Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Representing the People of the City of Detroit

Something seems to be lost in the City of Detroit witness list submitted April 18 to the bankruptcy court -- REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE'S INTERESTS. Corporate interests are well represented through the list provided to the court, as shown in the document below.



The city has done well with bringing corporate interests as witnesses to the bankruptcy, however the city is a government body elected BY THE PEOPLE to represent CITIZENS whom are both PUBLIC and corporate. Corporate interests such as the following are not public-serving employees of the city, nor the affected public. These are contracted "guns-for-hire" with a mission to strip Detroit assets and leave its residents destitute.

  • Conway MacKenzie - financial restructuring advisors stating the plan is in good faith (yet proposes sacrificing constitutional rights of the people), is equitable, and in best interests of the city's citizens.
How dare they say it is in our best interest - have they spoke with the public? There has been no public hearing regarding the bankruptcy by the City Council or Mayor. No publicly elected official of the people of Detroit brought this bankruptcy filing to the court. It is a violation of the bankruptcy code. (NO Governor Rick Snyder is not the Mayor of Detroit or pseudo-official[fascist position] as such). 
  • Ernst & Young - contracted to discuss ability to provide adequate levels of municipal services.
  • Milliman, Inc - contracted actuarial advisors to provide valuation and funding issues of the General Retirement System and Police and Fire Retirement System.
  • DIA board members whom have various corporate affiliations and stories of interest.
    • Eugene Gargaro - Michigan Manufacturers Association, Merillat L.P., Metaldyne Precision Forming, and more
    • Graham Beal - received $103,000 in bonuses and a $155,000 loan from the DIA, plus is "downscaling" his Detroit house [article link]
  • Roger S. Penske - representing "importance from a  business and investment standpoint of the City’s ability to capitalize and  build on the efforts contemplated in the Plan post bankruptcy." Better stated as how can Penske Corporation profit from going through municipal bankruptcy.
  • Daniel Gilbert - again representing the ability to capitalize for Rock Ventures and Quicken Loans. Note the appointment to the fabricated Blight Authority.
The date for court is May 30, 2014. The people need to bring forward a list of fact witnesses which could be added to the city's list, and possibly forwarded to the bankruptcy court as well demanding representation from the residents.

Remember objections to the plan of adjustments can be filed before May 1. This is the week to file your objection! Anyone can file an objection. Get more information from Moratorium Now website [people's objection instructions] [objection form]

Watch the Bankruptcy Court website for updates [audio files]

Recording from April 21 Conference Call


Detroit City Council meeting 10:00am on Tuesday on the 13th Floor at Coleman A Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48226. Arrive early and request a comment card - put your name on the card to be able to speak. The cards are issued before the meeting and collected within the first 5-10 minutes of the meeting at latest,. Public comments happen FIRST at a meeting of the whole council.
  • Request public hearing regarding Bankruptcy to understand fully why and how.
  • Request public hearing regarding Bankruptcy Witness List (referenced above) and lack of public representation. Demand an additional amendment to the list.

Protest Illitch's Water Bill at Joe Louis Arena on the Riverwalk entrance at 6:30pm - Hockeytown owes $80,000 for outstanding water bill, yet was awarded large parcels of downtown real estate pushing elders and low-income citizens to the curb. Wear red because the opening of playoffs is starting. Facebook event link | People's Water Board Coalition

Connect to http://d-rem.org (Detroiters Resisting Emergency Management) to get more information on May Day plans and get to know the Peoples Plan regarding the Bankruptcy.

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