Detroit Votes YES to Opt Into Marijuana Industry Growth and NO to Voter Fraud Attempt by City Planning Commission

Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst and Legislative Aide to Council President ProTem George Cushingberry Jr.

The citizens of Detroit are very grateful to Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr, Corporate Counsel Butch Hollowell, and Mayor Mike Duggan for choosing NOT to pursue a legal challenge to the voters on Medical Marijuana Proposals A and B. This move will save the taxpayers of Detroit millions in legal fees and create additional revenue that can help defray health care costs for City Retirees. The request to invalidate the election results from the City Planning Commission amounted to blatant voter fraud and, was a slap in the face of the electorate whom 60% of them voted in favor of opting into State Marijuana Laws.  The language cannot be changed for at least 365 days after being certified by the Wayne County Clerk's office which was on November 21st, 2017.

Yes, we can all get along because the people have spoken that they enjoy tokin..

Councilmember James Tate's argument to invalidate the vote was deemed invalid because "the process" was decided by Judge Robert Colombo, who ordered that the issue be placed on the November ballot. That WAS the City of Detroit Elections Bureau's opportunity for a legal challenge and, it was clearly answered by the Judge. Furthermore, the 8 to 1 decision by the Detroit City Council to invalidate the results of the voters in Detroit stresses the need for the return of teaching Civics in K-12 education. We have way too many people saying that votes do not count and, this is a prime example of bad behavior by the City Planning Commission, reinforcing negative stereotypes to children about government.

Website: Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr explains his objection to the Planning Commission's attempt to cancel out the votes of Detroit residents on Marijuana management in the City.

We must continue to tell our citizens that your votes DO count when you show up at the polls. We already have examples of the work by Emergency Managers that were selected, not elected by the majority of the people.

On your 2018 ballot decriminalization of Marijuana in 2018 is a strong possibility if you show up at the ballot box. You will have the choice of Voting on regulating Marijuana like Alcohol. With regulation comes the oversight needed to prevent unfair business practices. The process must be inclusive of all Michigan citizens regardless of who you are and your background like any other business. 

Detroit City Airport/Tuskegee Airman Project Leaders

Going forward, we want to know where are all of those Marijuana hating pastors are when the children of Davis Aerospace needed their runway paved with new asphalt to help them in their aviation careers? Better yet, where are all them when people like Creflo Dollar and his $65 million dollar jet when he comes to Detroit to visit?  When an African American investor wanted to bring his airline to Detroit and invest his own money into the facility, the noise from this group in support sounded like crickets. There are real battles to be fought for in the growth of Detroit, and commercial Air Service at City Airport is one of them that will create jobs and opportunity for everyone.  We must refocus the energy of the clergy to remove the head in the sand attitude on change and, fight along with elected leaders to eliminate the outrageous insurance rates that are detrimental to the growth of our City.  

This policy must be changed in Lansing MI and, George Cushingberry Jr has the knowledge, experience, and demonstrated ability to get the job done, especially in Senate District 2 in 2018. Some of the things he has already accomplished are, improving the City finances with 4 straight years of balanced budgets, raising reading literacy in Detroit Public Schools by reading to Children, streamlining City of Detroit technology and, promoting job opportunities at the Northwest Activities Center for anyone who is in need of a job.

Detroit City Council Being Requested To Commit Voter Fraud on Tuesday Nov 21st

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst and Legislative Aide to Councilmember ProTem George Cushingberry Jr. - City of Detroit 

    Your presence is requested at the Coleman Young Municipal Center 13th floor on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 10am for public comment and protest of the Detroit City Planning Commission. They are asking the Detroit City Council to partner with Attorney General Bill Schuette to throw out of the votes of Detroiters on Marijuana reform because of an assumed technicality of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. 


         Website: Michigan Zoning Enabling Act  www.michiganrelaw.com

Website: The Murder in Vandalia Michigan at the Rainbow Farms Camp by the FBI and the State of MI for Marijuana

These same forces are forcing business owners out of the market by applying exorbitant fees driving small business owners out of the market. We want a Community Benefits Agreement for Marijuana in the City of Detroit stating how the new businesses will help contribute to the betterment of the quality of life for the community.  Detroit residents are more than consumers of Marijuana, they are also business owners of every race, sex, marital status, and choice of a significant other.

The 2:00 Minute Drill is in Full Effect -  Written Comments Welcome Also

The current Detroit City Council will be asked by the City Planning Commission to invalidate the results of the vote in the Nov. 7^th General Election regarding Medical Marijuana Zoning. They will be asked to present a legal challenge to prevent the enforcement of the will of the people with the help of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. After years of Emergency Management and, the damage that it has done to everyone, this request by the planning commission offends the tenants of the United States and State of Michigan constitution by asking the City Council to commit an act of Voter Fraud.   

This action is very detrimental to our democracy, especially the children who we are teaching about respecting the law and the importance of participating in your government. We talk about how people gave their lives so that people can get the opportunity to address their government and redress their grievances.  The children will be able to use their smart phones to look up voter suppression and see what is going on. Children in Detroit will be able to tell everyone that voting doesn’t matter and, that’s why my parents don’t vote.  

Oral Public comment is limited to two minutes.  Written comments are always welcome and accepted for the record.  Contact your Detroit City Council Today!

Website: Detroit City Council Members

Please be advised that the Detroit City Charter prevents the Council and Mayor from re-implementing any provisions of the old law for a minimum of 360 days after a vote is certified.

Congratulations To Roy McCalister - Councilmember Elect District 2 - On to the Michigan State Senate

By Richard C. Clement - Legislative Aide to Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. - City of Detroit MI

After all of the results have been counted, we congratulate Roy McCallister for running an effective campaign to become the next City Council member for District 2.  Although our campaign fell short, we made a point of running as a Write In because of how the judicial system fumbled the ball and, rewrote new rules allowing Virgil Smith to run as a candidate. However, we have to deal with what was dealt to us by the courts and other things that happened during the campaign. On our way out the door, we can say that the City is in a much better financial condition than when we started.  

George Cushingberry Jr. thanks everyone who voted for him in the Primary and then took the time to write his name down as a write-in candidate in the General Election. 

He is and always will be supporter of the Medical Marijuana movement and is extremely glad that the voters had an opportunity to tell their City Council members and Mayor what THEY wanted with their vote.  The 60% vote by the people in favor of opting into the State of Michigan Medical Marijuana law should send a strong and direct message to anyone and anybody who wants to differ from the will of the people. 

He is also proud of the work he did for the Fire and Police department regarding upgrading system technology, being a champion for people in Sherwood Forest requesting a Special Assessment for additional services and increasing the value of their property at the same time. In the Detroit Public Schools, the commitment to raise the literacy level of small children by reading to them is a mission for the Councilman.

We appreciated everyone who worked on our staff for the last 4 years. We hope they will do well in their future endeavors and learned something the experience.

Michigan State Senate District 2

Finally, George Cushingberry Jr. is not done with politics or District 2 as he will be running as a candidate for 2^nd Senatorial District in the Michigan State Senate in the August 7^th, 2018 primary. He is planning to replace Senator Bert Johnson as he is term limited and cannot run again.   

Vote YES on Marijuana Nov 7th, 2017 Why the Detroit Free Press Got It Wrong

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

   The following language is Public Act 281 a new State Law regulating the Marijuana Industry in the State.  After reading the language, Council President Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr. is recommending a YES vote on both proposals. The Marijuana excize fund will be maintained by the Department of Treasury. The main beneficiaries are the County Executives, County Sheriffs, and Michigan Firefighter professionals. County Executive Warren Evans will get 30% of all revenue from sales. Another 30% goes to the first responder presumptive coverage fund and, is exclusively for firefighters with 5 years of service to address cancer concerns. In Wayne County, it will be Bucks for Bennie as the Wayne County Sheriffs Office will prosper from 5% of all sales and, the county will be in better shape financially.

Free The Weed for the Money I Need - Sheriff Benny Napolean  -lol

With Roy McCalister and Virgil Smith, you will get two NO votes, allowing the practice of Green on Green crime to continue between potential Marijuana business owners. A businessperson opening up a Church to prevent the opening of another facility is un-godly and insults the real meaning of religion. In the current ordinance, there is no provision for religions like Rastafarians and that has to change also. Finally there are outside interests who want a NO vote so that Detroiter's have to drive to Macomb County for their medicine.

However, there are many pastors in Detroit that support the YES vote but feel intimidated by others even though it is discussed in Genesis 1:19..

Read the language for yourself, Vote YES twice and, Write In George Cushingberry Jr. the man for you in District 2.  (State and City)

Website: Full Language of Public Act 281 (PDF)

Webiste: State Of Michigan Dept of LARA First Resp. Presumptive Coverage Fund 

PUBLIC ACT 281 -  EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

PART 6. TAXES AND FEES

Sec. 601. (1) A tax is imposed on each provisioning center at the rate of 3% of the provisioning center’s gross retail receipts. By 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter, a provisioning center shall remit the tax for the preceding calendar quarter to the department of treasury accompanied by a form prescribed by the department of treasury that shows the gross quarterly retail income of the provisioning center and the amount of tax due, and shall submit a copy of the form to the department. If a law authorizing the recreational or nonmedical use of marihuana in this state is enacted, this section does not apply beginning 90 days after the effective date of that law.

(2) The taxes imposed under this section shall be administered by the department of treasury in accordance with 1941 PA 122, MCL 205.1 to 205.31, and this act. In case of conflict between the provisions of 1941 PA 122, MCL 205.1 to 205.31, and this act, the provisions of this act prevail.

Sec. 602. (1) The medical marihuana excise fund is created in the state treasury.

(2) Except for the application fee under section 401, the regulatory assessment under section 603, and any local licensing fees, all money collected under section 601 and all other fees, fines, and charges, imposed under this act shall be deposited in the medical marihuana excise fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the fund interest and earnings from fund investments.

(3) Money in the medical marihuana excise fund at the close of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund and shall not lapse to the general fund.

(4) The state treasurer shall be the administrator of the medical marihuana excise fund for auditing purposes.

(5) The money in the medical marihuana excise fund shall be allocated, upon appropriation, as follows:

(a) 25% to municipalities in which a marihuana facility is located, allocated in proportion to the number of marihuana facilities within the municipality.

(b) 30% to counties in which a marihuana facility is located, allocated in proportion to the number of marihuana facilities within the county.

(c) 5% to counties in which a marihuana facility is located, allocated in proportion to the number of marihuana facilities within the county. Money allocated under this subdivision shall be used exclusively to support the county sheriffs and shall be in addition to and not in replacement of any other funding received by the county sheriffs.

(d) 30% to this state for the following:

(i) Until September 30, 2017, for deposit in the general fund of the state treasury.

(ii) Beginning October 1, 2017, for deposit in the first responder presumed coverage fund created in section 405 of the worker’s disability compensation act of 1969, 1969 PA 317, MCL 418.405.

(e) 5% to the Michigan commission on law enforcement standards for training local law enforcement officers.

(f) 5% to the department of state police.

Sec. 603. (1) A regulatory assessment is imposed on certain licensees as provided in this section. All of the following shall be included in establishing the total amount of the regulatory assessment established under this section:

(a) The department’s costs to implement, administer, and enforce this act, except for the costs to process and investigate applications for licenses supported with the application fee described in section 401.

(b) Expenses of medical-marihuana-related legal services provided to the department by the department of attorney general.

(c) Expenses of medical-marihuana-related services provided to the department by the department of state police.

(d) Expenses of medical-marihuana-related services provided by the department of treasury.

(e) $500,000.00 to be allocated to the department for expenditures of the department for licensing substance use disorder programs.

(f) An amount equal to 5% of the sum of the amounts provided for under subdivisions (a) to (d) to be allocated to the department of health and human services for substance-abuse-related expenditures including, but not limited to, substance use disorder prevention, education, and treatment programs.

(g) Expenses related to the standardized field sobriety tests administered in enforcing the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923.

(h) An amount sufficient to provide for the administrative costs of the Michigan commission on law enforcement standards.

(2) The regulatory assessment is in addition to the application fee described in section 401, the tax described in section 601, and any local licensing fees.

(3) The regulatory assessment shall be collected annually from licensed growers, processors, provisioning centers, and secure transporters. The regulatory assessment for a class A grower license shall not exceed $10,000.00.

(4) Beginning in the first year marihuana facilities are authorized to operate in this state, and annually thereafter, the department, in consultation with the board, shall establish the total regulatory assessment at an amount that is estimated to be sufficient to cover the actual costs and support the expenditures listed in subsection (1).

(5) On or before the date the licensee begins operating and annually thereafter, each grower, processor, provisioning center, and secure transporter shall pay to the state treasurer an amount determined by the department to reasonably reflect the licensee’s share of the total regulatory assessment established under subsection (4).

Sec. 604. (1) The marihuana regulatory fund is created in the state treasury.

(2) The application fee collected under section 401 and the regulatory assessment collected under section 603 shall be deposited in the marihuana regulatory fund. The state treasurer shall direct the investment of the fund. The state treasurer shall credit to the fund interest and earnings from fund investments.

(3) Money in the marihuana regulatory fund at the close of the fiscal year shall remain in the fund and shall not lapse to the general fund.

(4) The department shall be the administrator of the marihuana regulatory fund for auditing purposes.

(5) Except as provided in section 603(1)(d) and (e), the department shall expend money from the marihuana regulatory fund, upon appropriation, only for implementing, administering, and enforcing this act.

Sec. 605. The department may use any money appropriated to it from the marihuana registry fund created in section 6 of the Michigan medical marihuana act, 2008 IL 1, MCL 333.26426, for the purpose of funding the operations of the department and the board in the initial implementation and subsequent administration and enforcement of this act.

District 2 City Council Candidate Debate with George Cushingberry Jr. Roy McAlister and Virgil Smith

By Richard C. Clement


On October 19th, 2017 George Cushingberry Jr. debated his challengers Roy McAlister and Virgil Smith at the Westminster Church of Detroit for the Winship Community Association Candidates Forum.

Website: 2017 Candidates Debate Forum Video Link.

In this debate he demonstrated the experience, education, and demonstrated ability to earn the write in vote of confidence to be rehired by the citizens of District 2 on November 7th.

George Cushingberry Jr. believes that literacy is the key to continue the progress of the City regarding long term future of the city with his motto:

"In order to succeed, you must learn how to read!" 

A majority of the people incarcerated at the Wayne County Jail cannot read and that is a precursor to criminal behavior. Then George Cushingberry gave the audience an insight into how the city was able to turn around a grave financial situation into an improved bond rating and financial stability for the citizens of the City of Detroit.  

He also gave strong financial reasons for a YES vote on Medical Marijuana ordinances 24 and 61 to opting into State of Michigan's Medical Marijuana laws.  Both Virgil Smith and Roy McAlister do not support Marijuana reform and want people to vote NO to retain the current ordinance. The current ordinance has proven to be a questionable law because it is being manipulated by scrupulous business owners who were using churches and day care centers to prevent the opening of another business instead of for true religious reasons. In many cases, some of the churches were closed and owned by the land bank and allowed to qualify as barrier to prevent the opening of another business.

Education, Experience, and Demonstrated Ability

Both McAlister and Smith sounded like Jeff Sessions and Harry Anslinger describing Marijuana as a Schedule I drug with no medical value, using that as a reason to vote NO. Whereas George Cushingberry Jr. described the benefits of voting YES to repair the financial damage to the City retirees, especially the retired police and fire employees. .

If you want a detailed presentation on the state of the City Budget, Council President Pro Tempore Cushingberry will be hosting a public meeting regarding the City of Detroit's finances on Thursday October 26th, at 6pm at the Joseph Walker-Williams Center 8341 Rosa Parks Blvd. 48206.

After further review of the candidates,  George Cushingberry Jr. has demonstrated that he is the best choice for the Office of City Detroit Council member in District 2.  Roy McAlister does not have the legislative background that Cushingberry has and, Virgil Smith is one Supreme Court Judge away from doing a two year mandatory minimum for a gun crime. Letting a Circuit Court judge condone domestic violence by their opinion does a disservice to the citizens. By not analyzing all outcomes in letting Mr. Smith run for office, the court failed the Citizens of Detroit.

When you Write-In his name on your ballot, Detroit can continue the work on the path to financial independence from all State of Michigan control and continue the progress we have made as a City for four more years.

On November 7th, Re-Elect George Cushingberry Jr. - The Man For You In District 2  

On Nov 7th - Vote YES on 24 and 61 for Firefighters Health Care In Michigan

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. recommends a YES vote on revisions to the Marijuana Facilities ordinance so that it will benefit Firefighters in Detroit and Michigan. Starting on October 1^st, 2017,  30% of all revenue from the Marijuana industry will benefit the first responder presumed coverage fund created in section 405 of the worker’s disability compensation act of 1969, 1969 PA 317, MCL 418.405.

This fund is being maintained by the Michigan Department of Treasury so that firefighters who contract cancer from hazardous burning material on duty will be compensated for their injuries.  The current ordinance harms these first responders needlessly because of a perceived prejudice from a few individuals that did not take the time to read to comprehend the information they need to make an informed decision.

Pursuant to Public Act 515 of 2014 the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund is created. The Director of the Workers' Compensation Agency is the administrator of the Fund.

In order to submit an application the first responder must:

• Be a member of a fully paid fire department or public fire authority and be compensated on a full-time basis,
• Be in active service of the department or authority for at least 60 months,
• Be diagnosed with any respiratory tract, bladder, skin, brain, kidney, blood, thyroid, testicular, prostate, or lymphatic cancer,
• Be employed in the active service of the department or authority at the time the cancer manifests itself, and be exposed to the hazards incidental to fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services in the performance of his or her work-related duties,
• First apply for and do all things necessary to qualify for any pension benefits to which he or she may be entitled.

Website/PDF Document: State of MI Public Act 281 - Part 6 - Section 602 subsection (5D) parts I and II

The current ordinance also discriminates against people of faith who use Marijuana as a holy sacrament and as a primary part of their religion.  Rastafarians would have to invoke their rights under the Federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act so that they can worship.

Finally by voting YES on both issues, we will be able to monitor the businesses and stop the Green on Green crime being performed by some business owners who open up Churches and Day Care centers to prevent the opening of a facility. 

Some pastors and neighborhood groups want to allow people like Warren MI Mayor Jim Fouts to open up a school on the north side of 8 mile road to shut down a facility in Detroit and, get paid $500 for turning them into the “authorities”.

Say no to this hypocrisy by Voting YES on 24 and 61, because now is the time to get the job done!

Show up and Vote YES  on Tuesday Nov 7^th and, If you live in District 2, write in the name of George Cushingberry Jr., the man for you in District 2.

Vote YES twice on November 7th 2017 for Sensible Marijuana Laws in the City of Detroit

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

On Nov 7^th, two proposals Chapters 24 and 61 are on the City of Detroit Ballot to allow the citizens of Detroit to decide to Opt-Into the State of Michigan Medical Marijuana Caregivers Act with their vote.  The highlights of the proposals are as follows:

• Opts the City of Detroit ordinance into the State of Michigan Medical Marijuana Facilities and Licensing Act
• Allows for new revenue to be reinvested into parks, recreation centers, retiree pensions, and fighting the war on poverty
• Establishes standards to regulate caregiver centers through the city's Building, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department regarding issuance, renewal and revocation.
• Amends the definition of a Drug-Free School Zone to correspond to federal and state law that requires dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, colleges and public libraries
• Dispensaries will be allowed to open within 500 feet of another dispensaries, 500 feet of exempt religious institutions where religious services are regularly conducted. 
• Removes restrictions on liquor, beer/wine stores, child-care centers, arcades and parks.
• Dispensaries would be allowed to stay open until 9 p.m.
• The new ordinance will aid in preventing unscrupulous business owners from opening a Church, or Day Care Center for the sole purpose of preventing the opening of a MMCC business.
• Adoption of this ordinance by the electorate will effectively stop Winfred Blackmon, Hazel Fludd, and their clown car full of neighborhood groups who come to EVERY Board of Zoning Hearing with frivolous claims, twisted reasoning, and false allegations. In some cases the opposition lives up to 9 miles away from a MMCC facility and talk about the places like they live next door to them.

The current City of Detroit Medical Marijuana ordinance violates tenants of the Federal Religious Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and, the US Constitution 1^st Amendment on separation of church and state. Additionally crime data from the Detroit Police Department shows that crime has actually DECREASED around the addresses of the businesses and, that they are viable tax paying entities and, that the neighborhood groups are lying to a government entity for personal gain.

Richard C. Clement with the owners of the House of Zen 14501 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48215

Whereas current District 2 City Council Candidate Roy McAlister is a solid NO vote on both measures, Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry recommends a YES vote on amending Chapters 24 and 61. If elected to City Council, Roy McAlister wants to limit and continue the shutdown of MMCC facilities by retaining the current ordinance. George Cushingberry wants to bring Detroit into the 21^st century from 80 years of prohibition policy based on racist thoughts and ideas from the 1930’s.

Website:  House Of Zen / Weedmaps.com

Adopting both measures will bring needed revenue to the city, create jobs, and revitalize some of the empty building in the neighborhoods. Another good thing is that it increases opportunities for Minority and Women owned businesses like the House of Zen on Mack Avenue who can employ people from the neighborhood, draw new business to the neighborhood and add to the quality of life. 

Vote YES on 24, Vote YES on 61, now is the time to get the job done.