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April 7, 2009: Catching up on Council   |   April 17:  You might be a right wing extremist....   |   April 17, 2009: Tea parties not about taxes...but about Big Government   |   April 20: City Council   |   June 10:  Here's what I think   |   June 16, 2009 The Council Meeting Another no bid contract   |   June 17 -- Picking our pockets, one no-bid contract at a time   |   June 22, 2009  SCS Voice is back   |   June 22, 2009:  Retired chief runs for Council.  Can we afford him?   |   June 27, 2009 -- 'Bidding?...We don't need no stinkin' bidding!'   |   June 30, 2009:  EPA Coverup on Climate Change   |   June 30, Guest Column...Letter Shows Stabenow believes health care a "right"   |   June 30, 2009:  House energy bill a piece of S***T   |   July 3, 2009:  Forget Socialism --we're racing toward Totalitarianism   |   July 4, 2009:  Independence Day   |   July 6, 2009 Letter to Editor - Climate Change Not Real   |   July 6, 2009:  Seniors Beware!  Government run health plan might just kill you   |   July 10, 2009:  Bill Clinton would be proud...it depends on what your definition of a 'bid' is...business as usual in the Shores   |   July 10, 2009:  Minutes of Special City Council -- Ahearn and Activities Committee, 2006   |   July 20, 2009: City Council:  Sometimes you just get tired of the BS!   |   July 21, 2009:  You decide   |   July 23, 2009:  ‘‘America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009’’ is anything but.     |   August 3, 2009:  VOTE TOMORROW   |   August 3:  Shocking things from Health Care Reform Bill!   |   August 3:  Look at Frederick's property on Elizabeth   |   August 12, 2009:  Bev, get a life!   |   August 12, 2009:  President's rigged town hall   |   October 11: Teddy Boys' support should be kiss of death   |   November 3, 2009: Now comes the hard part   |   November 11, 2009: Wahby distances himself from losers; Veteran's Day and other matters   |   November 16, 2009 A new day   |   November 19, 2009:  A personal message   |   November 17, 2009:  Socialized medicine failing in Germany   |   City -- Some Pension Costs, Oct. 2007
April 20: City Council
Well, the fireworks are on.  Those businesses  and individuals who stepped forward to pick up the tab are to be commended for doing so.  

Cynic that I am, I do  hope the funds from Fifth Third Bank are not coming from the 'stimulus package.'   And cynic that I am, I also had expected this to happen....especially in an election year.  

This is no way belittles the efforts of the Activities Committee members who solicited the various business enterprises in the city for donations -- something which should have been done years ago.  But, in the past it seems that it was ordained that one business would step forward to 'save' the fireworks, and some on council could take the credit for getting them to do so.

Now, it is a new day and the Activities Committee should collect donations at the gate   this year.to help defray future costs     To have the Fireworks  always appear to be on the verge of disaster, rather than asking for donations to support it, or depending solely on businesses or politicos to pay for it,  is shortsighted on their part There is no reason in the world not to ask those who attend to drop a donation in a bucket.

For a  history lesson about the Activities Committee and how we came to the point where there were not going to be fireworks this year,  and to read about  Mr. Ahearn and Mr. Frederick's attempt to take the Activities Committee funds and set up as their personal 'committee',  you can go here:  St. Clair Shores Sentinel

The "problem" with the Gourmet House continues.  I find it interesting that Mr. Walby hears so many complaints about this building at the "barber shop."   Does he hear complaints about the empty store next door to the barber shop?  Does he hear complaints about the two vacant businesses on Jefferson just south of 9 Mile?  Does he hear complaints about the now vacant properties at Ridgeway and Jefferson, where because of the economy,
plans for building have been put on hold.  A deal to sell the Gourmet House property fell through when the economy tanked, yet somehow it appears to me that the city is telling the building owners that they are to ignore these economic realities and tear the place down--not an inexpensive matter, even if you are a "company" --
and if you do that, we'll okay the liquor license transfer.  

I was pleased to hear that there are others than I who would object to a "wholesale auto license" being given to the Harbor 9 Marina should the planning department approve it and it come before Council.  Just what the "Nautical Mile" needs -- a used car dealership.  

But, it proves my point about TIFA....hundreds of thousands, if not millions, spent on planners, developers, consultants and who knows what else, and the best that can be said is that a long time property owner in the district idea of a best use for his property is to sell used cars!  

Mr. Moffitt's idea about a 'wage freeze' certainly deserves consideration in these economic times.  How can the city justify their workers getting 3% a year increases, when their neighbors who are lucky enough to have a job, haven't had a raise in who know how long, or have lost their jobs and are on the verge of losing their homes.    Budget hearings start tonight and it will be interesting to see  if Mr. Moffitt can gain some support for this idea.


















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