defeats the purpose.
Ribbons are a symbol of duty, honor and sacrifice
By my seventh year on the police department I'd been to 9 in the line of duty deaths of Detroit Police Officers. In my 14 years as a servant of the people many police officers and firefighters have met a tragic ending. Though we may not always agree we share one common thread and that is honoring the uniform out of respect for those who've come before us and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many officers don't wear ribbons because as some will say it takes awhile to feel like you've earned the right. Officers give their lives, are maimed or even troubled with psychological issues brought about by what they come in contact with while on duty. Being an officer is not just a job, it's a way of life. To honor these officers the department gives them ribbons. To outsiders the significance of the ribbon may not be understood but to that officer or his family it has tremendous meaning. Of course its just a piece of cloth but it is an award that is highly prized by the person who receives it. That piece of cloth says a lot about duty, honor, and sacrifice. When someone who did not earn the right to wear a ribbon wears these symbols of admirable service they dishonor the uniform and the officers who wear the uniform. It is without a doubt one of the highest forms of disrespect to a true servant. If you didn't earn it you shouldn't wear it.
Inspector calls for quota
Speaking of dishonor we received a copy of an e-mail sent out by newly appointed Inspector Eric Jones where he is lashing out at the Sergeant for his " lazy officers". Jones is threatening to write up any officer or Sergeant who isn't producing. He said, " low producers will be administered WRITTEN progressive discipline.". Essentially, what Jones is trying to do is motivate but the method is something that should be a concern for citizens, any officer with a quota. A similar situation was just revealed in Ypsilanti , which the union fought and the courts agreed. Ever heard the term you can get more with honey than you can with vinegar?
City Council should investigate demotions
Rightly or wrongly former chief Ella Bully-Cummings promoted 16 officers before she left the job. The union representing Detroit Police Officers (DPOA) argued that she was wrong. The city first objected but now two years later has decided to object no longer which means these officers who've been in their positions will be demoted soon. City Council should weigh-in to protect the interest of the people of the city of Detroit. Once these officers are demoted it will certainly trigger a round of lawsuits that the city cannot afford. There is no getting around the harm that will be caused by the demotions of these officers. There must be another way.
Charter Commission choosing team
The City Charter Commission will hold meetings this week to select the Executive Director and General Counsel positions for the Commission. The finalist will be interviewed during the meeting.
The positions of General Counsel and Executive Director carry a salary range of $75,000 - $135,000. ( see meeting schedule for location).
