wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Tonight's Community Fish Fry At Dexter-Elmhurst Center and More!
DETROIT COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS ! !
Today we are celebrating Ujima- Working together in the community, pledging to rebuild our community, and helping each other solve our own problems as a community
TONIGHT DEC. 29 Keep the Vote Fish Fry
"Keep the Vote" is having a fish fry on December 29, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Dexter Elmhurst Center. The center is on Dexter Ave off of Elmhurst, just south of Davison
FRIDAY: DEC. 31 Council Member Watson's Kwanzaa Celebration
The Kwanzaa Celebration co-sponsored by Council Member Watson will be held on Friday, December 31st at 6:00 pm and will be held at Vernon Chapel at 18500 Norwood at Grigsdale (Conner and Ryan area). All seven principles of Kwanza will be celebrated along with a free dinner! All those working to make our community stronger should plan to attend to meet like minded people! Happy Kwanza and a blessed and Happpy New Year!
Umoja (Unity)
Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
Imani (Faith)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Seasons Greetings! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays!
Seasons Greetings! Happy Kwanzaa! and Happy Holidays! from
We The People of The Detroit!
Image via Wikipedia
Kwanzaa Celebration Days:
December 26- Umoja (Unity)
December 27- Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
December 28- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
December 29- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
December 30- Nia (Purpose)
December 31 Kuumba (Creativity)
January 1- Imani (Faith)
For more info about Kwanzaa: http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
We The People of The Detroit!
Image via WikipediaKwanzaa Celebration Days:
December 26- Umoja (Unity)
December 27- Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
December 28- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
December 29- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
December 30- Nia (Purpose)
December 31 Kuumba (Creativity)
January 1- Imani (Faith)
For more info about Kwanzaa: http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Call to Action for December: Wayne County Workers: Tuesday December 14 at 2pm
Subject: New articles in Voice of Detroit; court hearing Tues. Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. to fight Wayne County workers' 20% pay cut; at Coleman A.Young Municipal Center (City County Building), 9th Floor Judge John Murphy.
Friends, alerting you to new articles in Voice of Detroit, as well as court hearing Tues. Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. to fight Wayne County workers' 20% pay cut; at CAYMC, 9th Floor Judge John Murphy. Attached is the county workers' story in document form, both PDF and Microsoft Word.
Click on http://voiceofdetroit.net to read new VOD stories including:
Other stories in progress.
In the struggle,
Diane Bukowski, publisher
Voice of Detroit
Friends, alerting you to new articles in Voice of Detroit, as well as court hearing Tues. Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. to fight Wayne County workers' 20% pay cut; at CAYMC, 9th Floor Judge John Murphy. Attached is the county workers' story in document form, both PDF and Microsoft Word.
Click on http://voiceofdetroit.net to read new VOD stories including:
- The Crime of Reporting Crime - Greg Thrasher
- County workers fight pay cut; Ficano spends billions on new jail, Dearborn Hts. Rec. Center, Aerotropolis, Guardian Bldg., appointees - Diane Bukowski
- DPS discrimination against special needs and bilingual students - Aurora Harris
- Pastor condemns attack on homeless man in Corktown - link to MT article by Bill Wylie-Kellerman
- Obama tax deal - David Sirota
- SW Detroit wins victories against polluter; husband of Michigan Citizen publisher advocated for Systematic Recycling - Diane Bukowski
- History of Urban Peace and Justice Movement, call to West Coast conference - Amir Khalid Samad
- Court declares Bobb DPS takeover illegal -- BAMN release
- Blacks locked out of library construction in own San Francisco neighborhood -- San Francisco Bay View newspaper
Other stories in progress.
In the struggle,
Diane Bukowski, publisher
Voice of Detroit
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Community News: Invitations to Quality of Life Task Force Mtg and Kwaanza Event
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2010 12:53:15 PM
Subject: You're Invited December 17th: Detroit City Council Quality of Life-Housing Task Force Meeting
Dear Friends,
You are invited to the next meeting of the Detroit City Council Quality of Life Housing Task Force, which takes place at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2010 in the Erma Henderson Auditorium on the 13th Floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226.
As promised, this Detroit City Council Task Force Meeting chaired by Council Member JoAnn Watson will provide an update on the City of Detroit's progress toward establishing a national model HUD Section 3 Compliance Strategy. The HUD Section 3 Compliance Resolution passed unanimously by the Detroit City Council on November 23, 2010.
Prior to this task force meeting and on the same date at 12 noon is a free Kwanzaa celebration in the auditorium with local vendors in the atrium surrounding the Erma Henderson Auditorium. You are welcome to attend the Kwanzaa Celebration and encouraged to support Detroit vendors. I have attached a copy of the Kwanzaa flyer also for your consideration. Feel free to share the information on both events with your friends and family!
Regards,
Debra Taylor
Legislative Assistant
Council Member JoAnn Watson
Detroit City Council
Suite 1340, CAYMC
2 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 224-1435
Email: taylord@detroitmi.gov
Subject: You're Invited December 17th: Detroit City Council Quality of Life-Housing Task Force Meeting
Dear Friends,
You are invited to the next meeting of the Detroit City Council Quality of Life Housing Task Force, which takes place at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2010 in the Erma Henderson Auditorium on the 13th Floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226.
As promised, this Detroit City Council Task Force Meeting chaired by Council Member JoAnn Watson will provide an update on the City of Detroit's progress toward establishing a national model HUD Section 3 Compliance Strategy. The HUD Section 3 Compliance Resolution passed unanimously by the Detroit City Council on November 23, 2010.
Prior to this task force meeting and on the same date at 12 noon is a free Kwanzaa celebration in the auditorium with local vendors in the atrium surrounding the Erma Henderson Auditorium. You are welcome to attend the Kwanzaa Celebration and encouraged to support Detroit vendors. I have attached a copy of the Kwanzaa flyer also for your consideration. Feel free to share the information on both events with your friends and family!
Regards,
Debra Taylor
Legislative Assistant
Council Member JoAnn Watson
Detroit City Council
Suite 1340, CAYMC
2 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 224-1435
Email: taylord@detroitmi.gov
Friday, December 10, 2010
Call To Action for December: Saturday Dec 11, 2010 Hood Research Meeting
From Thu, Dec 9, 2010 at 11:25 PM, (Hood Research)
Hood Research is Having a Meeting
You are invited too the next
Hood Research meeting this coming Saturday December 11, 2010
at 2:00PM.
Location 8222 Joy Road,
Detroit MI. at Roselawn.
(link for map)
Map
Location to Meeting
Please bring your thoughts,
your ideas any concerns about our community.
Come ready to share and discuss.
Tentative Agenda Items:
1. Charter Commission Report
2. more DTE and the secret contract with the city of Detroit
3. Bing, Bobb - Bamboozled;
Both are or advocate breaking the law, both admit to not having authority too do what they state they intend to do, both are still here and how we can do more
Its Malpractice!
Also on the 18th, One Week From Saturday
Barton McFarlane is having a Holiday Party
Same Location, Time is 3PM, and its Free
Friend Hood Research is expanding
onto Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/HoodResearch http://twitter.com/
- Check for
posted events- Discussions
- Informational
postings- Shared
informationHoodResearch
- we have
tweeted from live community meetings- we will tweet
impromptu announcements- we’ll tweet
in the coming months updates and notices in between our
monthly meetings- And we’ll
tweet to help you know better so you can do better.
Tune In And Listen To
"Feed Back"
Every Monday
with Theo Broughton
and Thabiti Mpenda
* 3:00pm on WHPR, and TV 33
(Comcast 20)
And don't miss
"HR Issues"
with Carl Williams and
Hassan Aleem
* 4:00pm on WHPR, and TV 33
(Comcast 20)
Contact Hood Research
313.931.2700 phone
editor@hoodresearch.org
http://www.hoodresearch.org/
Co-Founders:
Theo Broughton &
Reggie Crawford
Always remember (Our Vision),
"People would do better
if they knew better."
(Another Hood Research
Positive Image Project)
To unsubscribe, send email to
editor@hoodresearch.org
Sunday, November 21, 2010
CALL TO ACTION FOR ALL DETROIT FEDERATION TEACHERS: MONDAY, NOV. 22 AT 4:00 PM
Please forward this email to all DFT ! Also, copy and distribute.
1. The DFT is calling its members and all supporters of public education to rally and picket State Rep Fred Durhal's office, at 4 pm this Monday, November 22. The office is located at 8140 Grand River, about one-half mile north of West Grand Blvd.
Durhal is the state rep who introduced Bobb's legislation Wednesday. Bobb's bills would allow all Michigan school districts operating with financial deficits to impose addendums to their union contracts that would: (a) eliminate seniority; (b) eliminate class size maximums and all other work rules (lesson prep time, etc) that district officials say is an impediment to "financial and academic reforms"; (c) allow for the unilateral implementation of merit pay, a longer school day and school year, and new attendance policies.
As I emphasized at Thursday's membership meeting, the bill creates a permanent Second-Class Status for majority black and poor white districts of Michigan, where we are already seeing 40 - 50 or more students in classes, and the replacement of a stable teaching corps with a revolving door of teachers modeled after the charter schools.
The DFT membership voted to picket Durhal at last week's monthly membership meeting. We also voted to call on supporters of public education and other school unions throughout Michigan to join us in Lansing for a state-wide Day of Action in Defense of Public Education, to be timed with any committee hearing on the Bobb/Durhal bill, or if the bill makes it to the floor of either state legislative chamber.
Protest this attack on public education, our students, our schools, and our jobs!
Celebrate the new day dawning in the DFT, as we stand up and fight for the future of our city and state!
All out this Monday at 4:00 pm !
1. The DFT is calling its members and all supporters of public education to rally and picket State Rep Fred Durhal's office, at 4 pm this Monday, November 22. The office is located at 8140 Grand River, about one-half mile north of West Grand Blvd.
Durhal is the state rep who introduced Bobb's legislation Wednesday. Bobb's bills would allow all Michigan school districts operating with financial deficits to impose addendums to their union contracts that would: (a) eliminate seniority; (b) eliminate class size maximums and all other work rules (lesson prep time, etc) that district officials say is an impediment to "financial and academic reforms"; (c) allow for the unilateral implementation of merit pay, a longer school day and school year, and new attendance policies.
As I emphasized at Thursday's membership meeting, the bill creates a permanent Second-Class Status for majority black and poor white districts of Michigan, where we are already seeing 40 - 50 or more students in classes, and the replacement of a stable teaching corps with a revolving door of teachers modeled after the charter schools.
The DFT membership voted to picket Durhal at last week's monthly membership meeting. We also voted to call on supporters of public education and other school unions throughout Michigan to join us in Lansing for a state-wide Day of Action in Defense of Public Education, to be timed with any committee hearing on the Bobb/Durhal bill, or if the bill makes it to the floor of either state legislative chamber.
Protest this attack on public education, our students, our schools, and our jobs!
Celebrate the new day dawning in the DFT, as we stand up and fight for the future of our city and state!
All out this Monday at 4:00 pm !
Sunday, October 24, 2010
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2010 CALLS TO ACTION UPDATE
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2010 CALLS TO ACTION UPDATE
Detroiters! Show up in force tomorrow morning by 9:45 a.m. Nov. 3rd at the City Council meeting,Coleman A. Young Municipal Bldg.to oppose a $150 million contract award to DTE; while workers have been laid off from Detroit's Public LIghting Department. Get a comment card when you arrive on the 13th floor and voice your opposition. See http://voiceofdetroit.net/ for background information. Prepared comments will also be available for those who want them.
A RELATED MESSAGE: Monday, November 1, 2010 11:29:55 AM
Subject: DTE wants to raise rates by $253 million for env. costs
Detroit Edison wants to raise rates by $253 million
Utility requests to raise costs by $253M, cite revenue loss, strain of environmental rules BY Melissa Burden / The Detroit News
Detroit Edison's 2.1 million customers in southeastern Michigan could soon be paying more for electricity.
The Detroit-based utility on Friday filed a request with the Michigan Public Service Commission to increase electric rates by $253 million, citing increased costs to meet environmental requirements to reduce emissions from coal-fired plants; loss of revenue due to declines in commercial and industrial electricity demand; and rising costs for future retiree health care.
The filing came on the same day Detroit Edison's parent company, DTE Energy Co., posted third-quarter earnings of $163 million, up from $151 million in the same quarter a year ago.
Detroit Edison wants to boost the average residential customer's bill by about 6 percent, or less than $5 a month. Commercial and industrial customers would see varying increases.
"It takes the average residential bill from about $85 to $90 a month," Steve Kurmas, Detroit Edison's president and chief operating officer said of customers who use about 600 kilowatt hours per month.
The commission has a year to issue a final decision on the request, said Judy Palnau, a Public Service Commission spokeswoman.
But expect to see bills go up around May 1, because "about six months into (the commission's review), we're allowed to implement an interim rate relief," Kurmas said, adding that later can be adjusted up or down.
Kurmas said the company has worked hard to reduce its costs to help offset a rate increase for customers. The filing said that the company expects it will need $443 million in additional revenue, but is asking the state to approve $253 million more.
Electricity, he said, "remains an extremely good value."
"We absolutely recognize that every dollar comes difficult and has a burden on their personal family budget."
Residential customers last saw a bill increase — on average about $3 a month — around July 2009 through interim rate relief, Kurmas said.
In January, the PSC approved a $217.39 million rate increase for Detroit Edison, 42 percent less than the $378 million the company sought in its January 2009 filing. It also required the company to refund about $62.6 million to customers.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101030/BIZ/10300337/1001/Detroit-Edison-wants-to-raise-rates-by-$253-million#ixzz13tw57fyi
Tiffany Hartung
Sierra Club, Michigan Beyond Coal Campaign Office: (231) 747-7489
tiffany.hartung@sierraclub.org www.sierraclub.org/coal/mi
Facebook Group: Clean Energy Now club Follow us on Twitter, @BeyondCoalMI
1) Hood Research Recall Meeting – October 25th 6:00 pm
Location: 600 W. Lafayette Detroit, MI
2) DTE/ MPSC – Consumer Forum- October 27th, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on West Grand Blvd and Grand River. (DTE damage claim forms will be available includes fire and other)
3) We the People of Detroit Election Phone Bank for Virg Bernaro Campaign-
October 30, 2010 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Volunteers needed
Contact: wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com for details.
4) November 2nd: Election Day and Tom Barrow's Michigan Court of Appeals Hearing at 11:00 a.m. regarding Dave Bing’s illegal possession of the office of Mayor.
Location: State of Michigan-Cadillac Place Building on 14th floor (former GM Building on West Grand Blvd between 2nd Ave and Cass, New Center area, Detroit)
5) Charter Convention #1 – November 6th & 7th at Schulze Elementary School 10700 Santa Maria, Detroit, MI 48221 N.W. Detroit. On November 6th: Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. the theme is: STRUCTURE, RELATIONSHIPS AND ALLOCATION OF POWER BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. On November 7th: Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. the theme is: SERVICE DELIVERY AND ENFORCEMENT / GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENTS
6) Jobs, Training and Contracts meeting for Detroiters. Nov. 19th at 3:00 p.m. City Council Chambers 13th floor Coleman A. Young Bldg corner of Woodward and Jefferson.
7) Charter Convention #2- November 20th & 21st Brenda Scott Middle School, 18440 Hoover, Detroit, MI 48205 November 20th, Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the theme is: SERVICE DELIVERY AND ENFORCEMENT / ENTERPRISE DEPARTMENTS . On November 21st, Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. the theme is: TAX POLICY, GROWTH, ECONOMIC AND NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
8) Charter Convention #3- December 4th and 5th, Cass Technical High School, 2501 Second Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 December 4th, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. the theme is: EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH and OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENTATIONS. On December 5th, Sunday, 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.: OPEN WORKING SESSIONS
For more info contact: wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com
Thank you!
Detroiters! Show up in force tomorrow morning by 9:45 a.m. Nov. 3rd at the City Council meeting,Coleman A. Young Municipal Bldg.to oppose a $150 million contract award to DTE; while workers have been laid off from Detroit's Public LIghting Department. Get a comment card when you arrive on the 13th floor and voice your opposition. See http://voiceofdetroit.net/ for background information. Prepared comments will also be available for those who want them.
A RELATED MESSAGE: Monday, November 1, 2010 11:29:55 AM
Subject: DTE wants to raise rates by $253 million for env. costs
Detroit Edison wants to raise rates by $253 million
Utility requests to raise costs by $253M, cite revenue loss, strain of environmental rules BY Melissa Burden / The Detroit News
Detroit Edison's 2.1 million customers in southeastern Michigan could soon be paying more for electricity.
The Detroit-based utility on Friday filed a request with the Michigan Public Service Commission to increase electric rates by $253 million, citing increased costs to meet environmental requirements to reduce emissions from coal-fired plants; loss of revenue due to declines in commercial and industrial electricity demand; and rising costs for future retiree health care.
The filing came on the same day Detroit Edison's parent company, DTE Energy Co., posted third-quarter earnings of $163 million, up from $151 million in the same quarter a year ago.
Detroit Edison wants to boost the average residential customer's bill by about 6 percent, or less than $5 a month. Commercial and industrial customers would see varying increases.
"It takes the average residential bill from about $85 to $90 a month," Steve Kurmas, Detroit Edison's president and chief operating officer said of customers who use about 600 kilowatt hours per month.
The commission has a year to issue a final decision on the request, said Judy Palnau, a Public Service Commission spokeswoman.
But expect to see bills go up around May 1, because "about six months into (the commission's review), we're allowed to implement an interim rate relief," Kurmas said, adding that later can be adjusted up or down.
Kurmas said the company has worked hard to reduce its costs to help offset a rate increase for customers. The filing said that the company expects it will need $443 million in additional revenue, but is asking the state to approve $253 million more.
Electricity, he said, "remains an extremely good value."
"We absolutely recognize that every dollar comes difficult and has a burden on their personal family budget."
Residential customers last saw a bill increase — on average about $3 a month — around July 2009 through interim rate relief, Kurmas said.
In January, the PSC approved a $217.39 million rate increase for Detroit Edison, 42 percent less than the $378 million the company sought in its January 2009 filing. It also required the company to refund about $62.6 million to customers.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20101030/BIZ/10300337/1001/Detroit-Edison-wants-to-raise-rates-by-$253-million#ixzz13tw57fyi
Tiffany Hartung
Sierra Club, Michigan Beyond Coal Campaign Office: (231) 747-7489
tiffany.hartung@sierraclub.org www.sierraclub.org/coal/mi
Facebook Group: Clean Energy Now club Follow us on Twitter, @BeyondCoalMI
1) Hood Research Recall Meeting – October 25th 6:00 pm
Location: 600 W. Lafayette Detroit, MI
2) DTE/ MPSC – Consumer Forum- October 27th, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on West Grand Blvd and Grand River. (DTE damage claim forms will be available includes fire and other)
3) We the People of Detroit Election Phone Bank for Virg Bernaro Campaign-
October 30, 2010 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon Volunteers needed
Contact: wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com for details.
4) November 2nd: Election Day and Tom Barrow's Michigan Court of Appeals Hearing at 11:00 a.m. regarding Dave Bing’s illegal possession of the office of Mayor.
Location: State of Michigan-Cadillac Place Building on 14th floor (former GM Building on West Grand Blvd between 2nd Ave and Cass, New Center area, Detroit)
5) Charter Convention #1 – November 6th & 7th at Schulze Elementary School 10700 Santa Maria, Detroit, MI 48221 N.W. Detroit. On November 6th: Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. the theme is: STRUCTURE, RELATIONSHIPS AND ALLOCATION OF POWER BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. On November 7th: Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. the theme is: SERVICE DELIVERY AND ENFORCEMENT / GENERAL FUND DEPARTMENTS
6) Jobs, Training and Contracts meeting for Detroiters. Nov. 19th at 3:00 p.m. City Council Chambers 13th floor Coleman A. Young Bldg corner of Woodward and Jefferson.
7) Charter Convention #2- November 20th & 21st Brenda Scott Middle School, 18440 Hoover, Detroit, MI 48205 November 20th, Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the theme is: SERVICE DELIVERY AND ENFORCEMENT / ENTERPRISE DEPARTMENTS . On November 21st, Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. the theme is: TAX POLICY, GROWTH, ECONOMIC AND NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
8) Charter Convention #3- December 4th and 5th, Cass Technical High School, 2501 Second Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 December 4th, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. the theme is: EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH and OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENTATIONS. On December 5th, Sunday, 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.: OPEN WORKING SESSIONS
For more info contact: wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com
Thank you!
Friday, October 8, 2010
DTE Hearings on 85 Fires: Tuesday, October 12th @ 1:45 PM
City Council Hearing-#2 on 85 fires last month will be held this coming Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 1:45 P.M. at the Coleman A Young Municipal Center. Your voices and presence are needed for the official public record.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Voice of Detroit: New Online Newspaper
A new edition of the VOICE OF DETROIT, which is a recently-founded Detroit-based online newspaper, is ready. To read it, go to http://voiceofdetroit.net. The newspaper covers the struggles and stories of the people of Detroit, and people nationally and worldwide from an independent, progressive viewpoint. Many of our stories you will not see covered in the daily news media. It is edited by Diane Bukowski, a seasoned investigative reporter who wrote for The Michigan Citizen for more than the last 10 years. She also writes some of the material..
DTE Fire Victims Info: To File Claims With DTE
If you or anyone that you know had damage to their property due to the fires on September 7, 2010 have them call DTE at 1-800-477-4747 and dial "0" to request a claim affadavit (form) in order to request reimbursement damages if you/they believe that the fires were due to DTE's lines. They will mail a claim form out to the requesting party. You may also go on www.dteenergy.com and select "contact us" at the top of the page and complete an email requesting the same. It is suggested that "victims" obtain the assistance of an attorney or someone with some legal background to assure that the form is completed correctly to obtain positive results. Look for more detailed information on this website to come later.
Recall Strategy Meeting: Hood Research Monday, October 11, 2010
Those working on the recall petitions and those interested in participating should report for a strategy meeting on Monday, October 11, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at 600 W. Lafayette (next to TV-4). Petitions will be turned in and new ones will be distributed. Call Theo Broughton at (313) 931-2700.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
DPS Student Found!
Latresha Williams, age 17 has been found! Thank all who assisted in this effort! She had been missing from the DIA (Old Northern High School) since Monday. Last seen in school uniform with black top and black pants. She is 5'2' and dark skinned; her hair is pulled back in a ponytail (5'-6"). Last seen outside of the school at 3:40 pm on Monday walking with a man who is known in the neighborhood as "Kari". Kari stands 5'6" or 5'7", medium brown skinned and has scars on his face, usually seen wearing a red hat or cap. Kari is also known to be with boys from the Frederick Douglass School and brings them to DIA three times a week to pick up girls.
Latresha Willliams mother's name is Frances Williams (313) 363-6416 and Aurora Harris' number is 313 673-6313. This is being reported to the communty by Aurora Harris. HELP IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY in anyway possible.
Latresha Willliams mother's name is Frances Williams (313) 363-6416 and Aurora Harris' number is 313 673-6313. This is being reported to the communty by Aurora Harris. HELP IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY in anyway possible.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
City Council Public Hearing on Fires Wednesday, October 6, 2010
City of Detroit City Council is holding a Public Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the 13th Floor Erma Henderson Auditorium at the Coleman A Young Municipal Building downtown (@ Larned & Woodward). City of Detroit Residents, DTE, Law, Fire and Police Departments; City Council Research and Analysis Division, and City Planning Commission will be present. Spread the word and plan to attend if you can!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Hood Research Meeting: Saturday Sept. 11, 2:00 PM
Hood Research is Having a Meeting
You are invited too the next Hood Research meeting this coming Saturday September 11, 2010 at 2:00PM.
Location 8222 Joy Road, Detroit MI. at Roselawn.
Please bring your thoughts, your ideas any concerns about our community. Come ready to share and discuss.
Tentative Agenda Items:
* Robert Bobb and DPS Finances
* Michigan Supreme Court Race
* Guest: Judge Deborah Thomas
* Charter Commission & The Detroit City Charter
* Guest: Rose Mary Robinson
* Recall Campaign
* Open Issues:
Education & Public Schooling Research Paper
*
True Cost of City Workers
*
Developing Our Community and the threats of Downsizing
*
Housing, Displacement and Gentrification
*
DFD, EMS and how these agencies are financed
*
Charter Commission and Districts, was the ballot question legal and valid?
Facebook
Hood Research is on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/HoodResearch
* Check for posted events
* Discussions
* Informational postings
* Shared information
Twitter
http://twitter.com/HoodResearch
* we have tweeted from live community meetings
* we will tweet impromptu announcements
* we’ll tweet in the coming months updates and notices in between our monthly meetings
* And we’ll tweet to help you know better so you can do better.
Tune In And Listen To "Feed Back" Every Monday with Theo Broughton and Thabiti Mpenda
* 3:00pm on WHPR, TV 33 (Comcast 20) And don't miss
"HR Issues"
with Carl Williams and Hassan Aleem
* 4:00pm on WHPR, and TV 33 (Comcast 20)
Contact
Hood Research
313.931.2700 phone
editor@hoodresearch.org
http://www.hoodresearch.org/
Co-Founders:
Theo Broughton & Reggie Crawford
Always remember (Our Vision), "People would do better if they knew better."
(Another Hood Research Positive Image Project)
You are invited too the next Hood Research meeting this coming Saturday September 11, 2010 at 2:00PM.
Location 8222 Joy Road, Detroit MI. at Roselawn.
Please bring your thoughts, your ideas any concerns about our community. Come ready to share and discuss.
Tentative Agenda Items:
* Robert Bobb and DPS Finances
* Michigan Supreme Court Race
* Guest: Judge Deborah Thomas
* Charter Commission & The Detroit City Charter
* Guest: Rose Mary Robinson
* Recall Campaign
* Open Issues:
Education & Public Schooling Research Paper
*
True Cost of City Workers
*
Developing Our Community and the threats of Downsizing
*
Housing, Displacement and Gentrification
*
DFD, EMS and how these agencies are financed
*
Charter Commission and Districts, was the ballot question legal and valid?
Hood Research is on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/HoodResearch
* Check for posted events
* Discussions
* Informational postings
* Shared information
http://twitter.com/HoodResearch
* we have tweeted from live community meetings
* we will tweet impromptu announcements
* we’ll tweet in the coming months updates and notices in between our monthly meetings
* And we’ll tweet to help you know better so you can do better.
Tune In And Listen To "Feed Back" Every Monday with Theo Broughton and Thabiti Mpenda
* 3:00pm on WHPR, TV 33 (Comcast 20) And don't miss
"HR Issues"
with Carl Williams and Hassan Aleem
* 4:00pm on WHPR, and TV 33 (Comcast 20)
Contact
Hood Research
313.931.2700 phone
editor@hoodresearch.org
http://www.hoodresearch.org/
Co-Founders:
Theo Broughton & Reggie Crawford
Always remember (Our Vision), "People would do better if they knew better."
(Another Hood Research Positive Image Project)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Hood Research Picnic Saturday Sept 4th Near Belle Isle Casino at 11:00 a.m.
Hood Research says:
You are invited!
Please join Hood Research on Saturday September 4th near the Belle Isle Casino for a pleasant time, some light refreshments and an enjoyable afternoon.
Look for the Hood Research banner.
Time is 11 A.M.
Are you looking to sign a Recall Dave Bing Petition?
Come see us on Saturday.
Do you want to volunteer to help Recall Dave Bing?
Come see us on Saturday.
If you would like to bring a dish, help support our Recall Dave Bing volunteers.
Do you have questions regarding the recall campaign?
Are you unsure but still feel Dave Bing is not up for the job of mayor?
We can discuss this and more on Saturday.
All are welcome. There is no charge and the Weather Forecast is Partly Sunny, cool temps and plenty of lively discussion..
If you have any questions regarding the recall effort Or
If you would like to volunteer please contact Theo Broughton, 313.931.2700
Also by email, Carl Williams cwhazz@gmail.com
Directions:
From Downtown Detroit;
1) Take E Jefferson Ave (2.0 mi)
2) Turn right on E Grand Blvd (0.6 mi)
3) Continue onto Sunset Dr (0.2 mi)
4) Slight Left at Casino Way (0.2 mi)
5) Turn right to stay on Casino Way
Look for the Hood Research Banner
Link to Google Maps
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Detroit,+MI+48201&daddr=42.334652,-82.996508&geocode=FeAmhgIdOI8M-yk3YXPGpNIkiDFf96AugHMUxQ%3BFbz5hQId5JIN-w&gl=us&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=42.334658,-82.996497&sspn=0.001612,0.002733&ie=UTF8&ll=42.334648,-82.996296&spn=0.00324,0.00751&t=h&z=18
If you are on Facebook or are considering Facebook,
visit the Hood Research page (http://www.facebook.com/HoodResearch),
You can RSVP for Saturday, write a comment on the event page, let us know if you are bringing a dish.
visit the Recall Dave Bing page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140372152670392#!/group.php?gid=140372152670392&v=info)
www.HoodResearch.org
You are invited!
Please join Hood Research on Saturday September 4th near the Belle Isle Casino for a pleasant time, some light refreshments and an enjoyable afternoon.
Look for the Hood Research banner.
Time is 11 A.M.
Are you looking to sign a Recall Dave Bing Petition?
Come see us on Saturday.
Do you want to volunteer to help Recall Dave Bing?
Come see us on Saturday.
If you would like to bring a dish, help support our Recall Dave Bing volunteers.
Do you have questions regarding the recall campaign?
Are you unsure but still feel Dave Bing is not up for the job of mayor?
We can discuss this and more on Saturday.
All are welcome. There is no charge and the Weather Forecast is Partly Sunny, cool temps and plenty of lively discussion..
If you have any questions regarding the recall effort Or
If you would like to volunteer please contact Theo Broughton, 313.931.2700
Also by email, Carl Williams cwhazz@gmail.com
Directions:
From Downtown Detroit;
1) Take E Jefferson Ave (2.0 mi)
2) Turn right on E Grand Blvd (0.6 mi)
3) Continue onto Sunset Dr (0.2 mi)
4) Slight Left at Casino Way (0.2 mi)
5) Turn right to stay on Casino Way
Look for the Hood Research Banner
Link to Google Maps
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Detroit,+MI+48201&daddr=42.334652,-82.996508&geocode=FeAmhgIdOI8M-yk3YXPGpNIkiDFf96AugHMUxQ%3BFbz5hQId5JIN-w&gl=us&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=42.334658,-82.996497&sspn=0.001612,0.002733&ie=UTF8&ll=42.334648,-82.996296&spn=0.00324,0.00751&t=h&z=18
If you are on Facebook or are considering Facebook,
visit the Hood Research page (http://www.facebook.com/HoodResearch),
You can RSVP for Saturday, write a comment on the event page, let us know if you are bringing a dish.
visit the Recall Dave Bing page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=140372152670392#!/group.php?gid=140372152670392&v=info)
www.HoodResearch.org
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Victory Rally! New Bethel Baptist Church: Monday AUGUST 9, 2010 6 p.m.
COME OUT AND CELEBRATE
THE VICTORY WON LAST WEEK!!!
WHEN: MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2010
WHERE: NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
8450 LINWOOD (Near Philadelphia)
DETROIT, MI 48206
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
Hood Research Available
Other Community & Grass Roots Organizations
Will Be In Attendance
PASS THE WORD FOOD, FELLOWSHIP & MORE!!
In a few seconds, a video box will appear below. Wait for the image to appear. Click the link to the video from youtube below and be inspired. Music by Sweet Honey In the Rock: We Who Believe In Freedom Cannot Rest. Soundtrack from the film Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker, Civil Rights Activist
THE VICTORY WON LAST WEEK!!!
WHEN: MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2010
WHERE: NEW BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
8450 LINWOOD (Near Philadelphia)
DETROIT, MI 48206
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
Hood Research Available
Other Community & Grass Roots Organizations
Will Be In Attendance
PASS THE WORD FOOD, FELLOWSHIP & MORE!!
In a few seconds, a video box will appear below. Wait for the image to appear. Click the link to the video from youtube below and be inspired. Music by Sweet Honey In the Rock: We Who Believe In Freedom Cannot Rest. Soundtrack from the film Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker, Civil Rights Activist
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Bing Recall: Currently Underway! Get Involved!
After almost a year in office and poor decision making, Mayor David Bing, attempted to divert the city employees pension fund to a state recommended fund and millions of dollars of contracts diverted outside of the city of Detroit, grassroots citizens have said enough! Bing displayed more insensitivity to Detroiters by cutting critical bus services to those most in need.
His most recent bad call concerning mayoral takeover of DPS led grassroots citizens and organizations to defeat big business & foundations (who had an alleged $7 million dollar fund) who attempted to have language on the November ballot asking Detroiters to "vote to lose their right to vote" for an elected school board. This was a "David and Goliath" victory and now grassroots citizens have organized to recall Mr. Bing! (See Michigan Citizen link for more details)
Currently recall petitions are circulating around the city of Detroit and anyone who would like to assist in getting petitions signed may call (313) 931-2700 to obtain them. Over 57,000 signatures must be obtained. Stay tuned for updates and tell all your family, friends and neighbors know about this grassroots movement for true representation.
Share www.wethepeopleofdetroit.blogspot.com for other updates, "calls to action" and links to information that you may not hear about anyplace else!
His most recent bad call concerning mayoral takeover of DPS led grassroots citizens and organizations to defeat big business & foundations (who had an alleged $7 million dollar fund) who attempted to have language on the November ballot asking Detroiters to "vote to lose their right to vote" for an elected school board. This was a "David and Goliath" victory and now grassroots citizens have organized to recall Mr. Bing! (See Michigan Citizen link for more details)
Currently recall petitions are circulating around the city of Detroit and anyone who would like to assist in getting petitions signed may call (313) 931-2700 to obtain them. Over 57,000 signatures must be obtained. Stay tuned for updates and tell all your family, friends and neighbors know about this grassroots movement for true representation.
Share www.wethepeopleofdetroit.blogspot.com for other updates, "calls to action" and links to information that you may not hear about anyplace else!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The PEOPLE stood together and were heard loud and clear.
The attempts to dismantle the Detroit Board of Education have gone away, for now, but the issues we face as a community remain.
We show our appreciation to those council members who resisted those who attempted to spend their way into a decision. We fought on the basis of civil rights, constitutional rights. We should never be asked to vote to give away our inalienable rights.
The community effectively made the point. We have work to do, this process should not have needed this much time to decide its outcome. With the very important work that needs to be done, this was a bad distraction. The voice of the people was louder than the influence of money.
Hopefully, we can turn our attention to the rest of the issues which affect the quality of our lives.
Some of these are:
Education EQUAL FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS NOW!
(Why doesn’t Michigan have equal funding laws or policies for ALL public schools?)
Transportation: Our children have to travel too far to attend school,
People have to travel too far to get work
Jobs We need JOBS in Detroit for those who LIVE IN DETROIT
Crime: At times we are treated unfairly by the people in the system
At times, we are treated unfairly by the laws of the system
And change comes too slowly for rules within the system
We should never have to vote to ensure that we have the right to vote!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HoodResearch/363500343460?v=wall
Prepared by Hood Research
We show our appreciation to those council members who resisted those who attempted to spend their way into a decision. We fought on the basis of civil rights, constitutional rights. We should never be asked to vote to give away our inalienable rights.
The community effectively made the point. We have work to do, this process should not have needed this much time to decide its outcome. With the very important work that needs to be done, this was a bad distraction. The voice of the people was louder than the influence of money.
Hopefully, we can turn our attention to the rest of the issues which affect the quality of our lives.
Some of these are:
Education EQUAL FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS NOW!
(Why doesn’t Michigan have equal funding laws or policies for ALL public schools?)
Transportation: Our children have to travel too far to attend school,
People have to travel too far to get work
Jobs We need JOBS in Detroit for those who LIVE IN DETROIT
Crime: At times we are treated unfairly by the people in the system
At times, we are treated unfairly by the laws of the system
And change comes too slowly for rules within the system
We should never have to vote to ensure that we have the right to vote!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HoodResearch/363500343460?v=wall
Prepared by Hood Research
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Victory Won Today! City Council Defeated Mayoral Takeover 6-3!
The efforts of the citizens of Detroit won a victory after four weeks of making public comment opposing Mayoral Control of the Detroit Public Schools! The persistence and passion of the citizens made it clear that we DO NOT INTEND TO VOTE TO GIVE OUR RIGHTS AWAY BY ELIMINATING AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD.
We know that we must work collectively to strengthen all aspects of DPS including an aggressive curriculum to include strong math and science, language and reading components; as well creating a code of standards for future DPS board candidates. We also believe that we must look into the possibly of having a paid board.
Opponents of Mayoral Control of DPS filled the council chambers while a handful of the Detroit Parent Network supporters resided in the overflow auditorium. Councilman Gary Brown's defeated resolution was supported by Councilpersons Saunteel Jenkins, Charles Pugh and of course Brown! Councilpersons Joann Watson, Ken Cockrel, James Tate, Brenda Jones, Andre Spivey and Kwame Kenyatta voted against the Mayoral Takeover measure. To the councilpersons who were on the right side of this very important issue, we thank you for standing up for the children and parents of Detroit.
See the blog's sidebar on the right for the new NAACP report on education. Click on "Head Office of NAACP Agrees We Should Fight For Free Public Education." Wait a few seconds and the PDF report called "Framework for Providing All Students and Opportunity to Learn through Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act" was created by Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under Law, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP), NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., National Council for Educating Black Children, National Urban League, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Schott Foundation for Public Education.
http://naacp.3cdn.net/9b2fd98be3694cb716_2xm6btgji.pdf
More to come later! Time to rest and celebrate right now!
We know that we must work collectively to strengthen all aspects of DPS including an aggressive curriculum to include strong math and science, language and reading components; as well creating a code of standards for future DPS board candidates. We also believe that we must look into the possibly of having a paid board.
Opponents of Mayoral Control of DPS filled the council chambers while a handful of the Detroit Parent Network supporters resided in the overflow auditorium. Councilman Gary Brown's defeated resolution was supported by Councilpersons Saunteel Jenkins, Charles Pugh and of course Brown! Councilpersons Joann Watson, Ken Cockrel, James Tate, Brenda Jones, Andre Spivey and Kwame Kenyatta voted against the Mayoral Takeover measure. To the councilpersons who were on the right side of this very important issue, we thank you for standing up for the children and parents of Detroit.
See the blog's sidebar on the right for the new NAACP report on education. Click on "Head Office of NAACP Agrees We Should Fight For Free Public Education." Wait a few seconds and the PDF report called "Framework for Providing All Students and Opportunity to Learn through Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act" was created by Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights under Law, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP), NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., National Council for Educating Black Children, National Urban League, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Schott Foundation for Public Education.
http://naacp.3cdn.net/9b2fd98be3694cb716_2xm6btgji.pdf
More to come later! Time to rest and celebrate right now!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS: CALL TO ACTION FOR JULY 29 AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10:34 PM Wed Nite Update: Regarding tomorrow morning July 29... Detroit Parent Network to our knowledge plans to get into Council Chambers early. If you can be at the City County Building by 6:00 a.m. please go to the 13th floor as soon as the doors open.
We The People of Detroit must be present on Thursday July 29, 2010 for two City Council meetings. Location: 13th Floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building (called the City County Building) Corner of Woodward and Jefferson.
The first meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. We are asking that you arrive earlier than that.
If the meeting is adjourned, the second meeting may be scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
email: wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com to get updates.
NEWS REGARDING WE THE PEOPLE EFFORTS:
A SUCCESSFUL COLLECTIVE GRASS ROOTS ORGANIZING EFFORT TO STOP MAYORAL CONTROL OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING. OUT OF THE 250 PEOPLE IN OUR COLLECTIVE GROUP, OVER 110 PERSONS WHO SAY "NO" TO PLACING MAYORAL CONTROL ON THE BALLOT WERE HEARD BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
IN SPITE OF THE NUMEROUS TIMES PRO-TEM GARY BROWN, COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES PUGH, COUNCIL MEMBERS SAUNTEEL JENKINS, ANDRE SPIVEY, JAMES TATE, WERE TOLD BY OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS, CITIZENS, AND AN ATTORNEY THAT ANY MOVE TO PLACE MAYORAL CONTROL IS IMPROPER, PRO-TEM BROWN PUSHED TO HAVE IT PLACED ON THE AGENDA ANYWAY.
HOW MANY TIMES DOES NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE TO BE TOLD THAT IF YOU PUT MAYORAL CONTROL ON THE BALLOT YOU WILL BE SUED?
THE ANSWER IS: IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU TELL THEM ONCE, TWICE, OR TWENTY TIMES. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU TELL THEM IN PERSON, PRIVATELY, OR THROUGH CALL IN RADIO SHOWS. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF AN ATTORNEY TELLS THEM THEY WILL BE IN A LAWSUIT.
BY REPEATEDLY PUSHING TO GET THE ISSUE DISCUSSED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS REMINDERS THE MICHIGAN HOME RULES ACT OR THE CITY CHARTER DOES NOT ALLOW COUNCIL TO ACT IN AN ADVISORY MANNER TO GET IT ON THE BALLOT, CERTAIN COUNCIL MEMBERS SHOWED DETROITERS AND ALL OF THE NEWS AND MEDIA PEOPLE THAT WERE PRESENT, JUST WHAT DISREGARD FOR THE LAW LOOKS, SOUNDS, AND ACTS LIKE.
SO LETS SEE HOW MANY RULES CAN BE BROKEN---
IT WAS REVEALED IN YESTERDAY'S MEETING THAT PRO-TEM BROWN DID NOT FOLLOW CITY COUNCIL RULES CONCERNING WHAT GETS ON THE AGENDA TO BE DISCUSSED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS OR WHAT IS IN PLACE TO GET AN ADDENDUM TO AN APPROVED AGENDA PROPERLY SUBMITTED.
COUNCILMAN KENYATTA TOLD PRO-TEM BROWN THAT HE WAS TRYING TO "CHANGE THE RULES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME" AND THAT HE HAD JUST RECEIVED THE ISSUE OF PLACING MAYORAL CONTROL UP FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL, "FIVE MINUTES" BEFORE COUNCILMAN KENYATTA ENTERED THE MEETING.
COUNCILWOMAN BRENDA JONES INFORMED THE NEWER COUNCIL MEMBERS, CHARLES PUGH, SAUNTEEL JENKINS, GARY BROWN, JAMES TATE, AND ANDRE SPIVEY, THAT HER TASK FORCE MADE THE RULES FOR HOW COUNCIL CONDUCTS ITSELF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION, AND THAT IT APPEARED THAT THEY WANTED HER TO BREAK THE RULES THAT SHE HELPED TO ESTABLISH.
WHEN THE QUESTION WAS RAISED REGARDING HOW PRO-TEM GARY BROWN WAS ABLE TO GET THE MAYORAL CONTROL ISSUE PAST HIS OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS, HE CITED A CHARTER RULE THAT ALLOWS 'EMERGENCY SITUATIONS" TO BE PUT DIRECTLY TO COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO MAKE A DECISION.
SENIOR COUNCIL MEMBERS WATSON, KENYATTA, AND JONES ADMONISHED PRO-TEM BROWN FOR MIS-USE OF POWER AND INFLUENCE, AND, DISRESPECT OF OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS CONCERNING THE MATTER.
COUNCILWOMAN WATSON STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS NOT A CITY "EMERGENCY" AND THAT THE DPS SITUATION WAS A MATTER OF THE STATE.
COUNCILMAN COCKREL WAS HELPFUL IN RAISING THE QUESTION OF A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT IF COUNCIL PUT THE MATTER ON THE BALLOT, OR, MOVED TO ADVISE IT TO BE PLACED ON THE BALLOT.
COUNCILMAN COCKREL ALSO ASKED WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE LAWSUIT, IF CITIZENS SOUGHT TO SUE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. HE WAS TOLD BY AN ATTORNEY THAT "THERE IS A 100% CHANCE OF FACING A LAWSUIT."
THE ATTORNEY TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THE CITY OF DETROIT AND DPS WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE LAWSUIT, WHICH MEANS MORE OF DETROITERS' TAX DOLLARS WOULD BE WASTED ON AN ISSUE THAT DOESN'T NEED TO GO TO COURT IN THE FIRST PLACE.
MORE PROOF THAT THESE COUNCIL MEMBERS APPEAR TO NOT BE SERVING THE INTERESTS OF THE VOTERS WHO VOTED FOR THEM--
PUGH, JENKINS, BROWN, TATE, AND SPIVEY AGREED THAT COUNCIL SHOULD CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH A GROUP OF OVER 110 CONCERNED RESIDENTS MADE OF ELDERS, PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS AGAINST MAYORAL CONTROL OF THE SCHOOLS MADE THEMSELVES CLEAR BY SPEAKING OUT AND HOLDING UP "NO" SIGNS FOR MORE THAN 4 HOURS.
MANY RESIDENTS TOLD NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THEY LIED BY SAYING THEY WERE FOR "THE CITIZENS." ELDERS TOLD NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THEY WERE ASHAMED AT THE WAY THEY WERE CONDUCTING THEMSELVES AND IT WAS APPARENT THEY WERE NOT SERVING THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO VOTED FOR THEM.
NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS STILL WANTED TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAD NO POWER TO DO SO ACCORDING TO THE LAWS THAT GOVERN THE STATE AND CITY.
BY THE END OF THE DAY, THE ISSUE MUST GO THROUGH COUNCILWOMAN JONES' SPECIAL OPS COMMITTEE IN ORDER FOR COUNCIL TO DISCUSS IT. ANOTHER MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THERE IS A MEDIA BLACK OUT CONCERNING GRASSROOTS EFFORTS ON THE FIGHT FOR FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION AND RIGHT TO VOTE FOR AN ELECTED BOARD IN DETROIT, THE DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOL CLOSINGS, AND UNION BUSTING EFFORTS. THEREFORE, MOST MAJOR LOCAL NEWS PAPERS AND TV STATIONS ARE "SHAPING" WHAT YOU READ AND SEE BY NOT TELLING YOU THE ENTIRE TRUTH OF WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING BY COLLECTIVE GRASSROOTS FOLKS IN DETROIT. THE HOW AND WHY OF THE RESULTS OF GRASSROOTS EFFORTS ARE NOT REVEALED TO THE PUBLIC.
WE BELIEVE THE " 30,000 VOTERS" SIGNATURES THAT ARE FREQUENTLY MENTIONED BY NEWS SOURCES ARE A HOAX.
THE "30,000 VOTERS WANT MAYORAL CONTROL" WAS A STRATEGY THAT WAS USED TO PUT PRESSURE ON COUNCIL MEMBERS TO PUT MAYORAL CONTROL OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ON THE BALLOT.
THERE WAS NO DEADLINE OR PROPER FILING OF THE PETITIONS BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE VERIFIED BY THE CLERK'S OFFICE. THAT IS WHY THEY WERE RUSHED IN AND BASICALLY "DUMPED" ON CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO INFLUENCE MEMBERS THAT APPEARED UNSURE ABOUT THE ISSUE.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE NEWS LINKS THAT REPORTED WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK AND YESTERDAY. CLICK ON THE HEADLINE LINKS TO SEE THE ARTICLES. EXAMPLES OF WHAT IS BEING OMITTED FOLLOW A COUPLE OF LINKS.
"COUNCIL MEETING ON MAYORAL CONTROL GETS HEATED" WDIV CLICK ON DETROIT.
ANALYSIS: THEY DID NOT MENTION THAT THE 30, 000 SIGNATURES FOR MAYORAL CONTROL WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK, AND, THAT COUNCILMAN COCKREL CONFIRMED THAT THE CITY CLERK DID NOT SEE THE PETITONS. THE NAMES ON THE PETITIONS WERE NEVER VERIFIED OR CERTIFIED. THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THOSE WHO SIGNED WERE NEVER VERIFIED AS BEING ACTUAL RESIDENTS OF DETROIT.
NEITHER DID THEY MENTION THAT AN AGENCY PAID $3.00 FOR EVERY SIGNATURE THAT WAS BROUGHT IN. SEE BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY (BAMN) PRESS RELEASE.
"COUNCIL FALLS SHORT IN VOTE..." THE DETROIT NEWS. THE ARTICLE SAYS "AFTER HOURS OF HEARING FROM RESIDENTS, THE COUNCIL FAILED..."
ANALYSIS OF THE WRITER'S SENTENCE: THEY FAILED TO SAY, "FROM RESIDENTS THAT OPPOSED MAYORAL CONTROL AND VOTED TO ELECT A SCHOOL BOARD" OR "FROM OVER 110 RESIDENTS THAT TOLD COUNCIL "NO" TO MAYORAL CONTROL"
THEY ALSO FAILED TO STATE THAT PERHAPS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THEY DID NOT GET A MAJORITY OF 6 VOTES WAS BECAUSE PRO TEM GARY BROWN TRIED TO SNEAK THE ISSUE ONTO THE DAY'S AGENDA AT THE LAST MINUTE AND INAPPROPRIATELY ADVANCED THE ISSUE DIRECTLY TO COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES PUGH AND DISRESPECTED SENIOR COUNCIL MEMBERS.
"DETROIT COUNCIL CALLS FOR THURSDAY VOTE ON SCHOOL OVERSITE" FREE PRESS.
"DETROIT CITY COUNCIL FALLS SHORT IN VOTE TO PUT DPS MAYORAL CONTROL ON NOVEMBER BALLOT" CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS
WHEN YOU SEE THE WORD "VOTERS" IN A SENTENCE, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE WORD IS USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT THAT SUPPORTS MAYORAL OR STATE CONTROL OF THE SCHOOLS.
"VOTERS" IS GENERALLY WRITTEN TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT ALL VOTERS WANT MAYORAL CONTROL WHEN MANY OF US OPPOSE MAYORAL AND STATE CONTROL, OPPOSE THE DESTRUCTION OF FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION WITH AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD, AND OPPOSE TEACHER UNION BUSTING EFFORTS THAT LEADS TO MORE LOSS OF JOBS.
We The People of Detroit must be present on Thursday July 29, 2010 for two City Council meetings. Location: 13th Floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building (called the City County Building) Corner of Woodward and Jefferson.
The first meeting is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. We are asking that you arrive earlier than that.
If the meeting is adjourned, the second meeting may be scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
email: wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com to get updates.
NEWS REGARDING WE THE PEOPLE EFFORTS:
A SUCCESSFUL COLLECTIVE GRASS ROOTS ORGANIZING EFFORT TO STOP MAYORAL CONTROL OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING. OUT OF THE 250 PEOPLE IN OUR COLLECTIVE GROUP, OVER 110 PERSONS WHO SAY "NO" TO PLACING MAYORAL CONTROL ON THE BALLOT WERE HEARD BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
IN SPITE OF THE NUMEROUS TIMES PRO-TEM GARY BROWN, COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES PUGH, COUNCIL MEMBERS SAUNTEEL JENKINS, ANDRE SPIVEY, JAMES TATE, WERE TOLD BY OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS, CITIZENS, AND AN ATTORNEY THAT ANY MOVE TO PLACE MAYORAL CONTROL IS IMPROPER, PRO-TEM BROWN PUSHED TO HAVE IT PLACED ON THE AGENDA ANYWAY.
HOW MANY TIMES DOES NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE TO BE TOLD THAT IF YOU PUT MAYORAL CONTROL ON THE BALLOT YOU WILL BE SUED?
THE ANSWER IS: IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU TELL THEM ONCE, TWICE, OR TWENTY TIMES. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU TELL THEM IN PERSON, PRIVATELY, OR THROUGH CALL IN RADIO SHOWS. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF AN ATTORNEY TELLS THEM THEY WILL BE IN A LAWSUIT.
BY REPEATEDLY PUSHING TO GET THE ISSUE DISCUSSED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS REMINDERS THE MICHIGAN HOME RULES ACT OR THE CITY CHARTER DOES NOT ALLOW COUNCIL TO ACT IN AN ADVISORY MANNER TO GET IT ON THE BALLOT, CERTAIN COUNCIL MEMBERS SHOWED DETROITERS AND ALL OF THE NEWS AND MEDIA PEOPLE THAT WERE PRESENT, JUST WHAT DISREGARD FOR THE LAW LOOKS, SOUNDS, AND ACTS LIKE.
SO LETS SEE HOW MANY RULES CAN BE BROKEN---
IT WAS REVEALED IN YESTERDAY'S MEETING THAT PRO-TEM BROWN DID NOT FOLLOW CITY COUNCIL RULES CONCERNING WHAT GETS ON THE AGENDA TO BE DISCUSSED AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS OR WHAT IS IN PLACE TO GET AN ADDENDUM TO AN APPROVED AGENDA PROPERLY SUBMITTED.
COUNCILMAN KENYATTA TOLD PRO-TEM BROWN THAT HE WAS TRYING TO "CHANGE THE RULES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME" AND THAT HE HAD JUST RECEIVED THE ISSUE OF PLACING MAYORAL CONTROL UP FOR DISCUSSION BY COUNCIL, "FIVE MINUTES" BEFORE COUNCILMAN KENYATTA ENTERED THE MEETING.
COUNCILWOMAN BRENDA JONES INFORMED THE NEWER COUNCIL MEMBERS, CHARLES PUGH, SAUNTEEL JENKINS, GARY BROWN, JAMES TATE, AND ANDRE SPIVEY, THAT HER TASK FORCE MADE THE RULES FOR HOW COUNCIL CONDUCTS ITSELF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION, AND THAT IT APPEARED THAT THEY WANTED HER TO BREAK THE RULES THAT SHE HELPED TO ESTABLISH.
WHEN THE QUESTION WAS RAISED REGARDING HOW PRO-TEM GARY BROWN WAS ABLE TO GET THE MAYORAL CONTROL ISSUE PAST HIS OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS, HE CITED A CHARTER RULE THAT ALLOWS 'EMERGENCY SITUATIONS" TO BE PUT DIRECTLY TO COUNCIL PRESIDENT TO MAKE A DECISION.
SENIOR COUNCIL MEMBERS WATSON, KENYATTA, AND JONES ADMONISHED PRO-TEM BROWN FOR MIS-USE OF POWER AND INFLUENCE, AND, DISRESPECT OF OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS CONCERNING THE MATTER.
COUNCILWOMAN WATSON STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS NOT A CITY "EMERGENCY" AND THAT THE DPS SITUATION WAS A MATTER OF THE STATE.
COUNCILMAN COCKREL WAS HELPFUL IN RAISING THE QUESTION OF A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT IF COUNCIL PUT THE MATTER ON THE BALLOT, OR, MOVED TO ADVISE IT TO BE PLACED ON THE BALLOT.
COUNCILMAN COCKREL ALSO ASKED WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE LAWSUIT, IF CITIZENS SOUGHT TO SUE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. HE WAS TOLD BY AN ATTORNEY THAT "THERE IS A 100% CHANCE OF FACING A LAWSUIT."
THE ATTORNEY TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THE CITY OF DETROIT AND DPS WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR THE LAWSUIT, WHICH MEANS MORE OF DETROITERS' TAX DOLLARS WOULD BE WASTED ON AN ISSUE THAT DOESN'T NEED TO GO TO COURT IN THE FIRST PLACE.
MORE PROOF THAT THESE COUNCIL MEMBERS APPEAR TO NOT BE SERVING THE INTERESTS OF THE VOTERS WHO VOTED FOR THEM--
PUGH, JENKINS, BROWN, TATE, AND SPIVEY AGREED THAT COUNCIL SHOULD CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH A GROUP OF OVER 110 CONCERNED RESIDENTS MADE OF ELDERS, PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS AGAINST MAYORAL CONTROL OF THE SCHOOLS MADE THEMSELVES CLEAR BY SPEAKING OUT AND HOLDING UP "NO" SIGNS FOR MORE THAN 4 HOURS.
MANY RESIDENTS TOLD NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THEY LIED BY SAYING THEY WERE FOR "THE CITIZENS." ELDERS TOLD NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT THEY WERE ASHAMED AT THE WAY THEY WERE CONDUCTING THEMSELVES AND IT WAS APPARENT THEY WERE NOT SERVING THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO VOTED FOR THEM.
NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS STILL WANTED TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAD NO POWER TO DO SO ACCORDING TO THE LAWS THAT GOVERN THE STATE AND CITY.
BY THE END OF THE DAY, THE ISSUE MUST GO THROUGH COUNCILWOMAN JONES' SPECIAL OPS COMMITTEE IN ORDER FOR COUNCIL TO DISCUSS IT. ANOTHER MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THERE IS A MEDIA BLACK OUT CONCERNING GRASSROOTS EFFORTS ON THE FIGHT FOR FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION AND RIGHT TO VOTE FOR AN ELECTED BOARD IN DETROIT, THE DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOL CLOSINGS, AND UNION BUSTING EFFORTS. THEREFORE, MOST MAJOR LOCAL NEWS PAPERS AND TV STATIONS ARE "SHAPING" WHAT YOU READ AND SEE BY NOT TELLING YOU THE ENTIRE TRUTH OF WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING BY COLLECTIVE GRASSROOTS FOLKS IN DETROIT. THE HOW AND WHY OF THE RESULTS OF GRASSROOTS EFFORTS ARE NOT REVEALED TO THE PUBLIC.
WE BELIEVE THE " 30,000 VOTERS" SIGNATURES THAT ARE FREQUENTLY MENTIONED BY NEWS SOURCES ARE A HOAX.
THE "30,000 VOTERS WANT MAYORAL CONTROL" WAS A STRATEGY THAT WAS USED TO PUT PRESSURE ON COUNCIL MEMBERS TO PUT MAYORAL CONTROL OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ON THE BALLOT.
THERE WAS NO DEADLINE OR PROPER FILING OF THE PETITIONS BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE VERIFIED BY THE CLERK'S OFFICE. THAT IS WHY THEY WERE RUSHED IN AND BASICALLY "DUMPED" ON CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO INFLUENCE MEMBERS THAT APPEARED UNSURE ABOUT THE ISSUE.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE NEWS LINKS THAT REPORTED WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK AND YESTERDAY. CLICK ON THE HEADLINE LINKS TO SEE THE ARTICLES. EXAMPLES OF WHAT IS BEING OMITTED FOLLOW A COUPLE OF LINKS.
"COUNCIL MEETING ON MAYORAL CONTROL GETS HEATED" WDIV CLICK ON DETROIT.
ANALYSIS: THEY DID NOT MENTION THAT THE 30, 000 SIGNATURES FOR MAYORAL CONTROL WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK, AND, THAT COUNCILMAN COCKREL CONFIRMED THAT THE CITY CLERK DID NOT SEE THE PETITONS. THE NAMES ON THE PETITIONS WERE NEVER VERIFIED OR CERTIFIED. THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THOSE WHO SIGNED WERE NEVER VERIFIED AS BEING ACTUAL RESIDENTS OF DETROIT.
NEITHER DID THEY MENTION THAT AN AGENCY PAID $3.00 FOR EVERY SIGNATURE THAT WAS BROUGHT IN. SEE BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY (BAMN) PRESS RELEASE.
"COUNCIL FALLS SHORT IN VOTE..." THE DETROIT NEWS. THE ARTICLE SAYS "AFTER HOURS OF HEARING FROM RESIDENTS, THE COUNCIL FAILED..."
ANALYSIS OF THE WRITER'S SENTENCE: THEY FAILED TO SAY, "FROM RESIDENTS THAT OPPOSED MAYORAL CONTROL AND VOTED TO ELECT A SCHOOL BOARD" OR "FROM OVER 110 RESIDENTS THAT TOLD COUNCIL "NO" TO MAYORAL CONTROL"
THEY ALSO FAILED TO STATE THAT PERHAPS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THEY DID NOT GET A MAJORITY OF 6 VOTES WAS BECAUSE PRO TEM GARY BROWN TRIED TO SNEAK THE ISSUE ONTO THE DAY'S AGENDA AT THE LAST MINUTE AND INAPPROPRIATELY ADVANCED THE ISSUE DIRECTLY TO COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES PUGH AND DISRESPECTED SENIOR COUNCIL MEMBERS.
"DETROIT COUNCIL CALLS FOR THURSDAY VOTE ON SCHOOL OVERSITE" FREE PRESS.
"DETROIT CITY COUNCIL FALLS SHORT IN VOTE TO PUT DPS MAYORAL CONTROL ON NOVEMBER BALLOT" CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS
WHEN YOU SEE THE WORD "VOTERS" IN A SENTENCE, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE WORD IS USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT THAT SUPPORTS MAYORAL OR STATE CONTROL OF THE SCHOOLS.
"VOTERS" IS GENERALLY WRITTEN TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT ALL VOTERS WANT MAYORAL CONTROL WHEN MANY OF US OPPOSE MAYORAL AND STATE CONTROL, OPPOSE THE DESTRUCTION OF FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION WITH AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD, AND OPPOSE TEACHER UNION BUSTING EFFORTS THAT LEADS TO MORE LOSS OF JOBS.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
At City Council Meeting, Make Public Comments: No To Mayoral Control of DPS
5:45 A.M. JULY 27, 2010
SAY: "NO TO MAYORAL CONTROL OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS."
Detroit's concerned citizens that are against having the issue of mayoral control placed on the August or November 3, 2010 ballot are to meet THIS MORNING, JULY 27, 2010 AT 7:00 A.M.
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (The City - County Building) on Woodward and Jefferson 2 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48226.
ATTEND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON THE 13TH FLOOR AND SAY DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENTS SECTION:
WE DO NOT WANT MAYORAL CONTROL OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS. YOUR ADVISORY POSITION TO GET IT ON THE BALLOT IS ILLEGAL.
STOP THE ON-GOING EFFORT TO DISMANTLE AND DESTROY FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION SO YOU CAN HAVE PRIVATE FOR PROFIT INVESTORS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS EDUCATE DETROIT'S STUDENTS
WHY ARE WE PROTESTING EVERY TUESDAY?
BY THE LAWS THAT GOVERN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AND RULES OF THE CITY CHARTER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO ADVISE, MAKE A DECISION, OR ACT IN AN ADVISORY MANNER TO PUT MAYORAL CONTROL OR ANYTHING ELSE ON A BALLOT FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION ARE A MATTER OF THE STATE, NOT THE CITY. THIS FACT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO CURRENT CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SEVERAL TIMES BY A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND BY CITIZENS WHO DO NOT WANT MAYOR CONTROL.
YESTERDAY ON A RADIO PROGRAM ON 1200 AM, CALLERS REMINDED COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES PUGH OF THE LEGAL FACTS AND HE KEPT REPEATING THAT THE ISSUE IS A CITY ISSUE.
IT IS NOT A CITY ISSUE. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE UNDER STATE LAWS. THE ONLY REASON WHY THIS IS A CITY ISSUE IS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT RESPECT THE VOTERS THAT CAST VOTES REGARDING CHOOSING THE SCHOOL BOARD. SO THEY WANT TO RE-VOTE OVER VOTES THAT HAVE BEEN CAST IN PAST ELECTIONS.
THE CITIZENS OF DETROIT ALREADY VOTED TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO ELECT A SCHOOL BOARD!
CONCERNED CITIZENS OF DETROIT ARE TIRED OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE SENDING THE MESSAGE THAT OUR VOTES DO NOT COUNT EVERY TIME THEY WANT TO MAKE MONEY BY PARTNERING WITH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS THAT WANT THEIR AGENDA'S PUSHED AND DEMANDS MET AFTER OUR LEGAL VOTES IN LEGAL ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN CAST AND COUNTED.
ASK YOURSELF: WHY ARE TEACHERS' UNIONS, CONCERNED PARENTS, AND STUDENTS FROM MOST FAILING SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE PROTESTING IN LANSING?
ASK YOURSELF OR MEET WITH OTHERS TO ASK:
spread the news!
IF ANOTHER DETROIT IS NECESSARY HERE IS ANOTHER CALL TO ACTION
Detroit's concerned citizens that are against having the issue of mayoral control placed on the August or November 3, 2010 ballot are to meet THIS MORNING, JULY 27, 2010 AT 7:00 A.M.
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (The City - County Building) on Woodward and Jefferson 2 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48226.
ATTEND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON THE 13TH FLOOR AND SAY DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENTS SECTION:
WE DO NOT WANT MAYORAL CONTROL OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS. YOUR ADVISORY POSITION TO GET IT ON THE BALLOT IS ILLEGAL.
STOP THE ON-GOING EFFORT TO DISMANTLE AND DESTROY FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION SO YOU CAN HAVE PRIVATE FOR PROFIT INVESTORS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS EDUCATE DETROIT'S STUDENTS
WHY ARE WE PROTESTING EVERY TUESDAY?
BY THE LAWS THAT GOVERN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN AND RULES OF THE CITY CHARTER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO ADVISE, MAKE A DECISION, OR ACT IN AN ADVISORY MANNER TO PUT MAYORAL CONTROL OR ANYTHING ELSE ON A BALLOT FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION ARE A MATTER OF THE STATE, NOT THE CITY. THIS FACT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO CURRENT CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS SEVERAL TIMES BY A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND BY CITIZENS WHO DO NOT WANT MAYOR CONTROL.
YESTERDAY ON A RADIO PROGRAM ON 1200 AM, CALLERS REMINDED COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES PUGH OF THE LEGAL FACTS AND HE KEPT REPEATING THAT THE ISSUE IS A CITY ISSUE.
IT IS NOT A CITY ISSUE. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE UNDER STATE LAWS. THE ONLY REASON WHY THIS IS A CITY ISSUE IS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT RESPECT THE VOTERS THAT CAST VOTES REGARDING CHOOSING THE SCHOOL BOARD. SO THEY WANT TO RE-VOTE OVER VOTES THAT HAVE BEEN CAST IN PAST ELECTIONS.
THE CITIZENS OF DETROIT ALREADY VOTED TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO ELECT A SCHOOL BOARD!
CONCERNED CITIZENS OF DETROIT ARE TIRED OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE SENDING THE MESSAGE THAT OUR VOTES DO NOT COUNT EVERY TIME THEY WANT TO MAKE MONEY BY PARTNERING WITH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS THAT WANT THEIR AGENDA'S PUSHED AND DEMANDS MET AFTER OUR LEGAL VOTES IN LEGAL ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN CAST AND COUNTED.
ASK YOURSELF: WHY ARE TEACHERS' UNIONS, CONCERNED PARENTS, AND STUDENTS FROM MOST FAILING SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE PROTESTING IN LANSING?
ASK YOURSELF OR MEET WITH OTHERS TO ASK:
WHY IS DETROIT THE ONLY CITY IN THE STATE THAT IS BEING FORCED OR COERCED INTO HAVING MAYORAL CONTROL OF THE SCHOOLS WHEN OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE STATE ARE FAILING TOO?
WHY DOES DETROIT HAVE THIS PROBLEM: WE ARE THE ONLY CITY IN THE STATE THAT EXPERIENCES CITIZENS VOTING AND WHEN SOMEBODY OR GROUP DOESN'T LIKE THE RESULTS OF THE COUNTED VOTES, FOLKS ARE ASKED TO RE-VOTE OVER WHAT HAS BEEN VOTED ON?
DO NOT BE FOOLED! PUBLIC EDUCATION, DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND ANY OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE STATE ARE UNDER STATE LAWS THAT GOVERN EDUCATION FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. CITIZENS OF CITIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE FOR A SCHOOL BOARD.
( ISN'T THIS PART OF CHECKS AND BALANCES OF GOVERNMENT ?)
OTHER NEWS: YESTERDAY AT A LOCAL CHURCH, CLOSE TO 200 CONCERNED CITIZENS MET TO ORGANIZE AGAINST MAYORAL CONTROL OF THE SCHOOLS. AS PEOPLE GATHERED FOR THE MEETING, DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECURITY OFFICERS FROM LOCAL 214, WHO WERE TRAINED BY THE DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT, PROTESTED AGAINST THE LOSS OF JOBS AND THE FACT THAT THEIR CONTRACT IS UP FOR GRABS TO THE LOWEST BIDDER. NOTE: DUE TO THE MEDIA BLACKOUT OF PROTEST EFFORTS BY CONCERNED CITIZENS PLEASE LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE.
wethepeopledetroit@gmail.com
Friday, July 23, 2010
City Council Meeting: Public Comments-July 20, 2010, No To Mayoral Control of DPS
The City of Detroit website link for City Council Meetings is working.
To see the Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Public Comments session concerning "No To Mayoral Control of Detroit Public Schools" and very passionate comments by youth, educators, and community citizens
1. Click on the link below
2. Go to the "Recorded Brodcasts-click to play" window
3. Click "Formal Session" July 20, 2010 Chair Charles Pugh
The pop up video will appear. Put your mouse pointer at the bottom of the picture that appears to see the control bar.
Click the third button > ( the single arrow > ) . The video will start
http://apps.attainresponse.com/MediaF5/liveChannel.htm?presenterId=dcctv@comf5-com
To see the Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Public Comments session concerning "No To Mayoral Control of Detroit Public Schools" and very passionate comments by youth, educators, and community citizens
1. Click on the link below
2. Go to the "Recorded Brodcasts-click to play" window
3. Click "Formal Session" July 20, 2010 Chair Charles Pugh
The pop up video will appear. Put your mouse pointer at the bottom of the picture that appears to see the control bar.
Click the third button > ( the single arrow > ) . The video will start
http://apps.attainresponse.com/MediaF5/liveChannel.htm?presenterId=dcctv@comf5-com
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Urgent Call to Action! Oppose DPS Takeover Tuesday, July 20th
SHOW UP TO OPPOSE MAYORAL CONTROL OF DPS!
MAYORAL CONTROL SUPPORTERS PLAN TO PETITION CITY COUNCIL AGAIN AND WE MUST SHOW UP TO OPPOSE THEM!
ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 8:30 A.M. ON TUESDAY, JULY 20TH
@ CITY COUNCIL MEETING @ COLEMAN A. YOUNG CENTER
(13TH FLOOR -Travel light—building has airport-like security)
Ask for comment card when entering 13th floor & put your name on it even if you don’t want to speak — we can use that time for others who will!
PASS THE WORD TO OTHER "AUTHENTIC" DETROITERS WHO DON'T WANT TO BE COLONIZED & BULLIED BY BIG BUSINESSES & FOUNDATIONS!!
MAYORAL CONTROL SUPPORTERS PLAN TO PETITION CITY COUNCIL AGAIN AND WE MUST SHOW UP TO OPPOSE THEM!
ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 8:30 A.M. ON TUESDAY, JULY 20TH
@ CITY COUNCIL MEETING @ COLEMAN A. YOUNG CENTER
(13TH FLOOR -Travel light—building has airport-like security)
Ask for comment card when entering 13th floor & put your name on it even if you don’t want to speak — we can use that time for others who will!
PASS THE WORD TO OTHER "AUTHENTIC" DETROITERS WHO DON'T WANT TO BE COLONIZED & BULLIED BY BIG BUSINESSES & FOUNDATIONS!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Victory For Citizens At City Council Meeting Re: Mayoral Control of Detroit Public Schools
VICTORY FOR CONCERNED CITIZENS AGAINST MAYORAL CONTROL OF DPS
Between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. this morning, around 200 concerned citizens showed up for a Detroit City Council meeting about mayoral control of the Detroit Public Schools.
We The People and other groups that oppose mayoral control of the district showed the Council Members what strong democracy is about by turning out in numbers, showing support for Detroit School Board members that were present, and, reminding them of the importance of citizens' votes in the last election concerning the board.
The Council chamber was at full capacity by 9:15 a.m. while parents, students, and community group representatives that were against and for mayoral control, stood in the hall, and waited to be seated. Unfortunately, the speakers in the hall that are usually on for those who are waiting, was shut off.
A monitor was set up at the end of the 13th floor near the auditorium and citizens gathered there to hear testimony from Detroit School Board members and citizens that asked City Council Members to allow citizens to continue to vote for the school board. Within an hour, the monitor went off due to a defect in the transmission. Even though most people could not hear or see the testimonies and responses from Council members, most remained and waited to be called to speak during the "Comments" portion of the meeting.
In spite of the reported 30,000 plus uncertified signatures on petitions that were collected and presented to the Council by a group that is in favor of mayoral control of the schools, the opposition showed that our legally counted votes from a previous election gave us the power to elect a school board. After three hours of testimony, a victory was had.
Seven Council members were against mayoral control. A report from the Detroit Free Press can be found at the link below. Click on the link to see the story.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100713/NEWS01/100713012/1318/Council-shelves-DPS-control-vote&template=fullarticle
Between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. this morning, around 200 concerned citizens showed up for a Detroit City Council meeting about mayoral control of the Detroit Public Schools.
We The People and other groups that oppose mayoral control of the district showed the Council Members what strong democracy is about by turning out in numbers, showing support for Detroit School Board members that were present, and, reminding them of the importance of citizens' votes in the last election concerning the board.
The Council chamber was at full capacity by 9:15 a.m. while parents, students, and community group representatives that were against and for mayoral control, stood in the hall, and waited to be seated. Unfortunately, the speakers in the hall that are usually on for those who are waiting, was shut off.
A monitor was set up at the end of the 13th floor near the auditorium and citizens gathered there to hear testimony from Detroit School Board members and citizens that asked City Council Members to allow citizens to continue to vote for the school board. Within an hour, the monitor went off due to a defect in the transmission. Even though most people could not hear or see the testimonies and responses from Council members, most remained and waited to be called to speak during the "Comments" portion of the meeting.
In spite of the reported 30,000 plus uncertified signatures on petitions that were collected and presented to the Council by a group that is in favor of mayoral control of the schools, the opposition showed that our legally counted votes from a previous election gave us the power to elect a school board. After three hours of testimony, a victory was had.
Seven Council members were against mayoral control. A report from the Detroit Free Press can be found at the link below. Click on the link to see the story.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100713/NEWS01/100713012/1318/Council-shelves-DPS-control-vote&template=fullarticle
Friday, July 9, 2010
A Call to Action! Oppose Mayoral Takeover of DPS! Tuesday, July 13th @ 8:30 a.m.
DO NOT SIGN ANY PETITIONS ABOUT DPS! DO NOT GIVE AWAY YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE! OUR PEOPLE DIED FOR OUR RIGHT TO VOTE!
SHOW UP BY 8:30 A.M. ON
TUESDAY, JULY 13TH
@ CITY COUNCIL MEETING @ COLEMAN A. YOUNG CENTER ON LARNED
(13TH FLOOR)
(Please travel light—building has airport-like security)
Ask for comment card when entering 13th floor & put your name on it even if you don’t want to speak — we can use that time for others who will!
PASS THE WORD TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!
SAY NO
TO MAYORAL TAKEOVER
OF DPS!
“WE THE PEOPLE”...MUST STAND UP FOR OURSELVES AND OUR CHILDREN!!
SHOW UP BY 8:30 A.M. ON
TUESDAY, JULY 13TH
@ CITY COUNCIL MEETING @ COLEMAN A. YOUNG CENTER ON LARNED
(13TH FLOOR)
(Please travel light—building has airport-like security)
Ask for comment card when entering 13th floor & put your name on it even if you don’t want to speak — we can use that time for others who will!
PASS THE WORD TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!
SAY NO
TO MAYORAL TAKEOVER
OF DPS!
“WE THE PEOPLE”...MUST STAND UP FOR OURSELVES AND OUR CHILDREN!!
Detroit’s Tea Party: The Mayoral Takeover Detroit Public Schools: Is This a National Trend Rooted in Racism?
Citizens of the city of Detroit have been under assault and seized by “giants in the land” since and before Mayor David Bing took office over a year ago. One of the most recent assaults found in a headline (July 4th) of the Michigan Citizen’s weekly newspaper, providing the only alternative view to the printed major media in Detroit reads, “Bing Seeks Control of Schools: To End Elected Board! Wealthy businessman and coalitions of large foundations with millions of dollars to spend have decided that Detroiters, tax paying citizens, should be disenfranchised and give up their right to elect their own leadership for the Detroit Board of Education (DPS)!
Racism at the Core
At the core of this movement lies racism, dressed up as the benevolent and responsible thing to do. This “movement” moving across many urban centers including New Orleans, Philadelphia, Chicago and now Detroit, infers that communities that are mostly poor and African American are incapable of effectively governing themselves, and that they should give up one of their most precious rights of citizenship, the right to vote! This is racist in nature, although clearly some African Americans are action agents to help push this agenda.
Racism/Classism: the use of political and economic power aimed at a group based on their race and class. These tactics have not been used in suburban areas with less than stellar outcomes!
Use of Media & Big Money to Get Their Way
The Mayoral Takeover group, “Our Kids Deserve Better Schools Committee” (committee members are still a secret) have a “campaign prospectus”, of which the mayor’s chief communications director indicates that she doesn’t know the source! Come on, Detroiters aren’t that stupid, although we have a 50% unemployment rate and a purported illiteracy rate of 40% or more. The Mayoral Takeover “campaign prospectus” and previous news reports & sound bites have lambasted the outcomes for DPS students and the issues of the DPS board have been sensationalized, statistics have been skewed, intended to shame and frighten the citizens. This “take over” group has commissioned “handlers” to produce the information needed to accomplish the takeover of DPS with one of the certain outcomes being privatization and eventually gentrification, if they are successful in this “coup” effort!
Detroiters Support Increased Graduation Rates & Test Scores
The one thing that I think most Detroiters would agree on with the “Mayoral Takeover” group is that graduation rates need to improve and achievement outcomes need to as well. However, the assaults and tactics that Detroiter’s have been enduring for quite sometime now is not justified! The “takeover group” missed their deadline of June 11th to legitimately get their issue of having voters give up their right to have an elected school board on ballot. Even after pooling over $2 million dollars to hire unemployed residents, who in many cases mislead residents to sign the petitions. Now they will approach the City Council to put it on the ballot anyway!
Local Major Media: A Partner in Takeover
The major local media uses headlines and sound bits to exploit unfortunate issues of some board members as one of the justifications to sway public opinion and beat Detroiters over the head with a “stick of shame”! This also serves to distract Detroiters from the real issue, of “We the People” the citizens of Detroit, taking responsibility to raise the bar for educational standards for ourselves, without having corporate and foundation interests dictating the shots from behind the scenes in many cases. What do you think? And what are you willing to do about it?
Racism at the Core
At the core of this movement lies racism, dressed up as the benevolent and responsible thing to do. This “movement” moving across many urban centers including New Orleans, Philadelphia, Chicago and now Detroit, infers that communities that are mostly poor and African American are incapable of effectively governing themselves, and that they should give up one of their most precious rights of citizenship, the right to vote! This is racist in nature, although clearly some African Americans are action agents to help push this agenda.
Racism/Classism: the use of political and economic power aimed at a group based on their race and class. These tactics have not been used in suburban areas with less than stellar outcomes!
Use of Media & Big Money to Get Their Way
The Mayoral Takeover group, “Our Kids Deserve Better Schools Committee” (committee members are still a secret) have a “campaign prospectus”, of which the mayor’s chief communications director indicates that she doesn’t know the source! Come on, Detroiters aren’t that stupid, although we have a 50% unemployment rate and a purported illiteracy rate of 40% or more. The Mayoral Takeover “campaign prospectus” and previous news reports & sound bites have lambasted the outcomes for DPS students and the issues of the DPS board have been sensationalized, statistics have been skewed, intended to shame and frighten the citizens. This “take over” group has commissioned “handlers” to produce the information needed to accomplish the takeover of DPS with one of the certain outcomes being privatization and eventually gentrification, if they are successful in this “coup” effort!
Detroiters Support Increased Graduation Rates & Test Scores
The one thing that I think most Detroiters would agree on with the “Mayoral Takeover” group is that graduation rates need to improve and achievement outcomes need to as well. However, the assaults and tactics that Detroiter’s have been enduring for quite sometime now is not justified! The “takeover group” missed their deadline of June 11th to legitimately get their issue of having voters give up their right to have an elected school board on ballot. Even after pooling over $2 million dollars to hire unemployed residents, who in many cases mislead residents to sign the petitions. Now they will approach the City Council to put it on the ballot anyway!
Local Major Media: A Partner in Takeover
The major local media uses headlines and sound bits to exploit unfortunate issues of some board members as one of the justifications to sway public opinion and beat Detroiters over the head with a “stick of shame”! This also serves to distract Detroiters from the real issue, of “We the People” the citizens of Detroit, taking responsibility to raise the bar for educational standards for ourselves, without having corporate and foundation interests dictating the shots from behind the scenes in many cases. What do you think? And what are you willing to do about it?
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