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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Neeley repeated his assertion that Kurtz told him that he (Kurtz)said he would have been fired by Snyder if he had approved the Karegondi.
Does that mean the Snyder administration will place the needs of Detroit over the welfare of Flint residents? |
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Tue Mar 26, 2013 1:48 pm |
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Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
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| Yup, it's all an evil white racist republican plot. |
_________________
I used to care, but I take a pill for that now.
Pushing buttons sure can be fun.
When a lion wants to go somewhere, he doesn’t worry about how many hyenas are in the way.
Paddle faster, I hear banjos. |
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Tue Mar 26, 2013 2:07 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint emergency manager endorses water pipeline, final decision rests with state of Michigan
Print Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com The Flint Journal
on March 29, 2013 at 5:00 PM, updated March 29, 2013 at 5:01 PM
Ed Kurtz
FLINT, MI -- The future of Flint's water supply is in the hands of the state, and the man appointed to fix the city's finances has advised breaking off ties with Detroit, its current water supplier.
Flint emergency manager Ed Kurtz said Friday, March 29, that he has recommended Flint join the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline project after speaking with state officials, including state Treasurer Andy Dillon, on Thursday, March 28.
Kurtz, Mayor Dayne Walling and Genesee County Drain Commissioners Jeff Wright were among officials at the Thursday meeting, which Kurtz expects will be the last before Dillon signs or rejects a resolution from him regarding the pipeline.
State approval is required for all purchases of more than $50,000 by the city because Gov. Rick Synder declared a financial emergency in Flint and appointed Kurtz to get the city back on its feet.
Kurtz's endorsement means the emergency manager, city council and mayor have all advocated breaking away from continued water purchases from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
Kurtz, whose recent statements have been favorable to the KWA partnership with the city of Lapeer; Genesee, Lapeer and Sanilac counties, said he's made his feelings perfectly clear to the state.
"It would be a disaster for this city to be on a separate system than the rest of the county," the emergency manager said. "Our recommendation to the governor is to go with the KWA."
KWA officials have said they can build a new water pipeline to Lake Huron for $274 million and produce water far cheaper than continuing to buy from Detroit. Kurtz has said the city could save at least $4 million annually with the potential for even greater savings in the future.
Detroit officials have insisted the KWA has underestimated the cost of building the pipeline.
Caleb Buhs, a spokesman for Dillon, said the state treasurer is awaiting a resolution from Kurtz regarding the pipeline. Flint's 30 percent share of the project is estimated to cost $81 million, according to the KWA.
Buhs would not put an estimate on how long Dillon would take to act but said he "understands the timing concerns" of pipeline boosters.
"He is understanding of the deadlines that are fast approaching," he said.
A county water and waste advisory committee is expected to vote April 10 on awarding the construction contract for the intake portion of the pipeline, with construction starting no later than May.
"The project has the support of the Flint City Council, the mayor, the emergency manager, the county (Board of Commissioners), and every other community in Genesee County," Wright said. "I would hope the governor takes that into consideration.
Buh said the decision on Flint joining in the pipeline will come from Dillon but said, "Obviously the state treasurer consults with the governor on major issues."
Kurtz said the meeting Thursday included representatives of the Department of Environmental Quality and covered subjects including the potential for using a blend of water from the Flint River and the city of Detroit.
The emergency manager said he endorsed the city joining the KWA project because "it's less expensive than Detroit."
Wright said he left the meeting feeling that the "DEQ was comfortable with the KWA report." |
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Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:55 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Detroit to state: Stop Flint's participation in new water pipeline
Print Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com The Flint Journal
on April 01, 2013 at 7:18 PM, updated April 01, 2013 at 7:20 PM
FLINT, MI -- The city of Detroit is calling on the state to stop Flint's from joining in the construction of a new water pipeline to Lake Huron.
In a news release issued today, April 1, Detroit's Water and Sewerage Department said last week's endorsement of Flint's participation in the project has " effectively launched the greatest water war in Michigan's history."
"The insistence of Flint officials to pursue construction of the (Karegnondi Water Authority) pipeline can only be attributed to a 'political' objective that has nothing to do with the delivery – or the price – of water," the statement says. "Flint's fiscal integrity is stake. And the State of Michigan has an obligation to prevent the distressed city from dragging DWSD and the region into a deeper financial quagmire."
The news release comes on the heels of both the Flint council and emergency manager Ed Kurtz endorsing Flint's purchasing of raw water from the KWA and dropping the city of Detroit as its water supplier.
Flint Mayor Dayne Walling has also endorsed the KWA water option.
Flint needs the state's permission to join in the water pipeline because it is operating under the control of a state-appointed manager, and all expenditures more than $50,000 must be approved by the state.
A spokesman for state Treasurer Andy Dillon told MLive and The Flint Journal last week that the decision is under consideration.
Kurtz last week said it would be a "disaster" for the city to be on a separate water system than the rest of the county," and county officials have said they will build the pipeline with or without the city to avoid future price increase from Detroit and to achieve water independence.
KWA officials have said they can build a new water pipeline to Lake Huron for $274 million and produce water far cheaper than continuing to buy from Detroit, but Detroit has claimed those estimates are overly optimistic.
Detroit claims the project will result in higher water prices for the area, and the two sides have each disputed the other's projections.
County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright said he would review and comment on Detroit's statement but had not received it as of today.
A county water and waste advisory committee is expected to vote April 10 on awarding the construction contract for the intake portion of the pipeline, with construction starting no later than May.
The DWSD statement today said the loss of Flint to its customer base would cost it approximately $22 million, or 6 percent of total DWSD water revenue.
"The cost of that revenue loss will have to be spread across the remaining 3 million customers," the statement says.
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Mon Apr 01, 2013 8:28 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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jacksondm
Detroit has held the Flint/Genesee area HOSTAGE for 50+ years to its whims about the pricing of the water it sells to Flint. Every time Flint - the DWS biggest customer has requested even ONE voice on the Water Board, Detroit has refused. Flint pays more for water than ANY of the other many customers of the Detroit system. And the current pipeline is nearing the end of its viable life and will have to be replaced. The issue is whether we join with others to share to cost of the line / have a full voice in its construction & operation -- OR, "trust" Detroit to charge us fairly and equitably for the construction and operation of the water line into the future. The state, however, has a true conflict in that the Treasurer, Andy Dillon can either help Detroit by forcing Flint to remain with them -- and, by so doing, hurt Flint for the next 50-75 years by keeping us under the thumb of Detroit. Write the Governor today ! ... |
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Mon Apr 01, 2013 8:31 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Joshua Freeman
What a load of crap. The only thing Detroit is concerned with is keeping their cash cow on the line. The sooner we move on from DWSD the better. |
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Mon Apr 01, 2013 8:35 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Detroit 'water war' claims 'wholly without merit,' Genesee County drain commissioner says
Print Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com The Flint Journal
on April 02, 2013 at 11:30 AM, updated April 02, 2013 at 11:31 AM
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright says if the city of Detroit want to make a last-minute deal to continue supplying water to the area it needs to stop negotiating through news releases and "call us today."
Wright's office issued a statement today, April 2, saying Detroit's request for the state of Michigan to block Flint's participation in building a water pipeline to Lake Huron is misguided and its claims this week have been "wholly without merit."
"It would be unprecedented for the state to force one community to enter into an agreement with another, simply to artificially help one community at the other's expense," the drain office statement says. "This is exactly what the (Detroit Water and Sewerage Department) is arguing should be done."
DWSD said in a news release Monday, April 1, that the Flint City Council's endorsement of joining the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline project "effectively launched the greatest water war in Michigan's history."
The same statement says DWSD is offering five new options to the area, including an offer to sell raw rather than treated water to the area, eliminating the need for it to build a new intake into Lake Huron.
Wright said that's something Genesee County -- but not Detroit -- has been interested in discussing in the past and suggested DWSD start talking "to the appropriate officials" if it's proposals are serious.
"We will always consider a legitimate offer (but) it needs to come through the appropriate officials," Wright told MLive-The Flint Journal today.
In his prepared statement, Wright says he is "skeptical of 11th-hour offers."
"We will not negotiate with a private consultant through the media," he said. "We have yet to receive any offer from DWSD that matches KWA for savings ... We have always been open to any suggestion that will save our residents money, but need a guaranteed price -- KWA gives us that."
The DWSD statement was prepared by Bill Johnson, a consultant for the agency, and issued on City of Detroit letterhead.
The statements from both Genesee County and DWSD this week come after both the Flint council and emergency manager Ed Kurtz last week endorsed Flint's purchasing of raw water from the KWA and dropping the city of Detroit as its water supplier.
Flint Mayor Dayne Walling has also endorsed the KWA water option.
A spokesman for state Treasurer Andy Dillon said last week that Flint's participation in the KWA project is under review by the state.
The state has been signing off on all expenditures of more than $50,000 in Flint because Gov. Rick Snyder declared a financial emergency here and appointed Kurtz to manage the city's finances. |
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Tue Apr 02, 2013 10:38 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Treasurer's decision in Flint-Detroit water war will hurt one of the state-controlled cities
Print Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com The Flint Journal
on April 05, 2013 at 6:00 AM, updated April 05, 2013 at 6:06 AM
.
FLINT, MI -- The cities of Flint and Detroit are both in such dire financial straights that state-appointed managers control the purse strings of each.
So what happens when a decision in one of those cities further damages the finances of the other?
Get ready to find out.
Flint and Detroit officials are waiting for a decision by state Treasurer Andy Dillon that has the potential to put Flint on the path to join construction of a new water pipeline to Lake Huron.
The same move has the potential to cost the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department hundreds of millions of dollars in revenues over the life of a 30-year contract.
Flint emergency manager Ed Kurtz has asked Dillon to approve the city's partnership in the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline, and the City Council endorsed the project last week.
Officials believe a decision from the state could happen any day, and both sides have thought about how Lansing's role in trying to turn around both cities might play into the decision.
"I would think the state will be talking to the emergency managers in Flint and Detroit," said Bill Johnson, a consultant to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
In a news release this week, DWSD said the state "has an obligation to prevent (Flint) from dragging DWSD and the region into a deeper financial quagmire."
Detroit claims the pipeline will cost far more to build than the $274 million Genesee County estimates and will result in higher water rates for Flint residents. It will also cost DWSD about 6 percent of its total water revenue.
Wright and Flint Mayor Dayne Walling have said KWA would produce lower-cost water than the region would have under any proposal from Detroit so far.
Officials have said construction of a water intake into Lake Huron could begin in late April or May, and Wright has said the start of the project would likely end any discussion of continuing to purchase water from Detroit.
The drain commissioner said the state would be setting a dangerous precedent if it made a decision about Flint's participation in the pipeline based on anything other than the best interests of Flint.
"Number one, I don't think the water supply for any community should be determined by the economic" impact on another community, Wright said. "Any community in the state of Michigan ... should be able to determine which (decision) is best for them. That should be decided at the local unit of government...
"We've not been able to find one instance when the state has (done something like that). Historically, they have not done it for economic reasons. This would be precedent-setting -- basing it on the economic good of another community."
Walling agreed with Wright, that Detroit's financial problems can't be a factor in deciding whether Flint leaves the DWSD system.
"There's no provision in the emergency manager law for balancing the needs of one community with a manager with a separate community with an emergency manager," Walling said.
"The question is: What's the best, lowest cost, highest quality water" for Flint, he said.
The Flint Journal could not reach Kurtz for comment this week, but a spokesman for Dillon said in an email that the state treasurer is evaluating Kurtz's recommendation that Flint invest in the KWA pipeline and leave the Detroit system.
"The Treasurer is carefully reviewing the resolution and will be able to discuss the factors that lead to his determination after his determination is made," spokesman Kurt Weiss said.
Bill Ballenger, editor of Inside Michigan Politics, said Dillon and Gov. Rick Snyder have a reputation for making "cold-blooded, bottom-line" decisions even if they alienate powerful interests.
"The idea that we're not going to do this (because it hurts Detroit) is ridiculous," Ballenger said. "They would have a hard time explaining that in the court of public opinion or a court of law."
But not everyone agrees.
Sam Riddle, who worked for Wright as a consultant in parts of 2007 and 2008, and was released from federal custody earlier this year after having pleaded guilty to participating in a bribery scheme, said there is reason to wonder about the state's motivation in the pipeline decision.
"We've got an illegitimate emergency manager in Detroit (trying to) loot Detroit of its resources ...," said Riddle, now the political director for the Greater Detroit chapter of Al Sharpton's National Action Network. "I think what you're going to see is them trying to maximize the" value of the water system before taking profits from it.
"What the guy says in Flint takes a back seat to what the guy says in Detroit," Riddle said of the weight the state will give to the opinions of Kurtz and Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr.
Johnson said DWSD Director Sue F. McCormick has briefed Orr on the possible loss of Flint and Genesee County as users of Detroit water.
"We don't know what he's going to do," Johnson said of Orr. "He was on a fact-finding mission. She believed it was well-received, but he made no commitment." |
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Fri Apr 05, 2013 5:57 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Editorial: It's time for state treasurer to OK Flint joining pipeline project
Print Editorial Board | The Flint Journal By Editorial Board | The Flint Journal The Flint Journal
on April 04, 2013 at 9:00 PM, updated April 04, 2013 at 9:01 PM
The following is an opinion of The Flint Journal editorial board:
The mayor, the Flint City Council and the city’s state-appointed emergency financial manager all agree: Flint should join a multi-county collaboration to build a pipeline that would supply the region with water from Lake Huron.
Now, we say it’s time for state Treasurer Andy Dillon’s office to approve the decision, too, effectively squelching the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s claims that the move by the city is an act of “war.”
Yes, that’s right – “war.” Detroit is claiming the Flint City Council’s endorsement of the project last week has "launched the greatest water war in Michigan's history."
Really?
For years, the city of Flint has contemplated the possibility of joining the project, known as the Karegnondi Water Authority. Where were Detroit’s claims of war then?
It’s unfair of the state to drag its feet and throw in a last-minute roadblock by allowing the city of Detroit to make claims of an all-out water war. It’s making a political battle out of what should be a decision based on Flint’s finances and what’s best for the citizens of Flint.
The state not making a decision is unacceptable, especially now that the state’s own appointed Flint emergency manager has said it’s the best route for the city.
The fact is, the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline project is going to happen, with or without the city of Flint’s buy-in. For Flint to maintain a separate water system than the county would undermine the idea that more collaboration is needed between the city and county – a philosophy that Gov. Rick Snyder has repeatedly endorsed among the state’s municipalities.
For Flint to go rogue would also be reminiscent of disappointing decisions made in the past – such as the separate 911 communication system that is now just starting to be merged once again.
We understand this water pipeline decision is a big step – the “single biggest decision for the city of Flint in decades,” as Flint Mayor Dayne Walling characterized it. But the bottom line is that the emergency manager’s team has researched the project and the city’s elected leaders support it.
Now is the time to take action, and we need the state to step in and make it happen. |
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Fri Apr 05, 2013 7:34 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint City Councilman says Detroit water spokesman flip-flopped
Print Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com The Flint Journal
on April 05, 2013 at 6:00 PM, updated April 05, 2013 at 6:02 PM
FLINT, MI -- The media consultant speaking for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has changed his position about the system since he's gone to work for it, a Flint city councilman said Friday, April 5.
Councilman Joshua Freeman issued a news release, saying DWSD consultant Bill Johnson sharply criticized the department in blog postings previously -- before he went to work for the agency.
"Detroit officials may be incapable of preventing corruption from polluting the operation," Johnson wrote in a posting on his Web site in December 2010, calling the department a "poster child for Detroit corruption."
Johnson has become the voice of DWSD as the agency has urged the state to prevent the city of Flint from joining in the regional Karegnondi Water Authority.
Freeman said city taxpayers have the right to ask, "Why is he saying this now, when a little over two years ago he publicly blasted DWSD?"
Johnson said today that the answer to Freeman's question is simple: A change at the top of DWSD has changed the culture at the agency.
"I'm not denying (I wrote it) Johnson said. "(But) Sue McCormick has been at the helm of this organization for about 18 months. It's undergone a major restructuring and there have been substantial changes."
Freeman's statement says, “Despite any changes in staff they have made, the only real difference now is that the gravy train is flowing in Mr. Johnson’s direction. He is now their spokesman, and is trying to sell a bill of goods to our area."
The Flint City Council, Mayor Dayne Walling and emergency manager Ed Kurtz have endorsed the city joining in the KWA, which plans to break ground on a new $274-million pipeline by the end of May.
Johnson has questioned those estimates in a series of news releases, saying customers will pay "substantially higher" rates than they would if the city remains a customer of Detroit.
State Treasurer Andy Dillon is considering a request from Kurtz to allow the city to participate in the KWA and end the purchase of water from Detroit.
Because Flint is under the control of an emergency manager, all expenditures over $50,000 must by approved by the state.
Flint's portion of the water pipeline is expected to be $81 million. |
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Fri Apr 05, 2013 5:24 pm |
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00SL2
F L I N T O I D
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"I'm not denying (I wrote it) Johnson said. "(But) Sue McCormick has been at the helm of this organization for about 18 months. It's undergone a major restructuring and there have been substantial changes."
Yes,and SHE is the one who previously worked with Jones and hired him to work for the DWSD full time knowing he was also employed by the City of Flint! Had he not been fired by the City of Flint when this duplicity was discovered, can one imagine how he might now be involved in the "water war." Is there no end to the corruption? |
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Fri Apr 05, 2013 10:56 pm |
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Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
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| Politician's the name, corruption's the game. |
_________________
I used to care, but I take a pill for that now.
Pushing buttons sure can be fun.
When a lion wants to go somewhere, he doesn’t worry about how many hyenas are in the way.
Paddle faster, I hear banjos. |
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Sat Apr 06, 2013 7:15 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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quote:
Dave Starr schreef:
Politician's the name, corruption's the game.
Looks like Jamie Curtis agrees with you!
Genesee County board chairman says Detroit owes refund for past corruption
Print Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com The Flint Journal
on April 09, 2013 at 6:15 PM
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- County water customers deserve a refund if the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department overcharged the area to cover up mismanagement and corruption in the past, Board of Commissioners Chairman Jamie Curtis says.
Curtis said in a news release Tuesday, April 9, that Detroit has yet to make any attempt to "calculate the erroneous charges ... and repay our residents."
The news release is the latest in what has become a war of words between the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and representatives of Flint and the county over the planned construction of a new water pipeline that would allow the area to cut ties to Detroit, its current water supplier.
State officials are considering whether to allow Flint to spend the funds necessary to become part of the regional Karegnondi Water Authority, as emergency manager Ed Kurtz, the Flint City Council and Mayor Dayne Walling have requested.
DWSD spokesman Bill Johnson said nothing local officials say will change the economics of building a pipeline, a move he claimed will cost Flint water customers more than they are paying now.
County and Flint officials have disputed that claim, saying it is based on erroneous numbers.
Curtis' statement said Johnson himself accused DWSD of "unjustified rate increases" in the past , leading to "overpayment by suburban customers" in postings on his Web site -- before he became a consultant to the department.
Johnson said he never claimed DWSD overcharged its customers -- only that there were claims it did.
Curtis said he is asking county attorneys to investigate whether taxpayers have legal recourse if they were overcharged.
Local officials said this week they don't know when to expect a decision from the state on Flint's participation in the KWA.
"I'm hoping ... the governor steps up to the plate and makes the right decision," Curtis said. "(It's his decision) if he wants to let Flint end up further in financial distress."
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Tue Apr 09, 2013 8:10 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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I saw Jamie Curtis today and I must admit that I am impressed with his dedication towards improving the county's financial position. He is putting in very long hours and the comptrollers latest report signals that hard work is paying off.
And yes I am aware of the haters that will probably come forward to bash Cutis, but if you notice these people bash everyone. |
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Tue Apr 09, 2013 8:14 pm |
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Dave Starr
F L I N T O I D
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quote:
untanglingwebs schreef:
And yes I am aware of the haters that will probably come forward to bash Cutis, but if you notice these people bash everyone.
I remember back when Jamie was running for office at Local 599. The only time you saw him in the plant was when he was campaigning.
It that's bashing, so be it. |
_________________
I used to care, but I take a pill for that now.
Pushing buttons sure can be fun.
When a lion wants to go somewhere, he doesn’t worry about how many hyenas are in the way.
Paddle faster, I hear banjos. |
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Wed Apr 10, 2013 7:13 am |
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