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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Lately there have been social media and radio talk show comments that the entire council needs to go. I have to admit there were times I agreed . The council and Weaver disagreements have been downright embarrassing and at times juvenile.
I am of the belief that much of this problem comes from the radical turnover of key personnel in the Mayor's administration. Sometimes it appears the decisions were poorly made and bordering on cronyism, rather than managerial personnel experienced in city systems and procedures.
Combine that inexperience with a council that is mostly uneducated about what is expected of them and it is no wonder chaos was created. Can we afford to throw everyone out and possibly end up with a council that rubber stamps everything and doesn't do their "due diligence".
Kincaid is a different issue. Being in a leadership role during the Stanley administration and dealing with a number of issues dealing with ethics , it is easy to understand Kincaid's reticence to deal with any deal involving former Mayor Woodrow Stanley.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Thu Mar 23, 2017 8:32 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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Thu Mar 23, 2017 3:31 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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WHY KINCAID MISTRUSTS STANLEY #1
I remembered this story and I had to search until I found it on old files in my library While I know the story was April 23, I don't have the year. It was in the early 1990's and I believe it was 1992..
POLITICAL STINK STILL RISING OVER FLINT COMPOST CONTACT
Todd Seibt , Flint City hall reporter
Even when Flint had their own waste collection workers, there were disputes over landfills and compost. This and other stories about a Flint compost pile near Bray Road and carpenter Road were controversial to say the least.
Residents in then Councilman Johnnie Tucker's 3rd ward were vocal about the smell and wanted it gone. The Stanley administration came forward with a proposal to remove the compost using the Pollard land fill for just under $1 million. The council led by Kincaid demanded a bid process and the final bid was $34,000.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Thu Mar 23, 2017 8:33 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Thu Mar 23, 2017 3:33 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Topic: flint trash collection in limbo page 18
http://flinttalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=12339
Pollard Landfill in Montrose Township, was then owned by City Management and Anthony Soave, who had alleged mob ties. The City management representative and company Vice president was former Flint Mayor James Sharp.
After being shot down over the nearly $1 million proposal that nearly snuck through, council was leary of Stanley's two proposals to give Pollard the $34,000 compost contact and a second contract for Pollard of $75,000 in future compost pickup.
The media did heavy coverage on the story. William Leoni Sr. of Citizen's Disposal in Mundy Townshipaccused the Stanley administration of "using hocus pocus and a confusing array of bid alternatives " to steer the contract to Pollard.
"This thing has been convoluted", stated leoni to council, and "it's been twisted around to give i to a particular bidder".
The story eventually became a "pay to play issue". City Management and their representative contributed heavily to Stanley while the Leoni's supported Collier in the Mayor's race won by Stanley.
Sharp complained how his reputation was being sullied by all of the accusations, while Leoni reminded council they nearly paid almost $1 million for a contract now down to $34,000. The Journal had filed a FOIA and got copies of the bids. Oddly, there is mention of an inadvertent placing of the Pollard proposal on the council agenda.
"according to the language in that proposal, the proposal became null and void as soon as it became public."
Leoni asked council to toss out the bids and start over. Part of the issue revolved around vague language as to what kind of compost was to be returned to the City.
"Leoni argued that his bid was competitive, because he assumed the City wanted "nursery style" screened compost returned to the city . According to Leoni, the Pollard bid did not address that issue
Council was divided on he issue. Council President Scott Kincaid's arguments was that the bids were hardly competitive when the drive to Montrose by a 2 man city truck was 26 to 27 miles each way compared to the 6 to 8 miles to drive to Mundy Township. Kincaid requested a formal breakdown of costs to determine which was cost effective.
Seibt quoted 3rd ward councilman Johnnie Tucker supporting the contract to Pollard and saying " The FBI and the CIA shouldn't be called in to comb over every single contract Stanley proposes".
Tucker argued "we can sit around here and B.S. around this, but the bottom line is this is a service to city residents." Tucker voiced concerns over the smell and the health issues of his ward.
Note: When the Sugar Law Guild and the EPA studied "toxic sites" in Flint, Tucker claimed he did not know how the CNN Railroad got approval to maintain large piles of coal. Residents that were interviewed showed the damage from the coal dust to their, homes, cars and health. The area around Foss Avenue Church was heavily affected.
James Makokha, Stanley's Direcor of Governmental Affairs, voiced agreement with Tucker and stated it "was unfair to suggest Stanley was attempting to steer any contract to anyone"
"I think it is pertinent for this body to ask for facts." Makokha went on to say "there is no proof the contracts are a political payoff or are being directed to anyone."
Note: Makokha was convicted in a federal case of bribery involving Harold Hampton,
In another thread I discussed FBI documents File #194B-DE-72700 from 1994 as they related to the Makokha, Flint Director of Governmental Policy, trial and the waste hauling contracts.
There was a confusing segment about an alleged $30,000 bribe payment made on behalf of Mike Swartz, then owner of Nathan J's, a strip bar on Dort Highway. Confusing because Swartz did not deliver the " brown bag" and the money did not transfer to Makokha in this narration.
The Cooperating Witness (CW) alleges to be a go-between for vendors and Makokha.
Page 9
"CW stated that he/she was in Wilson's (Sheriff Joe Wilson) office 1n 1993 when Mike Swartz, owner of Nathan J's , called about being denied a topless dancing permit by the City of Flint."
The CW alleged Wilson, Mitru, and Waters were also in the office.
"CW advised that Mitru hung up the phone nd told him/her that Swartz needed some help with the city. According to Mtru, Swartz said he would pay $20,000 "to get this thing done"
The CW then said that Waters warned him to "not to do it" So CW stated he would try to sell Swartz a diamond like his as Miru said Swartz had expressed interest in one like the CW's.
During the media blitz of the Makokha federal trial,CW was alleged to be Harold Hampton. Previous stories focused on Hampton giving security systems free to certain politicians. There was also a scandal involving the sale of the security company building to the City of Flint for a North end Mini-station.
I spoke to two minority contractors who allegedly were told their roof replacement bids were too low and too increase them. They complained the contract went to a contractor who bid higher than them.
Hampton also had a pawn shop in the Lansing area and allegedly gave golf clubs and other gifts to Makokha. spoke to Hampton's ex-wife and she stated Harold's federal deal stuck her with a large IRS bill.
According to the CW, there was a meeting with Swartz. MItru, and Dan Hogan in Flint. While Swartz did not buy the diamond, he was allegedly still upset about not getting his permit and would now pay $30,000 to "get it done".
CW demanded the money from Swartz in 2 hours in a brown paper bag and delivered to his/her pond in Fenton. CW stated he/she was afraid of being set up by Swartz and he/she figured the FBI or another law enforcement agency couldn't establish surveillance in that short time.
This is where it confuses. Mitru went to his home with the CW and got $30,000 from a home safe in the basement. CW said there was a lot of cash in the safe and Mitru allegedly told him it was Wilson's. There is no discussion of the money going to any city official to make this happen.
The CW met with Makokha 2 days later at he White Horse and CW was said to have told Makokha that Swartz would pay $5,000 for the permit.
CW stated he told Makokha to go to Vegas and launder the money. While he/she believed Makokha was interested in the money, Makokha expressed a fear the CW was wearing a wir to set him up. According to Makokha, Swartz was going to get his license anyway because of a prior agreement with the federal government.
CW said he/she agreed to pick up a package from Swart's attorney to be delivered to Makokha. There were legal documents as well as a letter from United States Attorney Robert W. Havilnd.
Swartz eventually got his permit and Makokha never asked for the money. At Makokha's new house on Circle drive, Makokha stated Wilson knew CW took $30,000 from Swartz and not $5,000. CW did not believe Wilson knew Mitru got the money from Wilson.
How could he not know Mitru ran Wilson's golf outing and sold his Birthday Book ads? Did they suspect CW was working with the feds? No comment on the $30,000 CW must have kept.
NO HONOR AMONG THIEVES. |
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Thu Mar 23, 2017 3:50 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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If any council are removed from office the need to be replaced by those with budgetary and financial knowledge
By October 28, 2001 Flint Journal reporter Christopher Machniak, was writing how Stanley's legal battles had cost the city $125,654.84 at a time when city deficits were rising.WNEM's Jim Kiertzner was a thorn in the back of Stanley. The City held a press conference on the site of Michigan School for the Deaf when the state was offering part of the site for a fire station. This site is now the site of the new Powers high School. A clash between the Mayor and the hard hitting reporter led to allegation the Mayors car rushed the camera man.
Stanley then began blocking WNEM from press conferences. Stanley asked the Courts for a PPO against Kiertzner and his cameraman. WNEM Tv 5 won the case and the Judge ordered the City to pay $7,170 to the station for their legal fees. |
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Fri Mar 24, 2017 9:49 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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WNEM sued Stanley for not notifying them of Flint press conferences and won. The City paid $36,695.00 in the two lawsuits, which includes the legal fees of WNEM.
Council would not approve the 2000 budget as presented by the Stanley administration. Believing the budget projections for revenue were not correct, they revised the budget. Stanley sued the council.
Council hired an auditing firm and found a phantom $10 million in revenue. The council spent a total of $33, 703 for monitoring and fighting the budget battle. Council had a hearing in September to investigate the mayor's handling of budgetary and financial matters. The cost of the hearing, including legal advice for both council and the mayor, cost another $16,863. A community based financial task force put forth recommendations, most of which were accepted by both sides. |
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Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:30 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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The Pastors and Weaver supporters need to realize that it is not the role of council to be a rubber stamp and approve everything the Mayor asks. They are present to be part of a system of checks and balances on the power of the administration.
When the Mayor asks council to approve items that are not in writing, it is their obligation not to approve that item. Thankfully City Clerk Inez Brown cautioned the newer members not to abandon their "due diligence" in the face of public pressure.
Many in the public are questioning the competency of those Weaver has selected for her administration. There is little transparency in her actions and those of her city administrator. One question is how does experience in nonprofits prepare one for government service. |
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Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:41 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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While the state, as reported in the March RTAB meeting, may have eased the demanded contribution to MERS, pension legacy costs and OPEB (Other pension employment benefits) are still hovering over the city.
Under Emergency Manager Darnell Earley, the Police Officers unions seemed to be punished for not agreeing to drastic cuts in pay and benefits. The result, approved by the State, was draconian and exceeded the cuts demanded of any other City union.
Now the city is in 312 binding arbitration. Police were optimistic after talks with Weaver. And once more the city is demanding cuts in benefits and pensions. Some previously lost benefits were restored, but the city is demanding more. These officers in the past went without a contract over 8 years at one time. They were promised better pensions in lieu of pay raises.
The Stanley administrations cut payroll by giving early retirements and put stress on the retirement system. Other service was allowed to be bought to meet retirement criteria. Some found a loophole that boosted their retirement and led to the firing of the pension manager. Some were allowed to retire at age 55 and some pensions exceeded the retirees salary at retirement. |
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Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:59 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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How We Use FOIA to Hold Government Accountable
Happy ‘Sunshine Week’ 2017
By Jarrett Skorup | March 13, 2017 | Follow Jarrett Skorup on Twitter
In simple terms, government is a group of people using resources that belong to the public. Since these funds were earned by taxpayers, they have a right to know exactly how their government is using their money.
Sometimes government entities do things that conflict with what’s in the best collective interest of the public, many times in secret. In the wake of the Watergate scandal, there was an increased interest in making governments more transparent. In response, politicians created the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, as it’s commonly called. FOIA is perhaps the most important tool that journalists and the public have to keep governments accountable. These laws differ by state, but they all give citizens the right to request and receive information from public entities.
March 12-18 is “Sunshine Week,” a national event celebrating “your right to know” information about your government. To show the importance of this week and government transparency laws, here are some of the key ways we’ve used Michigan’s FOIA law to hold public entities accountable.
From 2006 to 2012, the state of Michigan transferred millions of dollars each year from day care providers and home caregivers to unions to use for political purposes. Most of the 100,000 people affected had no idea they were even in a union. Nevertheless, unions skimmed tens of millions of dollars in dues from government subsidies meant for the poor and disabled before legislators finally put a stop to it. We were able to expose this tragic scheme largely from public records we obtained through FOIA.
Every year, taxpayers are spending millions of dollars on “union release time” and “pension spiking” schemes. Public records requests to all 540 school districts turned up the dozens of school districts that redirect money meant for educating students to release time. They pay union officials and release them from all of their public duties, such as teaching. Instead, these officials work full-time for their union on the taxpayer’s dime. And union officials across the state have also entered into agreements where they pretend to work for school districts while actually working for a private union, in order to gain extra pension benefits — which taxpayers fund, of course.
The Flint water crisis rocked the state in 2015 and 2016. It was hard for anyone to know who was responsible and how much blame-shifting was going on. Our simple FOIA was delayed for four months when we tried to get to the bottom of some of the issues. (Other reporters eventually broke key stories.) We’ve filed a lawsuit against the state to ensure openness going forward.
FOIA requests to every school district showed that less than 0.001 percent of all tenured teacher are ever fired, including those who were caught kissing and assaulting students, using drugs and committing other criminal acts. The Legislature eventually passed a bill making it easier to get rid of bad educators and, today, districts report far fewer of these problems.
After the president of the University of Michigan made disparaging remarks about supporters of President Donald Trump, we requested documents to understand why a university president would make disparaging comments about some of his students. The university took more than 100 days to give us four documents, but denied others related to the request. Given our commitment to government openness, you shouldn’t be surprised about this: We’re now in the middle of a lawsuit about it.
In Michigan, school districts must use merit as the main driver for teacher compensation. But most of the state’s largest school districts ignore the law, instead basing pay strictly on degree-level and seniority. We learned of this through FOIA requests we sent to school districts.
The Detroit Land Bank’s blight demolition program has come under scrutiny and was subject to a federal investigation for wasted funds and inefficiencies. An open records request showed that the person accused of wrongdoing was simply transferred to another department with a pay cut, while taxpayers are out over $800,000.
Detroit Public Schools borrowed and spent more than $500 million to upgrade facilities. Despite the massive influx of funds, more than dozen schools (which each received millions for upgrades) were cited for health and safety violations. We used a FOIA request to show how much they got and what the violations were.
Though Michigan’s FOIA laws are powerful, they still have flaws. The state should close loopholes that allow public entities to delay giving information for months. Both the governor and the Legislature should be subject to the law, a practice other states follow. And legislators should continue to pursue changes that make as much information public as possible, especially when it can be done easily and cheaply electronically.
Without government transparency laws, it would be very difficult for reporters to do their jobs. And thanks to tools like FOIA, regular citizens can help hold public officials accountable. |
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Mon Mar 27, 2017 3:23 pm |
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