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Adam
F L I N T O I D
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Dear Sir or Madam:
This letter is written as a public apology to two business owners who asked me to approve transfers of liquor licenses in the 2nd Ward, where I am the city councilperson. I initially disapproved these transfers. However, after two meetings, I expressed my concerns against approving the transfer of liquor licenses in my ward and agreed that if they would agree to contribute $500 (each), annually, towards a scholarship fund that I initiated for the top 10 high school graduates in my ward, then I would approve their transfer of a liquor license request.
The business owners contributed to the scholarship fund. At the next scheduled City Council meeting, I stated my reason for retracting my earlier position of not approving the transfer of liquor licenses in my ward relative to my Give Back to the Community initiative and they voted unanimously for approval. I presented the top 10 graduates with $100 (each) during a high school honor graduation ceremony in my ward.
However, I was advised by the United States attorney's office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation that my actions violated federal law, because I had used the power of my public office to coerce contributions to the scholarship fund. I have consulted with my attorney, and now understand that my actions, although well intended for a good cause, did indeed violate the federal law. I have assured the United States attorney's office that now that I have a clear understanding of the law governing my power of public office that I will no longer use my governmental authority to coerce contributions of any person or entity (no matter how deserving), other than payments owed to the city of Flint.
Moreover, I have entered into an agreement with the United States attorney to make this public apology and to repay to the two business owners the $1,000. scholarship contribution that I coerced them to contribute that violated federal law. I also agreed not to retaliate against the two business owners for having reported my wrongful actions. If I abide by all terms of this agreement, I will not be charged with violating the federal law.
I sincerely apologize to the business owners, and pledge to all persons that I will hereafter consider their requests appropriately and within the allotted time set by the charter.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline Poplar, councilwoman |
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Sat Dec 02, 2006 1:05 pm |
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Peter K
Guest
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City councilman Ehren Gonzales of the 8th Ward said he believes Poplar owes it to her constituents to resign.
"If something like this went down ... (taxpayers) would expect that public official to step down," Gonzales said. "It should not be acceptable for anyone to use their position for gain."
City Attorney Trachelle Young said she could not detail any advice she may or may not have given Poplar about the scholarship fund, because she said it would violate attorney-client privilege. But she said the FBI has not questioned her about her actions.
Buchanan said he was unaware that Poplar coerced the contributions from the business owners and he was disappointed council members would turn the incident into a political attack on him.
He said ignorance of the law is no excuse for Poplar's actions. He did not weigh in on whether or not she should resign, however.
"That decision is between Jackie, her God and her constituents," Buchanan said. |
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Sat Dec 02, 2006 1:25 pm |
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DEMCAD
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| 500 DOLLARS. Oh wonder why the FBI didn't go after her. It's 500 meezy dollars. It wasn't like she was receiving the cash, give her a break. |
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Sat Dec 02, 2006 2:13 pm |
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John Wilson
F L I N T O I D
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Ignorance of the law is never accepted as an excuse or defense. The court will almost always find you guilty.
She's very lucky. Federal prison, fines, and a felony record were likely all on the table.
The FBI and the US Attorney don't play around. She's quite lucky the Feds let her off with a warning. Very lucky.
It wouldn't have mattered if she asked a cure for cancer in exchange for those liquor licenses, extortion while in public office is a federal crime. |
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Sat Dec 02, 2006 2:56 pm |
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Adam
F L I N T O I D
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| The city charter says we should have a master plan. The city charter/constitution says we should have a chief planner. I can site that but can anyone site the law Jackie violated? We also have a system of law called trial by jury. Show me a jury that would convict Poplar for using liquor stores for scholarship money for kids and I'll show you a group of clansman. I'm serious on the citation. I'd like to see the law to make a conclusion but I can't find it. |
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Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:26 pm |
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Don
Guest
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| She is just like Donna Poplar. I agree with you on this RoscoeVan whatever your name is. |
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Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:50 pm |
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Darryll
Guest
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I DEMAND HER APOLOGY and her resignation damn it
Daryll Boyd |
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Sun Dec 03, 2006 4:20 pm |
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Ted Jankowski
F L I N T O I D
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I demand people use some sense! Look at the evidence! make their own decisions. Unfortunately no one seems to want to.
She offered to help these business owners to get their licenses transferred quicker by her support. (They didn't need her support or even her blessing, they could have had the license transferred through the State without her, and they knew that!)
She didn't want it to appear to be trading her Vote for Cash! So she submitted it to the City Attorney to review! Once reviewed and OK'd as a go ahead I don't see any problem with the plan.
She Announced it to the City Council exactly what she was doing! Where the money came from, the reasons why, Why she was now going to support their transfer of a liquor License!
She held a press conference! Told the Public Where and why?
NO ONE EVER ONCE, STEPPED UP AND SAID THERE WAS ANYTHING ILLEGEAL OR UNETHICAL with what she was doing.
She Voted ONE time against the DON. Who being a criminal himself, KNEW exactly how to retaliate! He called the FBI. They investigated it! Of Course they thought they really had something at first! Until they actually talked to her about it and she had all the incriminating evidence and was willing to freely giving it over to them! The Newspaper articles, the City Council minutes/vote, Receipts for the 100 Scholarships that the Business owners "DONATED!!" FREELY!!! WITHOUT COHERSION!
So Let me ask? The Dealership supplying vehicles for the Don's Campaign, the Use of the City Seal in his commercials for the Dealership.., The Demand for Money from Marvin Riley for building Permits??? These don't seem unethical or illegal to anyone? But what Miss Poplar did... does? HUH? |
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Sun Dec 03, 2006 4:55 pm |
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Visitor
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| Good thing we have Aaron Gonzales. He is the only one standing up and demanding Poplar resign. If it were Sandy Hill that extorted money from these businesses, the same people supporting Poplar would be asking Hill to resign. This is all politics. Wrong is wrong no matter how you spin it. |
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Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:14 am |
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