City of Detroit is paying $65,000 for a 2004 Dodge Intrepid that it doesn’t even own | Technology News Blog - Yahoo! News
Over 100 other Detroit Police vehicles also needlessly draining taxpayer pockets
For drivers who don't want to commit to a new car purchase, leasing has become a popular option.
But for a police department in a city with a struggling economy, running up a $65,000 bill for what amounts to renting an nine-year-old car seems like a bit of an oversight.
That's just what the Detroit Police Department has been doing since 2003 when it leased a 2004 model Dodge Intrepid at the lofty price of $608 per month.
The problem?
They've been paying that price ever since.
The original terms of the lease stated that the car would be returned in 2005, at which point the department could choose to buy it outright to take delivery of a newer model.
That trade-in never happened, and so far the city has handed out a total of over $56,000 in monthly payments.
But that's not all:
Because the department has gone well over the original mileage agreement, they owe nearly $10,000 in additional fees, bringing their total bill to well over $65,000.
That's $65,000 for a car that could be bought new in 2003 for less than $25,000
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Monday, May 07, 2012
Why Can't Obama Bring Wall Street to Justice?
Why Can't Obama Bring Wall Street to Justice? - The Daily Beast
Why, despite widespread outrage, financial-fraud prosecutions by the Department of Justice are at 20-year lows
Why, despite widespread outrage, financial-fraud prosecutions by the Department of Justice are at 20-year lows
Unique LAUSD charter with low test scores gets reprieve
Unique LAUSD charter with low test scores gets reprieve - latimes.com
As an example, the school notes its program is authorized by the International Baccalaureate foundation. Students at IB schools are expected to demonstrate such qualities as in-depth knowledge, global awareness, cultural respect and civic participation individually and in groups.
Hmmm...no mention of reedin', riten or nummers.
Sounds just like a liberal madrassa......
As an example, the school notes its program is authorized by the International Baccalaureate foundation. Students at IB schools are expected to demonstrate such qualities as in-depth knowledge, global awareness, cultural respect and civic participation individually and in groups.
Hmmm...no mention of reedin', riten or nummers.
Sounds just like a liberal madrassa......
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Dubious donations: A case study
Dubious donations: A case study | Power Line
We have been following the Obama campaign’s invitation of fraudulent and illegal giving through the disabling of basic credit card/debit card verification devices.
We have done so in the hope that it might arouse the interest of the mainstream media sufficiently to cause them to ask a few question of the powers-that-be in the Obama campaign.
It’s a rerun of a story that originated in 2008.
Love may be lovelier the second time around, but not fraud.
The best that can be said is that it’s more audacious than hope.
When Obama can count on his allies in the mainstream media to avert their eyes, however, it’s not even that audacious.
We have been following the Obama campaign’s invitation of fraudulent and illegal giving through the disabling of basic credit card/debit card verification devices.
We have done so in the hope that it might arouse the interest of the mainstream media sufficiently to cause them to ask a few question of the powers-that-be in the Obama campaign.
It’s a rerun of a story that originated in 2008.
Love may be lovelier the second time around, but not fraud.
The best that can be said is that it’s more audacious than hope.
When Obama can count on his allies in the mainstream media to avert their eyes, however, it’s not even that audacious.
What Is the Real Unemployment Rate? 11.1 Percent?
What Is the Real Unemployment Rate? 11.1 Percent? | The Weekly Standard
"what is the true state of the labor market?"
He offers, "If the size of the U.S. labor force as a share of the total population was the same as it was when Barack Obama took office—65.7% then vs. 63.6% today—the U-3 unemployment rate would be 11.1%."
"what is the true state of the labor market?"
He offers, "If the size of the U.S. labor force as a share of the total population was the same as it was when Barack Obama took office—65.7% then vs. 63.6% today—the U-3 unemployment rate would be 11.1%."
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps
Rogue Democrats Loot Detroit As Nation Sleeps | Via Meadia
The latest scandal, which leaves even hardened observers of the abysmal Democratic machine that has run the city into the ground bemused, involves a real estate firm which gave the felonious mayor massages, golf outings, trips in chartered jets and other perks as this enemy of the people went about his hypocritical business of pretending to care about the poor while robbing them blind.
The firm, apparently run by a sleazy low class crook named by the reprehensible Kilpatrick to be the Treasurer of what was left of Detroit’s finances, used Detroit pension funds to buy a couple of California strip malls.
Title to the properties was never transferred to the pension funds, and they seem to be out $3.1 million.
The latest scandal, which leaves even hardened observers of the abysmal Democratic machine that has run the city into the ground bemused, involves a real estate firm which gave the felonious mayor massages, golf outings, trips in chartered jets and other perks as this enemy of the people went about his hypocritical business of pretending to care about the poor while robbing them blind.
The firm, apparently run by a sleazy low class crook named by the reprehensible Kilpatrick to be the Treasurer of what was left of Detroit’s finances, used Detroit pension funds to buy a couple of California strip malls.
Title to the properties was never transferred to the pension funds, and they seem to be out $3.1 million.
Two events over the
last few weeks caught my attention and made me wonder how they might relate to
my community.
With this "clarification":
And they didn't
even bother to ask at all.
The first, grabbing
international attention, was the disgusting GSA scandal where government
employees were found to have spent almost a million dollars on a conference that
appeared to be more a debauched circus for their own enjoyment than anything
else.
The second, not well
reported, involved a city employee in a small Illinois
This from a town 2/3
the size of Norton
Shores!
Americans are
understandably upset and angry over the recently exposed waste and lavish
spending by federal GSA employees.
A growing scandal that
continues to exhibit the apparent contempt that too many government employees
have for the hard earned tax dollars of American workers.
The real point is not
how they spent or stole the money but that the money wasn't theirs to
waste.
If they'd spent their
own money no one would complain.
But, it was the
taxpayers of our country who provided that money and those GSA employees had a
solemn responsibility to treat it as they would their own.
Instead, it was
"somebody else's money" and no one seemed to give it a second
thought.
Not even those whose
job it was to oversee the spending.
The Dixon Ill.
embezzler got away with her theft because those who were entrusted to ask
important questions simply didn't ask the important questions.
And now those who we
expected and trusted to provide the oversight that would have prevented these
thefts tell us "it's not our fault".
I thought to myself,
this is a big deal!
Maybe those charged
with overseeing the spending of taxpayer dollars will be more prudent and take
extra thought when spending "other people's money" from now
on.
Sadly when I found
this little spending item had been inserted and passed by our county board of
commissioners, I realized nothing has changed:
With this "clarification":
I subsequently found
out it was a last minute addition, added so late that it wasn't included in the
agenda posted by the county until after the vote.
While it was an
important enough spending item to be inserted at the last minute, it wasn't
important enough for any of the 11 commissioners to bother asking ANY questions
about it at all during the 22 minute meeting.
Not one question was
asked by anyone in the room.
So I examined the
request and had many questions but one big question I'd have asked if I was a
county commissioner who cared about spending precious tax dollars would
be:
"WYSE's website has
the 14" X90M7 thin client laptops on sale to distributors for $749 (it's the
most expensive computer of the 9 listed).
I just bought a 17" HP
laptop for $399.
You want 40 new
computers. HOW MUCH WILL THEY COST?"
Not one of the eleven
Muskegon
Anybody!
If this was an
aberration or a rare occasion I'd have saved my letter writing time.
But it is emblematic
of the mindset that the GSA, Dixon Ill and our local politicians seem to
embrace.
"It's other people's
money so let's vote and get out of here before someone asks a question we don't
want to answer."
But voting to spend
money without a clue how much was being spent or fully knowing just where the
money is coming from is a regular occurrence on the 4th floor of our county
building.
I can't say if these
40 computers were a necessary purchase at a well researched price that will be
of great benefit to all involved.
Or another boondoggle
in a long list of "heck, it ain't my money so let's spend, spend, spend"
decisions that seem the hallmark of this board.
But I'm just a talk
radio host.
I'm not one of our
well compensated county commissioners spending someone else's money during a 22
minute meeting.
Flint Township forms committee to discuss potential name change, becoming city
Flint Township forms committee to discuss potential name change, becoming city | MLive.com
Chuck Hughes, 55, a former township treasurer and a computer analyst for the Flint School District, said his inspiration for the change comes from the former East Detroit becoming Eastpointe in 1992.
Chuck Hughes, 55, a former township treasurer and a computer analyst for the Flint School District, said his inspiration for the change comes from the former East Detroit becoming Eastpointe in 1992.
PJ Media » The More Precise Life of Julia
PJ Media » The More Precise Life of Julia
Of course, what Obama has published about Julia is only a rough draft of what he has planned.
He has since sat down with futurists, science fiction authors, and hippy drug addicts to come up with even more precise details of what life will be like for Julia if America chooses to re-elect Obama versus the horror that awaits her if Mitt Romney is elected.
Of course, what Obama has published about Julia is only a rough draft of what he has planned.
He has since sat down with futurists, science fiction authors, and hippy drug addicts to come up with even more precise details of what life will be like for Julia if America chooses to re-elect Obama versus the horror that awaits her if Mitt Romney is elected.
'Skim Tracker' Hits $30 Million
'Skim Tracker' Hits $30 Million [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Despite the governor signing legislation to stop the “skim,” the dues continues to be taken because of apparent administrative issues.
Despite the governor signing legislation to stop the “skim,” the dues continues to be taken because of apparent administrative issues.
Senator Stabenow comes to Flint to unveil new jobs bill to be introduced next week
Senator Stabenow comes to Flint to unveil new jobs bill to be introduced next week | MLive.com: MI's Payroll Employment During the Stabenow Era
2000 4676
2001 4564
2002 4487
2003 4416
2004 4399
2005 4390
2006 4327
2007 4268
2008 4162
2009 3872
2010 3861
2011 3936 (Snyder's first year)
Source: BLS; thousands
2000 4676
2001 4564
2002 4487
2003 4416
2004 4399
2005 4390
2006 4327
2007 4268
2008 4162
2009 3872
2010 3861
2011 3936 (Snyder's first year)
Source: BLS; thousands
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Number of Americans Paid Not to Work Growing Faster than Number of Taxpayers
Number of Americans Paid Not to Work Growing Faster than Number of Taxpayers
The workforce participation rate is now at its lowest rate in 30 years, with 63.6 percent of adults who could work actually working....
Since the formal end of the recession in June 2009, the number of new people entering the Disability Insurance Program--4.7 million--is double the growth in non-farm payrolls--2.3 million.
In 1975, 1.33 percent of working age adults received Disability Insurance payments from the U.S. Today, the rate of officially disabled Americans of working age has soared to 7.1 percent.
The workforce participation rate is now at its lowest rate in 30 years, with 63.6 percent of adults who could work actually working....
Since the formal end of the recession in June 2009, the number of new people entering the Disability Insurance Program--4.7 million--is double the growth in non-farm payrolls--2.3 million.
In 1975, 1.33 percent of working age adults received Disability Insurance payments from the U.S. Today, the rate of officially disabled Americans of working age has soared to 7.1 percent.
After outcry, Republicans agree to change teacher retirement bill
After outcry, Republicans agree to change teacher retirement bill | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
...have agreed to change Senate Bill 1040, which aims to address a $45-billion unfunded liability in the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement System
...have agreed to change Senate Bill 1040, which aims to address a $45-billion unfunded liability in the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement System
Michigan Democrats: Helping families with college tuition would boost economy
Michigan Democrats: Helping families with college tuition would boost economy | MLive.com
Michigan Senate Democrats say the state would be investing in talent – and boosting the economy – by granting $9,600 scholarships to college-bound students.
But the Republican head of the Senate Finance Committee said the $1.8 billion price tag might be too much for the state to bear while it works to help businesses create jobs.
Michigan Senate Democrats say the state would be investing in talent – and boosting the economy – by granting $9,600 scholarships to college-bound students.
But the Republican head of the Senate Finance Committee said the $1.8 billion price tag might be too much for the state to bear while it works to help businesses create jobs.
More than a dozen community groups share in city of Muskegon youth recreation funds
More than a dozen community groups share in city of Muskegon youth recreation funds | MLive.com
A federally-supported breakfast and lunch will be served -- opportunities that children from low-income families usually get at school during the academic year.
A federally-supported breakfast and lunch will be served -- opportunities that children from low-income families usually get at school during the academic year.
Are 4-year-olds too young for kindergarten? Michigan Senate votes to change enrollment guidelines
Are 4-year-olds too young for kindergarten? Michigan Senate votes to change enrollment guidelines | MLive.com
Some Michigan children would have to wait a year longer before heading off to kindergarten under a bill that unanimously cleared the state Senate on Thursday.
State Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, said educators have complained that some 4-year-olds have been allowed to start kindergarten, but just aren’t ready socially, causing disruptions in class and often being held back a year.
State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by Dec. 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to Sept. 1.
Some Michigan children would have to wait a year longer before heading off to kindergarten under a bill that unanimously cleared the state Senate on Thursday.
State Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, said educators have complained that some 4-year-olds have been allowed to start kindergarten, but just aren’t ready socially, causing disruptions in class and often being held back a year.
State law allows children to start kindergarten in the fall if they turn 5 by Dec. 1 of that year. The bill gradually pushes the date up to Sept. 1.
Muskegon County conducts re-enactment, approves $2 million loan for Brookhaven again
Muskegon County conducts re-enactment, approves $2 million loan for Brookhaven again | MLive.com
In addition to the loan, the financial presentation showed that $940,103 from the general fund and $330,000 from a long-standing public improvement item were used to balance Brookhaven’s budget for 2011.
The county traditionally transfers money from its general fund to help run the nursing home that some deem necessary to serve the rather-large Medicaid population in the county.
The county was sued last month by local talk-radio host and fiscal conservative James Riley, making allegations that the board violated the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act stemming from its closed-session discussions involving the Brookhaven loan.
In approving the re-enactment, several county commissioners made it clear they were not admitting any wrongdoing by conducting the closed session involving a legal opinion.
In addition to the loan, the financial presentation showed that $940,103 from the general fund and $330,000 from a long-standing public improvement item were used to balance Brookhaven’s budget for 2011.
The county traditionally transfers money from its general fund to help run the nursing home that some deem necessary to serve the rather-large Medicaid population in the county.
The county was sued last month by local talk-radio host and fiscal conservative James Riley, making allegations that the board violated the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act stemming from its closed-session discussions involving the Brookhaven loan.
In approving the re-enactment, several county commissioners made it clear they were not admitting any wrongdoing by conducting the closed session involving a legal opinion.
Fisherman's Landing relocation is back Monday before the Muskegon City Commission
Fisherman's Landing relocation is back Monday before the Muskegon City Commission | MLive.com
Commissioner Larry Spataro has several times voiced his opposition to the Sand Products proposal for relocation of Fisherman’s Landing.
He said he is prepared to vote the idea down so that city staff will not waste its time working on a deal that he doesn’t think has commission support.
However, the commission’s direction on the issue is not totally clear.
Commissioner Larry Spataro has several times voiced his opposition to the Sand Products proposal for relocation of Fisherman’s Landing.
He said he is prepared to vote the idea down so that city staff will not waste its time working on a deal that he doesn’t think has commission support.
However, the commission’s direction on the issue is not totally clear.
Americans for Prosperity Announces Massive Ad Launch
Americans for Prosperity Announces Massive Ad Launch
Today Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the nation's largest advocate for economic freedom, held a conference at the National Press Club announcing the release of a $6.1 million ad buy.
The new ad is launching along with nationwide grassroots action that holds President Obama accountable for his wasteful use of taxpayer dollars
Today Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the nation's largest advocate for economic freedom, held a conference at the National Press Club announcing the release of a $6.1 million ad buy.
The new ad is launching along with nationwide grassroots action that holds President Obama accountable for his wasteful use of taxpayer dollars
Environmentalists compared their opponents to mass murderers long before the Heartland Institute
Environmentalists compared their opponents to mass murderers long before the Heartland Institute – Telegraph Blogs
Chris Huhne says climate change is our generation's "Munich moment" and anyone who fails to campaign against climate change is a perfect fit for Winston Churchill's description of an "appeaser" – "someone that feeds a crocodile, hoping that it will eat him last".
Chris Huhne says climate change is our generation's "Munich moment" and anyone who fails to campaign against climate change is a perfect fit for Winston Churchill's description of an "appeaser" – "someone that feeds a crocodile, hoping that it will eat him last".
Get creative Causeway drivers, it's your only option
Editorial: Get creative Causeway drivers, it's your only option | MLive.com
Should MDOT have polled area residents about completely closing the Causeway?
Absolutely.
Should they have given our state lawmakers a heads up so they could handle the fallout?
You bet.
But that train has left the station.
Should MDOT have polled area residents about completely closing the Causeway?
Absolutely.
Should they have given our state lawmakers a heads up so they could handle the fallout?
You bet.
But that train has left the station.
S.O.S. offices need better customer facilites
Letters: S.O.S. offices need better customer facilites | MLive.com
Region 3 Manager Terrence Wilks, who is based in Grand Rapids, has informed me he is in charge of 27 S.O.S. offices, 20 of which do not have public restrooms.
Should this be a statewide average -- 65,000 people a day will not find a public restroom in the S.O.S. office?
Region 3 Manager Terrence Wilks, who is based in Grand Rapids, has informed me he is in charge of 27 S.O.S. offices, 20 of which do not have public restrooms.
Should this be a statewide average -- 65,000 people a day will not find a public restroom in the S.O.S. office?
Let the people vote on emergency manager law
Steve Gunn: Let the people vote on emergency manager law | MLive.com
Simply put, the law allows the state to appoint an emergency financial manager for local governments and school districts that are on the brink of bankruptcy.
The state-appointed managers have wide-ranging powers to balance budgets, including the option of voiding existing union contracts.
Simply put, the law allows the state to appoint an emergency financial manager for local governments and school districts that are on the brink of bankruptcy.
The state-appointed managers have wide-ranging powers to balance budgets, including the option of voiding existing union contracts.
Don't discount the MEA; teachers can dig deep when fighting for their cause
Tim Skubick: Don't discount the MEA; teachers can dig deep when fighting for their cause | MLive.com
The Republicans are also digging deep as they attempt to impose more financial burdens on teacher health and retirement benefits.
The Republicans are also digging deep as they attempt to impose more financial burdens on teacher health and retirement benefits.
Finances for a new jail should be put on the ballot
Letters: Finances for a new jail should be put on the ballot | MLive.com
The figure of $8 million in county savings for the jail has been all over the newspaper in the past year. So, $8 million that we as citizens and taxpayers don't exactly know where it came from (I would say at least some of it came from our pockets), and $8 million that the sheriff says is specifically earmarked for a new jail facility. That seems a little off, doesn't it?
The same people that make the decisions about the county budget have authority over the jail and have made decisions to put this money aside into a jail fund, can't make decisions to use this funding to maintain the current jail facility? No wonder the jail is in its current dilapidated and neglected state. The county "can't" (I think won't) spend the money necessary to maintain a decent and livable jail, but can justify the need for a new, more expensive one after the current facility is deemed almost unfixable? The thing is, the $8 million that the county has saved for the jail isn't going to be near enough for the new plan.
The same people that make the decisions about the county budget have authority over the jail and have made decisions to put this money aside into a jail fund, can't make decisions to use this funding to maintain the current jail facility? No wonder the jail is in its current dilapidated and neglected state. The county "can't" (I think won't) spend the money necessary to maintain a decent and livable jail, but can justify the need for a new, more expensive one after the current facility is deemed almost unfixable? The thing is, the $8 million that the county has saved for the jail isn't going to be near enough for the new plan.
Where is the county possibly going to get the around $40 million more that is needed for a new facility? Our pockets. Whether they ask us or not.Right now the county plans to finance the new jail with some sort of increase in taxes that hasn't been made public yet, and they hope won't be made public until it's already set in stone. They plan to decide on using taxpayer money in a backroom deal without asking the taxpayers, without getting voter approval.If you're concerned about the County using public money for a public facility without asking the public, please call your county commissioner and demand that they put the financing mechanism for a new jail on the ballot.
NELL SCHAEFER/Muskegon
Legislative collaboration to change medical marijuana should be applauded
Tim Skubick: Legislative collaboration to change medical marijuana should be applauded | MLive.com: ...efforts in the Michigan House to fill in the Swiss cheese holes in the state's controversial medical marijuana law, which is now on its way to the Senate.
How should the Hackley Administration building be used?
Take our poll: How should the Hackley Administration building be used? | MLive.com
Muskegon school officials are looking for new ways to use the Hackely Administration Building across from Hackley Park on Webster Avenue in downtown Muskegon. School officials say the building has too much space for district offices.
Muskegon school officials are looking for new ways to use the Hackely Administration Building across from Hackley Park on Webster Avenue in downtown Muskegon. School officials say the building has too much space for district offices.
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