It seems fairly obvious to me why Governor Synder wants emergency managers across the state. It is about real estate. If one examines the focus of the emergency managers it is about bringing in private ownership of land. Additionally, Snyder recently passed a bill allowing the misuse of wetlands along the lakes of the state. A property owner can now mow the wetlands to create a manicured appearance. Doesn't matter if the wetlands are used by wildlife or in a Fly Way.
Additionally, Synder is instituting requirements for a management plan of all Michigan state lands, INCLUDING, lake bottom lands. One might note the bottom lands of the Great Lakes are exposed at the periphery/lakeshore due to drought and lowering of the lakes for the purpose of the St. Lawrence Seaway. We already know if there is development of land at the shoreline of lakes, it causes higher drought rates.
Snyder is looking for land development everywhere and he doesn't care how he gets it. The emergency manager for Detroit no doubt would like to see entire sections of the city burned to allow redevelopment. But, where are all the federal grants to protect the firefighter jobs? When buildings burn, it doesn't matter if they are abandoned. They still pose a problem to surrounding neighborhoods, cities and counties if the fire gets out of control.
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants (click title to entry - thank you)
AUGUST 4, 2012 AT 1:00 AM
...They would be paid for, in part, (click here) using federal grant dollars, which officials are seeking to secure.
Detroit firefighter Bruce McMurtry, with Engine 56 at Seven Mile and Ryan, said leaders in both cities don't seem to realize the implications of such an agreement.
"I don't think city managers understand what that would entail," McMurtry said. "That 3-square-mile area they are looking at is a very busy area for service."
The proposed area of coverage would roughly be bordered by Interstate 75, McNichols, Mound Road and just north of Carpenter.
McNamara called the timing of the proposal an example of political games. Hamtramck Councilwoman Cathie Gordon, who is running for Wayne County Commissioner, made an initial pitch to Detroit Council President Charles Pugh earlier this summer.
"It must be election time, but it's not fair for the people we protect and serve or to the protectors," McNamara said.
DETROIT |
(Reuters) - Detroit Mayor Dave Bing (click here) said on Wednesday he has imposed 10 percent pay cuts and other contract adjustments to the city workers in an bid to save the cash-strapped city $102 million a year.
The Detroit City Council on Tuesday had rejected by a 5-4 vote Bing's plan for the cuts. But as part of an April consent deal that gave the state of Michigan more control of the city's finances, the city's duty to bargain with union is suspended and the mayor can impose the new contracts without city council approval....
Published: Friday, July 06, 2012
DETROIT — Taylor’s mayor was ordered by a Wayne County Circuit Court (click here) judge Friday to accept a two-year $8.1 million federal grant for the Fire Department.
Judge Prentis Edwards ruled that Mayor Jeffrey Lamarand has to follow the Taylor City Council’s resolution to accept the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant.
Edwards said the council acted within its power in directing the mayor to accept thegrant, which would bring back 32 laid-off firefighters. The grant is issued through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The council’s resolution was vetoed by Lamarand, andthe council then overrode that veto in a special meeting June 26....
Judge Prentis Edwards ruled that Mayor Jeffrey Lamarand has to follow the Taylor City Council’s resolution to accept the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant.
Edwards said the council acted within its power in directing the mayor to accept thegrant, which would bring back 32 laid-off firefighters. The grant is issued through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The council’s resolution was vetoed by Lamarand, andthe council then overrode that veto in a special meeting June 26....
