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 

 

 

What it takes to make a great City?: Honoring Legendary Bassist William "Will" Austin

By The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.

With help from Edward "T-Money" Green -  A Tribute from a loving Son to his Dad October 23, 2013 @ 12:00am




Bassist Will Austin

On Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, 20501 Livernois Ave., Detroit, MI, there will be a tribute to William “Will” Austin, extraordinary bass player. That name may be unfamiliar to some but his professionalism and musicianship are known worldwide.

Austin, a self-taught Bassist performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Lil’ Esther Phillips, drummer Gene Krupa, Terry Pollard, Ysef Lateef, Sammy Davis Jr., Sonny Stitt, Johnny Hartman, Diane Carroll and list goes on and on. Austin a native of Saint Louis, Missouri moved to Detroit in the mid 50’s and worked in Automotive Sales by day and jammed at jazz and blues clubs by night; along with raising a family. A regular performer at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, it would be an injustice to refer to Austin as a sideman, because his music kept the rhythm, provided the bottom and supported the vocalist.

 

Always mindful of giving back to his community, Austin received the “Legends of Jazz Award” from the Detroit Instituted of Arts.  He and the late Alma Smith and Bert Myrick often performed for the late Father Cunningham’s Focus Hope Christmas Party.

A loving husband and father of four Austin’s sons are also musicians. Tony Green plays the bass, Will Austin III plays guitar and Steve Austin plays keys.  Daughter, Oriana does not play an instrument.

Edward "T-Money" Green

This tribute to Will Austin is sure to be a star studded event.   Tony Green, a celebrated writer, producer and bassist said, “I wanted to honor my dad.  To tell him how much I love and appreciate him as a father and musician.  This event will include performances by musicians my dad performed with and mentored.  The doors at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge open at 5pm. My dad doesn’t know all the details of the night so help us keep it quiet.   Tickets are $10 and are available at the door”.

 

The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.  totally supports the event, and will make it a point to highlight the talent and the legacy of some of Detroit's own. We are glad that we can honor someone who is alive to appreciate it instead of honoring them after they have passed away. Detroit has produced so many musicians that have went on to professional stardom, and musicians who learned how to play from some of Mr. Austin's students that went on to college and played in bands to pay for school.  So when you hear a thumping bass coming from a car or sitting at a concert, you can be rest assured that the sprit of Will Austin is in full effect.

 

 

For the Future of Detroit

www.cushforcouncil.com

 

 

 

 

 

Restoring the Revenue: Fixing Detroit’s lighting issues through educational training, the Wind and the Sun.

by The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.
Sept. 11, 2013

Why should we accept failure?  Accepting mediocre work as a solution is unacceptable for Detroit.  Replacing streetlights in the city powered by DTE with solar powered streetlights made in Detroit will create jobs and opportunity for everyone. Recently the City of Highland Park tore out their streetlights and converted to Solar Power because they cost too much to operate. Why not Detroit, Hamtramck and any other city in Michigan doing the same thing? (click here to read about the City of Highland Park Lighting effort)

 

Our Future is NOW

We have solar powered everything else and we call ourselves technically savvy but, we are operating City Government like the 1940’s when it comes to technology innovation. We have done well as a city and we can do much better.  An electrician by the name of Roland Cornish in Lansing Michigan once told a group of students that "there is a big difference in electronics and being an electrician".  We have people that are very good at hot rigging home for illegal electric service.    Why can’t we train them to work FOR the people by paying them a living wage to maintain the electrical infrastructure for the city?    By training them and hiring them we are creating a circular revenue stream of working people in the City and neighborhoods. Unions like the  International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (www.Ibew.com) and public school programs will address the shortage by finding and training kids and adults who want to work.
 

Solar Power and Wind is our friend

December in Michigan is a cloud covered mess sometimes. When that happens, we have a backup through the use of wind generated energy.   Using a combination of strategically located wind turbines and solar power, the City of Detroit will cut energy costs in half. Our city is being challenged to be great again through innovation and creation of positive ideas. The adversity that has found us will soon be converted to positive energy.  The new district structure will give neighborhoods a voice they have never had before.   If City Council members have to live in the District they represent, this should also hold true for City Workers to live in the City.  Although not required, we can provide more incentives to build homes in Detroit where the jobs are.  

 

Johnson Recreation Center

If we are all talking about running government like a business, then City employees living within the city limits would have a %50 reduction in property tax and, other incentives like (discounted air fare and tickets to sporting events for example) that are given to private company employees.  The re-opening of Johnson Recreation Center for the neighborhood is essential to revitalize the neighborhood. Recreation Centers are a vital part of the life of the City and they must be revisited.  Paying high priced consultants to fix a low price problem is an economic imbalance that can be corrected.
 

George Cushingberry Jr. and
A young man registering to vote for the 1st time

Getting on I-75, I-94, I-96, and the Lodge northbound at 5pm is a testament to the need for a regional light rail system.  The energy saved in lighting costs can be re-invested into City-Wide and regional transportation systems with the passenger cars built in Michigan inside a converted Packer plant for instance. All of the plant’s power needs are generated through bio-diesel engines, wind and solar power. If we are using the retirees pension program to fund joint business ventures and real estate, we can divert that funding to rebuild the city by purchasing entire tracts of land for development into things like, affordable housing and entrepreneur zones with City Wide Wi-Fi as an example.  A good business always re-invests their profit into their primary assets like the people and where they live. The Friends of George Cushingberry are always open to ideas that will revitalize and re-energize the city. If you have other ideas please use our comment section at the end of this article to share your ideas with us.

The Boundaries of District #2

 

These are the type of changes that our City needs to prosper and, you will get it if you Elect George Cushingberry to the Detroit City Council. He is the man for YOU in District #2. 

#PushCUSH for Detroit

www.cushforcouncil.com