Pushing with CUSHingberry to Provide Afforable Water to Detroit Residents

by Friends of Cushingberry

The Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) launching March 1, will provide qualifying customers at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty threshold, with help in paying current and past-due water bills. WRAP is a Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) regional program offered in several counties including Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb. The program will be administered through the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency in Detroit.

Eligible DWSD customers will receive a $25 monthly bill credit with any arrearages frozen for 12 months. Customers who successfully make their monthly payments for one year will receive an additional credit of up to $700 applied toward their arrears.

In addition, qualifying residents with water usage exceeding 20 percent of the average household water consumption in the city, are eligible for a free home water conservation audit. Based on the audit, customers may receive up to an additional $1,000 for minor household plumbing repairs. 

Participants may continue in the program for up to 24 months but must reapply annually.

The terms of the program which were recently approved by the GLWA board, will provide Detroit residents with approximately $1.5 million of the $4.5 million allocated for 126 municipalities in seven southeast Michigan counties. Approximately 44,000 of Detroit’s 175,000 residential water accounts are on a payment plan, up from 9,000 a year ago. Residents on the plan are not subject to shutoff.

To apply for the WRAP, residents may call Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (on or after March 1) at 313.386.WRAP (9727) or visit the website at www.waynemetro.org/wrap

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

Field Report Ordinance #61 and Marijuana Reform in Detroit. The Next Step

by Richard C. Clement

The 6 to 1 vote by the body of the Detroit City Council to approve Ordinance #61 for Marijuana Management and regulation in is a good start to work from. With modifications and input from the citizens of Detroit this Ordinance can be modified, re-codified to everyone’s satisfaction before March of 2016.

The good news first is that everyone agrees about the need to be licensed with the City as a business.

Without taxing the churches, a license fee amount agreed upon by all would bring significant revenue to the City’s coffers to be re-distributed to quality of life issues like park maintenance, road repair, recreation centers for children and seniors, etc.  A percentage of that revenue would go for the management of the industry with a new Department of Cannabis at City Hall.

March Madness and Marijuana Jobs - 16 New Careers Available

This department would consist of a few administrators and representatives from Building Safety, Fire Marshall, and Treasury that would be responsible for the establishment, management, and quality of Marijuana used in the City of Detroit.

Other issues can be resolved by adhering to the following steps.

1. If you support the efforts of my friend and esteemed Pastor Marvin Winans, then you should google search the following topics, Harry Ainslinger, Michelle Alexander, Hemp Concrete, and have him meet me at Miles Green Acers Compassion Center at an agreed time and date. Then have Brother Marvin make an appointment at (313) 224-4535 to see me in the office so we can talk about a solution about (but not limited to) weed, blight, and other things to make this city right.
2. Skip to Step 7 otherwise proceed to Step 3
3. If you are or planning to be a cannabis business owner, it is strongly recommended that you “know the neighborhood”. If you the owner or your landlord establishes a good relationship with your neighbors, then everything will be fine.  Issues like parking, security, and operational hours are things to consider when moving into a new building. If the neighbors (including religious institutions) within the proximity of the business approve of your location, then you may be granted a waiver to remain at the location by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
4. Skip to Step 7 otherwise proceed to Step 5
5. Upon presentation of signatures from 5000 registered electors in the City of Detroit, the citizens will direct City Clerk Janice Winfrey to place Ordinance #61 to a referendum up or down vote of the people. This vote is required to be held at the next regularly scheduled election in 2016.  (August or November) During this time, the ordinance is suspended and cannot be enforced.
6. Detroit voters have the opportunity to implement language that would be acceptable to all stakeholders, addressing issues like zoning regulations and yearly license fee amounts as an ordinance with 5000 valid signatures from registered electors who live IN the City of Detroit through the ballot initiative process.
7. End process.

When it is all said and done all interested stakeholders like native and longtime residents of Detroit will have a say in the direction of the future of Detroit.  Otherwise, we want to thank Councilmember James Tate of District 1 for stirring up the "pot".  He was recently selected as the keynote speaker at the Founders Day Luncheon by Detroit Alumni Chapter of Alabama State University on February 21^st, 2015 at 11:00am at DeCarlos Hall and Banquet Center. Tickets are $40 each and can be picked up in Councilmember Pro Tem Cushingberry’s office. 

Working for Weed Peace in Detroit

We hope to see supporters of higher education, and friends of Councilmember Tate like my friend and colleague Pastor Marvin Winans come to our event. Friends and colleagues of Richard Clement are welcome to attend also. Please call (313) 224-4535 or email clementr@detroitmi.gov if you are interested in attending with the proceeds going toward needy students attending Alabama State University.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday* and we want to see you all in 2016!

Where Holiday* = Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Your Personal Birthday, New Years,etc

Richard C. Clement  

Marijuana Policy Analyst

Office of Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. District 2

www.detroitmi.gov

Ending the War on Pot in the City of Detroit with Democracy at the Ballot Box - Protecting the Right to Vote by Referendum

By Richard C. Clement

On Thursday December 17, 2015 at 1:15pm, the Detroit City Council will be voting to implement changes in Ordinance number #61 that will eliminate up to 95% of the Marijuana Dispensary businesses in the City of Detroit.  The reasons for their removal is that a number of community groups and Church pastors say that these places are illegal according to the State of Michigan.  This is the same State of Michigan that poisoned the water in Flint Michigan, committed Voter Fraud by re-establishing the Emergency Manager by making it referendum proof, and decimated public education with under-performing academies and a bunch of MBA’s running the education system instead of educators.

Another reason for the “swift passage” of this ordinance is that a sitting City Council-member has been promised a financial interest in a marijuana facility if this ordinance passed as written. The Council-member will get a 10% stake in a facility called “The Reef”.  A direct quote from the article states the following:

“I was there, and I can personally attest to the fact that Terrence Mansour is working on a deal to give a Detroit city council member and their significant other a 10 percent cut of the action from his dispensary to pass these new rules,” Brikho said. “It’s a pay-to-play system that is being created by these dirty, corrupt bureaucrats and the fat cats like Mansour who own them. This is a heist that is taking place. It’s criminal.”

(Click here to Read the Entire Story Regarding the Councilmember "Deal") 

(Click here to view the "Pastors War On Pot" courtesy of Fox 2 News Detroit MI )

After the national embarrassment of indictments, convictions, and issues of public trust, the only honorable thing to do is let the Citizens of Detroit vote on the ordinance in the general election in November 2016 through the referendum process. Council-member Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. believes that the Citizen Electors of the City of Detroit should be making that decision to restore trust and integrity in Detroit and it's elected officials.

Objections to ordinance

1. Unreasonable Hours of Operation. Forcing businesses to close at 8pm based on unsupported data may be un-constitutional and may be challenged in a court of law.
2. Unreasonable excuses to prevent consumption onsite of Marijuana after purchase or growing. If onsite consumption is allowed for Hookah Bars, Micro Breweries, and Cigar Bars, there is no excuse to prevent onsite consumption of marijuana on private property with the permission of the owner. Prosecuting these types of “crimes” is a waste of law enforcement, and legal resources of the City of Detroit.
3. Removal of Drive through businesses based on unsubstantiated data and the faulty theory of the late Harry Ainslinger 1^st Director of the US Drug Enforcement Agency(DEA)     
4. Arbitrary and capricious zoning distances for MMJ businesses and neighborhoods that will Zone 90% of all marijuana businesses out of business while liquor stores and churches are allowed to cluster with no extra requirements. 
5. Prohibiting Waivers for Marijuana Businesses

Solutions:

1. 24hr operations with a special permit license
2. Removal of onsite consumption restrictions from the ordinance
3. Special Permit to operate a Drive through. These places should be zoned like a bank or drugstore like CVS, Walgreens, etc.
4. Allow a special use permit for cultivation in commercial areas. 
1. B4 industry, square footage
5. 1000 Feet from a school under the US Drug Free Zone laws
6. Community Benefit Agreement with the Marijuana facilities promising to hire Detroit residents, and help keep up the neighborhood adding to the uplift of the quality of life for residents. Including allowing business owners to select a school and perform 20 hrs. community service.

A ballot initiative to replace this zoning ordinance will give Detroit citizens a perfect opportunity to conduct business as long as they are being good citizens. Currently there are an untold number of Hair Salons, Liquor Stores, and churches that are right next to each other. Some pastors welcome the new business as it has been treated as a blight remover and employer.

The work being performed by these Marijuana business owners on their property rivals HGTV and it is something that should be honored because it raised the value of the property. For people who say that these businesses are “dumping” on Detroit, look at what they are dumping. Some of the revenue from these places could be used to fix public education and fund school districts like Highland Park Michigan, Inkster, and Detroit Public Schools for example.

Medical Marijuana has been the best blessing the City has ever had because lots of investors in state and out of state are headed to Detroit and Michigan to find property. Empty building that were not being used are being re-purposed and paying property taxes to the City, unlike Churches that are open and/or under construction unopened.

People, we need your support for letting the people vote on this issue.  We strongly encourage owners and supporters to contact Detroit City council-members (click here) and let them know how you feel about it.

The citizens of Detroit have too much sense and wisdom to be bought off from special interest groups, and un-informed clergy members who are stuck in the draconian era of 1939 of prohibition and don’t take the time to read. We are issuing an open challenge to Pastor Marvin Winans to visit one of these esteemed facilities right next to his church at Miles Green Acers on Woodward and 7 mile next to the Doughnut shop.  We will make sure that no one bites him and we hope that he and his pastor friends visit the ones on Woodward Avenue.  

We want the law to respect the will of the people instead of one person on the church steeple. We are a democracy not a theocracy!

Let the People Vote!

Detroit/Wayne County Property Taxes for 2016 - Plan Now to Save Later

By Richard C. Clement 

    Many Detroit Residents received certified letters from the Wayne County Treasurer in December of 2015 regarding their property taxes.  This letter is giving you fair warning that your will lose your home if you don’t pay the amount stated.  If you have contacted the Wayne County Treasurer and have a payment agreement then you are fine. If you own property in Detroit then you have an opportunity to redress your grievance about your property tax if you feel that the amount is not right.

     You have three opportunities to save your home, and lower your property taxes. December and January are the months to make the plan to appeal your assessment. On the first 15 days of February, the Board of Assessors allows a homeowner to apply to appeal their assessed tax amount. (ClickHere) for the details to appeal a City of Detroit Tax Assessment. To be successful at a hearing, you must do the following:

1. Get a current appraisal of your home/property
2. Keep up with your payment paperwork like receipts for payment and other maintenance work
3. Find 3 homes that are comparable in size to your home and the selling price. If the homes sold for less than yours is appraised, then your taxes will be lowered.
4. File an appeal before Feb 15^th with the City of Detroit
5. Get a hearing date from the assessor’s office
6. A decision is rendered by the Board of Assessors
7. If you are satisfied then you are done with it and the process ends here.
8. If you are not satisfied with the decision you can appeal to the Board of Review in writing on or before the second Monday in March which is March 14,2016 to get an appointment.
9. If you are not satisfied with the Board of Review's decision, then to protect your property rights, you must file an appeal with the  State of MichiganTax Tribunal

   Please be aware that some cases like buying a home dirt cheap in an auction, your property taxes may go up. Property taxes are driven from values in property surrounding your home in the neighborhood. Otherwise, there were many smiles from homeowners who left the 8th floor of the Coleman Young Municipal Center because of their savings.

     The second and third opportunities involve the certified letter from the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office.  When you turn the letter over to the back, you have two opportunities to save your home and, dispute the amount owed. The show cause hearing will give a home owner a right to dispute the amount owed or make arrangements to pay the balance. If you lose your appeal in this hearing, the next one is the notice of foreclosure hearing that will lay the groundwork for total loss of the home by March 31^st, 2016.

     However, if you make contact with someone right now, it will never get to this desperate situation of losing a home and becoming homeless. If you need help paying your property taxes (click here) for detailed information on what can be done.

For housing assistance these are some contact agencies that can help:

Wayne County Department of Human Services – DHS (formerly Family Independence Agency) can be contacted at (313) 456-1000. This is a general number from which you can obtain the phone number and address of your local DHS office. You can also simply go to your local office and apply for State Emergency Relief (SER). Offices are located throughout Wayne County.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Wayne County Office, (313) 899-1162. If you are a veteran with at least 6 months of wartime duty, you may qualify for financial assistance.

Wayne County Veteran Affairs (Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund), (313) 224-1862. If you are a veteran with any wartime service and an honorable discharge, you may qualify.

Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) – (313) 842-7010, Help is available to those who qualify and is not limited to those of Arabic ethnicity.

City of Detroit Human Services Department, Central Operations Division – (313) 852-5634. (Detroit Homeowners only.)

Field Report 11/16 - Marijuana Laws in Detroit at the NWAC

by Richard C. Clement 

     Medical Marijuana Cardholder and Aide to Councilmember Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr.

                On Thursday November 16, 2015 at the Northwest Activities Center, the Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform held a meeting to address the proposed Detroit ordinances for Marijuana business in Detroit. CSCR members consist of the general public, marijuana patients, business owners, and government officials that support sensible and responsible Marijuana Laws.  Audience members were notified that if the ordinance is enacted into law as written, a ballot referendum will be initiated preventing it from being enforced will be filed. This ordinance was written to benefit a very small number of current store locations at the expense of other locations. If enough valid voter signatures are attained, then implementation of the ordinance will be suspended until the next general election in 2016.

While some in the audience chose to be very disrespectful of the speakers, the message was made very clear. Citizens will be given the opportunity to implement an ordinance that is sensible and, will treat Marijuana business like any other business in Detroit with only a 1000 buffer from a school.  All other provisions and proposals in the ordinances #21 and #64 will be repealed and made sensible. The citizens feel that they were being lied to by their government when provisions for a 1000 foot buffer around a religious institution was placed back into the ordinance after being removed by the City Planning Commission.  This was done after everyone spoke at public comment and left for the evening.

No other business in the City of Detroit or anywhere else gives a Church a 1000 buffer to do business, no other business is required to be 1000 feet from each other, and no other business is required stop operations at certain hours.  The felony provisions that prevent convicted felons from being a caregiver is another form of discrimination that creates joblessness.  Felons who have served their debt to society and have no intentions whatsoever to return to the system need to get some respect. Just look at Martha Stewart, Sam Riddle, Charlie Beckam, they are doing fine after being given a second chance and doing extremely well.

The issues of working hours, and drive through service shall be decided by the voters instead of a vocal minority that took the time to file a petition with the city clerk. We truly appreciate the service to the people by Councilmember James Tate. This is part of the job of an elected official and he is doing it very well. However, a decision of this magnitude that involves the survival of businesses, especially the African American owned ones like native Detroiter Melanie Faison of Miles Green Acers on Woodward and 7 mile, belongs with the people.

                 

Proactive Action for 2016 in Education, Property Taxes, and Veterans Assistance in Detroit

By Richard C. Clement

NOW IS THE TIME TO:

Make plans to appeal your  property taxes in December by assembling all of your receipts and  appearing before the City Assessors in February. This is  the primary method on lowering and getting affair  rate on your property.  Property taxes are determined by the aggregate value of property in your neighborhood. In some cases your taxes may increase even  though you purchased the property in a auction of foreclosure.  Regardless of that, we strongly encourage you to purchase property in our district.

Give a shout out to Rachel Orange our District 2 Public Relations Educational Liaison for utilizing her resources to personally help gain a partnership with Bagley Elementary School and the Wayne State Athletic Department. The Athletic Department provided school shoes to the entire first through fourth grade classes.  For more information contact Ms. Orange at  OrangeR@DetroitMI.Gov

Support the Black Out on the Avenue on the Friday after Thanksgiving and, Support the Fiber Art on the Avenue Campaign from  now until November 30th. Make your check payable to Detroit Fiberworks 19359 Livernois, Detroit MI 48221.

Thank a Veteran and, if know one that needs some help, Please contact 

John Gardner (jgardner@waynecounty.com) at  313 224-5659 with the Wayne County Veterans Services at 28 W. Adams, Suite 1710 Detroit, MI 48226. 

Programs like the MI Veterans Trust Fund, Soldiers and Sailors Relief,  and  Wayne County Burial Reimbursement help are available.  Emergency Grants are available to honorable war time veterans and their spouses and their dependent children

PSA Today: Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period starts Now Until Dec 15th 2015.

This is a Public Service Message from Councilmember Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr.


From now until December 16, 2015,  you are strongly encouraged to sigh up for health care coverage through the  www.healthcare.gov website.  Don’t believe the crap you hear in the news about  the Act because it works.  If you think we are trying to pull some bull on you, just ask the legendary Bass Master of Detroit and District 2 constituent  Edward “T-Money” Green who recently went to the hospital for a life threatening growth on his leg. From a simple scratch and by being a diabetic, his leg swelled up as big as the size of two footballs. After life saving surgery at Henry Ford Hospital, the bill was entirely covered. He sincerely thanks President Barack Obama for doing the right thing when he said that every American will have health insurance like other nations do for their people.  If you need assistance with enrolling into the plan, please call our office because we have a dedicated staff member, Sheree McLaughlin who is a navigator and has valuable information on how to get assistance in getting health insurance. To make an appointment with her please call our office at 313 224-4535. 

[News For You From District 2] Notice of Public Meeting Cannabis Reform ...

[News For You From District 2] Notice of Public Meeting Cannabis Reform ...

Notice of Public Meeting 11/16/15 - Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform

by Richard C. Clement

An informational meeting regarding the City of Detroit’s new Marijuana laws will be held on November 16, 2015 at 7pm at the Northwest Activities Center. This meeting is sponsored by Citizens for Sensible Cannabis Reform to address the provisions of the new ordinance that are totally contrary to the will of people.   If no action is taken, this Ordinance will be implemented with immediate effect.  All owners will be served a notice to cease and desist from doing business and, be given 30 days to shut down. However, if a people inspired ballot initiative to repeal the objections in the ordinance is signed by 5000 people, the ordinance will be suspended until a vote of the citizens is taken in the next general election.  This process will also enable you to add things you want as a citizen with the ballot language.

We invite you to come to this meeting to be informed and enlightened about the many benefits of licensing and managing products from the Cannabis plant that will create jobs.  On WHCB1200AM Detroit, with Midred Gaddis, a caller said that Churches don’t create jobs.  This is not true because a lot of the Churches do a lot of excellent work in rebuilding homes.  With the removal of the 1000ft barrier, material like drywall, concrete and, an entire home can built with the plant.  This includes the buildings that are occupied by cannabis entrepreneurs who pay property taxes and pay utility bills.  

We want new business owners to respect the new neighbors by doing a community benefits agreements with the neighborhoods to UPGRADE the quality of life in the City of Detroit.  Urban gardening would benefit young and old alike because would learn how to grow food, medicine, and agriculture properly. Detroit Citizens are some of the best urban gardeners in the world who made the City much better because they take the time to do it right!

So if you want to have your voice truly heard regarding sensible Cannabis laws, please make plans to attend this meeting.