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