Raising The Roof on Tindal Recreation Center
by Marie Adams Lawton Executive Director
and Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.
Nestle snugly in the northwest side of Detroit, this once vibrant recreational center was the "hub" for young people in and around the City of Detroit. However, it wasn't long before cutbacks, layoffs, and fund reduction forced Tindal to close its doors in 2007 eliminating a safe haven facility that previously taught children the true meaning of teamwork. Tindal Recreation Center located at 10301 W. Seven Mile consist of a multipurpose room, gymnasium, classrooms, and a weight room. UAW-Ford has been so generous to replace the gymnasium floor, lighting and kitchen. However our main problem is the ROOF.
(Click Here for Map and Directions)
The roof on the building has never been replaced and has now passed it life expectancy. The roof consists of a built up material and it is in two sections, a sloped portions and a flat section. Numerous issues have occurred in the flat section with the perimeter being the worst area where most of the water leaks occur. The ridge perimeter at the top ash split, is showing signs of water penetration, and the membrane around the eave and drains is failing. Over the years, the roof has become worn and is need of a complete tear off and replacement.
In 2015, under an operational agreement for the next fifteen years, Tindal Recreational Center was given to Health Kidz Inc., a youth based sports organization with a successful and pulsation reputation for keeping kids of the streets and teaching them the true meaning of sportsmanship both on and off the court/field/course. Maria Adams-Lawtom the founder & CEO of Health Kidz inc. acquired Tindal from the City of Detroit Parks and Rec Department with one mission in mind, opening the doors to the community and young people who need a safe and productive place to be with physical and mental activity to stimulate overall growth.
During the 9 year period of inactivity of the Tindal Building, time was not on the side of the building as it experienced water damage, resource theft, intrusion, and lack of overall attention. Although the task appears enormous, Maria Adams-Lawton says it's not impossible and those will do what she can while she can, for as long as she can, with whatever resources are donated her way. In a short period of time, she has replaced most of the plumbing, purchase new restroom fixtures, acquire recreational games like pool and ping pong tables, and solicit help for painting and structural repair.....
However, that is not enough, WE NEED THE COMMUNITY'S HELP!
If you the public would like to assist in this effort please contact
Maria Adams-Lawton at (313) 995-0607
Welcome to the official blog of the Friends of George Cushingberry. I hope that this blog will serve as another method of communicating with the people. I am a true jobs, justice, peace, and equal opportunity Democrat. I would like your support to continue this mission for the betterment of you.
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Showing posts with label Coleman Young Municipal Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coleman Young Municipal Center. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
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.”
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Removal of Drive through businesses based on unsubstantiated data and the faulty theory of the late Harry Ainslinger 1st Director of the US Drug Enforcement Agency(DEA)
- 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.
- Prohibiting Waivers for Marijuana Businesses
Solutions:
- 24hr operations with a special permit license
- Removal of onsite consumption restrictions from the ordinance
- Special Permit to operate a Drive through. These places should be zoned like a bank or drugstore like CVS, Walgreens, etc.
- Allow a special use permit for cultivation in commercial areas.
- B4 industry, square footage
- 1000 Feet from a school under the US Drug Free Zone laws
- 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.
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!
Monday, October 26, 2015
Field Report: The Protest on Livernois and Outer Drive on Thursday October 22, 2015 @ 9PM
by Richard C. Clement
The protest by the New Era Detroit organization on Livernois
and Outer Drive that blocked traffic was handled by the wisdom of the elders in
the crowd and the presence of officers from the Detroit Police 12th precinct. We
are extremely glad that things turned out well. Shout out to Keith Williams, and State Rep
Latoya Garrett who appeared and listened to the protesters. While the message of supporting black
businesses was valid, blocking the
street preventing customers from getting to the businesses that the black
people own hurt their cause. Places like Kuzzos and Baker Keyboard lost
customers because of their street blockage and was counter to the message that
they wanted to send. Order was restored when the protesters started to sit down
and talk instead of cursing and aggressiveness.
We hope that some of them changed their mind on the
importance of voting and how to deal with the problem of gerrymandering. It is the gerrymandering of districts that
create the voter disenfranchisement and, gives the young an illusion that their
vote does not count. By selecting large
tracts of land a political party winning
an election in a Census year can draw new district lines and shape policies for
the next 10 years. The result of this
effect is a gridlock situation where nothing gets done and the neighborhoods
are not represented fairly in Lansing and Washington. You get laws passed that
will only benefit the few at the expense of the majority of the people.
Making a law referendum proof by preventing the voters from
deciding what the people want is a form of voter fraud at the legislative
level. Legislative Voter Fraud takes
your takes your voice away from making changes in the process against the
majority of the people. To change that you have to register to vote, sign a
petition, and vote the change into law.
Laws like a declaring a misdemeanor for making a referendum proof law against the will of the
people can be handled by a ballot initiative signed by registered voters asking
for their voice with their vote.
In a football game ever play run does not go for an instant
touchdown. Therefore this is going to be a ground game all the way to 2020 of
voting in every election. You also have to support the ballot initiative for a
non-partisan commission to pick the districts at the Congressional, State,
Local, and County level to get a true representation of a community. By voting this into law, you will end the
gridlock that goes on in Lansing and Washington and get a true representation
of your neighborhood at the State and US Capitol.
Change is coming but it takes time. Vote anyway.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
What Does It Take to Make a Great City? 3D Home Printing
by Richard C. Clement
We have the talent right here in the City as demonstrated by the 3D Musical Artists Onyx Ashanti (onyx-ashanti.com) who is rooted in the heart of Detroit. Mr. Ashanti is a prime example of the talent in our City of Detroit. An artist that prints his own musical instruments using 3D technology, he has soundly rejected the ideology of some in Corporate America that cannot find the talent in the urban cities, especially the Detroit Public Schools.
As long as you are outside the walls of a correctional
institution and, have no intentions of going back if you have been there,
opportunity is available to learn how to do something to add to the overall
quality of life in the city. As long as you have an Android or IPhone and can
figure out how to use 50% or more of the features on it, you can be trained to
do any job in technology.
All it takes is a mentor and opportunity to contribute to the quality of life, entrepreneurship may be the way to go. You may have to work a few jobs to sustain yourself in the beginning, but when you reach your goal of success (as defined by you) your mind will be at peace.
Currently, there are large tracts of land in the City that
can support the development of neighborhoods ranging from moderate homes for
homeless veterans, all the way to exclusive homes that would rival the ones in
Palmer Woods in District 2.
To help with re-purposing the land, 3D Printer technology may
have to be implemented. Using a computer, all someone needs to do is to draw
the house on the computer, and once everything is looking good on paper clicks
on the OK button. The technology uses basic math with the X, Y, and Z
coordinates, connected to a machine with a nozzle at the end. The pumping mechanism pours the dimensions of
the home in layers until completed. To
pour the plumbing, the mixing compound would be changed to make pipe and other
parts.
Mixing materials composed from Industrial Hemp byproducts
like concrete and other material will be able to create parts for a home like a
plastic tube for water and hemp-Crete for sewer pipes. Entire tracts of land would be “reprinted” or, a custom made
home printed to specification on a single lot in a neighborhood. Click Here to see a machine in China that can print up to 10 homes a day using 3D Technology.
We have the talent right here in the City as demonstrated by the 3D Musical Artists Onyx Ashanti (onyx-ashanti.com) who is rooted in the heart of Detroit. Mr. Ashanti is a prime example of the talent in our City of Detroit. An artist that prints his own musical instruments using 3D technology, he has soundly rejected the ideology of some in Corporate America that cannot find the talent in the urban cities, especially the Detroit Public Schools.
All it takes is a mentor and opportunity to contribute to the quality of life, entrepreneurship may be the way to go. You may have to work a few jobs to sustain yourself in the beginning, but when you reach your goal of success (as defined by you) your mind will be at peace.
So if you like to draw, a 3D home design may be a career for
you to pursue. Work from anywhere at any time as long as you put in your hours
at the agreed rate of pay, you will do fine.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Statement on the Flint Michigan Water Crisis
by Friends of Councilmember Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr.
We strongly encouraging
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, US Attorney Barbara McQuade, and Attorney
General Bill Schuette to intervene on behalf of the Citizens of Flint Michigan
with, a court order to immediately switch the water supply back to the Detroit
Water and Sewer Department (DWSD).
This conduct is an extreme threat to the health
and quality of life for the citizens, especially the children.
The
switch to pump water from the Flint River is an act of negligence and, will
cost the State of Michigan millions in lawsuit settlements for health reasons. Therefore
we are strongly encouraging State and Federal officials to investigate, repair
the water quality, and prosecute possible wrongdoing on the people of Flint
Michigan.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Detroit Marijuana Ordinance Public Hearing: Monday, October 12th, 2015 @ 10am
by Richard C. Clement
The Detroit City Council has set the date of Monday, October 12th, 2015 at 10am for a public hearing on the proposed ordinance to remove drive through service and cap the number of Marijuana Service Centers in the City. All persons wishing to file an appearance, support, or objection must file their written paperwork with Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey's Office.
Download the new ordinance as presented for public hearing from Council-member Pro-Tem Cushingberry's City of Detroit Webpage on (www.detroitmi.gov George Cushingberry Jr's Newsletters and Documents Link)
If you would like to speak at this hearing and require more time, then the City Clerk must be notified at least 10 days in advance. Upon approval a person will be given 4 minutes to speak. Otherwise you will be limited to two minutes.
After this hearing and if you want your facility to be re-zoned, please fill out this Application for Zoning Change form to re-zone your property with the City Planning Commission. If you are successful, you may be able to change the zoning of your property so that it will be in compliance with the new ordinance.
Download an Application for a City of Detroit Zoning Change
If you have any questions please call the office at (313) 224-4535
Let the People Decide |
Download the new ordinance as presented for public hearing from Council-member Pro-Tem Cushingberry's City of Detroit Webpage on (www.detroitmi.gov George Cushingberry Jr's Newsletters and Documents Link)
If you would like to speak at this hearing and require more time, then the City Clerk must be notified at least 10 days in advance. Upon approval a person will be given 4 minutes to speak. Otherwise you will be limited to two minutes.
After this hearing and if you want your facility to be re-zoned, please fill out this Application for Zoning Change form to re-zone your property with the City Planning Commission. If you are successful, you may be able to change the zoning of your property so that it will be in compliance with the new ordinance.
Download an Application for a City of Detroit Zoning Change
If you have any questions please call the office at (313) 224-4535
What Does it Take to Make a Better City? Careers in Aviation and Rail Transportation with an expanded City Airport
by Richard Clement
Juliet and George at the MGM Grand |
The Mt Elliot Employment District is a project will create jobs and return an investment
into the City. The project will enhance the business climate by allowing the expansion a business corridor along Van Dyke and Mt
Elliot. It will allow Detroit City Airport to grow with new and longer runways that will miss the cemetery's and allow for the re-opening of McNichols to traffic. Another benefit of this effort is the
re-establishment of Davis Aerospace High School back at the airport grounds.
By relocating Davis Aerospace High School on the Airport Grounds, the Detroit Public School system will be a national leader providing the nation with certified pilots and mechanics that will be the new Tuskegee Airmen of the future. This school is extremely vital in the growth of the City because it will train students for careers in aviation and commercial airline service.. Students from Detroit and surrounding areas will be given an opportunity to get a career in Aviation and fly to bigger and better with an education and a skill.
By relocating Davis Aerospace High School on the Airport Grounds, the Detroit Public School system will be a national leader providing the nation with certified pilots and mechanics that will be the new Tuskegee Airmen of the future. This school is extremely vital in the growth of the City because it will train students for careers in aviation and commercial airline service.. Students from Detroit and surrounding areas will be given an opportunity to get a career in Aviation and fly to bigger and better with an education and a skill.
Currently the City of Detroit owns much of the land around
the Airport Property. This property can be used to expand the use of the
airport by creating two longer runways so that passenger carrying airlines can use
it. Major airline companies like Delta (www.delta.com) and Qatar (www.qatarairways.com) can provide a regional hub
that will compliment Metro Airport with their high volume operation. Detroit City Airport will rival Chicago’s
Midway Airport and Bishop Airport in Flint with direct flights to places like Havana Cuba, Dallas, New York,
Chicago, Toronto CA, Vancouver CA, or any City within a 3000 nautical mile radius
of the runways.
The Mt Elliot Employment District project will increase the value of property on
Detroit’s east side and create satellite business in and around the expanded
airport. Parts suppliers, Cargo and Car
rental places are example of some of the supplier business types that will be
created with this public works project. If you would like to see this happen then business and
community leaders must agree to pursue this endeavor. People need jobs and this is one way to
create them by doing a project that is for the good of the people instead of
letting land stay idle and non-income producing.
To make a better city you have to make
something happen by organizing with leaders in Washington, Lansing, Wayne
County, and Detroit to support this
public works project that will create jobs and opportunity for Detroit
residents who want to work, earn, and learn.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Cushingberry Improves Neighborhoods by Approving NEZ Certificates
By the Friends of Cushingberry
What is a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone?
.
Councilmember Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr. is committed to neighborhoods and, has approved NEZ Certificates for the following properties in Detroit.
July 2015.
July 2015.
Address
|
# of Units
|
248 Mack Avenue
|
4
|
2658 Porter Street
|
3
|
3147 Woodward Ave
|
3
|
4335 Lakepointe
|
1
|
4119 and 4217 Aretha
|
2
|
4228 and 4240 Aretha
|
2
|
3926,3943,3955,4142 Aretha
|
4
|
11 units Woodward/Brush/Hendrie
|
11
|
81 Peterboro
|
3
|
If you live in one
of these areas, you may qualify for a tax abatement of up to %50 for 15 years. Since
2006, the City of Detroit began a program offering tax relief to specific
geographic areas. Many residents have been interested in this program, but are
unsure how to go about it. Here are some frequently asked questions:
1: Who is eligible?
If you purchased your home after
January 1, 1997, it is your principal residence, and you have completed $500 of
improvements to your home since its purchase, you are likely eligible for a tax
cut. Two-family properties are also eligible if it is the owner's principal
residence.
2: How much is the reduction?
The NEZ tax abatement adjusts the
rate of the City and County operating mills by 50%.* this millage rate varies
yearly - therefore the NEZ millage rate varies also. *Only the City and County
operating mills are abated - all other homestead mills are applicable.
3: How long does the tax
abatement last?
15 years.
4: How do I
apply?
You must apply in person at the
City Assessor's Office, which is located in the Coleman A. Young Municipal
Center, Two Woodward Avenue, Room 804, Detroit, MI 48226.
5: Is there a deadline:
Yes. If you want to see tax
relief for the next year, you must apply between the dates of April 1 – October
1. For example, if you recently purchased your home, you can apply between
April 1 and October 1 of the current year to be eligible for the upcoming tax
year. You do not have to reapply every year.
6: What documentation do I need
to bring?
You will need to bring your
driver's license and property deed.
7: My mortgage company pays my
taxes through my escrow account. Do I have to inform them of this change?
It is a wise idea to notify your
mortgage company of this program, once you have been approved, to transition
the change of escrow more smoothly. The first year, and every eligible year
thereafter, they will receive four tax bills: one for the land and one for the house
(improvements), each summer and winter. This is due to the land on which your house
sits is not eligible for this program, just the house itself. Under normal
conditions, they would only receive two tax bills: winter and summer. If your
mortgage company understand these bills, it may help avoid further mistakes
later on.
8: How will I know when my taxes
have been reduced?
You can log into the City of
Detroit Assessment Department's Online Property Tax Payment and Information
System: (Click Here for the tax on your Property Tax as Assessed - BSA Software)
There is no charge for this
system as long as you set up an account and verify only your own property.
Changes will be noted after the next tax billing cycle.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Marijuana Policy at Mackinaw? A 2016 Ballot Question To The People
by The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.
Lansing Mayor Virg Benero |
During the Mackinaw Policy Conference, a new effort to allow
Michiganders the legal right to use Marijuana without arrest, prosecution, and
discrimination was introduced. The group MI
Legalize (www.milegalize.com) is
spearheading an effort to place this issue on the ballot in November 2016. This
Marijuana legalization effort if adopted by the people will allow
municipalities to regulate this industry with 20% of the profits going to the
city or township the provisioning center is located in. The current Michigan Medical Marijuana Act will remain intact.
"Free The Weed for the Jobs We Need" - Richard C. Clement
Michigan residents will have another chance to determine
the direction of the management and regulation of the exploding Marijuana
Industry. Michigan voters have the opportunity to force the reform of the
current system by electing responsible leaders who will do the following:
- Getting a Picture of the Cardholder on the Medical Marijuana Card
- Removing all Marijuana Convictions from citizens who are incarcerated in the legal system
- Use the growing revenue to revitalize blighted properties in Detroit
- Eliminate the requirement of placing Medical Marijuana in the Trunk of your car
- Remove Marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act
- Pot profits for Potholes, School Funding, Retiree Pensions and lowering Co-Pays on Health Insurance with the Affordable Care Act.
Richard Clement and Mrs. Jodie Emery Wife of Marc Scott Emery A Canadian Citizen abused by America's war on Weed. |
Since the Ronald Regan revolution of the 1980, the prison population has
quadrupled to 2.4 million people. Cost per prisoner ranges from $21,000 to
$33,000 per year for each person within the US Prison population. 20% of State
Prisoners and 51% of Federal prisoners are in jail for Drug Charges like
possession of Marijuana. Compared to 4% of the prison population is composed of
robbery and 1% for murder, this is a huge financial commitment to keep people
locked up. Currently, the State of Michigan spends up to $2 billion dollars a
year maintaining their Department of Corrections facilities. On a Federal
level, prison costs are expected to rise to 30 percent of the Department of
Justice's budget by the year 2020.
Davidson Freeway at Oakland Exit |
The ballot proposal by the group MI Legalize will put a major dent
and spur a massive redirection of funds used to prosecute people for Marijuana
crimes. The breakdown of the revenue that will be
generated by this effort will direct 40% of all profits for transportation, 40%
to the school aid fund, and 20% to cities and townships where the business is
located. By
voting in 2016 citizens can elect State of Reps that will introduce legislation
to repeal the law that required people to carry Marijuana in the trunk of their
car like a weapon. This one law is
responsible for many arrests, and convictions of Michigan Citizens was endorsed
by prosecutors and a few mis-guided Michigan State Senators who were “influenced” by Attorney General
Bill Schuette and, the Michigan Sherriff’s Association.
Citizens
can finally force the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (www.michigan.gov/mmp) to place a picture
on the Medical Marijuana card after 6 years of operating the program, calling
an end to the legislative buffoonery when it comes to Information Technology.
While other states like Arizona allow you to upload a passport like picture,
Michigan officials are woefully lacking and intentionally slacking off to sabotage
the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, one of Michigan’s only profit making
programs in State Government.
If
Marijuana is to become legal then, we want our citizens of all races, religions,
spiritual beliefs, political or sexual preference, etc. to have an equal
opportunity to participate in this industry.
Based on population as of 2014, Michigan has 80% more citizens at 9
million residents than Colorado has at 5 million residents. Therefore, Michigan
will make more money than Colorado from the legalization of Marijuana. Schools,
Roads, and Retirees will benefit because a City or County Government can fund
pension programs and defray the cost of their healthcare by diverting the 20%
of profits into the pension system.
This
effort needs 302,400 signatures to be collected by circulators who
are gathering signatures from REGISTERED voters. If you are not registered to vote please do
so ASAP. If you are a felon or know a
felon who is NOT inside of a correctional facility, please inform them that
they are eligible to vote. This
is the non-violent social change that Dr. Martin Luther King was advocating
when he was alive and when people got beat up on a bridge to get the right to
participate in their government.
For
more information about this legalization effort, please visit the www.milegalize.com
website.
For a list of 2016 Presidential Candidates please visit this link:
Source:
Monday, January 12, 2015
Pushing with Pro-Tem Cush to upgrade Detroit Fire Department’s Technology.
By Richard C. Clement
"When it comes to old technology, friends don't let friends run junk"
- Words from a retired computer systems pro in District 2
The
Detroit City Council has approved a two year budget for the Detroit Fire
Department that includes adding additional Emergency Medical Technician personnel
and use of Global Positioning Software and Google Earth. DFD/EMS units will
also have the ability to closely monitor runs to spot abusers or frequent
flyers who use the EMS services for non-emergencies. Calls are already being ranked by priority
codes when someone calls in. When the
EMS unit arrives, the run is given a code and, a priority ranking system will
determine if this caller’s address is in fact a frequent flyer. Repeat offenders can be identified fairly
quickly so that other agencies can provide the long term help these people
need.
This two
year budget allows for new ROMEO non-transport Rapid Response Units that are staffed
by EMT’s. These units provide onsite medical service to someone until a
transport unit arrives. The color of
these units are RED and they look like a small pickup truck. These units are so
versatile that some of them are based at Detroit Police Precincts. The last item of importance is the cross
training of Firefighters as Medical First Responders that can give First Aid
until an EMS transport unit arrives to take the person to a hospital.
"When it comes to old technology, friends don't let friends run junk"
- Words from a retired computer systems pro in District 2
Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones |
To cut down response time, the department has hired 66 new Emergency
Medical Technicians (EMT) in 2014 with another 34 graduating on January 23rd,
11:30am at the Detroit Public Safety Building. DFD/EMS
has acquired 15 new ambulances and have up to 12 Private Ambulance Providers
that provide additional service during peak times of 1:00pm to 1:00am on call.
An additional communications channel has been added to allow dispatch to
communicate much better than before.
New ROMEO Non-Transport Units
New ROMEO Non-Transport Units
DFD/EMS Rapid Response (ROMEO) Units |
With the new changes and funding the Detroit Fire Department
EMS Units will be able to reduce response times and provide better services to
the citizens of the City of Detroit.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Protecting the Retired after Bankruptcy with the Membership
By Richard C. Clement
Question:
Question:
What should Members do to protect their pensions from being
exploited?
Answer:
Be sure to monitor board proceedings and monthly statements
regarding money management, and health care regarding the clawback feature of your
benefits. As a part of the bankruptcy settlement, all that was taken from the
retirees will be restored once the balance sheet shows a profit. All Americans
must have health care as required by law. Therefore with the clawback feature of the
Voluntary Employee Benefits Agreement (VEBA), retirees can ask for things like lower monthly premiums on their Affordable Care
Act health insurance, $5.00 flat rate co-pay or, other incentives decided upon
by the membership.
To make this work, you must also go to meetings and participate. If you are not able to attend, you may want to
consider having an advocate group or someone who has the time to monitor the
accounting on the behalf of the groups. This would fully protect the Police
and Fire Fighters who do not pay into Social Security and, General Retirees who
do pay into Social Security and got screwed also. Therefore we must think
outside the box and, in some cases just totally forget a box and think like a
ball.
What is clawback?
One proposal is to use the clawback feature of the VEBA to look at alternative funding for City retirees
health care and cost of living changes beyond their control. With the language of Michigan Senate Bills 4271, 5104, 5439, and 5440, revenue from Provisioning
Centers, Safe Testing Facilities and Industrial Hemp development (click here to see a hempcrete home) can be approved to fund retiree health care
costs. States like Colorado and
Washington have generated over $300+ million dollars in revenue from Marijuana sales and agricultural Industrial Hemp development.
Products like concrete for bricks and drywall will help build homes and business from Industrial Hemp or the Male Cannabis plant. An investment into new construction projects like redesigning and reopening City Airport for Commercial air traffic is a proposal that will help generate revenue in the form of new business and blight elimination. Trade schools encouraging public service jobs for youth and people in general who want a trade, job, or career is a sound investment in the future with pension funds. Why? because you need new business and skilled people to pay into the fund and, that requires knowledge and a well-paying job. The late Mayor Coleman Young once said that solution to progress in Detroit is a well-paying job with a living wage. This business plan worked for Henry Ford and, now we have to work a new plan for the City of Detroit.
Products like concrete for bricks and drywall will help build homes and business from Industrial Hemp or the Male Cannabis plant. An investment into new construction projects like redesigning and reopening City Airport for Commercial air traffic is a proposal that will help generate revenue in the form of new business and blight elimination. Trade schools encouraging public service jobs for youth and people in general who want a trade, job, or career is a sound investment in the future with pension funds. Why? because you need new business and skilled people to pay into the fund and, that requires knowledge and a well-paying job. The late Mayor Coleman Young once said that solution to progress in Detroit is a well-paying job with a living wage. This business plan worked for Henry Ford and, now we have to work a new plan for the City of Detroit.
With the recent federal convictions of prior pension board managers,
we feel that the eyes of pension participants is of the utmost importance. Councilmember Pro-Tem Cushingberry Jr. welcomes the FBI, GAO, M.L. Elrick, Sharon Epperson, and anyone else who want to inspect the books of the City of
Detroit regarding investments and money management. The retirees will never
ever have to put up with this again without their knowledge. In other words the
City of Detroit is welcoming you to look at the books and, one day it will be
online in real time. With liberty and financial justice for all.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Light up Lansing in Protest / Stop House Bill 5977 to preserve home rule for Cities and Townships
By Richard C. Clement
Jack Adams Ice Complex at Adams/Butzel Operating Hours:
Open Skating from 1p-9pm Tuesdays through Friday, Saturdays open 10a-6pm
The introduction of House Bill 5977 to stop cities from getting into community benefit agreements is morally reprehensible and irresponsible to the leadership and the Citizens of Detroit. A benefit of a Community Benefits Agreement between the City
of Detroit and the Detroit Red Wings would look like this, supporting the Jack
Adams / Ice Complex located at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center. The Detroit Department of Recreation has one
of the best public ice skating rinks in the area that exposes Detroit youth to
a skill that will give them something to do and keep them healthy. The Jack Adams Ice Arena Complex has a NHL
size rink that is maintained by the City of Detroit.
One of the agreements between the Detroit Red Wings and the City of Detroit is to support activities that would uplift the youth and community. The coaches there are very good and take the time to work
with the children on skating skills and learning the game of Hockey. Currently there are 2 players who are
currently in the NHL that came through the program. Some kids end up playing in college and semi
pro because they are that good.
Therefore it is our duty to demand of our leaders in Lansing
to stop meddling in affairs that usurps a local City or Townships in Michigan. You must call and email bomb the Michigan Legislature to voice your displeasure. When you send this email of protest, please place HB5977 (OPPOSED) in the subject line. For a complete list of Michigan Legislators, please click here.
The integrity of local control must be recognized and respected.
Fire up a Republican to denounce this dastardly plan..
Jack Adams Ice Complex at Adams/Butzel Operating Hours:
Open Skating from 1p-9pm Tuesdays through Friday, Saturdays open 10a-6pm
Friday Night Party on Skates 7pm-9pm
Skating Lessons given on Tuesday from 6p-8p and Saturday
11a-1p
For more information, contact:
Cynthia Wardlaw at (313) 727-7330
Jason McCrimmon at (313) 506-0132
Adams/Butzel Complex at (313) 628-0990
For more information, contact:
Cynthia Wardlaw at (313) 727-7330
Jason McCrimmon at (313) 506-0132
Adams/Butzel Complex at (313) 628-0990
Coach Cynthia Wardlaw (far right) |
Skating Lessons for Youth |
Young Detroiters take to the rink! |
The integrity of local control must be recognized and respected.
Fire up a Republican to denounce this dastardly plan..
Contact information Republican Representatives --House
John Bumstead (R-Newaygo) 517-373-7317
Hugh D Crawford(R-Novi) 517-373-0827
Anthony G. Forlini (R-Harrison Twp.) 517-373-0113
Frank Foster (R-Pellston) 517-373-2629
Bob Genetski (R-Saugatuck) 517-373-0836
Ken Goike (R-Ray Township) 517-373-0820
Gail Haines (R-Waterford) 517-373-0615
Martin Howrylak (R-Troy) 517-373-1783
Bradford C. Jacobsen (R-Oxford) 517-373-1798
Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Twp.) 517-373-1799
Matt Lori (R-Constantine) 517-373-0832
Michael D. McCready (R-Birmingham) 517-373-8670
Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills) 517-373-1773
Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City) 517-373-0835
Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs) 517-373-1796
Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle) 517-373-0833
Amanda Price (R-Holland) 517-373-0838
Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville) 517-373-1403
Bruce R. Rendon (R-Lake City) 517-373-3817
Wayne A. Schmidt (R-Traverse City) 517-373-1766
Robert Verheulen (R-Walker) 517-373-8900
Ken Yonker (R-Caledonia) 517-373-0840
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