Restitution For City Retirees Under 65 are on the Horizon - Detroit Police get $3.8M in Drug Fighting Equipment - New Housing Projects for Homeless

By Richard C. Clement 

At the Detroit City Council Budget, Audit, and Finance committee meeting held on September 6, 2017 at the Coleman S. Young Municipal Center, the committee set in place the plan to help repair the financial damage to the retirees on health care costs. Committee members Gabe Leland, Janee Ayres, and Committee Chair George Cushingberry Jr  reviewed a possible solution. The proposal is to help all retirees under 65 because they are not eligible for Medicare. The committee discussed the best way to help with health care cost is to get group rate health insurance by adjusting the Voluntary Employee Benefit Agreement (VEBA) that was negotiated in the bankruptcy.  

City of Detroit Auditor General
Mark Lockridge

The end result would be lower health care costs for retirees and, that would be a major step in the road to financial recovery for Detroit.  On December 31^st, the City of Detroit will exit all State of Michigan financial control and that will give city leadership the power to negotiate fees to sustain and elevate a better quality of life for Detroit residents.

City of Detroit Financial Team

This action was a result of a letter from Council President Brenda Jones on behalf of the Retirees to use the budget surplus as a funding source to restore the cuts suffered by them in the Bankruptcy Proceedings. The letter was sent to the Legislative Policy Division and sent to the BFA committee for their detailed review. Other funding sources are not off the table and will be brought up in committee meetings before November. On other news the Detroit Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Program was appropriated $3.8 million dollars to purchase police equipment or services that are eligible to use in Local Forfeiture funding. 

New and Livable Housing in Detroit

Finally homelessness and affordable housing issues were addressed by three projects authorized by the committee.  The first one was for Kamper and Stevens to rehabilitate the exiting Kamper building and Stevens building containing 165 units of senior housing with 145 one bedroom units and sixteen two bedroom units. The next project was by Norstar development USA to create the Gardenview estates on the former Herman Gardens Housing Projects. This project will create 97 one and two story townhomes units. The final project is by Detroit Central City CMH, Inc. to develop the Saint Rita Apartments. Project. This development will consist of 26 units of rehabbed living conditions.

For more information please contact the members of the Budget Audit and Finance committee and Stay tuned for more information.

Petition Complaint To Disqualify Virgil Smith from Running for Office - Due Date 8/18/2017

To all citizens, friends, and supporters of Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. You have until Friday August 18th, 2017 at 4:30pm to file a complaint with the Detroit Elections Commission to invalidate the Affidavit of Identity filed by Mr. Smith on April 18, 2017 with the City Clerk for Detroit City Council District 2.

Your letter must be received by this date and time to be officially logged to allow the commission to invalidate the candidacy and the votes for Virgil Smith.  

For the 2,817 people who chose to vote for Virgil Smith, We hope you reconsider your vote and choose George because he is committed to raise literacy rates with Children in the Detroit Public Schools.  He has never been convicted of a crime because he is unbought and working for a greater Detroit. For those who did not vote in the primary, you voice needs to be heard loud and now. Now Virgil Smith faces the mandatory 2 year prison sentence everyone else gets for using a gun while committing a felony with no early out if he continues to pursue this course of action.

File your complaint by getting it date stamped at the Elections Bureau on 2978 Grand River Detroit, MI 48202. An example of one is below filed by Richard C. Clement. Other methods are sending and e-mail to the Election Commissioners  Council President Brenda Jones, Corporation Counsel Butch Hollowell, and City Clerk Janice Winfrey.  Your system time stamp will serve as an official record of filing.

Gun violence has no place in our city and we hope that Virgil learns conflict resolution and anger management methods. Therefore and in the name of justice and respect to the Detroit City Charter, we want the Elections Commissioners to do the right thing by unanimous vote to invalidate the Affidavit of Identity filed by Virgil Smith.

Example/Guide Letter.

Petition and Citizen Complaint

August 16, 2017

Hon. Janice Winfrey Chair

Detroit Election Commission

2978 W Grand Blvd

Detroit, MI 48202

Subject:  Petition and Citizen Complaint the Detroit Elections Commission/

Invalidation of the Affidavit of Identity Filing for Virgil Smith filed on April 18th, 2017

The acceptance of the affidavit on April 18th, 2017 for Virgil Smith to appear on the August 8th primary ballot was an error by the clerk’s office. At the time of filing, Mr. Smith, a felon was and, currently is on felony probation. The agreement with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office specifically prohibits his candidacy. Smith executed the agreement with the advice of attorney exchange for a reduced prison sentence and dismissal of the mandatory 2 year sentence. (One with Gun will get you 2).  He is on felony probation for 5 years. The courts were lead to believe that he was not going to run for office and, gave no consideration to offending the rules and provisions of the Detroit City Charter specifically Article 2, Section 2-101.

Given the candidate’s prior history and current legal issues, accepting his Affidavit of Identity to be a Candidate for the Office of Detroit City Council District 2 was an error and, a deliberate attempt to mislead and confuse. Any votes he received are null and void.

His name appearing on the ballot is a violation of the Detroit City Charter Section 2-101 and 2-107-11 for lack of qualifications.

Therefore I and other neighbors we are requesting the Detroit Elections Commission to invalidate the Affidavit of Identity filed on April 18^th 2017, and remove Virgil Smith’s invalid candidacy.

Sincerely,

Richard C. Clement - Precinct Delegate 92 – City of Detroit

Cc:     Janice Winfrey   Detroit City Clerk

Brenda Jones Detroit City Council President

Melvin “Butch” Hollowell Corporate Council - Detroit City Law Department

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 

Progress on The Avenue, New Business In District 2 - Questions and Solutions

By Richard C. Clement

With the addition of the Bucharest Grill on the Livernois Avenue of Fashion, parking has become an extreme priority. To solve that problem a building or two can be removed, including the median in the middle of the road.  What are your thoughts on a pilot project to allow for parking in the middle of Livernois with a bike lane protected with a smaller median? 

The next issue is traffic enforcement to control the speeding and parking violations.  What are your thoughts on installing traffic strips connected to a camera to control the excessive speeding?  

The camera would photograph licenses plates of offending vehicles for processing by the law.  The tactical use of technology would accomplish the goals of controlling excessive speeding, increase parking spaces, and generate foot traffic while revitalizing empty buildings at the same time.

If you are interested in doing something like this for the Livernois Avenue Of Fashion, please contact Council President Brenda Jones At Large, City Councilmember Janee Ayers At Large, and Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr District 2. The first three votes are very crucial to the cause of improving the quality of life of the neighborhoods.  

With two or more additional Councilmembers supporting this effort, this project would be given a chance to address the needs of the business owners and the surrounding community.  

Please contact a Detroit City Councilmember at www.detroitmi.gov/Government/City-Council by voice, email, and In-Person on this important matter.