State Reps Introduce Bill 5445 to Eliminate Local Marijuana Ordinances

By Richard C. Clement
      Marijuana Policy Analyst

        Today State Rep. Leslie Love(D), Wendel Byrd(D), and Latanya Garrett(D) introduced House Bill #5445 changing the Michigan Medical Marijuana Law to prevent citizens in Cities and Townships from enacting referendums and petitions to modify local marijuana ordinances.  This bill was introduced to stop the referendum that was filed by the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform to place the two Marijuana Ordinances on the August 2nd, 2016 ballot in the City of Detroit.

        This bill will be a prototype for every City and Township in the State of Michigan regardless of the feelings of the citizens. Raids like the ones in Gaylord MI and the seizing of medibles will become the normal course of business for every city and township in Michigan.

         Rep. Love is hoping to fast-track this legislation with the help of Republicans for a coveted signature from Governor Rick Snyder in 90 days.  If this is signed into law, then all Cities and Townships will have their ordinances null and voided. A citizens rights to address your government and get redress of your grievances will be eliminated.  If you have any comments on this bill please click on the names to let them know how you feel.

PDF Copy of HB 5445

Contact State Rep Leslie Love

Office Address  S-689 House Office Building

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 30014  

Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Phone: (517) 373-0857   Toll-Free: (855) 568-3010

Email:  leslielove@house.mi.gov

Detroit Marijuana Ordinance Placed Under Suspension by Citizens Group

By Richard C. Clement

      Marijuana Policy Analyst

A group by the name of Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform (CSCR) has informed the Detroit City Council that they will file a lawsuit to suspend the full implementation of the Detroit Marijuana Zoning and License Ordinance until August 2^nd, 2016 or, until the Ordinance is re-written in a fair and equitable manner. The group has already filed date stamped petitions with the Detroit City Clerk before the implementation date and time of March 1^st, 2016 at 9:00am EST.

Woodward Ave
Cana-Business Owners Assn.

If the ordinance stands as is, 95% of all available business parcels will be made unavailable for use as a Marijuana Caregiver Center. This will adversely affect businesses owned by Detroit residents that want to give back to the neighborhoods.  Other organizations such as The Sons of Hemp, an African American Cannabis Chamber Commerce group, have chimed in their support because 100% of their businesses will be closed down. CSCR wants to develop and ordinance that is fair and equitable to everyone regardless of someone’s ethnic background or felony convictions.  If we are truly a society that believes in giving people second chances, then it is time to put it into practice.

If you still have an interest in becoming a marijuana business owner, we strongly recommend that you apply for the license online using the City of Detroit website (click here to apply) and, apply for your license today. Go directly to the application and enter your information for the official record. Ignore the radial search feature and just enter your information in the required fields on the application.  Everyone who applies has the right to a hearing and, you are welcome to bring representation.   The fees have been disabled and we are welcoming comment from the public to make the system even better.

We want to acknowledge the fine work that our Department of Innovation Technology(DoIT) has put in to allow people to apply for a license using the City of Detroit’s Website. A great big shout out goes out to the Information Technology Staff lead by Chief Information Officer Beth Niblock and, DoIT Director Charles Dodd for their leadership in developing a true Marijuana Information System for the City of Detroit.

City Attorney Butch Hollowell will argue for the Council that the filings were not in a timely manner and the ordinance is in full effect. Legal representatives of CSCR produce evidence and, will argue that the filing was timely. During this time period the law prevents the ordinance from being enforced until a vote is taken of the people on August 2^nd, 2016.  There will be NO penalty for remaining open and applying for a license during this time period.  This includes the edibles, medibles, concentrates and other products made from the plant. 

For example, at Eastern Market in Shed #2, toasted hemp is available for sale to the public. They taste just like sunflower seeds and I highly recommend that you try it.  Until then carry on with your normal course of business and, make sure you show up in August to let your voice be your vote, instead of wearing out your throat.

Benjamin O Davis Academy for Aerospace and Fire Training at City Airport

by Richard C. Clement

Today Detroit City Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. proposed that the city add $200,000 to the Fire department’s budget  for the purpose of completing a plan to build a new Benjamin O. Davis Academy of aeronautics, fire prevention, and, emergency medical service(EMT) on the grounds of Detroit City Airport.

This unique facility would maintain the FAA approval for the aeronautic and fire aeronautical programs. Mr. Cushingberry expects that a Request For Proposal (RFP) could be let for an estimated $10 million dollar school which will be paid for from rents from the City and Detroit School District. This effort to bring aviation careers to Detroit students is similar to the development in Grand Rapids Michigan at the Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids Michigan. The State of Michigan has made a significant investment in the development of this project and the same thing will be done here in Detroit.

(MLive Article - Detroit City Airport)

This proposal if approved will save the taxpayers dollars because the Detroit Fire Department will have a dedicated fire training facility in the City of Detroit. This investment will give us a unique opportunity to continue the legacy of aeronautics like the Tuskegee Airmen of which Mayor Coleman Young was a proud member of.   Most important, the Aeronautics program will be moved back to Coleman Young International Airport where it belonged in the first place.

Councilmember Pro Tem Cushingberry Jr. is more than happy to discuss this project with the public.

Detroit Business Owners Unite to Re-Write the Detroit Marijuana Ordinances passed by City Council

by Richard  C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

        Canna-Business owners feel slighted by the new and proposed ordinances to “regulate” all the Marijuana shops in the City because, they were left out of the planning phase. To correct that issue and others, the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform is sponsoring a petition drive to place the issue on the August 2^nd, 2016 ballot as a referendum. 

         Business owners feel that this ordinance was designed to eliminate ALL Marijuana businesses in the City of Detroit. The remaining few spots that are eligible are already owned by people that are waiting for the ordinance to take effect and eliminate the competition.  The focus on shutting down 211 Marijuana Care Centers through zoning laws is creating an adverse effect on owners who want to get fair and equal opportunity to be a part of the 100+ Billion dollar pie of Marijuana.

         Currently, the City of Detroit has over 11,000 empty buildings within its limits. As always businesses that are owned by African Americans will be the first ones to be shut down. Places like G3 on 8 mile and Hubbell will be closed down and, the buildings will become vacant again.  What the business owners want is fair treatment as a legitimate business and Sensible Cannabis laws in the City of Detroit. The business owners are proposing that there only be one regulation cana-businesses with a 1000ft buffer regulation that only includes Schools and, Libraries.

The current regulations like 1000 feet from a church is un-constitutional and may face a court on the issue of separation of church and state.  The ordinance gives the appearance of collusion with specific owners to eliminate the completion to drive up prices for everyone.  We want transparency in our operations as a Government, and as a service organization to the citizens of Detroit. Therefore starting on Feb 24^th, through February 29^th, the Woodward Avenue Business Owners Association is sponsoring a petition drive at 3 of the four locations on the strip. 

• Miles Green Acers  19010 Woodward Ave Detroit MI 48203
• Tribute Detroit 18830 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48203
• Green Cure 18002 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48203 

Other Locations in The City of Detroit:

• Green Zone Wellness 13707 W McNichols Detroit MI 48235
• Peace of Amsterdam 18665 W 8 Mile Detroit MI 48219

At these locations, you can find petitions to address the Zoning and Licensing issue so that they can be placed on the ballot as a referendum question in the August 2^nd, 2016 Primary Election. Register to vote forms may be available at these locations also to let your voice be your vote. 

The Presidential primary on March 8^th, 2016 is ready to take on people that are interested in voting early at the Detroit Elections Bureau at 2978 Grand Boulevard Detroit, MI 48203 or the 2^nd floor of the Coleman Young Municipal Center at 2 Woodward Avenue Detroit MI 48226. You must declare your party preference before you cast your vote for as a Democrat or, a Republican so vote early and don’t be late.

Council Member James Tate Supports Historically Black Colleges on Sat. Feb 20th

By  Richard C. Clement

The Detroit Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University is pleased to have Detroit City Council member James Tate of District 1 as our guest speaker at the 66^th Annual Founders Day Luncheon on Saturday February 20^th at 11:30am.  Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry is an ardent supporter of Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd and her leadership as the President of Alabama State University. Council member Cushingberry supports the existence and importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

The Chapter will take care of your breakfast/lunch with a hearty menu so don’t cook, come hungry and prepared to eat good meal.  Council member Tate was chosen by the membership because of his leadership on issues concerning the City of Detroit. A direct quote from his City of Detroit webpage explains his leadership style.

“He is known for making the tough decisions when they have to be made and believes in accessible government. Councilman Tate consistently seeks ways to forge and cultivate neighborhood partnerships within the district. Hosting monthly meetings in District 1, Tate ensures that residents are up to speed on the latest issues that affect their lives. His bi-weekly Satellite Hours at the Motor City Java and Tea House further extends Councilman Tate into the community. He’s on the ground and on the run in District 1. “

Council member Tate is primarily responsible for creating a task force on Black Male Engagement along with fellow Council member Andre Spivey to address the growing pressures put on Black Males growing up in this ever changing complex world. Council member Tate has been instrumental in shaping the future of the growing Marijuana Industry in the City of Detroit by introducing legislation to place the entire process of licensing online instead of mailing in paperwork. 

Council member Tate is an esteemed member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity that has committed to help shape the future of our children who choose to attend HBCU for a solid education.  

The donation of $40 for this event will go toward scholarships, and expenses for current and prospective students attending Alabama State University.

To purchase a ticket please call the office (313) 224-4535 and ask for Richard C. Clement or contact Mrs. Lorinette B. Clark at (313) 418-8489

Push With Cush to fill 120 Information Technology Jobs with the City of Detroit

By Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr.

Join the Technology
Push with Cush!

The City of Detroit Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIt) is actively looking to hire up to 120 Information Technology professionals to work full time. Council member Pro Tem Cushingberry supports the ultimate goal to have a 90/10 ratio of full time positions to part time contractors employed.  We will be looking for local talent from schools like Wayne State to Historically Black Colleges and Universities that have strong Information Technology programs. Councilmember ProTem Cushingberry Jr. is strongly pushing for talent and diversity in Information Technology because of the alarming lack of African Americans, who chose to pursue a career in the field.





If you are interested in applying for a job, please visit the City of Detroit website at www.detroitmi.gov to view the numerous openings with us. Closing Date is Feb 1st, 2016 for most positions. In some cases filing deadlines will be extended for some positions.

THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR APPLYING FOR MORE THAN ONE JOB LISTING!!!!!

Marijuana Information for the City of Detroit - Quick Links to Answer Your Questions About What is Going On

by Richard C. Clement
     Marijuana Policy Analyst

           The following links are reference links to information regarding the management of Marijuana in Detroit Michigan.  These links point to maps and ordinance information that may be helpful to you. Please be aware that Ordinance #61 is being re-written as a ballot question to the voters which may affect the implementation date of March 1^st, 2016. If enough voters decide to make it a ballot question, the ordinance is null and void until the issue is decided on August 2, 2016 by the voters.

Please click on the following links for additional information.

General How Do I Do It Information Page  

APPLY FOR A MARIHUANA LICENCE IN THE CITY OF DETROIT NEW!

City of Detroit Law Department Marijuana News Feb 2016

Marijuana Information Systems - BSEED, Detroit Police, Law Department Presentation

Marijuana Information Fact Sheet 

Marijuana License Ordinance #24

Marijuana Zoning Ordinance #61 

Marijuana Zoning Map Of Detroit

Referendum Ballot Question on Ordinance #61 Petition Language, August 2, 2016

From Councilmember James Tate's website:

"The above map illustration of the zoning regulations for medical marijuana facilities contained in Councilman Tate's proposed amendment to Chapter 61 of the 1984 Detroit City Code. The bold portions of the map indicate which areas of the City would be eligible for medical marijuana facilities under the proposed zoning regulations. It is important to note that medical marijuana facilities would be restricted from being located within 2,000 radial feet of another facility.

If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact Councilman Tate's office by phone at (313)224-1027 or by email at councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov "

Marijuana Management in Motown - Showtime is Tue. Feb 2nd, 2015 @ 10am

by Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

        On Tuesday Feb 2^nd at 10 am, the new Detroit Marijuana Ordinance and Licensing procedure will be demonstrated before a full body of the City Council.  When implemented, this will significantly reduce the number of Marijuana Compassion Centers in the City of Detroit.  Currently there are over 150 places of business operating in the city. When this ordinance takes effect On March 1^st, there may be a little as 5 of them in the City with restrictions so tight that you will be able to get a Gun much easier than some Ganja.

        Supporters and owners of Compassion Centers who object to provisions of the ordinance feel that this should be a ballot question placed to ALL of the people. One of the major objections is the provision of 1000 feet from a church or religious institution. Some religions use Marijuana as holy sacrament as a primary part of their religious practice. In this case an owner can get a use permit from BSEED as a religious institution in zones B1, B2, B4,B5, B6 business districts as a matter of right. In other cases the occupancy permit of a church can be challenged in a hearing at the Zoning Board.  There are a number of churches that are improperly zoned and do not qualify under Ordinance #61.

         Supporters of drive through and other marijuana services also feel that this issue should be decided by the voters. Therefore, and at the request of Council member Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr, the Law Department was directed to develop ballot language so that voters can decide the issue in November of 2016 at the ballot box. With the gathering of the signatures of 5000 registered voters in the City of Detroit, the implementation of this ordinance will be suspended until a vote is taken.

          Corporation Council Attorney Melvin “Butch” Hollowell and staff  have been crafting the language for the petition since October 2015. Corporation council staff has promised Pro Tem Cushingberry that language will be available to the public on or before February 2^nd,  2016. 

           Meanwhile organizations like MI-Legalize and Abrogate Michigan have Ballot Initiative petitions that will alleviate the issues with the City to make a fair and equitable law regarding Marijuana in Michigan. The Marijuana industry has been a boon to places like Lowes and Home Depot for construction material. Work for Union Electricians, Carpenters and Bricklayers are in demand because of the new ganja-peneuer industry. Empty buildings in the City are being used instead of open to being looted and set fire by people like squatters who use open flame to keep warm.

            The only restrictions that the Marijuana community agrees with is the 1000 foot barrier from a school.  Otherwise, everything else about the ordinance is up for a ballot vote by the people.

Stay tuned to Detroit City Council live stream at www.detroitmi.gov  Channel 10 on February 2^nd, 2016 at 10 am to view the presentation.

District 2 State of the District Field Report - Continue the Push with Pro Tem Cush!

Greetings,

A Toast to Deception by the
Emergency Manager and Flint Officials

          The situation in Flint Michigan regarding the water is a criminal act of negligence committed by employees of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.  We are strongly recommending that Barbara McQuade and Loretta Lynch with the United States Department of Justice to convene a grand jury to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the falsification of documents that produced this disaster. There is no excuse for this criminal behavior from Civil Servants who took an oath to serve the people with honesty and integrity.  As compensation to Flint residents, their co-pays for the Affordable Care Act shall be significantly reduced by %95 to %100 to accommodate the health care needs of the affected.  When the water is so bad that General Motors can’t use it to build their cars, then why it was good for people to drink according to State of Michigan “experts”. The participants in this modern day Tuskegee Experiment for profit shall be stung like a Hornet in a court of law.

        The process for obtaining a License for Marijuana Caregiver Centers is taking place as we speak. Fees by law will not be higher than $1000 and through the referendum process a fair and equitable ordinance will become the law of all the people.  Unfortunately, there are some members in our community who want to create a problem that does not exist.  There are some in the community who say that these places bring crime and drive the values of property down.  Under further inspection by Council staff members of these businesses, these allegations are not true. Recently in January of 2016, Detroit Police Chief James Craig was quoted on Detroit Speaks with Cliff Russell (WCHB 1200 AM Detroit MI) that the crime numbers associated with these Marijuana places are not there and, the department has more issues to deal with like murders, car jackings, and mentally ill people that need help instead of jail.

        We have African American pastors that own Caregiver Centers that employ many people. They do not support the 1000 foot requirement from a religious institution and requesting that this and other provisions be placed on the ballot for November 2016. Furthermore some of these pastors should know better and seem to forget the history of the Slave Trade were Black People sold other Black people into slavery. In this case the pastors support keeping marijuana illegal to support the for profit prison industry.  There are cities like Ypsilanti, Lansing, Flint, that have many Caregiver Centers in their cities, therefore the allegations made by community groups regarding these places of business are unfounded and remind you of the 1939 Reefer Madness movement.

                The Livernois Avenue of Fashion is thriving again with new lights and businesses that meet the needs of their customers.  The lights took longer than expected because the wiring on the street was over 50 years old. We support the business owners on the Avenue who want the parking meters removed from the street.  They have caused the business owners to lose customers because of the inflexibility of the meters and our office is working with the owners to resolve the problems. We want more people to start voicing their concerns to Wayne County and Lansing for the condition of Outer Drive from Livernois all the way to Southfield Freeway.  Between Livernois and Wyoming, the road conditions are atrocious and needs to be paved over immediately. We want to highlight and give a shout out to the new Hartford Village complex on Meyers and welcome to our new residents who will be living there.

                The empty land at the State Fairgrounds has a site plan and layout by the Magic Plus LLC group. We hope that this group can expand their efforts as far as they can between Woodward, John R, 8 Mile, and McNichols because this area is begging for redevelopment. The plan is for a movie theater,  housing, and a fully modal transportation center that includes, Amtrak, Light Rail, DDOT, and SMART. On 7 mile and Woodward a faith based transportation hub in partnership with the Tasty World, BP Gas Station, Miles Green Acres Compassion Center, and the Perfecting Church will facilitate the connection between North, South, East, and West distances in the city.  We support the participation of the Magic Plus Group in the re-vitalization of Detroit.  We will continue to support the development of a regional light rail system that will rival Miami, Washington DC, and New York rail systems. 

        This growth within the district may result in the re-activation of the fire house at Curtis and Livernois that is 2.5 miles from Pasteur School into a fully operational fire house. In layperson terms there will be two fire trucks instead of one with a rescue unit. Some of the older firehouses may qualify for a historic grant because of the age of the facility.  This means that a Detroit based company like CAASTI Construction Company (www.caasti.com) can redo the interior of fire houses and create job opportunities for carpenters, bricklayers, electricians, etc.  

         This growth will continue with the additional officers needed at the 12th Precinct because of the redevelopment of the old State Fairgrounds property by Magic PLUS. When this project is completed DPD will be adding at least 10 new officers to patrol the new neighborhood.

        

         The Adams/Butzel Recreation Center has a world class NHL sized hockey skating rink. It is one of the Department’s premiere recreation centers in the district. Did you know that African Americans invented the game of Hockey? (click here to find out)  If you want to learn how to play the game, then this is the place to come.  Trainers with professional hockey experience are available to teach you the basics.

         We will work to remove one of the Emergency Managers orders regarding the parking tickets. We want citizens to get a 24 hour grace period to pay a $20 fine instead of being socked $45 a pop.  Michigan cities like Lansing are forgiving when it comes to parking tickets and people. 

Property Tax Progress (click here)

Finally, we want to give a shout out to Pastor Oscar King of the Northwest Unity Baptist Church whose leadership in the District has helped to make for a better quality of life in our neighborhood and our city.

Fire up Detroit, Fire Up!

An Apology to L. Brooks Patterson and Support for the Teachers at Cass Tech

By Richard C. Clement

Mr. L. Brooks Patterson will be receiving a phone call and a personal visit from Legislative Aide Richard Clement at 313 224-4535 apologizing for offending him by calling him a drunkard in social media. The comments made by me in response to the trolls insulting the integrity and leadership of Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. in social media with unprofessional names was inappropriate at a personal level.

I do apologize to all Cass Tech Alumni for mis-representing the boss on his Facebook Account as a Cass Tech Alumni. I was acting like a Technician when I am actually a Mumford Mustang in support of public education including(but not limited to) art, swimming, music, S.T.E.M, careers, drivers ed, special ed, politics, public safety like EMT, Police, Fire, sports, broadcasting, etc. This apology includes all of the retired DPS teachers, including the substitutes I dogged along the way to becoming an adult.

I support DPS employees all the way up to Elected Board Member Lamar Lemmonds, to Pasteur School and back again. Public education is under attack from hucksters and speculators who see every child as a $7,500 profit center instead of an asset with unique traits and talent that numbers cannot measure.  

If anyone in a public position says that teachers are overpaid, they should be arrested for a misdemeanor and given a choice of 90 days in jail or, work as a substitute teacher one day week for an entire school year. Furthermore, public school teacher’s health care costs should include the use of Medical Marijuana to treat the PTSD conditions of the job. Teachers do an excellent job with the resources that they are given. We need educators instead of MBA’s and speculators in charge of education because the number testing thing is not working.

Finally I want to congratulate all of the teachers at Cass Tech who took a stand and said enough is enough. I want them to make sure to find every student who will be 18 years old on or before November 8^th, 2015, and have them register and voting for people who have your best interests at heart.  

Thank you,

Richard C. Clement

Legislative Aide to Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. District 2

CC: Shout out to WDIV 4 Detroit Reporter Priya Mann for getting back with me.

W.W.C.Y.D. if he had social media available?

Where WWCYD equals What Would Coleman Young Do?

Property Taxes in Detroit. Good news message on how you can save some money

by Richard C. Clement

Now is the time to plan to lower your property tax if you feel that your assessment is unfair. There are three possible steps to the annual appeal process:

1. Assessors Review (local)

2. March Board of Review (local)

3. Michigan Tax Tribunal (state)

Make plans to appeal your assessment between the dates of February 2^nd through 16^th.  If you are not satisfied with the local assessor’s review, you have a right to appeal the March board of review. (Click Here to Review the Steps Needed to get the Job done)

There are many programs available to lower your taxes such as a poverty exemption credit and Neighborhood Enterprise Zones. (Click here to read NEZ information). This is only the request form for a poverty application please do not submit financial information with the form!

To qualify for a tax exemption under the poverty program, you must:

1. Own and occupy the property as your primary homestead as of December 31, 2014.

2. Must have a principal residence exemption on file.

3. Household (related and non-related) annual income must fall within the poverty guidelines.

4. You must submit a completed application and provide all required documents for the board to render a decision.

Incomplete applications may not be considered. Important notice any person who knowingly makes a false statement or misrepresentation will be denied a poverty exemption and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent provided by law. Any or all applications are subject to random home inspections for compliance with City of Detroit guidelines. (Click Here For Poverty Tax Exemption Forms)

If you disagree with the March Board of Review decision, you have as a right by law to appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. All Property Classified Real Property can be protested at the March Board of Review. This is necessary to protect your rights to further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal for valuation and exemption appeals and/or State Tax Commission for classification appeals.

To appeal a decision of the March Board of Review, you must write to the Michigan Tax Tribunal before June 30th each year. Please visit www.michigan.gov/taxtrib  for the appropriate appeal form.

Property Classified Commercial Real, Industrial Real Appeal to the March Board of Review is not required. However, if desired, an appeal must be made during the Assessors Review Period (see above for deadline) in order to appeal to the March Board of Review; or an appeal can be made directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prior to May 31st .

Property Classified Commercial Personal, Industrial Personal and Utility Personal

Taxpayers who wish to appeal for these classifications are not required to appear at the March Board of Review. However, if desired, an appeal may be made to the March Board of Review (see above for deadline and mailing address) or an appeal can be made directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prior to May 31st . Appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal requires that a personal property statement be filed by February 20th .

Michigan Tax Tribunal P.O. Box 30232 Lansing, M 48909 (517) 636-7551 www.michigan.gov/taxtrib