Tag Archives | MLive

UPDATED: Former MIGOP spokesman who suggested it’s time for “armed insurrection” hired as MLive op-ed contributor

By on June 29, 2012 in Media

Are you freaking KIDDING me???

So, did you hear about the former Michigan Republican Party spokesperson who asked if the SCOTUS decision on the Affordable Care Act justified armed insurrection?

His name is Matthew Davis and he just got hired as an op-ed contributor by MLive, one of Michigan’s largest media outlets. I am, sadly, not kidding.


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Julie Mack at MLive.com asks “If not emergency managers, then what?”

By on January 9, 2012 in Emergency Manager Law, Emergency Managers

Julie Mack at the Kalamazoo Gazette has a piece titled “Are emergency managers part of the problem or part of the solution?” that quotes me extensively and asks, if not an emergency manager, then what is the solution to our failing cities’ problems?

You can vote on the answer HERE.

Two comments to Ms. Mack: characterizing me a just a “Dexter chemist” is a little disingenuous. I’ve followed this issue closer than nearly anyone else and have written extensively about it. My day job as a chemist is irrelevant.

Also, nobody is claiming that Emergency Managers are “part of the problem” of solving the financial emergencies these cities face.…


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My op-ed in the Muskegon Chronicle: “Emergency manager law an assault on democracy”

By on January 8, 2012 in Emergency Manager Law, Emergency Managers

Earlier this week, the Muskegon Chronicle published an op-ed by Steve Gunn, the conservative Communications Director of the anti-teachers union Education Action Group. In his op-ed he places the blame for the financial catastrophes happening in Michigan cities and school districts at the feet of unionized public employees.

The people who hate the [Emergency Manager] law want you to believe it’s an attack on middle class Michigan residents. The fact is that the law supports middle class residents by giving local governments the resources they need to meet their commitments to the public.

This fight really pits the vast middle class against the very small but extremely powerful public service labor unions.[...]

That means local municipal workers may keep getting their annual raises and reimbursement for unused sick days while vital government services are cut.

…


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Benton Harbor still deep in the red. Is the magic of an Emergency Manager simply not enough?

By on January 6, 2012 in Benton Harbor, Emergency Managers, Joe Harris

Joe Harris has been on the job as Emergency Manager in Benton Harbor for over a year and a half now. However, a recent report indicates the success he is credited for at “turning Benton Harbor around” may not be based in fact. Michigan Radio has this important story.

The State Treasurer’s office is reviewing an independent audit of Benton Harbor’s finances for the 2011 fiscal year. The audit shows the city still spent more money than it made during its first year under a state appointed emergency manager.

The audit shows Benton Harbor Emergency Manager Joe Harris cut the yearly operating deficit by about $126,000 from when elected city leaders were governing.

…


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