Vote YES twice on November 7th 2017 for Sensible Marijuana Laws in the City of Detroit

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

On Nov 7^th, two proposals Chapters 24 and 61 are on the City of Detroit Ballot to allow the citizens of Detroit to decide to Opt-Into the State of Michigan Medical Marijuana Caregivers Act with their vote.  The highlights of the proposals are as follows:

• Opts the City of Detroit ordinance into the State of Michigan Medical Marijuana Facilities and Licensing Act
• Allows for new revenue to be reinvested into parks, recreation centers, retiree pensions, and fighting the war on poverty
• Establishes standards to regulate caregiver centers through the city's Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department regarding issuance, renewal and revocation.
• Amends the definition of a Drug-Free School Zone to correspond to federal and state law that requires dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, colleges and public libraries
• Dispensaries will be allowed to open within 500 feet of another dispensaries, 500 feet of exempt religious institutions where religious services are regularly conducted. 
• Removes restrictions on liquor, beer/wine stores, child-care centers, arcades and parks.
• Dispensaries would be allowed to stay open until 9 p.m.
• The new ordinance will aid in preventing unscrupulous business owners from opening a Church, or Day Care Center for the sole purpose of preventing the opening of a MMCC business.
• Adoption of this ordinance by the electorate will effectively stop Winfred Blackmon, Hazel Fludd, and their clown car full of neighborhood groups who come to EVERY Board of Zoning Hearing with frivolous claims, twisted reasoning, and false allegations. In some cases the opposition lives up to 9 miles away from a MMCC facility and talk about the places like they live next door to them.

The current City of Detroit Medical Marijuana ordinance violates tenants of the Federal Religious Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and, the US Constitution 1^st Amendment on separation of church and state. Additionally crime data from the Detroit Police Department shows that crime has actually DECREASED around the addresses of the businesses and, that they are viable tax paying entities and, that the neighborhood groups are lying to a government entity for personal gain.

Richard C. Clement with the owners of the House of Zen 14501 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48215

Whereas current District 2 City Council Candidate Roy McAlister is a solid NO vote on both measures, Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry recommends a YES vote on amending Chapters 24 and 61. If elected to City Council, Roy McAlister wants to limit and continue the shutdown of MMCC facilities by retaining the current ordinance. George Cushingberry wants to bring Detroit into the 21^st century from 80 years of prohibition policy based on racist thoughts and ideas from the 1930’s.

Website:  House Of Zen / Weedmaps.com

Adopting both measures will bring needed revenue to the city, create jobs, and revitalize some of the empty building in the neighborhoods. Another good thing is that it increases opportunities for Minority and Women owned businesses like the House of Zen on Mack Avenue who can employ people from the neighborhood, draw new business to the neighborhood and add to the quality of life. 

Vote YES on 24, Vote YES on 61, now is the time to get the job done.

My Home Detroit City! Vote Aug 8th and Nov 7th and Turn Up The Turnout

By  Richard C. Clement  

The music for this video was written by Edward T-Money Green of District 2 who will vote to Push with Cush tomorrow by finding his voting location (click here to find out where you vote) We hope some of his neighbors stop over to say hi to him there. 

Find Your Voting Location: Secretary of State Voter Location Website Link

We have known each other since 3rd grade and he is still Tony to me.  He is a product of Detroit Public Schools and a professional musician that has worked with many artists like the Dramatics, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and other too numerous to mention.

Biography: Edward Tony Green Wikepedia Link

We must continue to fight for change legislatively to insure that educational opportunities remain for our youth in meaningful careers that will add to the quality of life.

We must continue to support S.T.E.A.M. careers and sponsor youth sports that can lead to lifetime careers and pay their way through college.  Bowling and Golf are NCAA sports that schools offer scholarships and financial assistance to pay for books.  


For people who like to tinker with cars, cruise weekend on Woodward will be hosted at Palmer Park on Woodward from McNichols to 8 Mile Road. sponsored by The Crusin In the D organization.  We hope that you bring your finest cars , bikes, and motorcycles on Woodward to pay tribute to the first piece of concrete connecting cities. For more information please visit the website  www.crusinthed.com .


For those who say that their vote does not count, just think about making cars run on fuel that was grown from the ground?  Fixing Pot holes with Pot? Making Clothes?  and 50,000 products. 

Industrial Hemp is the Male part of the Marijuana plant that can be used as a fuel source for vehicles and, repair the atmosphere at the same time.

Source Website  www.hemp.com 

Green Jobs making concrete from hemp products for Road repair instead of Jails is in the power of your vote. 


By now we all have cell phones that have more computing power than anything that NASA had sending people to the moon and back in the 1960s.  Start using your search engines like Google, Bing, and other applications to search on keywords Industrial Hemp Fuel and find out for yourself.

In my four years in this position, I Richard C. Clement was beat up by the Detroit Media mob on the first day of the job. They dogged me out and taught me well about what time it was. That's ok because I am glad I did not quit. Nor did I get fired and I sincerely thank Mr. Cushingberry for that. Now they are so cool to meet in person and I want to send a shout out and thank you to Alexis Wiley, ML Elrick, Ronnie Dahl, Kevin Detiz, and those other radio and TV people who helped me along the way.

Nolan Finley, you are ok too. I was right in saying that Jones and Cush will lead the push for a smarter and brighter City. Balanced budgets and getting our Schools back under local control will be an absolute plus for the children and the future direction of Detroit.

And on October 1st, Michigan Firefighers will benefit from the proceeds of Medical Marijuana Sales that was signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder. And I am still advocating for alternative treatment for retired City Employees with PTSD and other symptoms that can be treated with Cannabis. Especially all the retired DPD Officers who are totally stressed out after serving us so proudly.

Otherwise, be an informed voter by using your search engines on your electronic devices on issues that concern you. Then look and search for George Cushingberry Jr. Detroit. After comparing all of the candidates and, looking at what was done and accomplished by Mr. Cushingberry in public service, there is no other choice but to vote for the man who is and continues to be Unbought, Unbossed, and determined to Keep Detroit Moving Forward.


Get Out And Vote in 2017 to practice for 2018.  

Interest Income Report On The 34.5 Million Dollar Loan To The Detroit Pistons

Field Report Filed By:

Richard C. Clement
Legislative Aide to Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr.

Education is not being ripped off in the new stadium, especially financial stability of the Detroit Public Schools.  One of the benefits of being a former NBA player is that you have to get from place to place very quickly. The public private partnership with the NBA Detroit Pistons has resulted in the formal plans to restore Benjamin O. Davis Aerospace High School on City Airport property. Retired NBA Legends like Earvin Magic Johnson and owners like Dan Gilbert have skilled aircraft personnel to maintain their aircraft. Why pick on the NBA? The NFL, NHL, MLB and, soccer will get use of the airport too. Along with aircraft mechanics and pilots for Oprah, Beyoncé, Rhianna, Jay Z, Michelle Obama, aviation education will prosper.  Major sports teams can get in and out of Detroit in no time at all and help the children at the same time. This goes for adults who want a career change job in aviation.

Meeting at Detroit City Council July 18th 2017

#FreeDetroitCityAirport

In the restoration plans, all FCC/FAA Certification programs will be restored from the failed policy practice of State Emergency Management.  With the help of private partners in the Tuskegee Airmen and Young Eagles program, students of all ages will be able to fly into class and work on aircraft gaining valuable career knowledge.

On July 18^th, 2017, Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. chaired a hearing of the Budget Audit and Finance Committee with Airport Director Jason Watt regarding the future of the facility.  The reception was very positive with Council-member Scott Benson peeking in for the record. Schematic drawings for public review and comment are due by Wednesday Sept. 13^th, 2017 to the Committee for the new layout of the neighborhood that includes:

• 2-3 new runways
• Location of New B.O.Davis High School
• Hangar space for larger aircraft.

When the evidence is clearly presented, the return on a 34.5 million dollar investment has already paid dividends in the form of educational opportunities and, neighborhood revitalization to a blighted area of Detroit, on property that the city never lost in the bankruptcy proceedings.

This plan was supported by court after court, Judge after Judge, because their law clerks took the time to carefully read the briefs of the plaintiffs and defendants. The judgement to affirm the decision of the City of Detroit should re-purpose the wasted legal time and talent spent by the plaintiffs suing the City. We hope that in a new classroom, the plaintiffs can teach aviation law with a grant from the Detroit Public School Community District at the new Benjamin O. Davis High School on the grounds of Detroit City Airport. 

Statement On City of Detroit Opting Into State Of Michigan Marijuana Law

By Richard C Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst


We owe it to the Citizens of the City of Detroit to let them decide by ballot to opt into or, out of the State of Michigan's Medical Marijuana Law by December 15th, 2017.

The ordinance modification will open the door for inclusion of people of all backgrounds to become a part of this growing industry. Currently there are 984 liquor stores in the City Of Detroit and the changes will bring fair and balanced laws that people really want. By voting for change, Detroit and Michigan shall not be left behind financially in the Marijuana industry.

Exiting State Financial Control Is Thee Top Priority!!
When this happens, every thing else will have a line to follow through,
 fiscal responsibility and oversight!

The current ordinance has cost the City of Detroit $1 million dollars in lost revenue while other cities in Michigan like Garden City and Inkster are changing their local laws to cash in on the green revolution. As a City determined to exit State of Michigan financial control, new revenue streams can only help the situation get better to open schools and recreation centers in neighborhoods for example.

Detroit Free Press Article July 17, 2017

We applaud industry leaders like George Birko and Ronald Jones for organizing groups who have stepped up to the plate. Organizations like the Sons of Hemp does an excellent job of educating and enlightening people of color on the benefits of opting into the State law. One of the benefits is that on October 1^st, 2017, all Firefighters in Michigan will benefit from the revenue of the Marijuana industry when 30% of all sale proceeds are earmarked for the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. When a firefighter with 5 years of experience files this application with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation, it will suspend the employee’s workers' compensation claim against his or her employer.

Given the horrible conditions of our streets, a second look may be needed regarding the use of Industrial Hemp to make concrete instead of the junk we have on our roads now. The current ordinance was written, and promoted by interest groups designed to limit the number of facilities and, send customers from Detroit to other cities for revenue enhancement purposes.  This proposed ordinance will address the audacity of the people who do not live within 300 feet of a facility who come to Board of Zoning appeal hearings to object.

Through the entire process, it was very clear that Winfred Blackmon’s organization was working for the Whiteman. Because of their efforts, all of the African American business in the city owners were shut down and their customers being redirected to other cities. A glaring example was the first drive through in America, Natures Choice on Grand River Avenue that was converted from an empty Taco Bell restaurant. Through Mr. Blackmon’s efforts, the State Of Colorado and the City of Lansing MI have drive-through service while the Black Owned business in Detroit was shut down.

With Attorney General Jeff Sessions and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wanting to revive the drug war, voting YES on changing the ordinances will help stop him from Arresting and Deporting Medical Marijuana supporters, just like what President Trump is doing to the Chaldean community. It is very important to contact US Senators Rand Paul, Al Franken, Gary Peters, Debbie Stabenow and Cory Booker to continue de-funding Jeff Sessions plan to revive the massacre at Rainbow Farms regardingMarijuana.

If you support sensible Marijuana Laws, then we strongly recommend that you register and vote this August and November for candidates who will support the will of the people instead of narrow interests of a few.

 

Cannabis Conference Highlights Re-Investment Opportunities Into Local Units Governments

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

On Sunday July 9^th, 2017 a captive audience at the Southeast Michigan Cannabis Business Development Conference listened to guest speakers with Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. giving the keynote address to attendees at the Atheneum Hotel in Detroit Michigan.  The staff at the hotel provided stellar service to guests and are to be totally commended for their professionalism.

Attendees listened to experts in Finance, Legal, Agriculture, and Government affairs.  Former Fox TV anchor Aqunette Jaimison , State of Michigan LARA Director Shelly Edgerton, Women Grow also provided insight from a different perspective. The conference finished up with a minority inclusion panel that highlighted the opportunity and the barriers encountered within the industry.

Anquinette Jamison

On November 7^th, 2017 there will be two proposals on the ballot to allow the City of Detroit to opt into the new State Of Michigan regulations for the Marijuana Industry by ballot initiative. The proposals will address the zoning and licensing rules business who want to locate in Detroit. 

The new ordinance will remove liquor stores, and reduces distances from a valid church to 500 ft unless you get a waiver from the pastor. There are some denominations such as the Rastafarians that may qualify for a waiver because Cannabis is a documented sacred plant in their religious practice. There are other pastors who are tolerant and want you to help in the community in some way. 

A valid church is defined as an entity that filed proper paperwork with the City and County officials. Drug Free Zone enforcement will only apply to educational institutions. 

The enforcement of the current Marijuana Ordinance has cost the City Of Detroit $1 million dollars in revenue and, the change can’t come soon enough.  When the ordinance gets passed, city residents will have a voice in the reinvestment of revenue from the Marijuana industry.  Recreation Centers can be rebuilt and redesigned for neighborhood use by children and senior citizens alike.The new ordinance will generate at least $2 million dollars a year in revenue from job growth in green industries.

On the State Level, LARA Director Edgerton explained to conference attendees that a system will be up and running to issue licenses by December 15^th, 2017.  This will include placing the picture from your Driver’s license or Personal ID in the space provided on the current Michigan Medical Marijuana Card. To make this happen, Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson must work with Information Technology professionals instead of the Attorneys in the Attorney General's office. This change has been long overdue and another example of the wall being torn down between State Departments and technology.

In November of 2018 the Coalition To Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol www.regulatemi.org  will have on the ballot a voter initiative to regulate and tax retail sales of Cannabis. With a massive overhaul of the Liquor Commission and a new Governor,  you will be able partake in areas such as bars, restaurants, and smoking areas in sports stadiums with the owners permission.  One of the hidden benefits of the law for restaurant owners is that food sales will increase by at least 10% to 15%.

Make sure you go to the Polls in August and November and Vote 

Native Detroit Marijuana Business Owners File Federal Lawsuit For Inclusion

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

The Sons of Hemp, an African American group of Marijuana Business Owners has re-filed a Federal three count lawsuit against the City of Detroit regarding the uneven enforcement of the Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance and the impact upon native Detroiters owning businesses.  

The 3 counts are as follows:  

Count 1 – Racketeering under existing RICO laws

Count 2 – Selective Enforcement with Bias based on Race

Count 3 – Due process 

The larger picture is the structure of the ordinance as written. Bizarre interpretations of rules based on religion for example, are in conflict with the 1st Amendment and given too much leeway in decision making by the Board of Zoning Appeals. There are some religious institutions owned by the Detroit Land Bank that are given preference over Marijuana Care centers even though the church itself has done absolutely nothing for the community.

 

Detroit at Night

For any other business in Detroit, people who live within 300ft of a proposed property have the legal right to file a letter of objection or support. For marijuana businesses testimony is being taken from people who live as far as 10 miles away from the distance of the facility and, their objections are given favor over people who live within the 300ft distance.

There is also empirical evidence showing that there are outside interests from other states and countries paying off elected officials and neighborhood groups to create an artificial cap on the number of facilities they want to see in the Detroit area. 

Another glaring example of racism in the marijuana industry was the drive through service provided by Natures Choice on Grand River Avenue. They were forced to shut down while, Caucasian owned business in Colorado claim to be the first drive through dispensary in the United States of America as reported by NBC News. With US Attorney General Jeff "KKK" Sessions in charge, the days of shooting people for pot may return soon, just like Tom and Rollie at the Rainbow Farms camp in 2001.  The new face of prohibition wants to return to the good old days of mandatory minimums, and filling the jails with non-violent pot users again. 

Website: Rainbow Farms Memorial - Vandalia MI 

Website: 2012 Detroit Proposal M - Marijuana Decrim  Yes 65%   No 35%

Case Informaition

US District Court Judge Avery Cohen 

United States District Court

Eastern District of Michigan

Case# 2:17-CV-11093

Sons of Hemp v City Of Detroit

Field Report - Sensible Marijuana Policy Practice for Local Units of Government

By Richard Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst 

At the 46^th Annual Hash Bash in Ann Arbor, industry leaders, students, and politicians met to share the moment and discuss strategies to manage the re-legalization of Marijuana in Michigan.  On December 20^th, 2017 Gov. Snyder signed into law sweeping legislation to allow local units of government to regulate and tax Marijuana businesses in the State.  Under the new law, Cities and Townships can design local ordinances that can limit the number of facilities within their boundaries. County Governments stand to make the most gains with a 35% cut of all revenues going toward their budgets.

Richard "Free The Weed"  Clement
Joe White - MI NORML,
Former St. Rep Jeff Irwin(D) Ann Arbor

As it stands now, the current Marijuana Ordinance in the City of Detroit has been applied in such a manner as to allow unscrupulous activity such as people starting up Day Care Centers to prevent the opening of a facility. Another example in Northwest Detroit is using a mothballed City Parks and Recreation center as a Drug Free Zone instead of a recreation center for seniors and Children to shut down another facility.  The current Detroit Marijuana Ordinance has allowed this type of behavior to flourish. The current City ordinance must be modified by an agreement with all of the people to stop and control this type of conduct.

Yes there needs to be regulation for Marijuana businesses in Cities and Townships.  This August and November, citizens have an opportunity to enact sensible cannabis laws that reflect the will of all of the people by ballot vote.  Petition Initiatives that will have sensible variance requirements that are in line with any other business in a City.  New ordinance language will keep businesses 1000 feet from a school and removes the strict restrictions on Churches.  

Some congregations do not mind having a business next to them and, resent that their place of worship is aiding and abetting unethical behavior between business owners. Customers are upset that certain pastors who are in front of the line wanting to shut down Marijuana businesses, are in front of the line complaining when they are asked by their government to pay for their impervious water bills. Customers are enraged that people who do not live within 300 feet of the business come to Zoning Board Hearings to object to their business location, take precedent over the people who live there by law.

People’s attitudes are changing toward Marijuana because they have finally realized that the War on Drugs is a stupid war based on racism and mis-information. It is getting close to 100 years since Harry Ainslinger and J Edgar Hoover made arresting people of color for Marijuana a ritual of passage.

The time now for the City of Detroit law department to place an immediate moratorium on shutting down businesses in Detroit until, the citizens can vote on an ordinance on licensing and zoning that is acceptable to a majority of the people.  The collection of 5000 signatures for a ballot initiative will signal to the City Law Departments to cease the closure of these businesses until the people decide the issue with their vote. 

Committee Hearing On City Demolition Program April 12, 2017

Press Release

President Pro Tem Cushingberry has called for a hearing before the Budget/Audit and Finance Committee regarding the Hardest, Hit, Funds and Demolition programs policies and procedures on 

Date:   April 12^th, 2017
Time:  1:00pm (EDT)
Place: Coleman Young Municipal Center 13th Floor 2 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48226





At this meeting representatives from the following City Department and Agencies are required to attend.

• Detroit Building Authority (DBA)
• Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA)
• Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Dept. (BSEED)

The goal of this hearing is to determine the status of City's Demolition Program and explore the tactical use of unused weatherization funds. When it comes to Weatherization, the City Of Detroit has one of the best asbestos removal programs that has been recognized on a national level. This hearing will be live-streamed on the City of Detroit Government website on Channel 10.  Public comment is welcome and limited to 2 minutes. 

Cushingberry Lectures HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson on ramifications of budget cuts.

The Budget/Audit Finance Committee is composed of the following council members:
Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry, Jr., Chairperson District 2
Council Member Janeé L Ayers, Vice Chairperson  At Large
Council Gabe Leland, Member  District 7
Council President Brenda Jones Ex-Officio  At Large

Detroit City Council Standing Committees 2017

Areas of responsibility:

• Budget
• Finance
• Auditor General

Meeting Starts Promptly on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
If you have any questions on this upcoming hearing, please do not hesitate to contact the office at (313) 224-4535  or CushingberryG@detroitmi.gov 

2017-2018 Hardest Hit Areas Planned Use Of Federal Funds In The City Of Detroit

By Richard C. Clement

The following map shows the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) zones where the city is planning to spend its federal allocation of fund money. The city is constantly pursuing additional federal funds to allow it to further expand these HHF zones to include more neighborhoods. By law funds can only be spent on federally-designated areas of the City.  Under this program, Detroit can demolish publicly-owned residential buildings (four units or fewer) that are in poor or structurally-deficient condition, and are negatively impacting neighborhoods. The City also conducts emergency demolitions of privately-owned residential buildings if Detroit building officials determine they pose an immediate threat to public safety, as well as the demolition of vacant and dangerous commercial structures.  

2017-2018 District 2 HHF  Area Map

Council President Pro Tem George  Cushingberry Jr. is Unbought, Unbossed and believes in accounting oversight to make sure that the job is done correctly at the best price to the benefit of our employers, the Citizens of Detroit. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the HHF demolition, please do not hesitate to call our office at (313) 224-4535 or by email at CushingberryG@detroitmi.gov with HHFunds in the subject line.

Website:  Detroit Demolition Tracking Map

Detroit West

.   

Detroit East

Informational Meeting on Johnson Rec Center and Higginbotham School Complex

Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. is strongly urging you to attend the following meeting on 

Thursday March 23rd, at 6:30pm

New Prospect Baptist Church 

6330 Pembroke 

Detroit, MI 48221 

Hosted by District 2 Manager Kim Tandy tandyk@detroitmi.gov

This meeting is regarding the status of the Johnson Recreation Center and Higginbotham School in Northwest Detroit. Currently there is an offer from UofD Jesuit High School to invest capital into redeveloping the property.  

When Joe Louis Arena is demolished, there will be one less tribute to the great Brown Bomber in Detroit. Joe Louis Field shall get some dignity by redevelopment with a purpose to the community. Public and Private partnerships are becoming a normal way of business in the revitalization of a city.  ProTem Cushingberry is adamant about the development of the land, the rich history of this property, and keeping it for public use.  Mr. Cushingberry was successful in getting an appropriation inserted the 5 year plan for a new Olympic Size Pool in a new facility on Joe Louis Barrow Field.

Currently, the former Johnson Center and Higginbotham School Complex is for sale at $1.5 million dollars. Therefore, your input is needed on the future of the neighborhood when it comes to quality of life issues of youth engagement and leaving a legacy to our babies who will be here after we are gone. When all of the neighborhood input is received, an ordinance to reflect the will of the people will be developed, agreed upon and, enacted into law.

Johnson Recreation Center 

Click here for the details of the sale 

City of Detroit District Managers Website Link

Repealing and Replacing the Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance in 2017

Richard C. Clement – Marijuana Policy Analyst
ClementR@detroitmi.gov

Winfred Blackmon  MCDA
Weed Jihadist

After further review of public hearings at Board of Zoning Appeals the Detroit Marijuana Zoning ordinance needs to be drastically overhauled. All during the process of drafting the ordinance, public input was ignored. The Board of Zoning Appeals members have no flexibility to grant waivers based on common sense situations.  In some cases denials have been granted even though the religious institution does not exist or, an old liquor license has not been used in years.  For instance on 8 mile Road, the mothballed Johnson Recreation Center was used to shut down a compassion center because it was “too close to a drug free zone”. The back story is that the city is putting the property up for sale even though the neighborhood has been demanding that the center be reopened or reconstructed.

Other examples are some owners purchasing property close enough to a proposed facility so that it does not open.  The opposition from the community groups are sponsored by some marijuana business owners who are using the evangelical community to promote fake outrage even though their numbers are small.  Some of the people who attend the churches are customers of the compassion centers and, if a pastor can sell water at $5.00 a bottle, then Marijuana at $10.00 a gram is good too. After all the Water and Weed come from the same manufacturer. 

A new ordinance drafted and voted on by the people would address working hours and, other issues like drive through service. Another option is that City Attorney Butch Hollowell would choose to opt into the State Law and save the taxpayers major money in legal fees.  Either way, the people have the final say with their vote and that is the way it should go.  The proposed language below would go into effect when a referendum petition is signed by the electors who are registered voters in the City of Detroit.

Example Repeal Ordinance Language:

Initiative to Repeal Detroit Zoning Ordinance Section(s) 24-13-1 through 24-13-30, 61, Articles XIII, 61-3-353 and 61-3-354 Definitions; Licensing, Conditional Uses; Procedures; Waivers and Public Nuisance. We the undersigned electors want these sections of the Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance repealed and redesigned in the Detroit City Charter.  This ordinance gives too much weight to empty churches, non-existent liquor stores and, discriminates on the basis of religion by violating the 1^st Amendment rights regarding the freedom to worship or not to worship. This ordinance encourages shady business practices by competitors to purchase and squat on property for the purpose of preventing a business from opening.  The undersigned electors demand the immediate suspension of this ordinance and, the right to vote YES or NO in the next general election on August 8^th, 2017.

Area 51 - Compassion Center

5000 valid voter signatures are needed by March 21^st, 2017 to place this issue on the ballot. Therefore if you are legal professional interested in pursuing this option, please contact me at the office with a valid petition.  Then ask your elected officials to allow you to vote on a new ordinance that will be reflective of the will of the people, instead of the wishes of a few.

Appealing The Board of Zoning Appeals - Medical Marijuana Caregiver Centers in Detroit

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

      Medical Marijuana Business owners who have been denied by the City of Detroit Board of Zoning Appeals are strongly encouraged to go to the next step in the process at the Wayne County Circuit Court. The BZA process has exposed faulty data and overly strict guidelines regarding Caregiver Centers in the City.  Variances have been denied owners who have businesses next to buildings that are abandoned and/or owe taxes to the City because, the land use is defined as a church or religious institution. Additionally, the Drug Free Zone zoning regulations are in conflict of federal law at 500 feet. Currently, only one out of 240 business that have gone through the process of becoming a Caregiver Center has been approved.

Website: Active Count Detroit Medical Marijuana Website

Website:  State of Michigan House of Representatives

Most of the people in opposition to the Marijuana business do not live in the neighborhood where the facilities are located. Some of them live as far at 10 miles away and have the nerve to complain about the traffic. The rigidness of the ordinance allows BZA board members to apply criteria that is well outside the bounds of common sense and reality.

The majority of them are in the approval process or, shut down by court order. To rectify this situation an resolution to opt into the current State law is required. Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. is aware of the situation and working on a new ordinance with Corporation Counsel Butch Hollowell to opt into the current state law to easing the situation and saving the taxpayers in legal fees.  The next option is that the owners and citizens draft a new ordinance for a vote in the next election which is August 8^th, 2017. 

A people driven ordinance is the best way to go because the voters will have an actual voice in the process instead of special interests who devised the first ordinance. Things like business hours, drive through service and other things can be put into the local ordinance.  %25 of all revenue from Marijuana sales comes back to the community for investment into projects like Recreation Centers, Schools, and parks. 

Firefighters in Michigan will have their First Responder fund financed from the revenue of marijuana sales to fight Cancer caused by the hazardous working conditions of the job.

If you support this cause then we urge you to call your Detroit City Council members and ask them to support the change to the current Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance or risk losing the revenue that comes from sales to other counties and cities in Michigan.

Reasons to Re-Elect George Cushingberry Jr. In 2017

By The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

RE-ELECT GEORGE CUSHINGBERRY JR. 2017

When the people elected George Cushingberry Jr. to City Council, they were looking for the change and leadership needed for the neighborhoods and the entire city. The new district concept has been a huge success because it gets people closer together and, residents have a distinct voice in city policy to make direct change. Mr. Cushingberry has stuck to the plan outlined in 2013 when he was elected to the council. Mr. Cushingberry was recognized by his peers on the council and elected Council President Pro Tempore.  On August 8th, 2017 Mr. Cushingberry is asking for your vote to continue the push for progress and protecting the Citizens of Detroit from harm by fake news from biased tv networks,  adverse groups and individuals who do not have the City of Detroit’s best interest at heart.

Some of his accomplishments are as follows:

As chairman of the Budget/Finance and Audit committee, he is responsible for the increased accountability and transparency of City of Detroit Finances.

a.    Removing State of Michigan Control from City Finances with consistent balanced budgets.

b.    Collection of up to $1 million dollars in new revenue by integrating the City of Detroit Income Tax software code with the State of Michigan Treasury Department. This software change will lead to the elimination of having to file a local tax return, especially if you work one city and live in another city.  Your City of Detroit refund cannot be seized by the State of Michigan regardless if you owe taxes to the state by law.

c.    Upgraded the City’s financial software toward the goal of real time display of the City’s balance sheet on the website.

d.    Driving force for development of an IPhone application that will inform residents on the exact location of your Garbage Truck on collection days.

e.    Continuing to be an advocate for alternative ways to finance the City’s debts using sound fiscal management theory and methods. While working as a State Representative in Lansing, Mr. Cushingberry was the Chairman for the State of Michigan appropriations committee in the House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. In those years he was responsible for the budgets of 23 state departments and agencies.

f.     Advocate for public transportation by taking the lead in reinvestment into DDOT Busses and personnel.  24 hour bus service that would help City residents get back and forth to needed jobs.  Building a regional rail system is much cheaper and more practical than building a wall in Mexico. Instead of using the cement and materials for wall we could run an enhanced People Mover System to Lansing, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and anywhere else in Michigan. Especially the Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Kent, and Livingston Area.  Sensible use of resources creates more jobs and improves the quality of life.

g.    Blight Removal with Oversight!  Mr. Cushingberry has insisted upon transparency in home demolitions. We welcome oversight to keep things right.  Proper accounting is a priority and under his watch, all dollars are scrutinized.  New home construction can only succeed when people have jobs that can maintain and sustain an improved quality of life. 

h.    No Detroiter without a job!  Reaching out to low to moderate income individuals to help correct their low to moderate income status. Detroit Employment Solutions has been a mainstay for our residents to continue the fight in the War on Poverty. Education is essential in the areas of carpentry, electricians, electronics, truck driving and, auto repair will give our youth something to do and look up to for a future.

i.      Introducing an Ordinance directing that all City of Detroit vehicles be required to run on alternative fuel grown in Michigan albeit Industrial Hemp, Corn and, other organic plants to help our environment and create agriculture jobs opportunities for Detroit Residents.

j.      Continue the work to move Benjamin O. Davis High School back to Airport grounds.

k.    Continue to and work with fellow council members, Marvin Beatty, Dan Gilbert, Mayor Duggan, State and Federal Officials to re-invest into the expansion of Coleman Young International Airport with a new runway and restored commercial Air Service to Toronto Canada, Florida, New York, Cleveland,  Chicago and, any other City as needed.

l.      The land formally known as the Michigan State Fairgrounds will undergo a “magical” transition with the help and philanthropy of Earvin “Magic” Johnson and is development group. This area will become a transportation hub for Inter-modal Bus, Train and, People Mover traffic.  Under the leadership of Mr. Cushingberry, local developers like Marvin Beatty will have a definite voice in the development of the property.  A new community and transportation hub with a revitalized Amtrak rail station so that people do not have to drive to Dearborn to catch a train because of the parking situation.

If you support this effort, Mr. Cushingberry is requesting your vote for Detroit City Council August 8th, 2017 because, we will continue to work hard for you in District 2.