What Does it Take to Make a Great City: Investment in Water Maintenance

By Richard C. Clement


Detroit’s Water and Sewage Department Master Plan for Detroit. 

Cheryl Porter
COO/DSWD

On February 20^th, the Detroit Water and Sewage Department’s (DSWD/ www.dswd.org ) Retail Steering Committee presented an update on their Master Plan at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church.   DSWD serves 3.6 million people in the City of Detroit and 129 communities in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. This is a 2 year project that will direct recommendations on the 20 year plan for capital improvements and associated costs. The plan will help provide guidance in the areas of water rates, maintenance and a conceptual design for identified priority improvements for the first 5 years. Water rates are determined by a formula calculating the median income of the city/township it serves times %2. 



Chief Operating Officer Cheryl Porter gave a 45 minute presentation on the plan that included progress on:

1.       Signing 12 out of 17 consent agreements with the various Unions
2.       Describing the differential between the fixed assets and the maintenance costs
3.       Making a plan on maintaining the integrity of the  infrastructure

DSWD Master Plan

The department is responsible for maintenance and replacement of aging water mains.  The material used to upgrade the water system must be of a durable nature and designed to last more than 20-30 years.  Different compounds made from natural products that are combined with concrete to make it last longer must be considered because the water system is a vital part of the quality of life for everyone. 




Managing the water through metering and leak detection will play a crucial role in sustaining revenue and paying for system.  With the new technology, DSWD will be able to determine if a property is using water at an abnormal rate such as, someone having a leaking toilet or pipe in their home and giving reports on water usage at a daily rate.  This technology would help a home or property owner to manage their water use so much that you will be able to determine the cost of getting a plumber to fix a leak to save long term cost to the consumer.  As it stands now, the water system was losing money up until 2011 when the rates were increased. There was a small profit for 2011 until the projected maintenance costs of 2012 through 2014 were included.


 






Edna Bell
SERCH Consultants

The responsibility of managing the water is determined by a seven member board.  Currently there is no plan to have an elected water board similar to the district/at large model in the City of Detroit. There would be legitimate reasons to have an elected water board because they would be more accountable to the people. This would be much better than a Federal Court managing the water system because an elected board will lead to better transparency,  prompt disclosure of technical data and,  discussion of project ideas and recommendations with an emphasis on group problem solving to promote levels of trust between the public and DSWD.
 



Charlie Fleetham
Project Innovations Inc.

The actions above will create better Customer Service for DSWD and their customers. For the residents of Detroit, this is crucial information that will help our community grow and prosper. To help Detroit prosper we recommend that you get involved with your government by participating in the decision making process with, your writings on paper, email and, by your presence at steering committee meetings.

 

Apology and explanation of Detroit Fire Department post.

by Richard Clement
 

Closed Firehouse at Livernois and Curtis
District #2

I do apologize to the Men and Women of Detroit Fire if you were offended by the statement Bed and Breakfast, especially the widows.  This is a misunderstanding between the intent of the message and what it should have implied that being a Firefighter is a good job with a lot of dangerous and hard work.  Some of the firehouses that I worked in doing computer hardware and software upgrades, the kitchens had bbq fire pits and gas grills installed.  I had the chance to observe a few Firefighters cooking sitr-fry one day at a firehouse and, it looked so good and smelled even better.  They were pretty nice to me also but I could not stay for dinner.  We want our firefighters to be well fed, well paid and, safe when they go to work. If the facilities need an upgrade, then make a list and it will be addressed.   Mr. Cushingberry never wrote any of the messages so don’t hate on him. Therefore I would  be more than honored take up all of the offers that some of you made to Councilman Cushingberry to ride a rig, put on some gear and,  go up the ladder on the fire engine. I will be leading an investigation of DFD facilities for the councilman. Starting with the firehouses in District 2, I will be going to see what is REALLY going on in DFD as an investigator. If additional hardware is needed then, your concerns will be addressed.

We will be adding additional media content creators on the Facebook page for Mr. Cushingberry. This includes more media personnel and unpaid interns in journalism. Mr. Cushingberry has no intentions on resigning over a traffic ticket or, resigning period.  After thinking about it over the weekend, I am not quitting either. It is time to get up and walk it off. In 30 days the council has accomplished a lot. Board positions have been filled, corporation counsel has been appointed and the streetlights are coming on.  This does not sound like a dysfunctional group of councilmembers. When all these facts come to light, Nolan Finley is still wrong and Richard Clement was right.  Given my new position, others will have to speak up and out for me a little more advocating the causes that I was speaking out for in Lansing and Detroit.

Sincerely, Richard Clement – Legislative Aide to Councilman George Cushingberry Jr.

Progress in Detroit: Mike and Ike, Brenda and George. Leadership working for a Dynamic Detroit!

By Richard C. Clement

 

In just under 25 days the City of Detroit has already identified attainable goals for 2014 and beyond. The most prominent goal is the plan to streamline is the way the City tracks and monitors the money. Transparency is in the process of being implemented within 12 months by upgrading the software to allow citizens to see the balance sheets in real and, allow department managers to manage costs.  The financial leadership of Detroit has pledged to implement an online budgetary management system in real time by the end of 2014. This is called a popular method of information reporting, allowing a citizen to inspect a budget from their tablet or android phone and, get detailed information on how their money is spent.  A citizen will get an appreciation for how much it costs to maintain things in a government too. 

Revamping Transportation in Detroit: DDOT and Technology.

With financial support from Private, State and, Federal Grants, the Detroit Department of Transportation will be able to perform an upgrade to its technology.  GPS tracking of assets and busses online will enhance the transportation experience for customers.  The improvement in communication will lead to better bus service through the use of interactive tablet, smartphone and, desktop applications. Internal operations such as the intranet and the internet will be brought up to post 2012 technology standard.  The Department will be able to add a 25 person transit police department to monitor bus safety.

Detroit After the Blight: What next?

We would like public input on what to do after all of the blighted houses are torn down.  Choices like building a new home or creating new subdivisions are some of many choices Detroiters have to make.  Maintaining current structures is a matter of bringing homes into 21^st century compliance in the areas of electric wiring, heating, plumbing and,  construction.

District 2 Specific:  Light up District 2 / Johnson Center

Regarding the closed Johnson Center:  If the public is interested, an inspection of the closed facility by the public is being reviewed.  If you are interested in going in the building, please call the office at 313 224 4535 and let it be known. Light up District 2 by reporting malfunctioning streetlights to the Public Lighting Department at 313 267 8140. Please give the address of the house or lot where the defective light is located.  (ex. 17000 block of Santa Barbara if you don’t have the exact address).  Finally look for our District office located in the Northwest Activities Center on Curtis and Meyers.  Currently it is under construction and the open house will be coming soon. 

This does not sound like a dysfunctional and obstructionist government but, a productive and proactive one.  In less than 30 days, the accomplishments  of Detroit leadership under Mayor Duggan and Council President Jones has been like a waltz through City Government.  Or more like a well written score of music by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Music Artist Kem. 

Or more like computer programing code written by a DPS student studying technology.

Maybe as smooth as the live jazz at the Locker Room Lounge every Sunday night @ 8pm

 

Stay Tuned.

The Detroit City Council 30 Day Progress Report / Score with the President and the Pro Tempore.

By,  Richard Clement

Greetings citizens of District 2 and the City of Detroit. When George was elected by you to make change in city government,  he said "I don't intend to disappoint you".  In the short time that he has been in office, the following things have been accomplished.

1.       Board appointments to all sub committees have been approved and meetings are being held.

2.       A commitment to Light up Detroit by encouraging citizens to call the Public Lighting Commission at  313 267 8140 twice a week to report the location of non-working streetlights. We want all the lights in District 2 to be on by late spring/early summer.

3.       Restarting the effort to have commercial air service out of Coleman Young International Airport.

 

4.       Supporting the efforts of the Magic Plus LLC group to revitalize the State Fairgrounds into a viable property containing a new Amtrak Station and, businesses creating jobs.

5.       Making sure that City retirees and, employees do not get abused or lose out on the pensions that were promised by monitoring the activity of the Emergency Manager.

In addition to these successes, an active program to get more citizens to challenge their property taxes by going to a Board of Review hearing on their property is in full effect.  If you never tried to appeal your property taxes then we highly encourage you to do so.  You have more to gain and nothing to lose by scheduling a hearing with the Board of Review.

The revitalization of Coleman Young International Airport will included upgrades to the terminal and construction of a new runway.  This is a jewel of the city that Coleman Young and the Tuskegee Airmen had to give back to the community. We must not let that die.

In time we will have a District office located at the Northwest Activities Center on Curtis and Meyers so that we can get even closer to our constituents.  As of January 21^st, Office furniture, Website and, phone lines to our office are still under construction.

Under the leadership of Council President Jones, Detroit will exit the bankruptcy in a much better position to provide services at the most economical of costs.

This does not sound like a dysfunctional council as some would have you to believe in other publications.

The Mayor want's a six month chance to get things done so lets grant him and the council that wish.

 

Stay Tuned 

Light Up Detroit in 2014! - Turn on the lights in District 2 by Calling 313 267 8140. Ask for for Marie!

PSA from Councilman Cushingberry,


If your streetlights are out in the City of Detroit, call 313 267 8140 at the Public Lighting Department and ask for Marie Brown. She is the go to gal for the Public Lighting Commisison. Give her the location of the street where the defective lights are located and someone will be out to fix it. Mayor Duggan and the Council  has committed to change for the betterment of City residents. It is recommended that a call be made once every 3 days until the problem is resolved.  Councilman Cushingberry is committed to serving the constituents in District 2 and being a ambassador for the City of Detroit.

The Friends of  George Cushingberry Jr.

What does it take to make a Great City: Upgrading the Detroit Department of Transportation's(DDOT) Information Distribution in 2014.

The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.
Richard C. Clement - Test Researcher

 

 

Expanding Light Rail Transportation in the tri-county area

The recent harsh weather in Detroit has created hardship and havoc among Detroit Citizens. Some people depend on their cars to maintain a living wage. If a car is not available, the next mode of transportation is the DDOT bus system. When all of the busses are working and on time, it is the greatest and cheapest form of Transportation. When busses break down or something happens to a bus, riders have no way of knowing what happened or where the bus is on the route.

 

On January 7th, 2014 @ 8am, The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr. conducted a test of the bus system recently conducted a test of the DDOT bus system, based on the information provided online.  Using the Google Maps feature, I was able to find the proper bus to catch to get downtown for the inauguration. It was -10 degrees Fahrenheit and the plan was not to stay in the cold weather very long.  Unbeknown to the test subject, one of the busses on the 10 Chene line had broken down and was taken offline.  So a 15 minute wait turned into a 55 minute wait in the cold. Luckily, the test subject was used to the weather because they were raised delivering newspapers for the Detroit News and walking to school at 12 years old in the cold weather.

The DDOT bus driver was very nice and apologetic about the bus problems. Had the test subject know about the mechanical failure, there would have been an option to hop on the bus when it was heading north and rode the loop back in a warm bus.  Needless to say I missed the inauguration ceremonies arriving at 10:15am.

Under the direction of the new City Council and Mayor’s office, a bus tracking app letting riders know the precise location of the bus will be developed. This is will be an extreme help to a rider/customer of DDOT.  This app will be designed to run on most cell phones, iPads, and tablets.  This is what an elected City Council can do for its citizens and visitors.  From using Google Glass to using your android phone or tablet, GPS tracking of DDOT busses will be a benefit to the consumer and, allow for information on the system to be disseminated in a timely manner.

This is the type of change that the Detroit City Council and Mayor’s office can make happen.  We have new council leadership that will stand up for the city when it is under attack from, people and news organizations who mean Detroiters no good.

We vow to improve the bus system for the Citizens and Customers of DDOT because no one should be left out in the elements of weather waiting for a bus that may be late or broken down.  If you agree then, we want you to come to City Council and express yourself because, being silent and complaining without a solution benefits no one.

 

Please consider donating to the car repair fund for the less fortunate by clicking on the Donate button below.

 

 

Winter Car Repair Donations for the Less Fortunate / Pay it Forward

By The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

The recent harsh weather in our City has created hardship and havoc among Detroit Citizens. Some people depend on their cars to maintain a living wage and when unplanned repairs are needed, citizens need a hand to get by.  Brakes, tires, and other small things on used cars can cost someone on a fixed income a job because their mode of transportation is not there.  Our citizens need assistance to sustain their lives and your help will be greatly appreciated.

 If you can find it in your heart to donate what you can it will be greatly appreciated.

 
Thank you in advance,

The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

More Reasons to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. as City Council President in 2014

Duggan and Cush will lead a Push for a Better Detroit

If I am elected by my peers as Council President, this is what I will pledge to do:

1.       Will not accept a City Car, Credit Card, or a City phone while my city is in financial trouble.

a.       Reimbursement for Miles only

2.       Flatten out the organization chart through consolidation and streamlining of staff.

a.       Adding two committees on Appropriations and Ethics

3.       Pledge to implement Mayor Duggan’s Dept. of Neighborhoods and, his progressive agenda to revitalize the City.

4.       When the City of Detroit is clear of Bankruptcy, implementing a tax to sustain the pension system.

5.       Vigorous participation in the South East Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) organization.

We live in a megapolis with everyone in the Southeastern region of Michigan. Transportation must be improved with light rail, bike lanes and, the expansion of the current People Mover region wide. Within the city, expanding the downtown loop of the People Mover to travel to ALL of the casinos including the new Red Wings arena, Ford Field, and Comerica Park.

If you support my efforts, please donate $5.00 or whatever amount you can do to help.

Sincerely,
The Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. for Council President 
 

Restoring the Revenue: Seminar on How Medical Marijuana Provisioning Centers and Certification Test Facilities can benefit municipalities

 The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

and

The Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr.

as Detroit City Council President

Presents

 

The Seminar Agenda for Sat. December 21st

 

Hosted By

The Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. as

President of Detroit City Council in 2014

How the Medical Marijuana Provisioning Centers and/or Certification Test Facilities in Michigan can benefit municipalities with the adaption of HB4271 – Provisioning Centers Act in Lansing.  How the new leadership in Detroit City Government can maximize the full potential of an agribusiness revolution that Industrial Hemp and Cannabis can provide.  Also defeating Senate Bill 660 that will outsource caregiver operations to the Canadian based firm of Prairie Systems for exclusive growing rights in Michigan. This bill will effectively remove the caregiver function from the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008.  

Links  (HB4271)  (SB660)

Meet some of Michigan’s premiere activists and, get one on one consultation with Attorneys and leaders in Government.

Donation: $100.00  

Location:  Marijuana Ranch Café, 2627 John R. Detroit MI    48201

Tickets:   313 422-5281/ PayPal / Maximum Capacity of 30 people.

Sounds of Music Provided by DJ Skojak / Licensed Security Guard on site

Emcee for the Evening:   The Weed Warrior

Buffet style Dinner served for guests. Waitress/Hostess Service

 

Doors Open @ 4pm

4:00 – 6:00   Social Networking Hour with activists and friends.

                Medication Station will be located on the terrace for level.

6:00 – 6:45   Speakers List:

Atty. Michael Kormorn, Atty. Matt Abel (Michigan NORML), Activist Adam Brook, Activist Tim Beck, and City Councilman George Cushingberry Jr.     

6:45 – 10:00 Buffet Served with Question and Answering Session/Basic Networking

Your Food Menu for the Evening...

 Shrimp Cocktail Bowl

 Sausage Cheese Trays

 Deviled Eggs

 Hummus & Pita Chips

 Crudities'

 Smoked Salmon Tray

 Tossed Salad

 Smoked Brisket Sliders

 Ranch Baked Beans

 Mac and Cheese

 Christmas Cookies

 And a fine selection of Beverages

Reasons to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. as President of Detroit City Council on January 6th, 2015

By The Friends of George Cushingberry


    If George Cushingberry is fortunate enough to be elected as president of City Council by his peers, the following steps will be taken, upon agreement with fellow Council Members, Mayor Duggan and, the will of the people. 

1.     Will Create a Committee on Appropriations that will be responsible for accountability  and transparency of the City of Detroit Finances.

a.       Development of a real time display of the City’s balance sheet on the website.

b.      Garbage Truck Tracking(GPS) iPhone app for City Residents who stay at home and want to know if the truck has passed their home or not.

2.     Will look into alternative ways to finance the City’s debts using sound fiscal management theory and methods. Mr. Cushingberry was the Chairman for the State of Michigan appropriations committee in the House of Representatives 2008-2010.

3.     Taking the lead in reinvestment into the City and Regional infrastructure with the expansion of the People Mover System to the Tri-County Area.

4.     Blight Removal and land revitalization through the redevelopment of idle land into homes, allowing people to build bigger homes of selected tracts of land

5.      Reaching out to low to moderate income individuals to help correct their low to moderate income status. 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.

6.      Will propose that by 2016, all City of Detroit vehicles be required to run on fuel grown in Michigan albeit Industrial Hemp, Corn and, other organic plants.

7.      Will work with fellow councilmembers, Mayor Duggan and President Obama to re-invest into the revitalization of the Tuskegee Airmen/Coleman Young International Airport with commercial Air Service to Toronto Canada, Florida, New York, Cleveland,  Chicago and, any other City as needed.

8.     Before President Obama leaves office we will have a revitalized Amtrak system hub in Detroit so that people do not have to drive to Dearborn to catch a train because of the parking situation. The land formally known as the Michigan State Fairgrounds will undergo a magical transition and become a transportation hub for Intermodal Bus, Train and, People Mover traffic.
 

If you support this effort, Mr. Cushingberry is requesting that you contact your district council member and request that they vote in favor of George Cushingberry Jr., for the Presidency of the City Council, representing the great and talented people of the City of Detroit. The Election will be held on January 6th, 8am 2013 in the Chamber of City Hall.

Please plan on attending to help Push for Cush as President of City Council.

 

Sincerely,

The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.   Councilman District #2

 

Restoring the Revenue: Getting out of Bankruptcy with City Authorized Medical Marijuana Provisioning Centers and Safety Compliance Facilities

Sponsored by the Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. to Detroit City Council President.

Seminar/Fundraiser  December 21st @4pm  2627 John R, Detroit MI  48201.
Ticket/Donation $100.00  
For Tickets  Call (313) 422-5281

 

What will be the impact of  implementing into law House Bill 4271 allowing Marijuana Provisioning Centers & Safety Compliance Facilities in Detroit?

The Provisioning Centers Act, introduced by Rep. Michael Callton, (R-Nashville), empowers local communities within the state to license and regulate provisioning centers while enjoying protections from interference.  All provisioning centers will be associated with licensed Safety Compliance Facility that will test the quality of Medical Marijuana for: mold, mildew, fungi or, pesticides, before it is approved to be consumed by a registered patient.

(Click Here to read the full legislation HB4271)

The City of Detroit will have wide ranging responsibilities and, rights regarding the operation of these businesses. 

People with felonies gets no love or respect from the Michigan Legislature on this bill. Restrictions placed upon felons are an unnecessary form of discrimination and flies in the face of giving people a second chance.  

While this bill has some serious shortcomings, it is a step to fill in some of the holes of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008.

The Implementation of this law will be a plus to the City of Detroit and, may help shorten the time that Detroit is in Bankruptcy. The City of Detroit will be able to issue licenses for these businesses to serve their customers without fear of prosecution or reprisal by City, County and State officials. Fees from the permits and, revenue from sales will go to support City Retirees and City Services. On December 12^th the bill (HB4271) has passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 496 Yeas, 95 Nays and, 14 No Votes.  The bill goes to the Michigan Senate that can add, change, or delete parts of the bill.  Supporters are urged to contact Senator Virgil Smith and friends to demand immediate passage with removing some of the restrictions on felons.  If felons can serve in the Michigan Senate then, there is no reason that a felon would not make a good provisioning center owner or caregiver.

 

Support Detroit Retirees

The new City Council leadership needs to be keenly aware of new revenue sources that will show a balanced budget by 2014, cure the bankruptcy issues and, protect the quality of life for all citizens of Detroit, especially retirees and employees of the City of Detroit.

The new City Council leadership may have to consider the inclusion of these businesses as a revenue generator and, a great opportunity for Detroit residents to create jobs and opportunities in the booming Medical Marijuana industry. According to Forbes, the Marijuana trade will generate over 10 million dollars in revenue

On December 21 @ 4pm EDT, we are asking you to come to 2627 John R in Detroit Michigan 48201, and participate in a seminar on these Provisioning Centers and Safety Compliance Centers with the Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. for Detroit City Council in 2014.  You will have one on one access to Attorneys, Civic Leaders, Activists, and Cana-businesses. 

Per City Charter (Sec. 4-103. Selection of Council President and President Pro-Tempore), The City Council shall select its President and President Pro-Tempore from among its members by majority vote of the members serving at its first regular session in 2014. The term for City Council President and President Pro-Tempore shall be four (4) years. Selection of the President and President Pro-Tempore shall be every four years.

George Cushingberry needs to have himself and 4 more of his Council-mates to support him with their vote. If elected, George Cushingberry and Mayor Duggan will come up with solutions to issues in the City of Detroit regarding Provisioning Centers and Safety Compliance Facilities.  Asking your district council member to vote for George Cushingberry Jr. as Council President just takes you contacting your district representatives and Mayor Duggan to demand that their votes be cast in favor of George Cushingberry for President of City Council in 2014.

Elect George Cushingberry to City Council President, because when it comes down to the people, he will truly represent.

Sincerely,
The Exploratory Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. to President of Detroit City Council.

 



Matt Abel and Tim Beck

Scheduled List of Attendees:

Attorney Michael Kormorn of  Kormorn Law www.komornlaw.com

Attorney Matthew Abel   Cannabis Counsel PLLC. www.cannabiscounsel.com

Activist Tim Beck

Activist Adam Brook
Attorney & Detroit City Councilman George Cushingbery Jr. District #2

What it takes to make a Great City? Detroit Friendly Auto Insurance Rates via the City Charter

By The Friends of Councilman George Cushingberry Jr.

December 12, 2013

Under the new city charter,  City of Detroit based auto insurance is an attainable goal.  Article 9, Chapter 8, Section 9-801 of the Charter will allow City of Detroit residents to have Automobile Insurance coverage with much lower rates.  “For too long City residents have been bullied by high rates for their auto Insurance.”  Councilman Cushingberry and, Mayor Duggan will work together along with the City Council to make this a reality. 

If we order gifts from the internet, then we can and will provide a Detroit Auto Insurance Exchange for City Residents. We have the talent and ability in this City to make this happen without outsourcing it. Signing up with a Detroit Insurance company will take a few swipes of an iPhone or, time in front of the City supported website to pick your policy. 

Stay tuned for more information regarding the Detroit Auto Insurance Company from Downtown Detroit.

 

Click Here to Read the FULL Detroit City Charter

City of Detroit Charter Excerpt:

ARTICLE 9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 8. INSURANCE ASSISTANCE

Sec. 9-801. City Sponsored Insurance Assistance.

To the extent allowed by law, the City of Detroit may establish an insurance system to provide, support, supplement or otherwise assist in the provision of automobile and/or property insurance for City residents. Within sixty (60) days of the effective date of this Charter, the Corporation Counsel shall advise the City Council and Mayor, in writing, on the legal requirements necessary to implement the insurance systems contemplated by this chapter and whether there exists any legal prohibition to implementing the insurance system.

No insurance system shall be implemented without the Mayor and City Council jointly commissioning a feasibility study that must demonstrate the ability of the City to fund, sustain and operate the insurance system in a fiscally responsible manner. Any insurance system implemented by the City shall be done pursuant to ordinance and in accordance with applicable laws.

City Council may, by majority vote, discontinue the operation of any insurance program implemented under this chapter

Should George Cushingberry Jr. run for Detroit City Council President?

Dear friends, supporters, and detractors,


  A poll is being commissioned to determine if Councilman-Elect George Cushingbery Jr. should run for Detroit City Council President.  Voting is now open until December 15th, 2013 @ 12:00pm. Your opinion counts and I appreciate your feedback.  The poll can be found on the top of this blog.


Sincerely,
Councilman Elect  George Cushingberry Jr. 
District 2.

"City of Detroit based auto insurance is an attainable goal with the City Charter.  Within the language of the charter, the City of Detroit is able to establish our own coverage with much lower rates.  For too long City residents have been bullied by high rates for their auto insurance. As Council President I will work with Mayor Duggan to make this a reality."   – George Cushingberry Jr.

A Thank You Message from the Committee of Councilman-Elect George Cushingberry Jr. City Council - District #2

The Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr.
Nov. 15, 2013

The Committee to Elect George Cushingberry Jr. for City Council wants to thank the 13,259 people of District 2 who elected  him represent you.  This election campaign was a mission to save our city and neighborhoods. We pledge to represent you well and to provide a voice for change in the future of our City.   My opponent ran an interesting campaign and we want to salute Richard Bowers for his effort on his first run for office.  The 11,642 who voted for Mr. Bowers will not be disappointed. 

 

This is no time to get our heads down in despair because we will rise from the ashes again just like we did in 1967.  There has always been and will be talented individuals who live in Detroit and, we hope to help people develop those talents to their maximum potential.  In the coming weeks, a district office location will be announced. We want the people in our district to have open communication and access to city information and services via internet, TV and, Radio. 

 

Blight removal through removing or enhancement of existing structures in the District will be accomplished through teamwork with stakeholders in the neighborhoods.  Gun violence is a sad epidemic that is turning our citizens into objects to be used for training doctors in the Armed Forces of the United States. Gun responsibility and education is essential to stop the urge to shoot someone. Life is a video game with no reset button.  When we increase jobs and mental health treatment for people who need help for their condition, the violence will subside.
 

We need more Teamsters driving Trucks instead of people out of work. In order to be a truck driver you have to test clean of any Schedule I drug.  If you want to increase the number of Truckers we need to ask your United States House of Representative member to remove Marijuana from the Controlled Substances List or, get replaced by another person who will in 2015.  Voting is power and We hope to get people of all ages to register and, vote by absentee in August and November of 2014.   

 

Mayor Duggan, Sherriff Napolean and, Myself will work together to create a safer and viable neighborhood again by re-utilizing Recreation Centers that were once closed to save money at the expense of the people.  We pledge to work together to remake Detroit to be a place to live, work, play and, move about with: Improved Transportation via Bus, Train, and Airplanes. The regional hub at the State Fairgrounds will be developed in a partnership with the vision of Earvin Johnson and the technical mind of Marvin Beatty.   Citywide WI-FI is more than just a possibility and, entire neighborhoods will be able to access the internet and maintain property using the latest technology.

We hope to spread the message of each one, reach one, the value of getting an education and,  pledging to do something to do uplift the quality of life. We hope to meet you soon in your neighborhood churches, mosques, businesses, and homes.  Enjoy some BBQ in District #2 and we will stay in touch with each other and, make good things happen in the City of Detroit.

 

Sincerely,

The Committee of Councilman-Elect George Cushingberry Jr.  District #2

 

What does it take to make a great City? Revitalization and Restoration of Belle Isle (With Input from the Citizens)

By Richard C. Clement - Csystems Technology Group
Consultant to the Friends of George Cushingberry

Nov. 3rd  2013

View from the Point of Belle Isle

What do we want for Belle Isle? Open access for citizens with a voice in the management of City Property. If an annual $11 fee per car is imposed, this fee would be placed in a restricted fund account that would only go to the upkeep and maintenance of the island.  There must be support and agreement from the Citizens of Detroit to allow a fee to be charged.  We want to see what are we getting for our money?  Will Detroit Police officers get laid off to make this happen? Will City employees lose their jobs?  We want to know a budget before ANYTHING gets started by anyone.
 

We want Our Island to be open to the people without needless restrictions imposed by the State of Michigan. Meaning that Detroiters want the island to be revitalized, cleaned up, and maintained as a jewel that it is.  Given the "gangster" nature of the current Emergency Manager and Governor agreement, Detroiters must stand their ground to get the changes we need, while protecting us from abuses from legislators in Lansing who do not have our best interests at heart.



Rowing Practice on Belle Isle

We want the Grass cut and the old DYC club re-energized to be something more than just a dock for the rowing teams.  Something like an educational swimming center that can be used as a training facility for Detroiters who want to learn how to scuba dive, race boats, and other water related activities.  The Island must always be a place to relax, fish, party, 18 hours a day.  A revitalized swimming facility on the island with an in-ground pool next to the beach will bring lots of people to the island.  Car parking will be a concern, therefore we will have to have an intermodal rail system on the island to get people around without a car.  Combined with a rail line stop at the island, Detroit will be well on it's way to making Belle Isle the jewel that it has always been.




Luther Keith on Jam

Concession stands on the island must be kept to a bare minimum because we don’t want the island to be over commercialized.  Using existing structures like the Casino and one other place will do just fine.  Given the barb-b-ques and other B.Y.O.B. arrangements,  food will be a moot point. Canoe rental again?  That will depend on what the people want.  If George Cushingberry is elected, a want list for citizens will be made available so that REAL public input can be captured.

Roger Penske and friends are welcome to use and upgrade the roads around Belle Isle for an agreement to run the auto race on the Island for 30 years.  If we are going to have racing in the City, then we better have good concrete because Detroiters demand quality.

If Detroiters want to flex their muscle a bit, we can demand that the Island be a cannabis free zone meaning that there will be no civil or criminal penalties for the use of cannabis on the grounds of the island for one ounce or less without a card and 2.5 ounces with a card.   This will insure that Michigan residents (especially Detroit Residents) will not be used as capital assets for the for profit prison industry.  Let people come to Belle Isle to meditate and medicate from the stressful days and nights of trying to make ends meet.

 

If we can build a water pipeline from Detroit to Port Huron, then we can build a sewer system on Belle Isle without an issue.  The Detroit Water and Sewer Department will oversee the construction of any infrastructure in a partnership for anyone who wants to get training and experience on construction. There are plenty messed up streets in the city that need immediate attention.  Bio concrete mixed with Industrial Hemp will create jobs and opportunity for the city to lower property taxes for residents.


These are some of the ideas that can help our city maintain, without the pain of a few dictators in the Statehouse in Lansing who, do not have the TRUE best interests of Detroit residents in their heart.



Rick Bower's Lawn Jockey
Courtesy of Steve Hood

State control of anything comes with strings and other restrictions that are not in Detroit's best interests. We have a choice to make on November 5th, 2013 between a proven leader in George Cushingberry Jr. or,  electing a newcomer in Rick Bowers who has the gall and audacity to have a Black lawn jockey "guarding" on his property.  This figure is very offensive to the neighborhood, especially African Americans who fought to end discrimination for over 40 years.  This symbol of black servitude is what many people fought against during the Civil Rights struggle of the 1960's including people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Coleman Young, et al.  To be this insensitive to the community is an inexcusable  oversight. If you care about Detroit, then cast your vote for George Cushingberry Jr.  Detroit City Council District #2.



Sincerely, The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

www.cushforcouncil.com

Push Cush on November 5th, 2013