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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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If the mayor didn't have a campaign war chest of $300,000, do you suppose there would have been a personal meeting with the group ? Maybe a wave from her office door to recognize hearing their concerns?
The biggest PR gaffe, of course, was allowing her pastor friends to stage a press conference in the lobby at Flint City Hall, yet Hawk's group got escorted out by police.
Woodson's reaction? His Facebook post within an hour of the incident asked, "How is it that the fake pastors can have a fake press conference, but the real citizens of Flint cant?"
If anybody files a criminal complaint, Flint's mayor will find out that nobody can use government property for a political event to support candidates or issues. The water warriors have nothing on the ballot, so I'm guessing a legal expert on campaign finance laws would declare their activity okay for the lobby at Flint City Hall. The pastors supporting a candidate for re-election as mayor? Um, no. No lawyer is needed for me to tell you it's not allowed.
Danny Wells found out in neighboring Burton during his last campaign for mayor there. The police chief nixed his campaign announcement at the City Council chambers by quoting the law books to Wells. The bottom line: "No political activity inside a government building. Period."
As of tomorrow morning, the filing deadline for Flint's mayoral race is 30 days away.
Good politics would be for Mayor Weaver to kiss and make up with Hawk, and apologize to her group of activists. |
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Sat Mar 23, 2019 8:58 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Better politics would be to give Woodson the apology he is owed over the mistaken letter writing accusation and to make sure her police department makes a public apology about an investigation into alleged illegal activities during his recall campaign.
I think the man would be good with that.
Maybe it would keep him off the campaign trail of an opponent who may surface in the next 30 days.
She must be worried about the election to allow her pastor friends to grab a microphone on city property.
Perhaps Woodson could concentrate his efforts somewhere else if he was given an apology. Hey, attorney Young is currently in his cross hairs.
The mayor's police chief (Timothy Johnson) once said on The Morning Gazette Radio Show that he was hoping to put handcuffs on Young and others on a board of directors for an old PAL group while also trying to operate without a sanction from his department. Young led the old PAL board and filed a lawsuit against the city after Chief Johnson started his own PAL organization which is now thriving under the leadership of Flint's police union president — Kevin Smith. Chief Johnson talked openly about missing money and accused one board member of the old group (Michael Townsend) of getting paid with city funds despite also serving on Flint's governor-appointed Receivership Transition Advisory Board that approved the city's finances.
We've been a big fan of Flint's police chief, but it's fair to question why no arrests followed all the chief's tough talk about the old PAL board.
Another question is why attorney Young would want to step into Flint's political arena against Woodson when such baggage is out there on her involvement with the PAL controversy. He already has a post on his Facebook page with an article about all the dirt flying between each side during the chief's spat with her over what he alleged was missing money.
Young is also a former city attorney under the administration of former Flint Mayor Don Williamson. Perhaps Pastor Martin didn't seek her advice on the legality of staging a political event at a government building before hiring her to demand a retraction from Woodson.
As an expert on libel and slander laws after owning award-winning community newspapers for decades and being invited several times to speak on the subject at national industry seminars, let me help out Young and her pastor client on the subject of their letter to Woodson. The demand letter was littered with faulty logic that doesn't fit the statutes and I'm not sure if such threats are permitted under the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys. My take on it is that Young should hope Woodson doesn't figure out how to file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission.
Maybe he should give her seven days to retract her threats. My opinion is that Young would be smart to kiss and make up with Woodson. Quickly. He might go to an attorney despite what he wrote on Facebook.
No lawyer would be needed if she sent such a letter to me. The fact of the matter is that my services on the subject have been consulted by at least a dozen local lawyers over the years and at least another two dozen more across the state. If one of them asked me about Pastor Martin's case, my advice would be that he has zero chances of winning and a 100 percent chance of being forced to pay legal fees for the other side if an attorney dared to try his or her luck with it.
On a closing thought, it's likely an apology might be needed, however, if Woodson decides to demand a retraction for my comparisons of him above to Mays. If it happens, you might reading my retraction and apology on that subject tomorrow. He's gonna claim he has never been arrested for talking too long at a public meeting or arrested after driving on three flat tires and winding up facing the wrong way on I-475, drunk on his ass with a bag of weed in the front seat.
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Mike Killbreath hosts The Morning Gazette Radio Show weekdays from 8 am until 9:30 am on CCNRadio.net. He also hosts The Daily Gazette Sports Weekend Show every Saturday from 10 am until noon, and The Daily Gazette Sports Night Show weekdays from 6 pm until 7 pm |
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Sat Mar 23, 2019 9:19 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Arthur Woodson
Dear Attorney Young,
Let me begin my asking for clarification on whether your office is representing Pastor Martin or Cathedral of Faith Ministries since representing both would be an ethical problem for your office unless the church's board of directors held an official meeting to waive any potential conflicts. This would also clearly require additional confirmation from whatever organization has sanctioned Cathedral of Faith Ministries to make them eligible for exempt status on the IRS web site one local media outlet was referred to in asking about the church's non-profit status. You might advise your client as to the criminal problems with fraudulently obtaining property tax exemptions without properly obtaining 501(c)(3) status to do so. I'm sure your client is also facing possible criminal problems out in Grand Blanc Township where he has never conducted any weekly religious services at his home. In fact, his web site says all services are held on Dupont Street.
Please know that the fact you obviously don't have a proper waiver of conflict to represent both Pastor Martin and Cathedral of Faith Ministries will be the subject of my forthcoming complaint to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission as to how you hold a law license.
You also wrongly assert in your letter that I "clearly insinuate some type of impropriety, special consideration and/or sinister dealings with the Mayor of Flint and her administration wherein COF somehow received a benefit they would not be eligible to receive to the detriment of the residents in the City of Flint." You should have instead detected that I simply asked questions about a public official and an individual supporting this public official. By the way, when Pastor Martin stepped into the political arena when stepping to the microphone at a press conference obviously sanctioned and allowed by the City of Flint at a City Hall lobby financed by my tax dollars. As a former City Attorney in Flint, you obviously failed to properly advise your client as to the illegal activity conducted inside the lobby at Flint City Hall during this illegal political activity. I might add that libel/slander laws would allow me to more than "insinuate" all I want any way when it comes to a public official.
You also wrongly suggest in your letter that Pastor Martin's water bill was in "good standing" and "consistent with the State's plan for commercial accounts." The water bill was overdue at the time of my post. A payment of $1,500 was made two days later. What I posted was taken from a public record available on the internet to show more than $6,000 owing on the bill.
Your letter also advises me that "to mislead the public into thinking otherwise is unacceptable and actionable." To suggest legal advice to me and try to make me think this is a true statement is a clear violation of your requirements regarding attorney ethics in the State of Michigan. Please know this unethical tactic will also be reported in a complaint to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission. I shared a public record available online to everyone. If the public record is wrong, write a letter to the city.
Your letter also includes a "demand" for me to "cease and desist with placing CoF and/or Pastor Martin in a false light" when I have not done so. You also suggest taking legal action if no retraction is made which is another clear violation of your requirements regarding Rules of Professional Conduct in the State of Michigan in regard to making threats of action that can't be legally taken. Please know, too, that this unethical tactic will also be reported in a complaint to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission.
Rule 1(b) of Michigan's Rules of Professional Conduct hold that "Failure to comply with an obligation or prohibition imposed by a rule is a basis for invoking the disciplinary process." The professional conduct you are held to also asserts that "A lawyer's conduct should conform to the requirements of the law, both in professional service to clients and in the lawyer's business and personal affairs. A lawyer should use the law's procedures only for legitimate purposes and not to harass or intimidate others." Your letter is designed to harass and intimidate me into shutting up.
I hereby demand that you issue an apology letter for your false demand to make me issue a retraction I do not need to issue. If this isn't received within three days, I will contact a lawyer about possibly taking legal action against you because I will hire an attorney to review your threatening letter. By the way, you need to take a law class on how to write a demand for retraction. Others have issued me similar letters as scare tactics, and your letter is highly unprofessional in comparison to their letters. In closing, I didn't issue any retractions for any of them either and if you want to push this issue, I'm prepared to spend money on a lawyer. My guess is that his or her first step will be to also issue a complaint to the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission about your faulty demand letter. I think lawyers are ethically required to make such a complaint. As to me, I may get busy trying to stop public corruption.
HERE IS RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
COURTS.MICHIGAN.GOV
courts.michigan.gov |
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Sun Mar 24, 2019 3:59 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Arthur Woodson
1 hr ·
Dont forget to go to church today and as a group, or an individual, tell him to keep your church out of politics. If he or she is going to support or endorse an elected official, tell them to take pastor off of their name. See I know about the meeting at the catering place, where the mayor ask the pastors to only allow her to speak in their churches. I am printing off 501(c)3 complaints right away. We are going to change this election this year. I do not want to speak out on a church. There are people who are really going to church for healing. Please, get your pastor to keep to preaching. Our grandparents worked to hard for their church. |
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Sun Mar 24, 2019 7:57 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE TO CCN RADIO
MY AM ADVANTAGE
Hughey Newsome
BY MIKE KILLBREATH
Posted on March 11, 2019
Chief Financial Officer Hughey Newsome tells Flint City Council he's leaving because of 'politics'
FLINT (CCN) — The Harvard graduate hired to become the City of Flint's Chief Financial Officer is leaving. Hughey Newsome's departure became public Monday night during a Flint City Council meeting.
Newsome's resignation letter complained that he was tired of political attacks.
Newsome also made a brief statement during a heated exchange between city council members Monday as they feuded over allegations that a letter was illegally written by three elected officials to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
City Councilman Eric Mays presented a copy of the letter to The Morning Gazette Radio Show and said three signatures on it was in violation of the Flint City Charter and subjects them to criminal penalties under the state's Open Meetings Act. Councilwoman Kate Fields said the letter was legal because she didn't meet privately with co-authors Allan Griggs and Eva Worthing. Griggs confirmed in public Monday that no meeting took place before signing the letter.
Councilman Mays had previously said he wanted to put all three of his council colleagues under oath "because they leave every time the matter is placed on the agenda for discussion."
Newsome's resignation letter said; "I have been accused of lying, cheating and mismanaging funds. These lies and innuendos were passed on to the media in an attempt to slander my professional name. That phase of politics showed me that it was time to move on; my career means more to me and my family than being attacked and the truth distorted on a daily basis."
Newsome's letter to the mayor indicated that he will be leaving the City of Flint. "The lessons I have learned while in this office were not just those about accounting and finance, but instead those dealing with leadership. My leadership skills, even more than my technical skills, have been tested in this office. Indeed, I have been here for over 17 months and I have tried to work with you closely.”
He went to the podium during a committee meeting Monday night and asked council members, “What will it take for you to finally back off and trust the finance director of this city? I have opened my door to you. All of you heard this. I have responded to your concerns."
Newsome cited “slander” and “politics” as the reasons for the letter of resignation submitted earlier in the day to Mayor Weaver.
"As I noted in the letter there is major business to be done," Newsome told council members. "Members of the administration have been working tirelessly to get this budget done, so we can keep it balanced. Here it is two hours later. We haven’t been able to talk about the budget. What will it take to focus on the business of this city?”
Mayor Weaver issued a press release that read: "While this news is certainly upsetting, I completely understand his frustration and his desire to maintain mental clarity and a good professional name for himself. I wish Mr. Newsome well in his future endeavors. This is truly a loss for the city.”
Newsome was hired as CFO by the city council in November of 2017 after a recommendation by Mayor Dr. Weaver and Richard Baird who was a senior adviser to former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. He had been serving as the interim CFO. “We appreciate everything those in the Finance Department who have stepped up to handle the financial matters since the last CFO’s contract expired," the mayor said at the time. "Now that Hughey is on board, I am confident the department will continue to operate efficiently with progress being made."
Newsome had 13 years of experience working in various positions in the field of finance before taking a job in Flint. He was a senior manager at Morgan Franklin Consulting near Washington DC. where he worked with a variety of finance units to establish financial systems to improve cash management, increase functionality, and develop processes to achieve time and cost systems. He also worked as a consultant advising Fortune 500 clients on procurement strategies and process improvement functions. He previously worked as a financial analyst supporting cash management, debt compliance and accounting activities at Chrysler Financial Services.
He earned a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School. He also has a master’s degree from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in electrical engineering. |
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Thu Mar 28, 2019 6:24 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Arthur Woodson
11 hr sYou have to understand what happen here. The judge didn't find that the mayor didn't do anything illegal. They said that Stacy was in position to do something. Sh...
See More
MLIVE.COM
Former city attorney alleges illegal acts by Flint mayor in new lawsuit
Former City Attorney Stacy Erwin Oakes claims she was fired after she spoke out about illegal activities committed by the City of Flint and Mayor Karen Weaver. |
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Fri Mar 29, 2019 9:00 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Former city attorney alleges illegal acts by Flint mayor in new lawsuit
Updated Apr 4, 2017; Posted Apr 4, 2017
FLINT, MI -- Former City Attorney Stacy Erwin Oakes claims she was fired after she spoke out about illegal activities committed by the City of Flint and Mayor Karen Weaver.
Erwin Oakes, a Saginaw County resident, made the claims in a lawsuit filed Monday, April 3, in Detroit U.S. District Court. It alleges violations of the state's whistleblower protections act, allegations of retaliation for exercising her First Amendment Rights and violations of state public policy.
Weaver and the city are named as defendants.
Officials in Weaver's office could not be immediately reached for comment on the allegations. She and the city have not yet filed a response to the claims.
The lawsuit claims Erwin Oakes "became aware and spoke out against perceived illegal and actual illegal acts" committed by Weaver and the city.
Erwin Oakes claims she provided information to city and state officials, as well as the state-appointed Receivership Transition Advisory Board.
She was fired after she communicated concerns about "decisions being made using political consideration and fraudulent activities to impose financial obligations on the City," according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit, although scant on details, claims Erwin Oakes reported multiple suspected and actual violations of law, including:
Erwin Oakes' refusal to sign "fraudulent legal documents."
Objections from Erwin Oakes to approve a retroactive contract for the director of the Flint Action and Sustainability Team, which city press releases claim coordinates pipe replacement "activities between the City of Flint, state and federal departments and agencies, and other stakeholders," in violation of Internal Revenue Service rulings.
And the objection to the "illegal access" of an unnamed advisor of Weaver.
Kathleen Bogas, attorney for Erwin Oakes, could not be reached for comment on the case.
However, Bogas confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that the unnamed advisor in the lawsuit is Aonie Gilcreast.
Gilcreast started as a volunteer, but the mayor has since sought a $120,000 contract for him.
His presence and influence at city hall have drawn questions as he has sat in on job interviews with prospective city employees and performance reviews of current employees.
false
Concerns raised over influence of volunteer mayoral advisor in Flint
Flint City Council members want to know how much influence one of the mayor's advisors has at City Hall.
Weaver previously said Gilcreast has not violated any city policies and declined to answer questions about him.
Erwin Oakes was appointed as city attorney in March 2016 and served in that role until January.
The city has offered little information as to why Erwin Oakes was fired, but a termination letter obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal through the Freedom of Information Act showed Weaver questioned Erwin Oakes' ability to lead city staff.
"The effectiveness of your management and oversight of the City of Flint's Legal Department is questionable and I lack confidence in your leadership," says the Jan. 3 termination notice signed by Weaver.
false
Flint mayor questioned Stacy Erwin Oakes' leadership as city attorney
Oakes was fired Jan. 3 from her post in Flint. Weaver's administration has not publicly discussed the reason for her termination.
However, Erwin Oakes claims in her lawsuit that Weaver "has established a policy, custom and practice of retaliating against employees."
The city attorney's position has been a source of controversy during Weaver's short tenure as mayor.
City records show Flint officials agreed to pay $56,000 to keep the interim city attorney who was running the office prior to Erwin Oakes' appointment from going public with claims of racial discrimination against Weaver.
false
Flint paid $56K to silence ex-city lawyer's claims against mayor
City records show Flint officials agreed to pay $56,000 to keep a former city attorney from going public with claims of racial discrimination against Mayor Karen Weaver.
Documents obtained in July by MLive-The Flint Journal through the Freedom of Information Act show the city agreed to pay former Interim City Attorney Anthony Chubb in exchange for his promise not to sue the city or publicly disclose the terms of the agreement.
Chubb served as the interim city attorney following former City Attorney Pete Bade's resignation at the beginning of 2016. He served in the interim capacity until Mayor Karen Weaver appointed Stacy Erwin Oakes as the new city attorney.
He was made deputy chief legal officer when Erwin Oakes started her appointment March 28.
However, a day before Erwin Oakes started with the city, records obtained from the city show Chubb emailed Weaver, then-Chief Financial Officer Jody Lundquist, Erwin Oakes and an attorney contracted by the city and threatened to file a lawsuit against the city over his demotion.
"As I set forth in our previous conversation, it is clear that I am more qualified to serve as the Chief Legal Officer than your appointment," Chubb wrote to Weaver. "Whether your determination is a result of my allegation that you are violating City ordinances, or the simple fact that I am not consistent with the racial composition of your new leadership team, this is unjust and illegal."
The email does not outline specifically what ordinances Chubb claims Weaver was violating.
Chubb and Erwin Oakes aren't the only former city employees to allege violations of the law by Weaver.
false
Natasha Henderson drops contract claims against Flint, lawsuit moves ahead
Henderson filed a federal lawsuit May 9 in Detroit U.S. District Court claiming she was fired from her position after she claimed she asked the city attorney's office to investigate claims Weaver may have been telling city staff and volunteers to send potential water crisis donations to her own personal account, rather than the fund managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
Former City Administrator Natasha Henderson filed a federal lawsuit May 9 in Detroit U.S. District Court alleging she was fired from her position after she claimed she asked the city attorney's office to investigate claims Weaver may have been telling city staff and volunteers to send potential water crisis donations to her own personal account, rather than the fund managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
In June 2016, attorney Brendon Basiga, who was hired by the city to conduct an investigation into Henderson's allegations, said his investigation could not corroborate Henderson's claims against the mayor.
Weaver has denied any wrongdoing.
Henderson's case is still pending in federal court.
Former city attorney alleges illegal acts by Flint mayor in new lawsuit
Updated Apr 4, 2017; Posted Apr 4, 2017
By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
FLINT, MI -- Former City Attorney Stacy Erwin Oakes claims she was fired after she spoke out about illegal activities committed by the City of Flint and Mayor Karen Weaver.
Erwin Oakes, a Saginaw County resident, made the claims in a lawsuit filed Monday, April 3, in Detroit U.S. District Court. It alleges violations of the state's whistleblower protections act, allegations of retaliation for exercising her First Amendment Rights and violations of state public policy.
Weaver and the city are named as defendants.
Officials in Weaver's office could not be immediately reached for comment on the allegations. She and the city have not yet filed a response to the claims.
The lawsuit claims Erwin Oakes "became aware and spoke out against perceived illegal and actual illegal acts" committed by Weaver and the city.
Erwin Oakes claims she provided information to city and state officials, as well as the state-appointed Receivership Transition Advisory Board.
She was fired after she communicated concerns about "decisions being made using political consideration and fraudulent activities to impose financial obligations on the City," according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit, although scant on details, claims Erwin Oakes reported multiple suspected and actual violations of law, including:
Erwin Oakes' refusal to sign "fraudulent legal documents."
Objections from Erwin Oakes to approve a retroactive contract for the director of the Flint Action and Sustainability Team, which city press releases claim coordinates pipe replacement "activities between the City of Flint, state and federal departments and agencies, and other stakeholders," in violation of Internal Revenue Service rulings.
And the objection to the "illegal access" of an unnamed advisor of Weaver.
Kathleen Bogas, attorney for Erwin Oakes, could not be reached for comment on the case.
However, Bogas confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that the unnamed advisor in the lawsuit is Aonie Gilcreast.
Gilcreast started as a volunteer, but the mayor has since sought a $120,000 contract for him.
His presence and influence at city hall have drawn questions as he has sat in on job interviews with prospective city employees and performance reviews of current employees.
false
Concerns raised over influence of volunteer mayoral advisor in Flint
Flint City Council members want to know how much influence one of the mayor's advisors has at City Hall.
Weaver previously said Gilcreast has not violated any city policies and declined to answer questions about him.
Erwin Oakes was appointed as city attorney in March 2016 and served in that role until January.
The city has offered little information as to why Erwin Oakes was fired, but a termination letter obtained by MLive-The Flint Journal through the Freedom of Information Act showed Weaver questioned Erwin Oakes' ability to lead city staff.
"The effectiveness of your management and oversight of the City of Flint's Legal Department is questionable and I lack confidence in your leadership," says the Jan. 3 termination notice signed by Weaver.
false
Flint mayor questioned Stacy Erwin Oakes' leadership as city attorney
Oakes was fired Jan. 3 from her post in Flint. Weaver's administration has not publicly discussed the reason for her termination.
However, Erwin Oakes claims in her lawsuit that Weaver "has established a policy, custom and practice of retaliating against employees."
The city attorney's position has been a source of controversy during Weaver's short tenure as mayor.
City records show Flint officials agreed to pay $56,000 to keep the interim city attorney who was running the office prior to Erwin Oakes' appointment from going public with claims of racial discrimination against Weaver.
false
Flint paid $56K to silence ex-city lawyer's claims against mayor
City records show Flint officials agreed to pay $56,000 to keep a former city attorney from going public with claims of racial discrimination against Mayor Karen Weaver.
Documents obtained in July by MLive-The Flint Journal through the Freedom of Information Act show the city agreed to pay former Interim City Attorney Anthony Chubb in exchange for his promise not to sue the city or publicly disclose the terms of the agreement.
Chubb served as the interim city attorney following former City Attorney Pete Bade's resignation at the beginning of 2016. He served in the interim capacity until Mayor Karen Weaver appointed Stacy Erwin Oakes as the new city attorney.
He was made deputy chief legal officer when Erwin Oakes started her appointment March 28.
However, a day before Erwin Oakes started with the city, records obtained from the city show Chubb emailed Weaver, then-Chief Financial Officer Jody Lundquist, Erwin Oakes and an attorney contracted by the city and threatened to file a lawsuit against the city over his demotion.
"As I set forth in our previous conversation, it is clear that I am more qualified to serve as the Chief Legal Officer than your appointment," Chubb wrote to Weaver. "Whether your determination is a result of my allegation that you are violating City ordinances, or the simple fact that I am not consistent with the racial composition of your new leadership team, this is unjust and illegal."
The email does not outline specifically what ordinances Chubb claims Weaver was violating.
Chubb and Erwin Oakes aren't the only former city employees to allege violations of the law by Weaver.
false
Natasha Henderson drops contract claims against Flint, lawsuit moves ahead
Henderson filed a federal lawsuit May 9 in Detroit U.S. District Court claiming she was fired from her position after she claimed she asked the city attorney's office to investigate claims Weaver may have been telling city staff and volunteers to send potential water crisis donations to her own personal account, rather than the fund managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
Former City Administrator Natasha Henderson filed a federal lawsuit May 9 in Detroit U.S. District Court alleging she was fired from her position after she claimed she asked the city attorney's office to investigate claims Weaver may have been telling city staff and volunteers to send potential water crisis donations to her own personal account, rather than the fund managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
In June 2016, attorney Brendon Basiga, who was hired by the city to conduct an investigation into Henderson's allegations, said his investigation could not corroborate Henderson's claims against the mayor.
Weaver has denied any wrongdoing.
Henderson's case is still pending in federal court.
FLINT
Flint’s proposed budget would cut 57 positions
Posted Mar 28, 5:25 PM
Deputy Treasurer of the City of Flint Amanda Trujillo addresses the media during a press conference discussing the Flint water theft investigations in this September 2014 file photo. (Erin Kirkland | MLive.com)
Erin Kirkland | MLive.com
Deputy Treasurer of the City of Flint Amanda Trujillo addresses the media during a press conference discussing the Flint water theft investigations in this September 2014 file photo. (Erin Kirkland | MLive.com)
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By Zahra Ahmad | zahmad@mlive.com
FLINT, MI -- Flint’s $55.6 million proposed budget slashes 57 city positions and adds 34 positions, mostly to its police force.
The cuts are proposed for positions that have been unfilled for a long time, Flint’s Chief Financial Officer Hughey Newsome said at a March 28 City Council budget hearing. The hearing detailed changes for assessors, treasury and information technology departments.
“We don’t want to fund positions that we can’t fill,” Newsome said. “We’re struggling with the wages we offer to attract talented people. We have an employment shortage.”
Newsome resigned as CFO on March 11 and his last day will be Friday March 29. Council will be asked to adopt the proposed budget in June.
City administration is losing three full-time positions, the police department is losing four full-time civilians, the department of public works is losing five full-time positions and planning and development is losing one.
false
Flint’s top finance officer resigns, says he’s tired of ‘lies and innuendos’
Flint’s Chief Financial Officer Hughey Newsome has submitted a letter of resignation effective March 29
The budget also proposes cutting 35 part-time positions -- one is in clerk’s office, 24 are civilians in the police department, four are in the department of public works, two from planning and development and four from finance and administration.
About 70 percent of 23 full-time positions added to the proposed budget will be full-time police officers. One full-time position will be added to the mayor’s office and six to the department of public works.
The remaining 11 part-time positions will primarily be used to hire 10 police officers and one person for the law department.
The city’s department of finance and administration would see the largest cut, eight full-time positions, if the budget is adopted. Within that department, the treasurers division is expected to lose three positions.
false
Battle brewing over Flint's first budget following state oversight
The finance committee will host a special meeting at 5 p.m., Friday, June 1 to discuss the city's budget.
City Treasurer, Amanda Trujillo, expressed her concerns over the elimination of the deputy treasurer and enforcement officer positions. Trujillo was the deputy treasurer before she was promoted and has since taken on the responsibility of both roles because the city failed to fill the position that opened in 2014.
“I would like someone in that position that I can train and for there to be some continuity,” Trujillo told council. “I plan on retiring in a few years. We need to have people in place for when we’re ready to retire. I would like to have someone in place to take over so I can feel comfortable retiring.”
Hearing the position of the enforcement officer would be cut was disappointing to 7th Ward Councilwoman Monica Galloway. An enforcement officer aids with collections, primarily focused on income tax collection, Newsome said.
“We decided that the decrease in revenue warranted us to hire an enforcement officer,” Galloway said. “To hear that no one was ever interviewed for the position and that it didn’t go anywhere is disheartening.”
While efforts to find and hire an enforcement officer has failed, Newsome said the city is still “aggressively pursuing other avenues for collections.”
Flint still faces financial questions after years of emergency management
Flint's finances teeter on the verge of deficit despite years of state oversight and leaders deeming the emergency over. |
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Fri Mar 29, 2019 9:10 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint paid $56K to silence ex-city lawyer's claims against mayor
Updated Jul 12, 2016; Posted Jul 12, 2016
Comment
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By Gary Ridley | gridley@mlive.com
chubb, anthony.jpg
Anthony Chubb, attorney for the city of Flint, listens as arguments are made to Archie Hayman, Chief Judge 7th Circuit Court, on whether to certify the class in a class action lawsuit against the city of Flint and the handling of water services at Genesee Circuit Court in Flint, Mich. on Monday Aug 31, 2015. (Christian Randolph/Flint Journal)
FLINT, MI - City records show Flint officials agreed to pay $56,000 to keep a former city attorney from going public with claims of racial discrimination against Mayor Karen Weaver.
Documents obtained Tuesday, July 12, by MLive-The Flint Journal through the Freedom of Information Act show the city agreed to pay former Interim City Attorney Anthony Chubb in exchange for his promise not to sue the city or publicly disclose the terms of the agreement.
Chubb served as the interim-city attorney following former City Attorney Pete Bade's resignation at the beginning of 2016. He served in the interim capacity until Mayor Karen Weaver appointed Stacy Erwin Oakes as the new city attorney.
He was made deputy chief legal officer when Erwin Oakes started her appointment March 28.
However, a day before Erwin Oakes started with the city, records obtained from the city show Chubb emailed Weaver, then-Chief Financial Officer Jody Lundquist, Erwin Oakes and an attorney contracted by the city and threatened to file a lawsuit against the city over his demotion.
"As I set forth in our previous conversation, it is clear that I am more qualified to serve as the Chief Legal Officer than your appointment," Chubb wrote to Weaver. "Whether your determination is a result of my allegation that you are violating City ordinances, or the simple fact that I am not consistent with the racial composition of your new leadership team, this is unjust and illegal."
The email does not outline specifically what ordinances Chubb claims Weaver was violating.
"It is my intention to file a lawsuit as a result, but it is my sincere belief that the media surrounding such litigation could discredit the work you are doing for our City, and potentially jeopardize funding for rebuilding from the water crisis," Chubb wrote.
Chubb did not specify what type of lawsuit he would file against the city, but he did refer to the Whistleblowers' Protection Act in his email.
At the time of Chubb's email, all of Weaver's appointments to key city positions since she took office in November were black. Chubb is white. On June 27, city council approved Weaver's appointment of finance director David Sabuda - a white man.
City spokeswoman Kristin Moore denied race played a factor in the decision not to appoint Chubb to the city's top legal post.
"The Mayor's decision to not appoint Anthony Chubb as the city attorney had nothing to do with allegations that may have been made regarding ordinance violations or his race," Moore said.
Moore declined to comment further, citing city policy not to comment publicly on personnel matters.
The city denied any wrongdoing in the settlement agreement.
Chubb, who signed a confidentiality agreement as part of the settlement, declined comment.
false
Flint paying outside law firm up to $5K to probe claims by ex-city attorney
The city of Flint agreed to pay up to $5,000 to an outside law firm to investigate allegations made by former Interim City Attorney Anthony Chubb.
Documents obtained previously by MLive-The Flint Journal through the Freedom of Information Act showed Erwin Oakes hired law firm Foley & Lardner in March to represent the city, investigate and respond to the allegations made by Chubb against the city.
The documents did not outline the allegations made by Chubb, who resigned from the city effective June 10.
The city of Flint denied a FOIA request from Mlive-The Flint Journal, citing attorney-client privilege, seeking emails and other documentation outlining Chubb's allegations.
MLive-The Flint Journal is appealing the denial.
A contract, signed by Erwin Oakes on March 29 agreed to pay Foley & Lardner up to $5,000 for its services regarding Chubb's allegations.
However, the city claims it received no reports from Foley & Lardner on the results of its investigation. |
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Sat Mar 30, 2019 2:49 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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| Woodson and others are gearing up to bring out all of the details of lawsuits involving the Weaver administration. Plus Woodson is furious about the threatening letter from Atty Young for Pastor Chris Martin, his church and the weaver administration. The judge refused the PPO the Mayor filed on Woodson. The letter she blamed on Woodson turned out to be an older white man. |
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Sat Mar 30, 2019 3:01 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Arthur Woodson
5 mins ·
Remember that press conference when Christopher Martin said I'm the pastor of Catherdal of Faith? That was illegal!!! Like I said before. As an individual I dont care what they do, or who they endorse, but they will not be doing politics from their church. This is going to be an honest election this year. I'm trying to use my resources to the max. I'm tired of the cheating. That is why we cant get high quality people here in Flint.
What does federal law prohibit?
Federal tax law prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations from engaging in electoral activities. Electoral activities are activities designed to specifically influence the outcome of elections (i.e., elect particular candidates or a political party’s slate of candidates).
Establishment of a PAC: a church cannot set up or sponsor a PAC (political action committee). A PAC is an organization established to help candidates who share the PAC’s philosophy and goals by providing financial assistance and volunteer help. A PAC also exerts political pressure for or against various issues. Important note: individuals in the church (including the pastor) can band together and establish a PAC, but they cannot do it in the name or through the sponsorship of the church.
Contribute to political parties or candidates: a church (as an organization) may not contribute funds to political parties or candidates seeking office. It is also prohibited from working on behalf of or in opposition to specific candidates. Important note: nothing prohibits individuals in the church (including the pastor) from contributing funds and donating time to any political party or candidate of their choosing.
Endorsement of candidates: the church itself may not endorse candidates for political office and no individual can endorse a candidate or group of candidates on behalf of the entire church. Important note: again, nothing prohibits individuals within the congregation (including the pastor) from endorsing candidates of their choosing. |
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Sun Mar 31, 2019 7:02 am |
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